Washington, DC (May 22, 2018) Today, the National Park Service (NPS) informed Congressman Pearce that the primary elevators at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park will not be operational by Memorial Day, a commitment NPS had made to the community and the Congressional Delegation.
 
"The Carlsbad Caverns are among our nation's most treasured natural beauties," said Pearce. "Yet, since November 2015 the primary bank of elevators that take visitors to the Caverns have been broken and out of use. The Caverns play a key role in the economic health of Carlsbad and Eddy County. For the primary elevators to be inoperable for two and a half years is plainly unacceptable. NPS has failed to live up to its commitment to the American people and the local New Mexican communities that support and rely on the Caverns. Carlsbad and Eddy County deserves better. I am greatly disappointed in this lengthy process and in the continued delay. I hope NPS learns from the mistakes that have resulted in this delay as they look to future renovations and modifications to the Park."

Background:
Since November 2015, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has operated with a single set of secondary elevators. Operating without duplication has resulted in multiple total elevator outages. Most recently, in March 2018, the secondary elevators failed and the entire park was without elevator access.