Paulsen Legislation Supporting National Parks Signed Into Law

Statement

Legislation authored by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) authorizing the minting of National Park commemorative coins has been signed into law by the President. Minted coins will consist of a five dollar gold coin, a silver dollar, and a clad half dollar. Proceeds will go directly to the National Park Foundation, an official charitable organization that supports the management of National Parks. The legislation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act which passed the U.S. House by a 300-199 vote and the U.S. Senate by a vote of 89-11.

"Our National Parks feature the very best of the beauty and history our country has to offer," said Paulsen. "The minting of commemorative coins will raise important funds that will directly contribute to projects and programs preserving these resources without costing the taxpayers a dime."

In Minnesota, national parks are visited by 650,000 people and contribute $34 million to the economy annually. Each year, National Parks across the country are visited by over 278 million people. Since its creation in 1916, the National Park System has come to include our most cherished monuments, battlefields, lakeshores, recreation areas, and pristine rivers and trails.

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