Senator Schmitt, Representative Wagner Introduce the Gateway Partnership Act

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Eric Schmitt and Representative Ann Wagner introduced 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 better manage and host private events for the broader St. Louis community: 

“With the monumental renovations that have taken place at Gateway Arch National Park following the completion of the CityArchRiver project in 2018, the Arch Visitor Center is much more conducive for holding private events. These dynamic new spaces in the visitor center are ideal for holding social gatherings and other events that will leave a lasting impression of St. Louis’ defining monument. This common-sense legislation will streamline management of private event execution and marketing on behalf of the park and is a net-positive for the city of St. Louis,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.

“I am proud to join my friend, Senator Schmitt, in introducing the Gateway Partnership Act. This bill will attract new economic opportunities for the Gateway Arch, the enduring landmark of the greater St. Louis region and our great State of Missouri. Thanks to the tremendous investment from community organizations, the renovated Arch Visitor Center has seen a revitalized demand for event space, and this legislation builds on that public-private partnership to ensure the Arch is more easily accessible for constituent groups in my district and those visiting from across the nation,” said Congresswoman Ann Wagner.

BACKGROUND:

• Since 2018, 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. Demand for events is increasing. 

• 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. 

• Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) has introduced the House companion to this bill.