Transit in Parks funding: improved access to National Parks and cleaner, greener visitor experiences

As anyone who’s visited our nation’s scenic parklands and protected areas knows, they are truly national treasures.  And since they attract millions of visitors each year, it’s vitally important to preserve and protect these lands by investing in safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable transportation – for today’s visitors as well as future generations.

To do just that, yesterday DOT announced $40.8 million for 58 projects to provide safe, convenient access for visitors to America’s national parks, forests and wildlife refuges, and to modernize aging transportation infrastructure in these important destinations.

Apgar Transit Center at Glacier National Park

This money is provided by the Federal Transit Administration’s Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks program, established by Congress to enhance protection of national parks and federal lands.  The program's projects also increase the enjoyment of those visiting these sites by conserving natural, historical and cultural resources and reducing congestion and pollution.

Federal lands in 24 states and the District of Columbia will use funds to enhance transportation choices for a cleaner, greener visitor experience.  Projects range from redesigning and widening the Nauset Bicycle Trail at Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts to purchasing new buses to transport visitors between Sausalito and the Muir Woods National Monument in California.

FTA Administrator Rogoff visits the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, photo courtesy FTA

Yesterday, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio to announce five grants totaling $3.2 million for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a popular attraction at the national park outside Cleveland. 

Said Administrator Rogoff, “By taking cars off the road and reducing harmful emissions and pollutants in our nation’s most natural and pristine settings, we’re helping Americans and visitors from around the world enjoy the parks, forests and wildlife preserves the way they were meant to be enjoyed.”

Lone bus winds its way through Denali National Park (photo courtesy NPS)

I couldn’t agree more.  DOT is proud to help Americans access their national parks, and ensure that these treasured sites will be around for generations to come.

To see the full list of projects and their descriptions, please visit: http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094.html.

Alternative fueled buses in Grand Canyon National Park (photo courtesy NPS)

Comments

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I must say, I admire the persistent perseverence toward always striving to improve, as you do in the US. These new ideas for improved transport for your nation will surely go a long way to helping the economy.