WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced that the Cape Cod National Seashore, Adams National Park, and the Boston Harbor Islands will receive federal funding for vital renewable energy, building maintenance, and wastewater treatment projects.

“These funds will be used to fix trails, invest in energy efficient vehicles and buildings, and finally complete overdue maintenance on buildings and roads in our national parks,” said Delahunt. “I am pleased that the federal government is using some recovery dollars to help to preserve national treasures such as the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Adams National Park."

The funding was included as part of an investment of $750 million nationwide in our national park system under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, part of more than $3 billion the Interior Department is investing in the nation’s economy under President Obama’s recovery plan.

In Delahunt’s district, the Adams National Park will receive $311,000 to install solar panels and undergo important maintenance repairs of the Historic Beale House.   

The Cape Cod National Seashore will receive $4.2 million for various projects including funds for

• Completing the Installation of HVAC and Wastewater Systems at the Salt Pond Visitor Center and Atlantic  Research Center
• Expanding Existing Storage Facility to Fully House Existing Fire Equipment
• Installing a Backup Generator for the Fire Suppression System at the Historic Race Point Ranger Station.
• Installing Fire Suppression Systems in Three Historic Highland Structures, including Highland Light and Highland House.
• Purchasing two alternative fuel trams and trailers – These units are the trolley system used to transport park users to and from parking areas and attractions and they run on biodiesel.  The new equipment will allow for expansion of this service.
• Rehabilitating the Province Lands Bike Trail – This funding will allow for the completion of a 7 mile web of trails in the Province Lands portion of the park. These trails connect parking areas and attractions and allow users access to the wilderness areas of the park on paved bikeways.
• Rehabilitating the Historic Province Lands Visitor Center – This facility is in desperate need of structural improvements including new doors, windows and replacement of an exterior deck.

The Boston Harbor Islands will also receive $177,000 for a number of park improvements.

According to the National Park Service (NPS) all projects released today are priorities based on NPS capital planning process. With an array of projects identified by stakeholders as critical, the service worked through a rigorous merit-based process to identify investments that met the criteria put forth in the Recovery Act: namely, that a project addresses the Department’s highest priority mission needs; generates the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and creates lasting value for the American public.

-30-