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Connect Our Parks Act
1/3/2025, 6:58 PM
Summary of Bill S 2018
Specifically, the Connect Our Parks Act proposes the development of new transportation options, such as shuttle services and bike paths, to provide more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways for visitors to travel to and within national parks. The bill also includes provisions for improving roadways and parking facilities near these parks, in order to reduce congestion and improve safety for visitors.
Additionally, the Connect Our Parks Act seeks to increase funding for maintenance and upgrades to park facilities, ensuring that these natural treasures are preserved for future generations to enjoy. The bill also emphasizes the importance of promoting outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, in order to protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of our national parks. Overall, the Connect Our Parks Act is a bipartisan effort to enhance access to national parks and public lands, while also promoting sustainable transportation options and conservation efforts. By investing in the infrastructure and maintenance of these natural areas, the bill aims to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to experience and appreciate the beauty of our national parks.
Congressional Summary of S 2018
Connect Our Parks Act
This bill requires the National Park Service (NPS) to assess locations within the National Park System with the greatest need for broadband internet or cellular service, and to develop a plan for the placement of broadband and cellular infrastructure in parks.
In assessing where broadband service is most needed, the NPS must consider the current availability of broadband in housing, lodging, administrative facilities, developed campgrounds, and other areas within each park. In assessing where cellular service is most needed, the NPS must consider locations where the availability of cellular service in a developed area of a park would increase public access to emergency services and traveler information or the communications capabilities of NPS employees. The NPS must complete the assessment within one year of the bill’s enactment.
Further, within three years of the bill's enactment, the NPS must develop a plan based on the results of the assessment to install broadband and cellular service infrastructure at locations within the National Park System. In developing the plan, the NPS must consult with affected tribes and local stakeholders.
The plan must (1) be technology neutral; (2) provide for infrastructure to be located in previously developed areas or areas zoned for uses that would support infrastructure; and (3) avoid or minimize impacts to cultural and natural resources, the visitor experience, and park viewsheds. The plan must also provide for the use of public-private partnerships for the installation of equipment and provision of broadband or cellular service.
