The National Park Foundation has awarded $6.9 million in grants to support workforce housing projects across 17 national parks, addressing housing challenges affecting rangers, employees, volunteers and park partners.
The grants will support both near-term housing projects and longer-term planning intended to increase the availability of accessible and affordable housing for people working in and around national parks.
Approximately $5 million will go to nine grantees for construction, acquisitions and rehabilitation projects expected to add housing for more than 50 people.
The remaining funding will support planning and design for future housing projects.
Projects include eight homes near Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, that will be reserved for National Park Service employees. Restrictions are designed to keep the homes available exclusively to NPS employees through resales for 75 years.
Other projects include planning for three duplexes at Little River Canyon National Preserve, a seasonal employee and volunteer dormitory at Redwood National Park, workforce housing feasibility work at Steamtown National Historic Site and renovation and acquisition of housing supporting Indiana Dunes National Park.
The foundation awarded more than $5.7 million for 12 workforce housing projects last year, helping add housing for more than 65 park workers and partners.
It has also supported projects including 70 modular housing units for rangers at Yellowstone National Park and housing for seasonal employees at Acadia National Park.
KEY QUOTE:
“Every national park depends on dedicated, skilled people to care for these places and create meaningful experiences for millions of visitors each year. Ensuring they have access to quality, affordable housing is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen the park workforce and strengthen parks for the future. The National Park Foundation is proud to invest in locally driven housing solutions that help parks recruit, retain, and support the people who make every visit possible.”
Jeff Reinbold, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation
