Glacier in line to get $17 million

The National Park Service has announced that it will direct $750 million in federal stimulus money to 800 projects, including more than $17 million for maintenance work in Glacier National Park.

"These projects are an investment in America's future that will create jobs, stimulate the economies of local communities and get our country moving again," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a news release.

Salazar pledged "unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability" in implementing funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Glacier projects include $15.6 million for ongoing restoration work at the historic Many Glacier Hotel. And there is $1.9 million to upgrade facilities to meet disabilities requirements, renovate other historic structures and repair backcountry trails and campgrounds.

"Managers at Glacier are delighted to hear the news of funds coming for much-needed deferred maintenance," said Amy Vanderbilt, Glacier's public affairs officer.

Vanderbilt said "the lion's share of these funds will go towards contracts and to hire people who can do the work through private contractors' rather than hiring additional park staff.

Stimulus money comes with more urgent timelines than typical appropriations, and that will be the case with Glacier's short summer work season, Vanderbilt said.

"We know that all Recovery Act funding must be obligated by Sept. 30 of 2010," she said. "But completion dates would depend on the size and the complexity of the project."

While trail work might be carried out over a couple of months, complicated rehabilitation work at the Many Glacier Hotel will take longer.

The hotel, built by the Great Northern Railway in 1915, has been undergoing a structural makeover since 2000, but funding has been short to complete remaining interior rehabilitation work.

The National Parks Conservation Association applauded Wednesday's announcement.

"These stimulus projects will create local jobs and will enhance the public's opportunity to enjoy Glacier National Park," said Will Hammerquist, the association's Glacier field representative.

Hammerquist noted that additional stimulus funding is expected for ongoing reconstruction of Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road.

"We are looking forward to the pending announcement of stimulus funds for Glacier from the Department of Transportation," he said. "Going-to-the-Sun Road is vital to our region's economy and securing additional funding to complete reconstruction is a top national priority for NPCA."

Yellowstone National Park will receive $14.7 million in stimulus funding.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com