Montana and Wyoming’s national parks face a $1.6 billion maintenance backlog amid criticism over fee spending.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the Department of the Interior have responded to criticism about budget priorities, while critics accuse the Trump administration of diverting locally generated park fees to Washington D.C. projects, raising concerns about long-term park preservation. This tension highlights structural challenges in balancing national and local park funding.

The backlog includes roads, trails, sewerage, and other infrastructure across Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower, Bighorn Canyon, and Fossil Butte. At least $67 million in visitor fees are reported to be used on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and fountains, with $1.6 million allocated for an upcoming July 4 fireworks show. The 2025 federal inventory excludes upgrades or annual maintenance, focusing solely on correcting existing deficiencies. Despite staff cuts and overburdened employees, a $14.5 million rehabilitation at Jenny Lake was completed in 2019, funded by private donations and Park Service dollars.

The Trump administration has mentioned looking at funding mechanisms such as endowment funds and park pass revenue.

Montana businesses might observe these funding debates with interest, as park maintenance backlogs  could influence regional tourism flows and infrastructure investment. The diversion of fees to distant projects may affect the quality and safety of park access, a critical factor for Montana’s outdoor-dependent economy.

As park fees go to DC, Yellowstone, Grand Teton face $1.5B backlog
By Angus M. Thuermer Jr., WyoFile

President announces plan to build ‘Trump Promenade’ at Lincoln Memorial

Trump steals national parks and recreational land fees for D.C. vanity projects