The GAOA is a bipartisan investment that improves visitor experiences, bolsters climate resilience, and invests in the economy by creating good-paying jobs in our national parks, wildlife refuges, recreation areas, and Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools. Each year, Interior Department GAOA projects support an average of 17,000 jobs and contribute an average of $1.9 billion to the economy, benefiting urban, suburban, and rural areas across the nation.

“LWCF is especially vital because it empowers communities to enhance their health and quality of life, particularly in densely populated urban and suburban areas,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “Research indicates that economically disadvantaged communities often lack access to parks, and when they do have access, these parks are generally smaller, lower quality, and less well-equipped compared to those in affluent neighborhoods. LWCF is uniquely positioned to address these disparities, and now, with its full potential realized, it is making a significant difference.”

Since the GAOA’s initial implementation in 2021, the Department has funded 326 projects across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and multiple U.S. territories, with 83 proposed projects in fiscal year 2025. Projects are also helping to provide safer working environments for staff and volunteers by repairing and maintaining staff housing, improving office and maintenance facilities, and removing health and safety concerns. It has also been transmortive as it created permanent funding for LWCF and stopped the long-standing practice of diverting over half—sometimes two-thirds—of LWCF dollars that were originally set aside as a conservation off-set, for off-shore energy development. Now, LWCF dollars are dedicated to their intended purposes, supporting thousands of conservation and recreation projects nationwide.

For example, in Los Angeles $3M from GAOA funding will improve and expand the facilities at the David M. Gonzales Recreation Center in Pacoima. Enhancements include new sports fields, playgrounds, and community gathering spaces where they run cultural, Sports and Fitness Programs such as Basketball, Boxing, soccer, etc. In Wister, Massachusetts, Columbus Park received $1.8 million from LWCF’s State and Local Assistance (“stateside”) program to enhance the park and make the Coes Reservoir fully accessible to all residents in an underserved area. The new universally accessible boardwalk, connected by bike paths and public transit, features innovative drainage that preserves natural water flows and filtration, benefiting adjacent residents of public and senior housing.

“LWCF is investing more in federal public lands than ever before, supporting efforts by Hispanic Access and our partners to designate and expand National Monuments,” said Arce. “Secretary Haaland recently celebrated the expansion of Rio Grande del Norte in New Mexico, protecting a rich archaeological and ecological landscape. Recent expansions in California, such as Berryessa Snow Mountain and San Gabriel Mountains National Monuments, are crucial for Hispanic Access due to their importance to Latino communities. LWCF funding provided —$3.7 million for Berryessa Snow Mountain and $7.5 million for San Gabriel Mountains National Monument—making these projects possible.”

The impact of the GAOA and LWCF is continuing to be seen as it addresses disparities in outdoor recreation, public health, climate resilience, and ecosystem services, and helps protect cultural heritage and historically significant places critical to our nation’s diverse and shared history.