USDA Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Recovery Projects For Forest Facilities And Trails
Sandy, OR – Mt. Hood National Forest will receive $4.25 million dollars to improve facilities at Timberline Lodge, the national landmark jewel, which was created by FDR and the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The work is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for Forest Facilities and Trails and was announced by Secretary Tom Vilsack on July 21, 2009. The 191 projects, funded at more than $274 million, are located throughout the US Forest Service in 32 states.
The work at Timberline Lodge will employ numerous contractors and employ such trades people as painters, carpenters, electricians, masons, pipe fitters, roofers, and road construction crews. “The Recovery Act projects we’re announcing today are central to creating jobs and building a better, stronger economy in the future,” said Secretary Vilsack. “These projects exemplify President Obama’s commitment to sustainability, reducing our environmental footprint, and increasing energy efficiency, which will benefit the 178 million people who visit the National Forests each year, while generating additional tourism and stimulating local economies.”
Some of the work at Timberline Lodge should begin within the next 90 days and continue for upwards of one year. Still other work will begin within the year with contracts planned to extend for up to one to two years after commencement. Work includes exterior painting of the lodge, window replacement, emergency power generator replacement, construction of a climber’s register and welcome plaza, chimney restoration, water supply system improvements, roof repairs, and other work.
“This is fantastic news for Timberline Lodge and everyone who loves it. Public works is at the heart of Timberline’s heritage”, said Jon Tullis, spokesman for RLK and Company, operators of Timberline Lodge. Jon went on to say, “In fact, Timberline Lodge was built during the Great Depression by the New Deal’s W.P.A. It was a stimulus project itself, and it is interesting that it has provided economic stimulus throughout the past 72 years, right up until today. But yes, we are struggling with some deteriorating infrastructure and costly historic preservation work, so the fact that Timberline Lodge will once again receive stimulus dollars is very meaningful and timely. You know, it has been said that our future lies in preserving our history.”
In addition to the funding for Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood National Forest also received $1.4 million dollars for trails work. The ARRA funding will be used to employ people to logout and brush trails, improve trail tread, and reconstruct and constructs trails.
The Forest Service Trails System provides access to a wide diversity of users including hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts. In many ways, the benefits of maintaining the trails system are similar to those of roads. Trail maintenance includes protecting soils and reducing erosion, along with clearing vegetation, controlling invasive species, and removing downed trees. Repairs and upgrades to trail head and parking areas will improve access and safety for trail users. All of this is labor-intensive work requiring skilled workers to be hired under ARRA.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also directs the Forest Service to improve, maintain and renovate public and administrative facilities. As with the roads and trails system, there is currently a large backlog of maintenance needs for public facilities. Maintenance needs were identified through extensive studies of specific public facilities needed to support the primary outdoor activities that are best provided on the National Forests and grasslands.
Workers hired under ARRA will maintain facilities so that they contribute to safe, high quality outdoor experiences for citizens. Once work is completed these buildings will be more energy efficient, use less water, have a smaller environmental footprint and save taxpayer money.
Media Contacts:
Rick Acosta (Mt. Hood National Forest) at 503-706-4497
Jon Tullis (R L K, and Company, operators of Timberline Lodge at 503-272-3134
