H.R. 5254 — Gateway Partnership Act

This section defines key terms for purposes of the Act, including (1) Foundation as the Gateway Arch Park Foundation (i.e., the official philanthropic partner of the Park); (2) Park as Gateway Arch National Park; (3) Park building as the Arch Visitor Center, the Old Courthouse, and any other building administered or managed by the Secretary as part of the Park that is open to the public; and (4) Secretary as the Secretary of the Interior.

This section establishes a pilot project authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a one-time agreement, for a period not to exceed five years, with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to host private events at Gateway Arch National Park, including use of park buildings. The agreement must include terms protecting park resources and values—such as exclusive event dates and times, maximum events per month, required National Park Service staffing for safety, liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured, a no-liability clause for the federal government, and provisions for modification or cancellation—while limiting events to those consistent with park purposes, compatible with NPS programs, and not disruptive to public access. (Thus, the Secretary must charge fees covering wear and tear and may recover all related costs—e.g., maintenance, utilities, security, and personnel—notwithstanding other laws.) The authority sunsets seven years after enactment, terminating any existing agreement at that time, and does not affect the Secretary's other special use permit authorities or the NPS's ability to host events or issue permits. Not later than four years after enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources evaluating the agreement's operational impacts (e.g., on visitor access, security, staffing, and facilities) and financial implications (e.g., fees collected and costs recovered).