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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Groups Call for Action on Nat'l Park Maintenance Backlog

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Monday, November 19, 2018   

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — With the end of the year not so far off on the horizon, time is running out for Congress to act on a bill that conservation and tourism groups hope will address the massive maintenance backlog at national parks.

The Restore Our Parks Act is a bipartisan proposal to direct up to $6.5 billion in revenue from offshore oil and gas royalties to fix crumbling roads and buildings, in addition to electrical and wastewater systems at the parks. Marcia Argust, project director with The Pew Charitable Trusts, said parks such as Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park are crucial to the state's tourist economy.

"Maryland welcomes over 6.5 million visitors each year to its national park units,” Argust said. “Those visitors spend almost $220 million in local communities and generate over 2,800 jobs."

She said legislation has passed committees in both the U.S. House and the Senate, but it needs a floor vote in each house - ideally before the end of the year.

A recent study estimated addressing the estimated $12 billion maintenance backlog could lead to the creation of 110,000 jobs nationwide. Though there are many competing interests vying for what remains of this Congress’ time, Argust said she remains hopeful the measure will pass because of its strong bipartisan and public support.

"Many park facilities and resources are over 100 years old,” she said. “And over the past few years, nearly 3,000 organizations across the nation have urged Congress to respond to this problem and fix our parks."

An analysis by the National Park Service showed visitors to parks in Maryland spent more than $223 million last year. Nationwide, visitors spent $18 billion, supporting more than 300,000 jobs and generating $35 billion in economic activity.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts.



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