S. 2498, the National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act, passed the Senate on September 30, 2026.
S. 2498 — National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act
What it does
This bill allows the Interior Secretary to extend existing National Park Service concession leases (for lodges, restaurants, shops, etc.) for up to 99 years without competitive bidding, provided the current operator has held the lease for at least 5 years and is in good standing. Before extending, the Secretary must publish a 60-day notice inviting competing bids; if a competitor offers better terms, the lease goes to auction instead. The bill also allows new leases up to 99 years for major redevelopment projects costing over $100 million. Extensions over 10 years and new leases over 60 years require 30–60 day congressional notification.
Quorum's transparency scan gave National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act a moderate transparency flag.
What happens next
S. 2498 passed the Senate. It now moves to the other chamber.
Who is behind it
Filed by Thom Tillis. Cosponsored by Ted Budd.
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