Zion Forever Project seeks $5M funding to address urgent national park infrastructure needs

On May 1, 2025, the Outdoor Adventure Commission convened to discuss critical funding needs for Utah's national parks, particularly focusing on the Zion Forever Project. The meeting highlighted the urgent request for $5 million in funding to address significant challenges facing Utah's national parks, including increased visitation, deferred maintenance, and reduced federal resources.

Stephanie Lyon, representing the Zion Forever Project, emphasized the importance of this funding to preserve vital infrastructure and maintain essential services that enhance the visitor experience. With Utah's national parks experiencing a combined deferred maintenance backlog of $387 million, the funding is seen as crucial to prevent deterioration and ensure safety for visitors. Lyon noted that the parks generate nearly $3 billion annually and support over 26,000 jobs, underscoring their economic significance to local communities.

Heath Hansen from the Washington County Greater Zion Tourism and Convention Office echoed these sentiments, stating that nearly one-third of the statewide economic impact comes from Zion National Park alone. He highlighted the direct spending of approximately $650 million attributed to the park, which is vital for sustaining local economies.

The discussions also touched on the broader implications of the funding request. With increasing visitor numbers leading to overcrowding and declining satisfaction, the need for immediate action is pressing. The proposed funding aims to address urgent projects such as trail repairs, sanitation improvements, and emergency access, which are essential for maintaining the parks' operational capacity during peak seasons.

Commissioner Adam Snow added that the economic health of Washington County is closely tied to the park's operations, with every job in the county linked to the tourism generated by Zion National Park. The uncertainty surrounding federal funding and staffing has raised concerns about the long-term viability of these gateway communities.

The commission's deliberations underscored the urgency of the funding request, with members recognizing the need for a swift response to stabilize park operations and support the rural economies that depend on them. As the meeting concluded, the commission expressed a commitment to further discussions on how to best allocate the requested funds to maximize their impact across Utah's national parks.