As families embark on August vacations to our majestic national parks, today the House of Representatives gave final approval to a massive federal transportation bill that includes $96.9 million over the next four years to deploy congestion reducing and environmentally friendly alternative transportation projects in the national parks, announced U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), the House proponent of the provision.
"Our national parks were created to be havens from such daily frustrations as traffic problems. Funding alternative forms of transportation within our crown jewels is critical to enhancing the visitor experience as well as protecting precious wildlife habitat," Rahall stated.
Rahall is the Ranking Democrat on the House Resources Committee which oversees national park issues, and is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Recognizing the growing problems our parks and their visitors are experiencing, the Secretaries of Transportation and Interior undertook a study of alternative transportation needs. The study found a pressing need to increase transit opportunities in order to relieve traffic congestion, enhance visitor accessibility, preserve sensitive resources, and reduce pollution.
"Light rail, buses, and even trolleys have long been heralded as methods to decrease congestion, noise and pollution in our highway system. Protecting our parks from those threats is now receiving the investment it so desperately needs," said Rahall who expressed appreciation to U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes for his leadership and years of effort on the issue.
Rahall concluded: "As gas prices continue to soar, Americans should not be burdened with wasted time and money sitting in traffic for the simple pleasure of exploring scenic vistas and hidden treasures in our parks."
![[New for the Democrats - Committee on Resources - U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, Ranking Democrat - 1329 Longworth HOB - Washington, DC 20015]](news_banner.gif)
