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In preparation for the reauthorization of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: A Legacy for Users in 2010 and the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial in 2016, the NPS has prepared a Resource Paper outlining transportation needs through 2016. The focus of the paper is on funding needs and suggestions with regards to legislation to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Park Roads and Parkways Program administered by the Federal Lands Highway Program of the Federal Highway Administration.
Restoring, building, and reshaping the NPS Transportation System in preparation for the Centennial will require $825 million annually in Park Transportation Program funding. A proposed Draft Transportation Improvement Program Plan of projects for a $825 million funding level shows the types of projects that would be funded over the life of the next reauthorization. Highlights of the NPS request include:
Improving the Roads and Bridges System: $644 million annually for roads and $36 million annually for bridges -- $680 million annually
Prepare the National Park System transportation facilities for the 2016 Centennial by bringing all facilities up to an acceptable condition, as determined by the Facility Condition Index (FCI).
Building Unfinished Parkways: $50 million annually
Complete the next phase of the Natchez Trace and Foothills Parkways in time for the 2016 Centennial. The NPS can celebrate a century-long road construction program nearly completed by its Centennial in 2016.
Providing Alternative Transportation Services: $60 million annually
Expand alternative transportation options for park visitors to serve as a model for sustainable transportation. Complete a comprehensive, collaborative, integrated, multi-modal transportation plan for the NPS. Implement the plan in a prudent, logical, economical, and environmentally green approach. Build strong relationships with local, regional, and multi-regional transportation communities.
Restoring Park Trail Facilities: $15 million annually
Bring the NPS trail facilities up to an acceptable condition, meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and ensure an appropriate level of service for all park visitors by the 2016 Centennial.
Planning and Deploying Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): $20 million annually
Use Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies to provide visitors with real-time information on delays from road construction, on weather-related road conditions, on transit arrival times, and on other aspects of travel to and within National Parks to make it more convenient and safer while reducing adverse impacts on natural resources.
Reauthorization Fact Sheets
Several Fact Sheets were created as part of the Transportation Program's Reauthorization efforts. They are meant to provide specific detailed information about the various program areas managed by the Transportation Program. These Fact Sheets include:
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