National Parks Get Green Light for More Commercial Operations
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting February 18, 2025, the National Park Service can award and manage contracts to improve visitor services and facilities in national parks. This means better shops, tours, and programs for visitors, thanks to new authority from Congress. Businesses and visitors will see changes as the NPS expands and upgrades commercial services, aiming for a smoother, more fun park experience.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 3 mixed.
NPS Can Award VEIA Contracts
Starting February 18, 2025, the National Park Service may solicit, award, and manage "commercial services contracts" under the Visitor Experience Improvements Authority (VEIA) to operate and expand visitor facilities and services in National Park System units. This creates new business opportunities for companies that want to run shops, tours, lodging, marinas, campgrounds, and similar services in parks.
Industry-Style Contract Models Allowed
The VEIA allows NPS to use industry-standard models like management agreements (NPS owns assets; operator paid base + incentive fee) and percentage lease agreements (operator keeps revenue and pays a base fee plus a percentage). These models may require less up-front capital from operators and may attract more hospitality companies to bid.
10-Year Term Limit; No Leasehold Interest
Commercial services contracts awarded under the VEIA may not have a term greater than 10 years, and operators will not receive leasehold surrender interest in capital improvements completed during the contract. The VEIA also may not be used for outfitter and guide services or for services that have a current preferential right of renewal under the 1998 Act.
Revolving Fund Can Support Operators
Funds collected under VEIA contracts will be credited to an NPS revolving fund that the NPS can use for management, operations, construction, maintenance, and to transfer funds to operators when needed. The NPS may transfer funds to operators to cover start-up expenses or large capital work, and transfers could come from taxpayer or non-taxpayer revenue sources.
Procurement Rules Largely Waived; Labor Protections Kept
VEIA commercial services contracts may be awarded without regard to most Federal procurement laws and regulations, but laws and regulations governing working conditions, wage rates, and applicable civil rights provisions still apply. The NPS must award VEIA contracts through a competitive, publicly solicited process.
Reporting, Recordkeeping, and OMB Review
Operators under VEIA contracts must provide reports such as an Annual Plan and Monthly Performance Reports, keep records for the term plus five calendar years after contract end, and submit financial data in accordance with GAAP. The rule includes new information collections that require OMB approval (OMB Control Number: 1024-New).
NPS May Approve or Set Visitor Rates
The NPS will generally approve rates for services based on market demand, but the Director may specify rates or rate methods for particular services to ensure affordability for a broad segment of visitors. This oversight aims to keep charges reasonable while allowing market-based pricing in many cases.
Funds in Operator Accounts Must Be Safeguarded
Under management agreements the NPS may transfer revolving fund money to operator-owned bank accounts for operations and capital improvements, but the rule requires safeguards: accounts must be FDIC-insured, the NPS holds a first lien on balances, funds must not be commingled, budgets need NPS approval, and NPS may require monthly reporting and annual audits.
VEIA Expires December 16, 2025
The VEIA statute expires on December 16, 2025 (extension provided by Pub. L. 117-328), so the NPS generally must solicit contracts before that date; however, contracts awarded under VEIA may continue beyond the statute's expiration if the contract terms allow. The NPS will consider whether it can solicit a contract before the VEIA expires when evaluating projects.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20338, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting October 1, 2026, fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen targeting this species, helping protect the fish population and support other fisheries. The closure lasts until December 31, 2026, ensuring sustainable fishing and preventing overfishing.
2026-20362, Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics Adopt 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for Incarcerated People's Communications Services
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics are rolling out new rules for companies that provide phone and communication services to people in jail. Starting in 2026, these providers must submit detailed data using special forms by December 21, 2026. This helps keep communication fair and transparent, affecting all service providers and potentially impacting costs and service quality.
2026-20374, Section 3 Benchmarks for Creating Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons and Eligible Businesses
HUD is updating its goals to create more jobs and business chances for people with low incomes and eligible small businesses using federal housing funds. These new benchmarks will take effect on November 4, 2026, and HUD wants your feedback by December 4, 2026. This update happens every three years to keep things fair and focused on helping those who need it most.
2026-20325, Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration
The FMCSA is extending emergency relief from 14 days to 30 days after a state or FMCSA declares a regional emergency. This change helps truck drivers and companies get more time to respond during emergencies without extra paperwork. The new rule kicks in on October 5, 2026, and anyone wanting to challenge it must act by November 4, 2026.
2026-20356, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Massachusetts
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Massachusetts to help balance the catch between states. This change kicks in on October 2, 2026, and lasts until the end of the year. Fishermen in both states will see updated limits, making sure the fishery stays fair and sustainable.
2026-20336, Exemptions From Materials Licensing
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is making it easier to use certain nuclear materials by removing the need for licenses in some cases. This change helps people and businesses handle small amounts of nuclear stuff safely without extra paperwork. The new rules kick in on December 21, 2026, unless someone objects by November 4, 2026, saving time and money for many users.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-01145, Regulatory Hearing Before the Food and Drug Administration; General Provisions; Amendments; Withdrawal
The FDA planned to change rules about how regulatory hearings work but decided to stop those changes after getting lots of negative feedback. This affects companies and people involved in FDA hearings, who won’t see new rules anytime soon. The withdrawal took effect on January 17, 2025, so the old rules stay in place for now.
Next: 2025-01239, Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Myoglobin
The FDA just gave a green light to using myoglobin as a color additive in ground meat and plant-based meat alternatives, thanks to a request from Motif FoodWorks. This change kicks in on February 19, 2025, letting food makers add a natural color boost to their products. If anyone wants to object or ask for a hearing, they need to act by February 18, 2025—no delays allowed!