WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday April 24, 2008, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne will be joined by Members of Congress and National Park supporters at a press conference on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol to announce the final list of Centennial Challenge Projects and Programs to be funded in 2008. An initial Congressional appropriation of $24.6 million has been matched by nearly $27 million from friends groups and other national park supporters to allow for more than $51 million worth of Centennial Projects to be undertaken this year. More than 100 projects and programs in national parks across the country will be funded this year.

The National Park Centennial Challenge is the public/private matching element of the President’s National Park Centennial Initiative to prepare national parks for a second century of excellence in time for the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016.

What:	Announcement of the first round of National Park Centennial Projects and Programs
Who:	Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) Congressman Norman Dicks (D-WA) Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV) Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-KA) Congressman Rob Bishop (R-UT) Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar National park supporters, partners and friends
When:	April 24, 2008, Noon Eastern Daylight Time
Where:	West Terrace, U.S. Capitol
Interview/ Photo Opportunities:	Secretary Kempthorne, Members of Congress, Director Bomar, National Park superintendents and park partners, following the press conference.
Editor’s note:	Press kit available on site; additional information at www.nps.gov/2016