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Grand Canyon National Park
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009
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Not only are national parks a link to our nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage, they are an integral part of our country’s economic future. National parks and the millions of people who visit them generate billions of dollars in economic benefit nationwide. Today, as our nation pulls together to recover from the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression, the National Park Service has been asked to help. And we are eager to do our part.
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the National Park Service will invest $750 million in nearly 800 projects throughout the country. This accounts for nearly one-third of the entire $3 billion of Department of Interior Recovery Act funding. The National Park Service will also receive an additional $170 million through the Federal Highway Administration for work on Federal Highway System roads in national parks. Recovery Act projects were selected through a rigorous process that identified projects meeting specific criteria – address the highest priority mission needs; create the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and create lasting value for the American people.
Grand Canyon National Park has received approximately $10 million in ARRA funds for eleven park projects. These projects will address critical park needs, utilize sustainable technologies and improve experiences for park visitors. Below is a list that outlines the various ARRA projects at the Grand Canyon. For more detailed information about each project and how ARRA funds are being utilized, please click on the specific project name.
Detailed Grand Canyon National Park ARRA Project Information
Project: Rehabilitate the Historic Trans-Canyon Trail
Project overview: The rehabilitation of the South Kaibab Trail is being done to significantly improve the condition of the trail for both hikers and stock users. This multi-million dollar reconstruction effort will include resurfacing of the trail; rebuilding steps; stabilizing and performing preventative maintenance to existing retaining walls; replacing retaining walls that have been lost to floods, slides or erosion; and repairing and aligning existing water features. A majority of the work that will be conducted on the South Kaibab Trail is repair and replacement of stonework that is historically significant and requires master-level masonry skills and a background in historic preservation of masonry structures. Recovery Act funds will make it possible to extend employment of the young men and women that have the skill level needed to adequately perform this work.
Project leader: William Allen
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer; (928) 638-7779
Project timing: Reconstruction began June 9, 2009. As of November 2009, approximately two miles of trail have been completed. Work to date has included an area just below the rim to O'Neill Butte, approximately three miles below the South Rim. Work will now be concentrated in the midsection of the trail approximately three to five miles below the rim in a formation referred to as the "Red and Whites."
Trail reconstruction is expected to take two to four years.
ARRA funding: $550,000
Partners: American Conservation Experience (ACE) and Coconino Rural Environmental Corps (CREC).
Accepting outside solicitations:
Trail access: During reconstruction, the South Kaibab Trail will be closed to commercial and private stock users. This user group can still use the Bright Angel Trail to access the Canyon. The South Kaibab Trail will remain open to hikers, but occasional short delays may occur.
Press release:
June 11, 2009 - Grand Canyon National Park begins trail reconstruction project using funds received under President's Economic Recovery Plan
Podcasts: Not available at this time.
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ARRA Historic Trans-Canyon Trail (2 Photos)
The rehabilitation of the South Kaibab Trail is being done to significantly improve the condition of the trail for both hikers and stock users. Recovery Act funds will make it possible to extend employment of the young men and women that have the skill level needed to adequately perform this work.
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Project: Repair Historic North Rim Forest Trails and Trail Structures Damaged by Wildfire
Project overview: This project involves the repair and rehabilitation of various trails on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon that were damaged by wildfire during the 1999 and 2000 fire seasons. These trails receive moderate to high visitor use during the summer season. This project will improve accessibility for both hikers and stock users along North Rim trails.Providing a well defined, high-quality trail will discourage short cutting and decrease potential for accidents and lost hikers. The visual aspect of the trail will also be improved and resource damage will be mitigated. Replacement of erosion control features will decrease impacts to natural and cultural resources by directing water flow into natural drainages and away from historic sites. Where historic structures remain, they will be rehabilitated using historic preservation techniques. Where they have been completely destroyed, they will be reconstructed using historically compatible techniques.
Project leader: William Allen
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: Work began on the Uncle Jim Trail in May of 2009.
ARRA funding: $495,000
Partners: American Conservation Experience (ACE) and Coconino Rural Environmental Corps (CREC).
Accepting outside solicitations:
Trail access: No anticipated closures or delays at this time.
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: The Purchase of Five Alternative Fuel Transit Buses
Project overview: The purpose of this project is to replace aging and obsolete buses in the Grand Canyon Visitor Transportation System.The Grand Canyon Visitor Transportation System, which provides approximately five million boarding annually, reduces private vehicle traffic on the South Rim and in the Grand Canyon Village. Through this project, the park will be purchasing five low floor accessible compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled transit buses. These buses will replace five similar buses that were purchased in 1998 and are at the end of their useful life, which is estimated at 12 years. This purchase will keep our alternatively fueled and accessible fleet up to date. The buses will also have some new features that will benefit visitors including air conditioning, improved emissions, improved public address systems, and intelligent messaging and talking bus capabilities.
Project leader: Robin Martin
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: The five new buses should be at the Grand Canyon by the middle of summer, 2010.
ARRA funding: $3,000,000
Partners: None
Accepting outside solicitations:
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: Install Wastewater Flow Meters to Increase Visitor Health and Safety
Project overview: The purpose of this project is to install physical flow meters to document and register discharge rates (gallons per minute) at two wastewater treatment facilities in Grand Canyon National Park – on the North Rim and at Indian Gardens. Monthly discharge reports are required by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). These reports must include the volume of water discharged to various discharge points. By knowing what is actually being discharged, the wastewater can be treated to its optimum level, which creates a healthier environment for park employees, visitors and Grand Canyon’s resources.
Project leader: Dave Welborn
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: The discharge flow meters will be installed at the North Rim during the fall of 2009 or spring of 2010 and at Indian Gardens by fall 2010.
ARRA funding: $88,000
Partners: None
Accepting outside solicitations:
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: Replace Doors and Paint Exteriors of Historic South Rim Facilities to Improve Energy Efficiency and Appearance (multiple projects)
Project overview: Lack of adequate funding has resulted in the deterioration of many park buildings. This series of projects involves replacing 110 exterior door units and 12 storm doors and painting the exterior of 22 historic units on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This project will preserve valuable park assets. These improvements to the South Rim’s infrastructure will reduce energy loss and rodent proof housing units.
Project leader: Mike Wadsworth
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: Painting of the historic South Rim facilities started May 1, 2009; and has been completed. Door replacement for South Rim facilities is expected to be completed in late 2009/early 2010.
ARRA funding: $181,000
Partners: None
Accepting outside solicitations:
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: Perform Preservation Treatment on 130 Miles of Roads, Phase I
Project overview: This project involves crack sealing, chip sealing, and restriping all paved roads on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Paved road surfaces should receive a pavement treatment on an approximately seven-year cycle to sustain the integrity of the road surface and increase the roadway’s life span. This sealcoat will assure at least seven or more years of service without having to reconstruct the sub base and resurface the asphalt.
Project leader: John Harvey
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: Preservation treatment on North Rim roads will occur during the summer of 2010.
ARRA funding: $2,641,867
Partners: Federal Highways Administration
Accepting outside solicitations: Yes. Please see “Important Links” at the bottom of this page for more information on how to submit a bid for a federal government project.
Road access: Once construction begins, all North Rim roads will remain open, but there could be short delays of up to 15 minutes when driving through construction zones.
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: Repair and Rehabilitate Housing at Supai Camp
Project overview: This project involves the construction of six new housing units at Supai Camp, an area near Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon that has been utilized by members of the Havasupai Tribe since the 1930s. The Camp is home to approximately 10 to 20 people. The six new housing units will replace six existing housing units that are in substandard condition. The existing condition of current housing includes no indoor plumbing (sewer and water), lead based paint on windows, lack of proper insulation, drafty windows and doors, missing siding, leaking roofs, very small size (~350 square feet per unit) and no sprinkler systems. The new units shall meet all current building codes and standards. This project will provide adequate housing units for members of the Havasupai Tribe currently living at Supai Camp.
Project leader: Phil Fessler
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: Approximate start date for this project is September 1, 2009
ARRA funding: $1,101,000.
Partners: Havasupai Indian Tribe
Accepting outside solicitations: Yes. Please see "Important Links" at the bottom of this page for more information on how to submit a bid for a federal government job.
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: Rehabilitate Four Historic and Two Non-Historic Structures at Supai Camp
Project overview: This project involves repairing and rehabilitating five housing units and one outbuilding that already exist at Supai Camp. Repairs will include a complete renovation of the four historic structures. This renovation work will include installing plumbing (running water and sewer), replacing roofing and windows, repainting, and upgrading the interior walls for all units. Residential fire sprinkler systems will also be installed in each of the units. Minor rehab work on the non-historic residence and common bath/laundry facility will include fixture replacement, lighting retrofit, and installation of fire sprinkler systems. Incidental site work includes the replacement of the potable water main to meet fire flow requirements and the installation of a sewer line and lift station.These repairs will vastly improve housing units and living conditions for the members of the Havasupai Tribe that reside at Supai Camp.
Project leader: Phil Fessler
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: This project shall get under way following completion of the other ARRA project at Supai Camp, Repair and Rehabilitate Housing at Supai Camp. This will allow current residents a transition period to move from their existing, outdated housing units to the newly constructed housing units.
ARRA funding: $468,000
Partners: Havasupai Indian Tribe
Accepting outside solicitations:
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: Rehabilitate Historic South Rim Housing Units (multiple projects)
Project overview: Some of the employee housing on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is in substandard condition. This series of projects involves completely rehabilitating three historic housing units on the South Rim. This renovation work will include replacing old windows, exterior doors, and roofs; upgrading electrical systems and plumbing; refinishing and/or replacing floors; repairing foundations; rodent proofing; and installing fire sprinkler systems. This project will protect important park assets along with meeting park management’s goal of improving employee housing.
Project leader: Mike Wadsworth
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: This series of projects is in various stages. Rehabilitation work on some units started May 1, 2009.
ARRA funding: $323,000
Partners: None
Accepting outside solicitations:
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: Replace Shingles on South Rim Quarters (multiple projects)
Project overview: This series of projects involves replacing the roofs on 59 houses and nine garages on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This project will help to protect park assets by weatherproofing the above structures and increasing the life of each roof by 40 years.
Project leader: Mike Wadsworth
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: This series of projects is anticipated to start August 15, 2009 and be completed by November, 2009.
ARRA funding: $194,000
Partners: None
Accepting outside solicitations: Yes. Please see “Important Links” at the bottom of this page for more information on how to submit a bid for a federal government project.
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Project: Rehabilitate HVAC Systems in Fee Management Office and Visitor Interpretation Center (multiple projects)
Project overview: This project includes rehabilitating the HVAC system at the Fee Management Building on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This project will correct health and engineering problems with the current heating and ventilating system. This will greatly improve the work environment for park employees resulting in improved employee performance and morale. Installation of a new HVAC system will allow for the demolition of a non-historic addition to this building. Removing non-historic elements will result in a more enjoyable visitor experience of this historic resource.
This project will also include rehabilitating the interior of the Shrine of the Ages, a visitor interpretation center on the South Rim. The interior is in great need of paint and repairs. This project will assure a clean, presentable and comfortable environment for all visitors and residents to enjoy both in winter and summer. It will also assure handicap accessible laws are followed and provide for a safe approach to the facility.
Project leader: Steve Homan
Park contact: Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer, (928) 638-7779
Project timing: In contracting status
ARRA funding: $558,000
Partners: None
Accepting outside solicitations: Yes. Please see “Important Links” at the bottom of this page for more information on how to submit a bid for a federal government project.
Press release: Not available at this time
Pictures: Not available at this time
Podcasts: Not available at this time
Important Links
For more information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, go to www.recovery.gov. To track the progress of various projects and learn about how ARRA funds are being utilized by the National Park Service and other agencies throughout the Department of the Interior, go to www.doi.gov/recovery.
Creating and saving jobs is a key goal of the Recovery Act. One way this can be accomplished is through federal agencies, such as the National Park Service, awarding contracts to various outside contractors/vendors to assist with specific ARRA projects. National Park Service business opportunities are published on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) Web site, www.fbo.gov, as they become available. To compete for any federal project, vendors must be registered on the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Web site at www.ccr.gov. Registration is free.
Individuals can look for Recovery Act jobs through the federal government by going to www.usajobs.opm.gov and clicking on the link, “Opportunities currently available under the Recovery Act.”
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