Trump Blocks $25 Million in National Park Projects as Oregon Senators Question Where the Money Is Going

More than 130 planned projects at national parks across the country have been blocked by the Trump administration, putting more than $25 million in funding on hold, according to a Washington Post report citing internal documents.

Trump Administration Blocks More Than 130 National Park Projects

The Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, reportedly “disapproved” agreements last month for projects at Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Joshua Tree and other national parks.

The funding came from congressional appropriations and existing federal programs and was awaiting Interior approval before it could be released, the Post reported.

The National Park Service often works with outside organizations when projects require specialized expertise or additional workers rather than federal employees, according to the report.

The department reportedly rejected agreements with groups named as “actively working against the best interests of the American people and the priorities of this administration.”

Joshua Tree National Park was reportedly among the hardest hit, with at least 10 projects blocked, including wildfire preparation, burned-area restoration and removal of rodents carrying hantavirus from historic buildings.

Internal documents warned that losing the funding could make wildfire response more difficult and costly.

The Great Basin Institute, a conservation nonprofit, reportedly had more than 70 agreements worth at least $12 million rejected.

Oregon Senators Demand Answers About Redirected National Park Money

The developments come as Oregon U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and other senators seek answers about the administration’s handling of National Park Service revenue.

In a letter to the administration, the senators questioned the redirection of tens of millions of dollars from fees paid by national park visitors toward projects in Washington, D.C., including repairs to ornamental fountains and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The senators said the redirection comes as the National Park Service faces more than $24.2 billion in deferred maintenance and significant budget and workforce reductions.

They did not identify a specific Oregon national park as having lost funding through the reported project cancellations.