To increase the availability of affordable housing in and around national parks, U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) on March 1 led a bipartisan bill that would authorize the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to enter into public-private housing development partnerships.
“Utah is home to some of our nation’s most visited natural wonders, and we heavily rely on our National Park Service (NPS) employees and volunteers to ensure quality experiences for all,” Rep. Moore said. “It is essential that we pursue creative solutions to our housing challenges in and around our national parks so the NPS can attract and retain quality talent and relieve economic pressures in surrounding communities.”
Rep. Moore sponsored the Lodging Options Developed for Government Employees (LODGE) Act, H.R. 1314, with three original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), to cut bureaucratic red tape and provide the NPS with new authorities and increased flexibility to enter into innovative housing partnerships, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“As national park visitation only continues to climb, I am excited to again champion the LODGE Act with my friend Congressman Panetta and advocate for innovative private-public housing partnerships that will greatly benefit” the NPS, said Rep. Moore.
If enacted, H.R. 1314 also would reduce costs to the taxpayer, provide modern housing for both NPS employees and the private sector to rent, improve NPS employee morale, and bolster the agency’s ability to hire and retain staff, the summary says.
“Too many of our national parks and their surrounding areas lack affordable housing for park service employees,” Rep. Panetta said. “This is a bipartisan and innovative solution for affordable housing that would help the Park Service better hire and retain staff and ensure consistent access for our visitors to our national treasures.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R), the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the Utah Office of Tourism, and the National Park Foundation endorsed the measure.
“Rep. Moore’s legislation is an important step to get more housing in our beautiful gateway communities, relieving the burden on local residents, tourists, and the workers we need to make the national parks run smoothly,” said Gov. Cox.