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A Win-Win for Arizona's Public Lands and Local Businesses Stimulus Funds Benefit Contractors and Give Face Lift to Public Lands |
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As a result of the stimulus funding, the public can expect better experiences and improved services while visiting public lands in Arizona. Among the projects are rehabilitation and reconstruction of popular roads and trails, as well as capital improvements made to BLM recreational sites and BLM buildings. In 2009, the BLM-Arizona received $17 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to invest in approximately 50 projects statewide. To date, the agency has authorized nearly 90 contracts and nine cooperative agreements totaling more than $11 million to complete parts of the 50 projects. “I am happy to report that we are on track and nearly 83 percent complete with project awards. Most of our projects are either underway or completed,” Kenna said. The BLM selected stimulus projects in Arizona that would have lasting value for the American public. “We wanted to make sure that every dollar was well spent and significant consideration was given to each project,” Kenna said. The stimulus projects selected will restore landscapes, encourage renewable energy development, and engage youth. The projects completed or underway include road improvements, facility maintenance, trail enhancements, cultural surveys, capital improvements, habitat restoration and protection, hazardous fuels reduction, and abandoned mines lands hazard mitigation. Other projects on the horizon include establishing renewable energy upgrades to BLM recreation sites, updates to land status information to facilitate renewable energy authorizations, as well as the development of an environmental impact statement for renewable energy development on previously disturbed lands. The latter project is known as the Restoration Design Energy Project.
The public will also appreciate safety improvements made to abandoned mine features such as the historic Swansea Mine, which is near Parker, Arizona. Mesquite wood removed from the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area in Southern Arizona will be used for furniture construction, firewood, and other private and community-based enterprises. Other projects will improve the habitat and increase protection for the Sonoran pronghorn, black-tailed prairie dog, Mojave Desert tortoise, and various other Arizona wildlife. Bat gates, used in mitigating abandoned mine features, allows bat species to continue their natural activities. And solar power installation will improve several BLM facilities across the state by using renewable energy. If not for the stimulus funding, many of the projects could not be accomplished. The BLM-Arizona expects to finish all of its stimulus projects by December 31, 2011. By Dorothea Boothe
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Arizona is using Federal stimulus money to provide jobs and boost economic recovery. “The BLM in Arizona has pumped millions of dollars into the local economy with stimulus funds,” said Jim Kenna, BLM Arizona State Director.
Many of the stimulus contracts in Arizona were awarded to Arizona-based businesses. “It’s been rewarding for BLM employees to witness how aggressively local businesses positioned themselves to compete for and acquire Federal stimulus funds in their local communities,” Kenna said. “The main focus for BLM staff throughout this process has been putting Arizonans, especially youth and students, back to work. And I believe we are doing just that.”