The $503 million to improve outdoor recreation and national forest conservation announced by U.S. Department of Agriculture June 6 will lead to a many great improvements.
The funds, from the Great American Outdoors Act, is intended to improve infrastructure, address deferred maintenance, support rural economies and increase user access while also meeting conservation goals, according to a USDA June 6 news release.
"Thanks to the Great American Outdoors Act, we have already seen tremendous impact on our ability to enhance visitor access and land conservation efforts through the Legacy Restoration Fund and Land and Water Conservation Fund projects," USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said in the news release. "Repairing and enhancing the infrastructure on the national forests and grasslands and expanding forest conservation ensures that the Forest Service continues to meet the need for outdoor recreation for current and future generations."
According to the release, USDA Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh announced the funds near the Denny Creek and Franklin Falls trailheads, part of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, which received more than $14 million from the Great American Outdoors Act last year. The heritage area will receive an additional $7.1 million this fiscal year to upgrade failing infrastructure and improve the experiences for more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
"Projects like the one here on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest have incredible impacts on how visitors experience their national forests and grasslands," Bronaugh said in the news release. "The Great American Outdoors Act and President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are betting on America - our special places, our communities and our people. Even beyond improved access, facilities and infrastructure, these investments create economic opportunity and good jobs where projects like this have the most impact."
