Colorado Governor Ritter Praises Recovery Act Funds To Restore National Parks

April 22, 2009 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter applauded the announcement today that $20.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will go toward restoring and protecting Colorado's national parks. These projects will benefit Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Dinosaur and Great Sand Dunes national parks, among others.

The projects announced today are part of $750 million in recovery act funds dedicated to more than 750 projects at national parks across the country. The funds are being distributed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, led by Secretary Ken Salazar.

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"On behalf of his home state, I want to thank Secretary Salazar for his work to help protect, preserve and restore the incredible national parks here in Colorado," Gov. Ritter said. "The extensive park system is vital to Colorado's tourism and recreation industries. These funds will create jobs and help maintain our national parks for years to come. Again, on behalf of the people of Colorado, thank you to Secretary Salazar, President Obama and Colorado's congressional delegation."

The projects include:

* $14.6 million to replace more than five miles of water lines and to purchase alternative fuel transit buses, among other projects, at Mesa Verde National Park.
* $2.58 million to make improvements to the visitor center, the gas storage systems, and to restore natural landscape and resource habitat at Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
* $2.7 million to repair or replace foot bridges, replace failing sewer lines at campgrounds and headquarters, and resurface roads, among other projects, at Rocky Mountain National Park.

To see the full list of national park projects funded by the recovery act, go to www.interior.gov/recovery.

Source: Colorado Governor