U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) announced that $21.3 million in deferred maintenance projects at four national wildlife refuges, one national monument and a national seashore in Coastal Georgia will be addressed through a fund created by the Great American Outdoors Act at no additional cost to taxpayers.

This bipartisan legislation, supported by Loeffler, will fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and help address the nearly $20 billion maintenance backlog in national parks and other land management agencies. Locally, Cumberland Island National Seashore has $7.1 million in deferred maintenance, Fort Frederica National Monument has $2.3 million and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has $5.2 million. Additionally, the Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge has $3.3 million in deferred maintenance, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge has $2.6 million and Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge has $865,000. The funding is from drilling royalties paid to the federal government. 

“Georgians of all ages have long looked to our state parks to enjoy fresh air, preserve natural treasures, honor state history and promote Georgia tourism,” said Senator Loeffler. “The Great American Outdoors Act will help to ensure both current and future generations can enjoy the pristine beauty of our natural resources in Georgia and across the county. This funding will invest in our state’s infrastructure, create jobs and support our local economies. I call on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass this bipartisan legislation so Cumberland Island National Seashore, Fort Frederica National Monument, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge and Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge will receive this critical federal investment to restore, enhance and protect Georgia’s national parks.”

The Great American Outdoors Act passed the Senate on June 17, 2020 by a vote of 73 to 25, and is in the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. President Trump said he will sign the legislation into law.