The Park Service identified 53 priority construction projects, and the Congress identified an additional 27 projects as priority projects. Variation in Project Costs Depends on Project Type, Functions Included, and Size

Visitor center project costs vary depending on whether the projects require new construction or renovation of existing visitor centers, the number and type of functions included in the visitor center building, and the size of the building. The Park Service estimates that $48 million, or 9 percent, of the total funding for the 80 visitor center projects will be fee demonstration funds. We are sending copies of this report to the Honorable Gale A. Norton, Secretary of the Interior; the Director of the National Park Service; and other interested parties. The projects are grouped by whether or not they involve new construction or renovation of an existing building, and by the status of the project construction. Appendix III: Funding Sources and Total Costs of Park Service Visitor Center Projects

The following table provides details on the funding sources for the 80 visitor center projects that the Park Service has completed, has under construction, or is planning. GAO’s Comments

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Our objectives were to discuss overall project costs and functions. We noted that the Park Service buildings are expected to have a long lifespan because the Park Service policy is to renovate and reuse buildings before they are replaced.
Why GAO Did This Study

Visitor centers at the national parks are among the most important facilities run by the National Park Service. As existing visitor centers age and new parks are created, renovated or new facilities are needed. This report discusses (1) the number, the status, and the reasons for Park Service visitor center projects; (2) whether the projects involve new construction or the renovation of existing buildings; (3) whether these projects were designated priorities by the Park Service or by Congress; (4) the costs and functions of the projects; and (5) the funding sources for the projects.

What GAO Found

GAO found that from 1996 through 2005, the Park Service has completed or planned 80 projects to renovate or build new visitor centers. The renovations and new construction are intended to replace aging facilities and exhibits, to provide more space, and to handle rising numbers of visitors. Of the 80 projects, 53 were a priority of the Park Service and 27 were a priority of Congress. The Park Service estimates that the total cost of the 80 projects will be $542 million. The visitor center projects are funded primarily by the Park Service's appropriated funds. Other funding sources include private partnerships and fee demonstrations.