The USDA Forest Service recently announced in Fiscal Year 2022 it will invest more than $36 million into 49 projects addressing deferred maintenance in the Southern Region. These investments are made from the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) established by the Great American Outdoors Act.
"The Great American Outdoors Act is allowing the Forest Service to address critical infrastructure issues, expand access and meet the growing demand from our public,” said Regional Forester Ken Arney. “These projects will help sustain a well-maintained infrastructure across our region, which ensures a safe and healthy visitor experience when recreating on public lands.”
Building on the LRF success the agency saw in FY 2021, the FY 2022 investments provide the Forest Service with an opportunity to address deferred maintenance backlog on 15 forests and grasslands. When completed, the projects are expected to address nearly $14 million of deferred maintenance and significantly improve the recreation opportunity and safety for all visitors.
The FY22 funding will continue work on numerous projects established in FY21 as well as launch new infrastructure projects on national forests and grasslands. From historic stonework restoration on the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico to bridge replacements and upgrades on the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina, the projects are wide-ranging and aimed at improving visitor experience.
On the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest in Arkansas, funding has been extended to the Bear Creek Lake Spillway rehabilitation project which was also funded in FY21 to mitigate erosion issues.
Ongoing upgrades to what is known locally as the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” the Sherando Lake Recreation Area on the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests in Virginia are to be funded.
FY22 funding will also assist with regionwide upgrades to campground facilities, roads and trails.
The region encompasses 13 states and Puerto Rico. Known as Region 8 within the Forest Service, the Southern Region consists of 14 national forest units and two special units.
