Great American Outdoors Act News

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Historic Bridge on Jockey Hollow’s Grand Loop Trail Restored with Funding from the Great American Outdoors Act
National Park Service, New Jersey, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
Twelve people standing on wooden bridge in the forest to cut red ribbon to open bridge to visitors.
9/27/2022
Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), a $79,876 trail bridge reconstruction project in Morristown National Historical Park was recently completed through a partnership with Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School. The project was a priority due to the age of the bridge supports and the erosion of soil and stones along the stream bank that supported the bridge.   
Cuyahoga Valley National Park receives $14 million to improve infrastructure for towpath trail and railroad
National Park Service, Ohio, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
Two people on bicycles on a flat trail surrounded by fall forest colors with the river to the left.
9/27/2022
 Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) has received approximately $14 million through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) to assure continued access to recreational experiences in CVNP. The project will stabilize the riverbank at sites along the Cuyahoga River where erosion threatens the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the tracks for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Statue of Liberty National Monument to begin $22M infrastructure improvement project
National Park Service, New York, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
The Statue of Liberty stands on the left side of photo with the city skyline in the background
9/21/2022
The National Park Service has awarded a $22 million construction contract to make repairs to the historic fort that serves as the foundation for the Statue of Liberty and its pedestal. Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the project will make drainage and safety improvements that will help preserve the structure and enhance accessibility for visitors.  
Upcoming Updates will Refocus Mission & Vision of Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
A modern building with various walkways and overlooks on the edge of an expansive field.
9/16/2022
The National Elk Refuge is working with partners, including the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Grand Teton Association, U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service, to reimagine its visitor services role in the valley and refocus the operations of the existing Visitor Center to better meet the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Mammoth Cave National Park receives $6.5 million in funding to rehabilitate popular cave trail
National Park Service, Kentucky, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
A dozen people stand in a line on a bumpy dirt trail in a dimly lit rock cave.
8/29/2022
Mammoth Cave National Park will receive approximately $6.5 million from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) to rehabilitate about one mile of cave trail inside Mammoth Cave starting in fall 2022. The project will address deferred maintenance associated with these facilities, visitor safety, tour experience, and natural and cultural resource protection from the New Entrance to the Frozen Niagara entrance.
Golden Gate NRA receives $35 million for Alcatraz infrastructure project
National Park Service, California, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
A view of the dock at Alcatraz Island with the cell house and lighthouse in the background
8/23/2022
Golden Gate National Recreation Area will receive approximately $35 million in Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) funding for an infrastructure project on Alcatraz Island, the park’s most visited site. The project will repair and seismically strengthen the concrete wharf on Alcatraz Island, a contributing feature of the Alcatraz Island National Historic Landmark District.
Natchez Trace Parkway receives funding to rehabilitate 83 miles of the parkway in Mississippi
National Park Service, Mississippi, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
A paved road with a crack down the center line. Grass and trees line the roadway.
8/19/2022
Through funding from the Great American Outdoors Act’s (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund and Federal Highway Administration’s National Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) Program, the National Park Service (NPS) will receive approximately $130.6 million to rehabilitate 83 miles of Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi.
National Park Service Releases Video Series on Texas White House
National Park Service, Texas, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
Texas White House at sunset surrounded by huge oak trees.
8/19/2022
On Sunday, August 21st, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park launchedTexas White House: Past, Present, and Future, a series of short educational videos on the history and importance of the Texas White House and LBJ Ranch. The first three episodes will highlight the history of the land. The last two episodes cover the National Park Service’s efforts to open the Texas White House to the public in 2008 while addressing the challenges of protecting and preserving the historic buildings and landscapes of the Texas White House Complex.
NPS Director visits Acadia National Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument 
National Park Service, Maine, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
Two uniformed men stand in front of buildings, one holding an image of a building.
8/4/2022
National Park Service (NPS) Director Chuck Sams visited Acadia National Park to see infrastructure improvements that are part of a concerted effort to address deferred maintenance and repair needs in national parks. A variety of funding sources are tackling Acadia’s estimated $134 million in deferred maintenance and repairs, led by $30+ million provided by the Great American Outdoors Act.
BLM breaks ground on Grub Dam rehabilitation GAOA project
Bureau of Land Management, Montana, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
Heavy equipment is being used to dig up the ground.
8/4/2022
Great American Outdoors Act funding is giving the Bureau of Land Management’s Grub Dam a new lease on life in Valley County, Montana. Workers recently broke ground on a rehabilitation project to restore the 58-year-old dam.
Great American Outdoors Act Makes Public Lands More Accessible
Orange sunset in cloudy sky reflected on body of water with plants and a tree in the foreground
8/4/2022
The nation’s public lands are for everyone, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is celebrating the two-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, which is helping make greater access possible. With its nearly $100 million per year to reduce the maintenance backlog at refuges, the Great American Outdoors Act ensures more people have better access to nature.
Final Environmental Assessment for Replacement Visitor Center
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
A modern building with various walkways and overlooks on the edge of an expansive field.
7/30/2022
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced availability of the final Environmental Assessment (EA) for a replacement visitor center on the National Elk Refuge (Refuge). Breaking ground on a completely redesigned facility, made possible in part by Great American Outdoors Act funding, is anticipated in 2025.
Making every drop of water count at Central Valley refuge
Ducks fly past trees and brush
7/29/2022
Over a ten-month period, beginning in 2021, a crew of four USFWS employees accomplished six projects at the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge to improve water efficiency and replace outdated infrastructure with materials sourced from local companies. The work, which improved wetland habitat for migrating birds, was supported by funding from the Great American Outdoors Act.
Interior Department Announces Fee-Free Day on Public Lands to Celebrate Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary
Bureau of Indian Education, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Press Release
Kayakers paddle down the Rio Grande at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
7/29/2022
On August 4, designated as “Great American Outdoors Day,” the Department of the Interior will celebrate the two-year anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). To support the Department’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to public lands, entrance fees will be waived on Aug. 4 at all fee-collecting public lands managed by the Department.
Idaho Refuge Begins $7.8 Million Project
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho, Great American Outdoors Act, Press Release
A pond with tall grass in the foreground and snowcapped mountains in the background.
7/26/2022
The Camus National Wildlife Refuge has kicked off a $7.8 million project with Great American Outdoors Act funding. The project will rehabilitate the water delivery systems of Camas NWR, improve wildlife habitat, enhance public access to better support visitors with disabilities, and improve roadways to support birdwatchers, photographers and hunters. 

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