Washington
DC Office
307 Dirksen Senate
Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-6441
Fax: 202-224-1724
Wyoming Office
P.O. Box 22201
Casper, WY 82602
307-261-6413
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Contact: Cameron Hardy
202-224-6441 |
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National Parks Chairman secures funding for Teton pathways
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November 22nd, 2004 - WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) secured $4 million for the initial phase of the pathways project for Grand Teton National Park.
The Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee said, “This is part of my 20- to 30-year vision to improve the quality and safety of visitor access. Tourism will continue to be a driver for Wyoming’s economy. As I look at our state-wide strategy for improving attractions, national parks play a key role in that plan.”
“The construction of a pathway system will give folks the chance to enjoy the park by walking or riding their bikes, rather than looking out the window of a car or truck. It’s time for pathways to move forward and I’m glad we made this first step,” Thomas said.
The proposed pathways will link the primary destinations in Grand Teton, including the sections of greatest safety concern for visitors. The system will also connect to the Gateway communities of Jackson and Teton Village, enhancing the connection to jobs, motels, and services.
He worked closely with Grand Teton National Park Superintendent, Mary Gibson Scott. The funding was contained in the Treasury and Transportation section of the recently passed Omnibus Appropriations Act.
“In the past few years, two people have been killed while riding their bicycles in the park. We must provide a safe alternative for visitors to access the Park. As the Grand Teton transportation plan moves forward, pathways ought to be a key component of that plan. This funding should allow the park managers to implement a pathways system.
“This is significant news for one of our crown jewel National Parks,” said Thomas Kiernan,
President of National Parks Conservation Association. “Senator Thomas deserves strong praise for his stalwart leadership in securing this pathway funding. It will allow Grand Teton to begin this project that will enhance park access with smart new environmentally sound choices.”
“Throughout the park system, many parks are facing significant transportation challenges,” Kiernan said, “...and I predict Sen. Thomas’ victory for Grand Teton will soon provide a model for all our National Parks showing how integrating bicycle and walking pathways are part of transportation solutions to enhance access to our treasured public lands.”
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| 22nd - |
current Press Release |
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