The House yesterday approved a broad measure to reform several National Park Service management practices and expand the ability of the NPS to increase revenues.
For the first time since 1965, the measure would restructure park concession contracts and eliminate concessionaires' automatic right to renew contracts. The bill also establishes a program to raise money for park improvements, and it requires the National Park Service to establish management goals and criteria for new park additions.
Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., revised the concessions language in his bill, which the Senate passed in June, to allay concerns by Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., and the Clinton administration.
The measure gives concessionaires interest in new facilities equal to construction costs, and the interest does not depreciate over time except for wear and tear. Miller had said the concessionaires would get benefits not available to private sector business, but bill supporters said without the incentive, concessionaires would be less inclined to make improvements (Epatko/Dinesh, Environment & Energy Weekly). Thomas said the legislation will be sent to the White House this week.
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