Archive for the ‘American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’ Category

$129 Million saved by NPS to fund 30 additional projects

Saturday, March 6th, 2010
The National Park Service (NPS) announced on Thursday that favorable pricing on large construction projects as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has resulted in savings of over 20% - totaling approximately $129 million. The Service will use these dollars to fund an additional 30 high priority projects across the country putting additional people to work in ways that will leave a permanent legacy for our national parks through critical facility improvements, infrastructure repairs, and energy efficiency enhancements.

The list of newly funded construction projects as part of ARRA includes:

* Repaving the Smokemont Campground area and the Heintooga Ridge Road in the Smokies

* Resurface the Foothills Parkway East

The NPS is also announcing the replacement of 26 projects with 36 additional projects totaling $9.3 million. Projects are being replaced for various reasons, such as prior completion with non-ARRA funds or because they cannot be completed within the Recovery Act timeframe. The NPS selected the replacement projects from existing contingency lists using established merit-based criteria for expediency of implementation, job creation potential and ability to address high-priority mission needs.

The current list of the NPS ARRA projects can be found by clicking here.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. Of that amount, $750 million went to the NPS to fund job-creating investments in critical infrastructure and facilities, trail restoration, abandoned mine remediation, and energy efficiency and renewable energy.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Foothills Parkway East, Heintooga Ridge Road, National Park Service, Smokemont | Comments Off

National Forest trails to benefit from Federal stimulus

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
The U.S. Forest Service and the Student Conservation Association (SCA) will partner to improve numerous trails in both the George Washington National Forest and the Jefferson National Forest, using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). SCA is currently recruiting to fill nine project leader positions and 37 trail team member positions for seven SCA trail teams. During the summer and fall of 2010, these teams will improve up to 175 miles of national forest trails in Virginia.

Some of the paths designated for improvement include the Dragon's Tooth Trail in Roanoke County, Craig Creek Trail in Botetourt County and Poverty Creek Trail in Montgomery County.

This project will provide work opportunities through SCA, the country’s leading conservation service organization. SCA partners with public land managers to build conservation leaders and engage young adults in hands-on environmental stewardship. Trail teams live and work together in the backcountry. Team members receive a living allowance, food, and housing; while learning trail skills, outdoor leadership, wilderness first aid, and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.

“We welcome this opportunity to work with SCA to provide jobs and accomplish important natural resource work,” said Henry Hickerson, Acting Forest Supervisor. “This work would not be possible without federal stimulus funding.” Hikers, backpackers, horse riders, bicyclists, and motorized recreation enthusiasts enjoy more than 2,100 miles of trails in both the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

The $816,000 in funding announced this week is the latest in about $4 million the Washington and Jefferson National Forests have received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Further information and applications are available at the SCA website.




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Craig Creek Trail, Dragon's Tooth Trail, George Washington National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, Poverty Creek Trail, Student Conservation Association | Comments Off

Shenandoah N.P. Announces Projects

Friday, October 9th, 2009
Earlier this week, Shenandoah National Park officials announced plans that will begin Recovery Funded projects.

The press release stated that park officials have awarded the first contract to improve park facilities using part of the $30 million that Shenandoah received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The contract estimated at almost $1 million to repave roads, parking areas, and trailheads was awarded to Firvida Construction Corporation out of Fairfax, Virginia.

Work is expected to begin in mid-October and should last until the end of November. Visitors should expect closures in work areas; however, the closures will last no more than one week and will not be in effect on weekends. The following areas are scheduled to receive work: the Lewis Mountain and South River Picnic Grounds roads; parking areas at Rapidan Road, Milam Gap, Hawksbill Gap, Upper Hawksbill Gap, Skyland Lodge Upper area, and Whiteoak Falls; and overlooks at Doyles River, Dundo, The Oaks and Hemlock Springs.

According to the park’s Superintendent, Martha Bogle, "These facility improvement projects will enhance the visitor’s experience here at Shenandoah for years to come. We recognize that Fall is a very popular time for people to visit the park because of all the colorful autumn leaves, so we are working to minimize the impact of closures by limiting work to weekdays only and ensuring that picnic areas, trailheads and overlooks will be open on the weekends."

Contracts for additional ARRA projects are slated to be awarded through the end of this year and into the beginning of 2010 for projects that will be undertaken next spring. These projects include re-paving and rehabilitation of areas along Skyline Drive, overlooks, and additional access roads throughout the park.


Jeff
Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store Quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands.

Posted in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Firvida Construction Corporation, Shenandoah National Park | Comments Off