August Appropriations Update | Coastal Restoration Funding | America 250 Launches Storytelling Initiative
Good Reads: DHS Delays Approved NC Recovery Funds | Canadian Tourism Data
Congress had recessed for the month and is back in their states and districts conducting meetings and getting input from their constituents. When they return to DC on September 2 it is going to be a mad rush to complete the 12 appropriations bills that fund the federal government in advance of the start of the new fiscal year on October 1. This a good time to weigh in with your congressional delegation on the programs and agencies that are important to tourism and the vitality of your community. Updated summer talking points are attached below.
While President Trump has proposed dramatic budget cuts and program eliminations, the funding bills working their way through Congress do not reflect those priorities. There are some bright spots in the key appropriations bills, which shows that Congress does listen when their constituents speak up.
A few developments on tourism priorities to be aware of:
The FY25 funding for National Heritage Areas (NHA) has finally been released and is making its way into the bank accounts of NHAs this week. In addition, the Senate FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill, not only fully funds the National Heritage Program but includes language that reminds the government of the critical importance of providing federal funding to the NHAs in a timely manner.
The Senate THUD Appropriations bill includes $10 million for the National Scenic Byways Program.
The Senate FY26 Interior Appropriations bill provides level funding for the National Park Service and the Forest Service and includes language to ensure sufficient staffing for both agencies. In addition, there is language to block any effort by the administration to deauthorize, sell off, or transfer units of the National Park System, as well as a prohibition on efforts to divert funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund intended for conservation purposes.
While there is not a line item included in the funding provisions for the Institute for Library and Museum Services for dedicated funding to invest in local organizations to spotlight their local history and unique contribution to the American story as part of the the America 250 celebration, there is language in both the House and Senate bill recommend that IMLS does do so.
Also, I have updated the talking points on Brand USA to reflect where things stand. To date, US Travel has not released a campaign or details of their strategy to restore funding to the national DMO. I will share that when it posts.
Today, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced the annual revenue-sharing cap for Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf energy revenues will rise from $500 million to $650 million beginning in fiscal year 2025 and continuing through 2034 as authorized under the One Bill Beautiful Bill Act The funds, generated from offshore oil and gas production, support coastal protection, restoration and infrastructure projects in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, as well as the Land and Water Conservation Fund. States receive 75% of the funds to support coastal protection, restoration and infrastructure projects. A portion is also shared with the states’ Coastal Political Subdivisions (counties and parishes). The Land & Water Conservation Fund receives 25%. Additional funding for coastal protection and restoration has been a priority for Gulf state tourism communities. The Department of the Interior press release has more details on the funding boost.
America250 Launches “Our American Story” a storytelling initiative to collect and preserve the nation’s stories. Our American Story will travel the country and make various stops throughout 2025-2026. The full schedule will be announced in the coming months, but initial stops include cities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas. This is a great opportunity for local tourism bureaus to showcase their special places and history. More details are in the America250 press release.
Good Reads
The Washington Post: DHS is delaying millions in already approved North Carolina recovery funds, documents show
Business Insider: The data is in: Many Canadians are still avoiding travel to the US