Title
Supporting the United States National Park System.
Body
WHEREAS, the United States National Park System is a living testament to our citizens’ valor, our nation’s hardships, our victories, and our traditions as Americans, and has been called "America’s Best Idea;” and
WHEREAS, the National Park System preserves the diversity, culture, and heritage of all Americans, and serves as a living classroom for future generations; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, the National Park Service celebrated its centennial and currently manages more than 400 nationally significant sites and an invaluable collection of more than 75,000 natural and cultural assets that span 84 million acres across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories and insular areas; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota is blessed with 5 national park sites, including the beautiful Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, 72 miles of riverway which provide families and individuals a chance to hike, boat, fish, swim, camp and enjoy; and
WHEREAS, one of St. Paul’s key community objectives in our Comprehensive Plan is to preserve, protect, and restore our community’s natural areas and embrace the Mississippi River as a regional asset with national significance because of its cultural, recreational and economic benefits; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, the National Park System had more than 325 million visits nationally with Minnesota seeing 975,192 visitors to its 5 national park sites; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, National Park Service estimates indicate that park visitors spent more than $56 million in St. Paul and other gateway communities in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, visitor spending in gateway communities in Minnesota directly created 897 jobs, contributed to local community tax base and helped grow our economy; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service has the obligation to preserve our nation’s history; promote access to national parks for all citizens; stimulate revenue to sustain itself...
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