The National Park Service is directing at least $67 million from national park entrance fees toward President Donald Trump’s Washington, D.C., beautification efforts, according to an analysis of federal records. Approximately $60 million of this funding is allocated for the restoration of nine ornamental fountains across the capital, while about $7 million is earmarked for the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has a total estimated cost of $13.1 million.

These expenditures were identified through a review of a federal contracting database. The $7 million commitment for the Reflecting Pool renovation had not been previously disclosed. The administration aims to complete these projects by July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Conservation advocates have criticized the prioritization of these Washington projects, arguing that they divert much-needed funds from urgent maintenance needs in national parks nationwide. The parks face a substantial backlog of deferred maintenance estimated at $23 billion, which includes deteriorating roads, water systems, and other infrastructure affecting visitor safety and park operations. Aaron Weiss, executive director of the Center for Western Priorities, said the government should address these pressing needs rather than redirect funds toward projects visible primarily to the president.

The use of entrance fees for projects in the nation’s capital is permitted under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004. This legislation requires that at least 80% of entrance fee revenue remain within the park where it was collected, but permits up to 20% of the fee revenue to be used on improvements at other sites, including those without entrance fees such as the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

The Park Service spent nearly $75 million from its recreation fee account through contracts signed between December 2025 and March 2026, with over 90% of this sum directed to projects based in Washington, D.C. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, when less than 5% of recreation fee funds were allocated to the capital. By contrast, major projects outside the city, such as pipeline repairs at Grand Canyon National Park, had been more typical recipients of these funds during prior administrations.

Among the projects in Washington, the administration also awarded no-bid contracts, including one worth $17.4 million to repair two fountains in Lafayette Park near the White House. The source of funds for this contract has not been publicly disclosed. Another no-bid contract valued at $13.1 million was given to a Virginia-based company for the Reflecting Pool repairs, a cost significantly higher than Trump’s original estimates.

While some conservation groups express concern about the prioritization of Washington projects over critical infrastructure work elsewhere, others support the investment in historic sites that have suffered from years of neglect. Steve Coleman, executive director of Washington Parks & People, praised the fountain restorations, noting the benefits to the broader public, especially since many D.C. national parks do not charge entrance fees.

In national parks across the country, infrastructure issues remain significant. At Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, crumbling stone walls along Skyline Drive pose safety risks. Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is grappling with pothole-ridden roads and mold-contaminated housing units. Zion National Park in Utah faces sewer system failures that have forced the closure of flush toilets and drinking water stations, leading to the use of portable restrooms that diminish the visitor experience.

Natalie Britt, president and CEO of Zion Forever Project, a nonprofit partner of Zion National Park, expressed support for the D.C. restorations but emphasized the need for greater federal funding across the entire park system. She underscored the Lincoln Memorial’s significance while highlighting the broader challenge of addressing substantial infrastructure deficits nationwide.