Ryan McClure, executive director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, testified in support of HR 5254, which would allow the foundation to assist Gateway Arch National Park by managing private events and marketing on the park's behalf.

McClure said the foundation led the $380 million CityArchRiver renovation in St. Louis and that the park's limited staffing and resources currently prevent hosting private events. He told members private events could generate up to $780,000 in additional annual revenue to support park operations and visitor services.

Members asked about staffing capacity and revenue projections; McClure said the foundation has experience managing event operations and that the legislation would provide a framework for a nonprofit to act as an operational partner. The hearing did not include a committee vote on HR 5254.