Overview

• Authorizes the Interior Secretary to create an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation for hosting private events at Gateway Arch National Park buildings
• Introduced September 10, 2025 by Representatives Bell, Wagner, and Budzinski
• Currently in House Natural Resources Committee, referred to Subcommittee on Federal Lands on November 25, 2025

Who does this affect?

• Main groups: Gateway Arch National Park visitors in St. Louis, Gateway Arch Park Foundation (nonprofit partner), National Park Service staff
• Who benefits: Foundation gains exclusive event hosting rights at specific times; Park Service recovers costs from private events; event attendees access unique historic venues
• Who loses: No direct losses, but public access restrictions during private events
• Teen impact score: 2/10 (minimal teen connection—affects a single national park's event policy with no broader youth implications)

What This Bill Does

• Covers three Park buildings: Arch Visitor Center, Old Courthouse, and any other public buildings the Secretary manages at the Park
• Requires liability insurance listing the United States as additionally insured; federal government and employees cannot be held liable for injuries or deaths during Foundation events
• Limits events to activities consistent with Park purposes and compatible with National Park Service programs; prohibits activities degrading Park integrity or appearance
• Mandates fees to cover maintenance costs from wear and tear; allows Secretary to recover all costs including administrative and personnel expenses
• Restricts events to times and locations that do not prevent or disrupt public access to the Park or buildings
• Preserves National Park Service authority to host its own events or issue permits to other organizations

Legislative Status

• Status: Introduced in House on September 10, 2025
• Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, then to Subcommittee on Federal Lands on November 25, 2025

In short

• Lets the Gateway Arch Park Foundation rent out Gateway Arch National Park buildings for private events like weddings or corporate gatherings.
• Foundation gets exclusive event rights at certain times, but must carry insurance and pay fees covering Park maintenance and staff costs.
• Events cannot interfere with public access or damage the Park; must align with National Park Service mission.
• National Park Service keeps its authority to host events or permit other groups independently.
• Applies only to Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, not other national parks.

Why should I care?

This bill tests a new model for national park funding and partnerships. By allowing a nonprofit foundation to host private events at Gateway Arch National Park, Congress explores whether parks can generate revenue without taxpayer dollars while maintaining public access. The approach balances preservation with practical use—events must align with park purposes and cannot disrupt visitors. If successful in St. Louis, similar arrangements might expand to other national parks facing budget constraints. The bill also sets precedent for how much commercial activity belongs in public spaces meant for everyone.