The Great American Outdoors Act, which will provide billions of dollars to help repair and maintain infrastructure in the nation’s National Parks, was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, August 4. The new law also fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund which helps purchase and protect public land and recreational access and provide grants to state and local governments.

Friends of Acadia released the following statement:

“The signing into law of the Great American Outdoors Act today is not only a historic milestone for our nation, it is very good news for Acadia and the local communities and their economies here in Maine,” said David MacDonald, President of Friends of Acadia.

“It means that funds will become available to begin to tackle the nearly $65 million in deferred maintenance at Acadia, which has hundreds of miles of motor roads, carriage roads and hiking trails making it one of the most popular parks in the entire parks system. It also ensures reliable funding to help create new conservation lands and recreation open spaces throughout Maine – investments that could not come at a better time. The benefits of this new law will truly be felt for generations to come.

“All of us at Friends of Acadia want to thank the entire Maine Congressional delegation for their unwavering support and work to get this passed. We look forward to continuing to work with park managers, our members, donors and volunteers, to make sure Acadia has the infrastructure and facilities needed to protect and share its irreplaceable cultural and natural resources.”