IDAHO FALLS, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced work schedules for road and parking lot seal coating projects at two recreation sites and two river access sites. Allocations to the BLM under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are funding the work. 

 

·          Egin Lake – Is located approximately 7 miles west of St. Anthony and provides access to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. It will be closed from May 17-May 21.

 

·          Menan Butte – Is located approximately seven miles west of Rexburg, Idaho. The Menan Butte area will be closed from May 17- May 21 as crews work to seal coat and strip existing pavement.

 

·          Conant Boat Ramp – The Conant launch sites provides access to the South Fork of the Snake River. It is located near Swan Valley approximately 40 miles east of Idaho Falls. The area will be closed from May 24 – May 28.

 

·          Byington Boat Ramp – The Byington launch site provides another access point to the South Fork of the Snake River. It is located approximately 25 miles east of Idaho Falls. The area will be closed from May 24 – May 28.

 

The ARRA funding will allow the Idaho Falls District to sealcoat 15 facilities with asphalt paved recreation site roads, trails and parking areas. The facilities include five campgrounds, two trail heads and trails, three river access sites, four fire stations and an aerial fire retardant base ramp. For information regarding additional closures and/or changes to closure dates due to weather as staff and contractors complete this work please visit http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/ARRA_idaho/IFD_arra/idaho_falls_district.html.

 

Asphalt pavement should be seal coated at least once every 10 years; otherwise, the asphalt deteriorates to the point that total removal and replacement are required. Proper maintenance of recreation sites and parking areas help ensure a positive experience for recreational visitors, who increasingly expect developed amenities at BLM recreation sites. Maintenance of stations and retardant bases contributes to firefighter and fire equipment safety. This district-wide investment will help eliminate a significant future maintenance and reconstruction costs.

 

The ARRA funding creates jobs for private contractors and will allow an increasing number of visitors to use and enjoy the facilities at these sites. Information about Recovery Act projects on public lands in Idaho is online at http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/ARRA_idaho.html. 

 

ARRA funds are part of a stimulus package that is an important component of the President Barack Obama's plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. 

Under the ARRA, the Department of the Interior is making investments in conserving America's timeless treasures – stunning natural landscapes, monuments to liberty, icons of culture and heritage – while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.