Kathmandu— As the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence approached, National Park Service employees received direction from Washington D.C. to relegate approved maintenance projects across the nation to a “low priority” list, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press and three officials within the park service and Interior Department who requested anonymity. This shift prioritized work tied to President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 initiative, including repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, diverting resources from essential maintenance at over 200 sites nationwide and exacerbating a pre-existing $24 billion repair backlog. The decision has raised concerns about the potential deterioration of national parks as basic upkeep is postponed indefinitely.

White House Priorities Drive Resource Allocation

Documents reveal that projects linked to the Freedom 250 initiative were placed on a separate list for White House priorities, allowing them to move forward while approximately 1,500 maintenance and other projects were put on hold. These shelved projects, already approved, encompass a wide range of needs – from roof repairs at Golden Gate National Recreation Area and computer upgrades at Katmai National Park in Alaska, to essential supplies like toilet paper and garbage bags for Yellowstone. One official stated that park service employees “were told to not expect anything on the low priority list to be contracted,” emphasizing that White House priorities were given precedence.

Repair Backlog Worsens Amidst Funding Shifts

The decision to prioritize Freedom 250 projects comes as national parks already grapple with a significant maintenance backlog, which has doubled over the past decade despite increasing visitor numbers. The approximately 1,500 low-priority projects represent a combined cost estimate of over $400 million and are now unlikely to be completed before the end of the fiscal year on September 30th unless park staff can find alternative funding or solutions. Senator Angus King, ranking member of the Senate’s National Parks Subcommittee, expressed concern that these pursuits around Washington “are more aesthetic than strictly necessary,” diverting resources from vital maintenance elsewhere in the country.

Staffing and Contracting Challenges Compound Issues

The ability to address even high-priority projects has been hampered by staffing cuts within the park service and Interior Department. The number of contracting officers decreased significantly prior to Trump’s second term, making it more difficult to execute contracts efficiently. This reduction in personnel, coupled with pressure to deliver on Freedom 250 demands, created further obstacles for park staff attempting to manage existing resources and address critical maintenance needs. Public records show the department's contracting workforce dropped by over 20%.

Reflecting Pool Repairs Face Setbacks

The $16 million repair of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a key Freedom 250 project championed by Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, has already encountered problems. Despite efforts to address longstanding issues before July 4th, the repairs have resulted in peeling sealant and a resurgence of green algae. While at least $80 million has been allocated to White House priorities, including the reflecting pool work, some projects – such as a $70 million line item for turf maintenance in Washington D.C. parks – have been canceled.

The Interior Department maintains that many entries on the low priority list were “mis-prioritized and were corrected,” but declined to provide specifics. Congress continues to address the park service’s maintenance backlog, with the Great American Outdoors Act providing billions in funding through 2025.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.