On June 12, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum raising concerns that approximately $90 million in National Park Service entrance fee revenues have been redirected from park maintenance and repairs to fund cosmetic “beautification” projects in Washington, D.C. The Congressman noted repairs and maintenance are being deprioritized at places like Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Park to pay for wasteful, ornamental projects in the nation’s capital, such as covering decorative structures in gold.
“The National Park System currently faces billions of dollars in deferred maintenance needs. This irresponsible use of these funds represents a troubling departure from the purpose for which these funds are collected,” said the members in the letter. “Americans … expect those dollars to be reinvested in the places they visit, supporting trail repairs, campground improvements, visitor facilities, historic preservation, road maintenance, and the stewardship of some of our nation’s most treasured landscapes. Visitors to places like Carlsbad Caverns, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon do not benefit from covering statues in gold leaf, spray painting a pool on the National Mall, or making bloated investments in ornamental fountains across Washington, D.C. with no-bid contracts.”
Seven members of Congress joined Rep. Vasquez’s letter, which you can read in full here.
