Arizona lawmaker says Recovery Act funds will improve facilities in the Coronado National Forest
TUCSON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today welcomed $2 million in federal stimulus funds that will be used to repair and restore buildings in Southern Arizona’s Coronado National Forest.
“The Coronado National Forest is a jewel in the crown of Southern Arizona’s public lands,” said Giffords. “The stimulus funding announced Tuesday will ensure that the forest’s millions of visitors can continue to enjoy it for generations to come.”
According to the Department of Agriculture, the Coronado National Forest will use the funds to restore and repair existing fire, administrative and historic buildings. Priority will be given to health and safety items and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The projects will involve various trades such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, roofers, masons, general laborers, equipment operators and contractors. Because the project will involve facilities located throughout Southeastern Arizona, it will provide direct benefits to small, local communities by employing the local labor force.
The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres in Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. It spreads over a dozen mountain ranges and includes Mount Lemmon, Madera Canyon and eight wilderness areas. The forest is among 105 recipients in 36 states that will share $94.6 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The projects are on federal, state and private lands.
A total of four projects in Arizona will share $2,845,000. The others are on the Kaibab National Forest, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and Lynx Lake in Yavapai County.