U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine

LURAY, Va. (AP) _ Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine says he’s trying to convince his colleagues in Congress to fund a significant boost in national park spending. Kaine hiked a trail in Shenandoah National Park Monday and met with park staff to try and promote the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary. He told reporters he wants to see an increase in federal spending to help maintain and preserve the national park service. Kaine said there’s an $11 billion backlog of needed park spending nationwide. Kaine said parks help promote physical activity, quiet reflection, and an appreciation of “the fourth dimensional beauty of, you know, real creation.”