U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) announced that $41.1 million in deferred maintenance projects at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge will be addressed through a fund created by the Great American Outdoors Act at no additional cost to taxpayers. 

This bipartisan legislation, supported by Loeffler, will fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and help address the nearly $20 billion maintenance backlog in national parks and other land management agencies. Locally, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has $13.9 million in deferred maintenance, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park has $8.1 million, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park has $14.8 million and Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge has $5.3 million. The funding is from drilling royalties paid to the federal government.

“Georgians of all ages have long looked to our state parks to enjoy fresh air, preserve natural treasures, honor state history and promote Georgia tourism,” said Senator Loeffler. “The Great American Outdoors Act will help to ensure both current and future generations can enjoy the pristine beauty of our natural resources in Georgia and across the county. This funding will invest in our state’s infrastructure, create jobs and support our local economies. I call on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass this bipartisan legislation so the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge will receive this critical federal investment to restore, enhance and protect Georgia’s national parks.”

The Great American Outdoors Act passed the Senate on June 17, 2020 by a vote of 73 to 25, and is in the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. President Trump said he will sign the legislation into law.