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Reader Participation Day: What Needs Fixing In The National Parks?

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Published Date

March 12, 2014

The latest estimate for the National Park Service's maintenance backlog stands at $12 billion, though that number might be padded just a bit by lofty renovation plans. Still, there's a lot to be fixed around the parks.

Roads that are potholed, buildings that could use more than just a little paint, electrical systems that were designed for the 20th, not 21st, century. There are chairs that are not sturdy, door frames that are cracked, tiles that need to be replaced, asphalt trails in front-country areas that are crumbling, boardwalks that could use some replacement boards. And that's just the short list.

What maintenance needs have you seen in your travels about the National Park System? Let's build a list of what needs fixing out there.

Comments

According to www.usaspending.gov, Hatteras spent $203K on signs from FY09-FY13. The park spent $74K on weapons and ammo during that same time period. That spending represents 1% of the $27M that NPS contracted in goods and services for Hatteras.


$74K on weapons and ammo seems a bit excessive. 203K on signs is beyond excessive and most we're "closure" related.
They collected millions in permit fees but could not afford to pay for lifeguards, something IS wrong here.


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