WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) introduced the Making National Parks Safer Act, H.R. 7031. Currently, the National Park Service (NPS) operates 41 911 call centers across the nation. A 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report showed that the NPS had no nationwide plan to upgrade the call centers to Next Generation 911 (NG911) equipment, an Internet Protocol (IP)-based system that is significantly more secure than current operating standards.
“When Americans trek out to explore our country’s great outdoors, they should be able to do so safely and with the knowledge that help is close at hand if an emergency arises,” said Congressman Fulcher.
“The Making National Parks Safer Act delivers critical upgrades to the National Park Service’s call centers, fitting them with Next Generation 911 technology. This system allows dispatchers to receive not only voice calls, but also text messages, photos, and videos—giving responders greater situational awareness before engaging,” Fulcher added. “Whether a visitor has an encounter with a wild animal or obtains an injury on a remote hike, this bill helps ensure first responders have the tools to act swiftly and effectively.”
Congressman Fulcher’s legislation would direct the Secretary of the Interior to access and implement NG911 systems.
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