Senator Schmitt Introduces the Gateway Partnership Act to Spur Economic Opportunities in St. Louis

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) reintroduced the "Gateway Partnership Act", which would allow the Gateway Arch National Park to enter into a cooperative agreement with their philanthropic partner, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, to improve management and hosting of private events that will benefit the broader St. Louis community.

"The Gateway Arch National Park is a point of pride in St. Louis, and recent renovations have turned it into a prime location for events and celebrations in our city. The modern, versatile spaces on the park's property will attract new economic opportunities and serve as an excellent setting for gatherings in St. Louis' most iconic landmarks. My bill will streamline management of private events and marketing opportunities for the park to maximize the Arch's potential as an economic asset and allow more people to enjoy the Gateway to the West," said Senator Schmitt

The "Gateway Partnership Act":

• Grants the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service (NPS), authority to enter into an agreement with the Foundation to host private events on Gateway Arch National Park property (including the Arch Visitor Center, Old Courthouse, and any other building administered by NPS).
• Requires that the agreement includes provisions to protect park resources and values, limit activity to those consistent with the Gateway Arch National Park, ensure compatibility with NPS policy, and implement a fee on the Foundation to cover maintenance, administrative, and personnel costs.

"We've proven that events at Gateway Arch National Park create positive impact for Downtown St. Louis and our entire region. This legislation will make hosting private events much easier going forward. Each gathering brings new visitors and economic activity to St. Louis, in an iconic setting that undeniably represents our city to the entire world. We are incredibly grateful to Sen. Schmitt for his support of this legislation and to Representatives Wesley Bell, Ann Wagner and Nikki Budzinski for their support in the House of Representatives," said Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation.

Representative Wesley Bell (MO-01) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives, which is cosponsored by Reps. Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13).

Background:

• The Gateway Arch National Park is Missouri's most visited landmark, drawing over 2.56 million visitors annually.
• Since 2018, when the CityArchRiver Project was completed, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation has managed nearly 30 private events. Before the pandemic, the Foundation averaged 15 events per year with plans to manage 25 in 2020. Much like the rest of the event industry, signs point to an increasing demand.
• The dynamic new spaces in the visitor center are ideal for social gatherings, weddings, corporate events and more that will leave a lasting impression of St. Louis' defining monument. Now, with the completion of the Old Courthouse renovations in May of 2025, there is even more dynamic space for these events.
• This legislation will allow the Gateway Arch Park Foundation to assist the Gateway Arch National Park by formally managing private event execution and marketing on behalf of the Park. Projections show a potential annual revenue of $780,000 generated from private events under this proposed partnership, all of which will be reinvested into the park.

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