Blue Ridge Parkway
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FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure. FRIENDS programs focus on preservation, protection and education. FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia, whose current principal business address for identification purposes is P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke, Virginia 24018. |
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Breaking NewsPresident Bush has asked Congress to provide more money to the Blue Ridge Parkway for visitor services, upkeep, and law enforcement. Under the proposed budget, the National Park Service (NPS) would receive $2.4 billion, of which $1.5 million would be allocated to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Superintendent Phil Francis has estimated that he could fund 47 additional seasonal employees.
However, according to the Congressional Research Service report two years ago, the maintenance backlog for the NPS was between $4.5 billion to $9.7 billion. The annual operating shortfall was more than $600 million a year. As we are all aware, these staggering numbers translate to neglected trails, facilities in need of upkeep, and a dearth of staffers to assist the Parkway visitors.
The 58 vacant permanent staff positions will remain unfilled. Too many years of under-funding the NPS has left the Parkway with a $3 million annual operating budget deficit – a cloud under which it will continue to labor.
Click on the news articles below for further explanation of how this budget will be allocated and to which parks.
Budget would give N.C. Parks more.pdf
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN.pdf ASHEVILLE CITIZEN TIMES.pdf Roanoke Times.pdf President pushes boost in funding for national parks [USA Today] And, let your congressional representatives hear from you! Call your representative or click on the links.
To call your Member of Congress: US Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121
To locate your Representative on-line: Click the link to your Senator's or Representative's website. Send a message that states:
I urge you to support increased funding for the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of the National Park Service fiscal year operating budget.
Tell them you are supporting FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway
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