Upgrades to the already unparalleled world of pre-Puebloan civilization found at Mesa Verde National Park are in store, complements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Mesa Verde, located 30 miles west of Cortez, Colorado off of Highway 160, is set to receive $14.6 million of the $750 million allotted to national parks projects.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar visited Mesa Verde Sunday, April 25 to herald the economic recovery stimulus monies committed to the national park.
A national parks news release details six Mesa Verde projects to be funded by ARRA funds.
- The replacement of five miles of deteriorated waterline from the north boundary to Chapin Mesa, first installed in 1948, is receiving $11.5 million of the $14.6 million federal stimulus monies granted to Mesa Verde. The waterline provides fire suppression and drinking water for Far View and Chapin Mesa and historically has created water quality issues, fire suppression flow problems, and damage to the invaluable resources at Mesa Verde.
- The installation of eight photovoltaic systems on historic headquarters buildings for net metering is intended to save $20 thousand annually in electrical costs, lessening green house gas emissions and decreasing Mesa Verde National Park’s carbon footprint.
- With the repairing of retaining walls, correcting of trail pitch and slope, and restoring trail surface for Spruce Tree House trail to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, closures of the popular trail are scheduled. Visitor access to the trail is restricted until April 30 as the trail is repaved.
- Alternative fuel transit vehicles will replace open-air gas powered trams to Wetherill Mesa, reducing fuel emissions, transporting more visitors, decreasing breakdowns, and amplifying Mesa Verde's experience.
- Morefield Village and Campground's failing waterline will be replaced.
- Navajo Loop electrical system in Morefield Campground is to be upgraded, improving service while meeting current needs in the area.
Also the Federal Land Highways Program is providing up to $18 million to repave 10 miles of road as well as preliminary work to prepare the entrance for the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center.
Visit Mesa Verde National Park’s website for current scheduled closures at: http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm
The intention of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies is to stimulate the economy by funding various projects. Nearly 800 national parks projects are benefitting from the federal stimulus monies.
The Department of the Interior Recovery Investments website provides up-to-date information on National Parks projects at: http://www.interior.gov/recovery/nps
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Comments
During the recent episodes of coal mine explosions and oil spills in the ocean this is refreshing news.
One of my favorite childhood vacations was Mesa Verde and I have always wanted to go back. I am so happy to learn that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is taking care of the National Parks! I had hoped and prayed that would happen. Thanks for the good news.
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