Blue Ridge Parkway license plate sales top $570,000
The fee for the specialty plate helps fund key improvements along the Parkway. Donated photo
North Carolina drivers raised $574,461 to enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway by purchasing or renewing the national park specialty license plate in 2023.
It is the largest amount raised for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s work through the tag program in more than a decade.
The specialty plate fee is $30, of which $20 helps fund key improvements along the Parkway, including repairs at trails, campgrounds and picnic areas. Proceeds also support projects such as wildlife studies, historic preservation and educational programs. Personalized plates are available for $60. The Parkway tag can be purchased for cars and motorcycles.
To learn more, visit GetThePlate.org or request the plate at an N.C. tag office.
Last year, the park welcomed more than 16.7 million visitors, which is more visitors than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Grand Tetons national parks combined for the same year. Unlike many large national parks, there is no admission fee to support park operations. Past shortfalls in government funding have led to maintenance backlogs and facility closures along the Parkway. Proceeds from the license plate provide critical funding to address needs and improvements within the park.
The Foundation is the nonprofit fundraising partner of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Since 1997, the Foundation has provided more than $22 million in support for the national park. To learn more, visit BRPFoundation.org.
