Highway 64 In Navajo Nation Getting $25 Million For Improvements

Above, along U.S. Highway 64 near Shiprock, New Mexico last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been said that only 11% of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill recently signed by His Fraudulency Joe Biden actually goes to the nation's infrastructure.

Well, at least part of that 11% us going towards highway improvement projects near Shiprock, New Mexico. 

The Farmington Daily Times reported:

FARMINGTON — New Mexico will receive $25 million in federal funding for a transportation project on the Navajo Nation.

Congressional members from New Mexico announced the state was awarded funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has been working to improve the portion of Highway 64 that runs west from Shiprock to the Arizona state line.

The road serves residents in chapters along its route and is used by visitors to reach designations such as the Four Corners Monument and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

I have to admit, Highway 64 and other highways in the Shiprock/Four Corners area could stand for some improving. I was last there back in September of 2020.

To read more, go here. 

Infrastructure Bill Expected To Benefit National Park System

Above, the Grand Canyon's antiquated water system could be finally replaced. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Let me just say at the outset that I am totally against the $1.2 trillion (that's trillion with a "T") that the Democrats and a few RINO Republicans passed in congress and His Fraudulency Joe Biden signed. 

We already have runaway inflation and spending $1.2 trillion in money we don't have (it is essentially printing press money) will only make inflation much worse.

Since it has passed, some of it is earmarked for the national parks system for projects and maintenance that has been languishing for years. 

According to National Parks Traveler:

National parks across the country have no shortage of infrastructure needs that could be tackled with funding from infrastructure legislation signed into law by President Biden.

According to the National Parks Conservation Association, there are numerous park and regional needs that could be met with some of the $1.7 billion the National Park Service expects to receive from the infrastructure package.

"Spread out over five years, the investments will improve roads and bridges, modernize transportation systems, support climate adaptations, and better protect wildlife and motorists, among other crucial projects," the advocacy group said. "The Park Service manages more than 12,600 miles of roads, over 1,440 bridges and 127 transit systems. Nearly 40 percent of park roads need repair, including Blue Ridge Parkway and roadways within Mojave National Preserve, deteriorating bridges at Great Smoky Mountains and flood-damaged roads at Harpers Ferry."

To read more, to here. 

Public Input Sought For Grand Teton National Park Improvements

Above, the Colter Bay Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is proposing some infrastructure improvements to public facilities in the park and the public is invited to provide comments.

According to the Jackson Hole News & Guide:

Employee housing, infrastructure improvements and other changes are being proposed for Colter Bay, Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge and other visitor service areas in Grand Teton National Park.  

The park service is developing an environmental assessment to address proposed improvements to a concessions contract, which provides visitor services. Public comment on the proposals is due by March 5.  

According to a press release this week, the National Park Service has identified several proposed changes to a new concession contract, including accessibility enhancements, infrastructure improvements, structural fire protection and additional employee housing.

To read more, go here. 

California and Electricity

Now for some music:




Thanks to the Democrat Party for allowing California's utilities infrastructure to deteriorate.

Joshua Tree National Park Infrastructure To Be Upgraded

Above, Cottonwood Campground's ampitheater in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Joshua Tree National Park is the closest national park to the greater Los Angeles area and it is straining to accommodate the high numbers of visitors as a result.

But plans are underway to modernize and upgrade the park's infrastructure.

According to LA Magazine:

Joshua Tree is now one of the most-visited national parks, and the park’s aging infrastructure is straining to accommodate everyone. The crowds have meant lines at entry gates, overwhelmed parking lots, stiff competition for camping spots, damage to delicate rock formations caused by climbers, and other stress on the natural environment. Now park officials are considering ways to upgrade facilities–without changing the rugged desert landscape that makes Joshua Tree so special in the first place. 

A number of projects are in the works to update the park experience, inside the park and in the surrounding communities. 

On peak weekends now, the park’s west entrance is prone to bottle necks at the entry gate. To alleviate the congestion, the National Park Service plans to replace the current booth with an updated one located a mile and a half inside the park’s boundary, complete with additional lanes and automated pay stations to speed traffic in and out.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Backing National Park Infrastructure Plan

Above, a couple waits for the next eruption of Old Faithful Geyser. Phto by Armand Vaquer.

For years, congresses have been "kicking the can" when it came to funding repairs to the infrastructure of our national parks.

When President Trump came into office, the backlog was estimated to be $11 billion. Now it is estimated at $12 billion. President Trump is backing a plan to address this backlog.

Now if only congress acts.

KPAX reported:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – President Trump is now backing a plan to pay for $12 billion of badly needed infrastructure improvements at national parks. 

Imagine you’re driving through Yellowstone National Park in, say five years. You very likely won’t see crumbling roads — but, there’s an even higher priority for park managers. 

“We’ve got some housing that’s just abysmal. It’s an embarrassment. We’ve got employees — especially some of our seasonal employees — who live in trailers. Trailers with mold, trailers that need to be replaced,” Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly explained. 

“Visitors rarely ever see the park employee housing, so how does that help them? Well, managers tell us that a happy staff, living in safe and comfortable housing, really does make a difference for park visitors. 

“A huge part of our success in recruiting good talent is having good housing options,” Sholly pointed out. 

“The third priority then will be assessing all of those 1,500 structures within Yellowstone National Park,” added Park spokeswoman Morgan Warthin.

To read more, go here.