We are a fortunate people here in the great state of Tennessee. Along with having the nation's most conservative legislature, no state income tax, and the best and most patriotic citizens imaginable, we are also home to the most visited national park in the country: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With its mist-covered mountaintops, vibrant wildlife, and citizens who utilize it for industry, tourism, and exploration at every opportunity, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a cornerstone not only for the hills of Appalachia but also for the entire state of Tennessee. We generate millions of dollars annually and can draw even more support if supported effectively. Fortunately, President Donald Trump, the Department of the Interior, and the GOP majorities in Congress are poised to deliver sustainable funding, restoration, and increased accessibility for our parks, paving the way for even more economic growth in our state.
While the Big Beautiful Bill recently delivered on President Trump's promises on immigration, taxes, and manufacturing, the attention that national parks will receive from Trump's executive order on "Make America Beautiful Again" is an automatic game-changer for parks like ours. Funding will be allocated through the Trump administration for park maintenance, staffing, and particularly for further conservation efforts through the Land and Water Conservation Fund for every national park and its adjacent lands nationwide. The facilities at parks like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be modernized and revitalized, with efforts such as reforestation and wildlife corridor projects taking center stage.
With the GSMNP attracting nearly 13 million visitors annually, it is the most popular park in the United States. It is home to over 1,500 American black bears, historic routes of the Appalachian Trail, and countless diverse ecosystems. The park faces challenges, however, including overcrowding, damaged roads in areas such as Cades Cove, and underfunding under previous administrations, including that of former President Biden, resulting in a nearly $300 million backlog that requires serious funding allocation. The GSMNP, a jewel in Tennessee's crown, not only enriches our natural heritage but also generates almost $1.3 billion for the state's economy. The risk of underfunding our park not only affects those who work within and live around it but also causes significant harm to communities like Gatlinburg and towns in North Carolina that rely on the park for their tourism-based economies.
President Trump will change this through his efforts to restore national parks, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The funding and concentration by the Make America Beautiful Again Commission will help restore the park to its needed beauty. The long-term benefits that the Trump Administration will provide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are endless, and efforts such as this are often not given the spotlight that they rightly deserve. The funding that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will receive will address critical infrastructure needs, conservation efforts, and accessibility needs that have been overlooked in years past.
If there's one singular issue that Americans from every walk of life can agree on, it's ensuring that our national parks remain bright and vibrant. I have hiked these trails for hundreds of miles over nearly five decades. My family has spent countless days in areas of the park, such as Cades Cove, Cosby Campground, Cataloochee, Elkmont, and Smokemont. The attention this park will receive through these executive orders by President Trump will mean a great deal to not just the park, but also the people who have many memories within it. With the attention that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other national parks across the country will receive, our mountains will stay as glorious as they look now, and continue to build a sustainable economy for all the communities that rely on it to remain successful. Thank you to President Trump for seeing the great value in investing in our national parks. This is a legacy move on his and his administration's behalf, and the efforts by the National Park Service, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and so many others will never be forgotten.
Jeremy Faison represents Tennessee's 11th House district, which encompasses the people of Cocke County and parts of Hamblen and Jefferson Counties. He currently serves as the Chairman of the House Republican Caucus in House Leadership.
