Secretary Salazar Announces $86,000 For Infrastructure Improvements
and Youth Employment at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri will receive $86,000 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding will be used to begin the design of a new water control structure, evaluate a 40-foot bridge and to provide summer employment opportunities for local youth.
“The economic recovery investments that the Department of the Interior is making will create jobs by building trails, restoring habitat, upgrading visitors’ centers, and protecting national treasures in communities across America, while leaving a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren,” said Secretary Salazar.
The funding will allow the refuge to contract for the design of a water control structure needed to replace an existing structure that is beyond repair. The water control structure allows the refuge to manage water flows in order to mimic natural water levels and provide feeding, nesting and resting areas for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife. Additional funding will go toward the evaluation of an existing 40-foot vehicle bridge that provides access to the southwest portion of the refuge. The bridge is in poor condition; and if the evaluation determines the bridge should be removed, funding will likely help with some of the planning needed to remove and rebuild the bridge.
Finally, the refuge will use some of the funds to hire youth to work on the refuge as part of the Youth Conservation Corps. This program provides summer employment for youth between the ages of 15 and 18 and provides them an opportunity to work, earn, and learn by doing projects that further the development and conservation of our nation’s natural resources.
“The Midwest Region has a long tradition of enjoying the fish, wildlife, lakes, rivers and prairies we are so fortunate to have," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius. “The projects we will undertake in the Midwest as part of ARRA will provide jobs, increase the energy efficiency of government buildings, protect and enhance our natural resources, provide greater opportunities for people to enjoy those natural resources, and perhaps most importantly, help current and future generations understand and share our passion for the natural world.”
The project costs listed are maximum amounts authorized and not set prices to complete the described projects. All projects are subject to federal rules and contracting practices to ensure appropriated funds are spent in a legal, accountable and transparent manner. All projects are subject to a competitive bidding process and contractors should bid each project based upon the complete project description.
Funding for these projects and hundreds more across the nation comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Of the $3 billion appropriated to the Department of the Interior, the Act provides $280 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – which includes $115 million for construction, repair and energy efficiency retrofit projects at Service facilities, and $165 million for habitat restoration, deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects. The Service will benefit from an additional $10 million, which is administered by the Department of Transportation and is not included in the Service’s $280 million appropriation that will be used to rebuild and improve roads on several national wildlife refuges. Projects will immediately create local jobs in the communities where they are located, while stimulating long-term employment and economic opportunities for the American public.
Recovery Act projects address long-standing priority needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its capital planning process. The Service worked through a rigorous merit-based process to identify and prioritize investments meeting the criteria put forth in the Recovery Act: namely, that a project addresses the Department’s highest priority mission needs; generates the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and creates lasting value for the American public.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Department of the Interior is making an investment in conserving Americas timeless treasures – our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage – while helping middle class families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, employing youth and promoting community service.
For a full list of funded projects nationwide, go to the Department’s Recovery Web Site at http://recovery.doi.gov/">. For a list of Service projects, click on the Service’s logo at the bottom of the page. Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department of the Interior’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the recovery web site, which will include an interactive map that enables the public to track where and how the Department’s recovery dollars are being spent. In addition, the public can submit questions, comments or concerns at recoveryact@fws.gov.
Secretary Salazar also has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force. Henderson and the Task Force will work closely with the Department of the Interior’s Inspector General to ensure the Recovery Program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility and transparency that President Obama has set.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov .
