Gateway Partnership Act

Summary#

This bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to make an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events at Gateway Arch National Park. The bill defines terms: the Foundation (the Gateway Arch Park Foundation), the Park (Gateway Arch National Park), Park buildings (the Arch Visitor Center, the Old Courthouse, and other buildings open to the public), and the Secretary (Secretary of the Interior).

Any agreement must include protections for park resources and values. Required terms can include dates and times for exclusive Foundation events, a maximum number of events per week, appropriate National Park Service staffing, liability insurance that lists the United States as additionally insured, a provision saying federal employees and the federal government will not be held liable for claims from use of the buildings by the Foundation, and any other terms the Secretary finds appropriate.

Private events under the agreement must be consistent with the Park's purposes and compatible with National Park Service programs, must not degrade the Park's integrity or appearance, and must not prevent or disrupt public use or access. The Secretary must charge a fee to cover maintenance and wear and tear from private events and, notwithstanding other law, may recover all costs incurred because of the private events, including administrative and personnel costs. The bill also says the National Park Service can still host events or issue permits to others as appropriate.

What it means for you#

• The Gateway Arch Park Foundation may be allowed to hold private events in the Arch Visitor Center, the Old Courthouse, or other public park buildings if the Secretary enters an agreement.
• Events would be limited by dates, times, event counts, staffing rules, and must follow rules to protect the Park and keep public access.
• Organizers would need liability insurance and likely pay fees to cover wear, maintenance, and other costs caused by the events.
• The National Park Service can still run its own events and give permits to other groups or individuals.

Expenses#

• The bill requires the Secretary to charge a fee to cover maintenance and wear and tear from private events.
• The Secretary may recover all costs tied to the private events, including administrative and personnel costs.
• No publicly available information on specific fee amounts, total cost estimates, or federal budgetary effects is included in the bill text provided.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.