HR5254-119

What This Bill Does

This bill creates a pilot partnership structure for Gateway Arch National Park. It defines the Gateway Arch Park Foundation as the nonprofit official philanthropic partner of the park; defines the park and park buildings, including the Arch Visitor Center and the Old Courthouse; and identifies the Secretary of the Interior as the responsible official.

The Secretary may enter into a one-time agreement, for no more than five years, with the Foundation to host private events at the park, including in park buildings. The agreement must protect park resources and values, set dates and times for exclusive Foundation event use, limit the number of events per month in the reported version, set National Park Service staffing levels for public safety and resource protection, require liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured, shield the federal government from event-related injury or death claims, and allow modifications or cancellations that still meet statutory conditions. Private events must be consistent with park purposes, compatible with NPS programs, not degrade park integrity, and not prevent or disrupt public use or access.

Who Benefits and How

Gateway Arch Park Foundation benefits from authority to host private events in park buildings under a formal agreement. National Park Service staff benefit from required terms on staffing, resource protection, fees, insurance, and event limits. Private event planners and hospitality businesses in St. Louis benefit from potential event activity tied to the Arch Visitor Center, Old Courthouse, and other park buildings. Gateway Arch National Park maintenance accounts benefit if fees cover wear and tear from private events. Federal liability managers benefit because the agreement must protect the United States against event-related claims.

Who Bears the Burden and How

National Park Service managers must negotiate, administer, staff, monitor, modify, or cancel the agreement. Gateway Arch Park Foundation must carry liability insurance, comply with event limits, cover maintenance-related fees, and avoid activities that degrade park resources or disrupt public access. General public visitors may face limited access to specified buildings during exclusive Foundation event times. Park resource-protection staff must ensure private events stay compatible with park purposes. St. Louis community groups that use public park spaces may compete with private event scheduling.

Key Provisions

• Defines Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Gateway Arch National Park, park buildings, and the Secretary.
• Authorizes a one-time agreement of up to five years for Foundation-hosted private events.
• Requires event terms covering dates, monthly event limits, NPS staffing, liability insurance, and federal liability protection.
• Requires private events to be consistent with park purposes and compatible with NPS programs.
• Prohibits events that degrade park integrity or prevent or disrupt public use and access.
• Requires fees to cover maintenance and wear-and-tear costs from private events.