HART COUNTY, Ky. — Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) visited Mammoth Cave National Park to discuss the Great American Outdoors Act Monday. 

The bipartisan bill was signed into law by President Trump Aug. 4, 2020 and went into effect Aug. 9, 2020. McConnell said the new law plans to allocate billions of dollars to preserve national parks across the country.

“10 billion dollars to tackle deferred maintenance all across the country. It's estimated that here in Mammoth Cave, there's 90 million dollars worth of deferred maintenance,” said McConnell. 

The legislation secures funding for the land and water conservation fund and plans to support over 120,000 jobs and drive 13 billion dollars in consumer spending. 

Mammoth Cave National Park Superintedent Barclay Trimble says this legislation will help provide work for roads and trail ways. 

“What this legislation is going to provide us to do is provide a more quality visitor experience moving forward. It will allow us to protect our resources today and in the future In addition to providing more accessibility to our visitors as we move forward into the future,” said Trimble. 

McConnell mentioned that mental health concerns have arisen during the pandemic. U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-2) said the money allocated to the national parks will help provide a safe escape from the world around them. 

“It was the right time to do it, it was the right project to do and these American treasures will be here for as long as we are, as long as our country is,” said Guthrie. 

McConnell also said the House and Senate are currently at a stalemate for a second Coronavirus Relief Package.