National parks face $12 billion backlog for maintenance work

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, but the system faces a multibillion-dollar maintenance backlog that officials say is no cause for rejoicing.

Long-delayed projects range from replacing water works at the Grand Canyon to making sure the Jefferson Memorial doesn't sink into the Tidal Basin to improving roads at Yosemite National Park.

The bill for deferred work is nearly $12 billion nationwide — a $440 million increase over last year.

Hoping to take advantage of the Park Service's August centennial, President Barack Obama has proposed spending $900 million over three years to reduce the backlog, with another $300 million targeted for restoration projects.

Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis said the annual bill for maintaining America's national parks is nearly twice as much as appropriated by Congress, with expenses growing every year.

Still, Jarvis said, he is encouraged that Congress seems to be getting the message after years of complaints.

Lawmakers approved $547 million for maintenance in the current budget year, a $118 million increase over last year. The figure includes spending in the agency' budget and in the five-year transportation Congress approved in December.