National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
Lets the National Park Service (NPS) renew leases with current park businesses — like lodges and concessions — without holding a competitive bidding process.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: current lease holders operating hotels, restaurants, and shops inside national parks.
- Loses: competitor businesses shut out from bidding; taxpayers who might get better lease terms via competition.
What it does
- Authorizes the Interior Secretary to skip bidding rules in 36 CFR sections 18.7 and 18.8.
- Requires the lessee held the lease for at least 5 years and follows all terms.
- Requires the Secretary to find extension serves the park's best interests.
- Orders rewrite of federal regulations within 90 days of enactment.
Why should I care?
Supporters say long-term operators invest millions in park facilities and need lease security to keep upgrading lodges teens visit on family trips. Critics argue skipping bids blocks new businesses, reduces innovation, and could lock in poor operators. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.