Proposed Federal Budget Slashes Funding for Parks, Preservation, and Arizona’s National Heritage Areas
- Jim McPherson
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 6
On Friday, May 30, the White House released its FY26 Technical Budget Supplemental, outlining sweeping and deeply concerning proposed cuts to programs that safeguard our nation’s – and Arizona’s – natural, cultural, and historic resources.
While Congress ultimately holds the power to pass the federal budget, this proposal signals the administration’s priorities – and for Arizona, the news is alarming.
Arizona is home to two federally designated National Heritage Areas (NHAs):
Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area, which celebrates and protects the region’s rich history, diverse cultures, and natural landscapes
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, which interprets and preserves key stories from Arizona’s past, including early river crossings, agriculture, and military history
Both areas stand to lose all federal funding under this proposal.
What’s at Stake
John Garder, Budget Director for the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, has analyzed the impacts of the proposal. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical issues:
🔻 National Park System
$900.5 million cut (31%) to park operations
Elimination of 4,514 staff positions – a devastating blow to already strained national parks
Reductions will severely limit visitor services, maintenance, and protection of iconic places like Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest National Parks.
🏞️ Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
LWCF funds are diverted from their intended purpose—such as park and trail development – into a new deferred maintenance fund, violating the spirit of the law.
This could jeopardize projects in Arizona communities that rely on LWCF support for open space and recreation access.
🛤️ Heritage and Historic Preservation
The Heritage Partnership Program is zeroed out, eliminating all federal support for Yuma and Santa Cruz Valley NHAs and 60 others across the U.S. NHAs are places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes. As of 2023, NHAs:
Leveraged $87.6 million in cash and in-kind support to carry out heritage projects and programs, greatly increasing the impact of the $28.1 million in federal Heritage Partnership Program funding received.
Engaged 2,779 formal partners and 4,556 informal partners in heritage area activities.
Benefited from 26,465 volunteers contributing over 327,402 hours for heritage area projects- a $10 million-dollar value.
The Historic Preservation Fund is slashed by 94%, from over $180 million to just $11 million.
Arizona SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) and local projects would face near-total defunding.
Cultural and natural resource programs face 60–90% cuts, jeopardizing trail networks, river corridors, and collaborative preservation initiatives.
🛠️ Construction and Infrastructure
Construction program cut by 42%, including a 46% reduction in planning staff.
This weakens the ability to manage infrastructure repairs and capital planning across park units.
💸 Fee Increases
The budget proposes raising visitor fees, which could restrict access for families and underserved communities.
Why This Matters to Arizona
Arizona’s heritage areas, historic sites, parks, and preservation projects are not optional luxuries – they are economic drivers, educational resources, and essential parts of our identity. Defunding these programs threatens:
Local jobs and tourism dollars
Youth education and volunteer programming
Preservation of irreplaceable history and landscapes
Take Action
Letters to Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, and Representative Juan Ciscomani are ready for your review and personalization. Let them know that Arizona values its national parks, cultural heritage, and preservation efforts.
Now is the time to speak up – for Arizona’s past, present, and future.
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