The Department of the Interior announced that $25 million in funding made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure law will address the Pretty Rocks landslide in Denali National Park and Preserve. The project will help protect the state’s outdoor recreation economy and ensure safe and full access to the park sooner than expected. The landslide has been active since the 1960s, but in 2014 maintenance crews noticed a substantial speed up which has caused road restrictions that has deteriorated Denali Park Road.
Before work begins on a fix for public access past the Pretty Rocks landslide, Denali National Park will complete its planning through the Polychrome Area Improvements Environmental Assessment, which is available for a 30-day public review and comment period until February 13, 2022. The National Park Service will also hold two virtual public meetings during the comment period. Click here for more information.
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams:
“Investing in a permanent and sustainable solution for access at Denali National Park is exactly the type of project the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is intended to fund. We’ll be able to expand access to the outdoors, protect America’s public lands, and safeguard critical park infrastructure.”
The current budget proposal allocates $53 million in funding for the design and implementation of Phase I, which includes a bridge at Pretty Rocks. Road access through Polychrome isn’t anticipated during the first phase. An additional $65 million would be required to complete Phase II, and would be implemented at a later date with anticipated road access through Polychrome during this phase. Click here for more information.
The new funding stream will help the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration, which has been working to identify funding and contracting opportunities to speed up the project schedule, to begin the phased work this year and complete a permanent solution one year earlier than initially planned.
Acting Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell:
“We look forward to getting started on a long-term solution at Pretty Rocks. During construction, visitors will continue to have access to great wildlife viewing, views of Denali, front-country trails and backcountry hiking and camping. Denali is ready for visitors in 2022 and will continue to work with our neighbors, inholders and partners to ensure an unforgettable Denali experience throughout the construction phase.”
Click here to learn more.
