Gateway Partnership Act
The Gateway Partnership Act would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings. The arrangement would allow the Foundation to use Park buildings (including the Arch Visitor Center, the Old Courthouse, and other Park-administrated, publicly accessible buildings) for private events, subject to specific terms to protect Park resources and values. Key terms would cover exclusive event dates, weekly limits on events, staffing, liability insurance naming the United States as an additional insured, and a government liability provision. Private events must align with Park purposes, not degrade park resources, and must not disrupt public access. The Secretary would also recover costs associated with the events (maintenance, administration, staffing) through fees. The Act preserves the National Park Service’s ability to host other events or issue permits for special events as appropriate.
Key Points
- 1The Secretary of the Interior may enter into an agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events in Park buildings.
- 2Agreements must include terms to protect Park resources, including exclusive event dates, weekly event limits, suitable National Park Service staffing, and liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured.
- 3The Federal Government and its employees are shielded from liability for damages or injuries resulting from occupancy and use of the Park buildings by the Foundation.
- 4The Secretary may recover all costs of private events (maintenance, administration, personnel) and charge fees to cover wear and tear and other expenses.
- 5National Park Service-sponsored or other permitted events remain possible; the Act does not prevent the NPS from hosting events for others, as appropriate.