Federal Government Policy and Business

Trump could make visiting a national park more expensive than a Six Flags ticket

The Washington Post: The Trump administration is considering substantial increases in entrance fees to 17 of the most popular national parks during their peak season, asking Americans to pay prices that rival the gate costs of amusement parks such as Six Flags and Busch Gardens.

Starting as early as January, the entrance fee for a single automobile would go from $25 to $70 at Joshua Tree National Park in California — the largest price increase since World War II. A similar increase at 12 more parks would take effect in May and then at the final four in June. The cost of riding a motorcycle into the parks would rise to $50 and walking or biking in would cost $30.

In a statement, the National Park Service said the fee increases would raise $70 million more toward addressing an $11 billion backlog in park maintenance to repair deteriorating buildings, restrooms and roads. “The infrastructure of our national parks is aging and in need of renovation and restoration,” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said in a statement announcing the decision this week. “Targeted fee increases at some of our most-visited parks will help ensure that they are protected and preserved in perpetuity and that visitors enjoy a world-class experience that mirrors the amazing destinations they are visiting.”

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