The project, which included $1.6 million provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, delivers code-compliant services for potable water, firefighting, and water storage. Additional financing was provided by the National Park Service Line-Item Construction Fund.
Near hiking trails and the Giant Forest Grove featuring the mighty General Sherman Tree, Lodgepole is one of the park's most popular destinations. Located at 6,700 feet in elevation along the scenic Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, the Lodgepole area includes a visitor center, concessions market, food services facility, concession maintenance facility, 214 campground sites, eight restrooms, and 40 employee residences. The upgraded components will reduce deferred maintenance and repairs and prevent shutdowns caused by leaks and failures in the remote water system.
“We expect this upgraded system to provide substantive benefits to employees and visitors,” said park Superintendent Clay Jordan. “Key improvements include the installation of fire hydrants, a water main replacement, and road surface repaving to reduce hazards related to driving and snow removal.”
The Great American Outdoors Act is part of a broad effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA's Legacy Restoration Fund is allocating up to $1.3 billion annually for five years to enhance national parks, ensuring their preservation and providing opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.
For more information about GAOA efforts across the National Park Service, click here.
Source and photo: NPS
