Norton can't cite progress on NPS repair backlog

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2003

After releasing a rosy report that claimed progress was made in fixing national parks, the Bush administration told Congress on Tuesday that it can't estimate the repair and maintenance backlog.

So far, the Department of Interior has spent $2.9 billion. But an official said the department won't have a handle on the task that lies ahead for two more years.

During the 2000 campaign, President Bush promised to reduce the backlog, then estimated at $5 billion. He also promised to clear the Bureau of Indian Affairs school backlog, then estimated at $1 billion.

Get the Story:
Park Service backlog unchanged (The Salt Lake Tribune 7/9)
U.S. Can't Estimate Parks Repair Backlog (AP 7/8)
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Get the Report:
Partnering & Managing for Excellence (National Park Service July 2003)

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