Twenty-two national parks in California will get a portion of $97 million to repair historic buildings, install solar panels, and fix trails.
"Solar panels will be installed in the headquarters building at Fort Mason, and the former Army base chapel will be made accessible to people with disabilities. Abandoned houses at Fort Barry will be demolished, and numerous historic buildings will be upgraded. Muir Woods will receive $631,000, most of which will be used to demolish four abandoned structures in Camino del Canyon.
'One of the problems with the park service over the past few years has been deferred maintenance,' said Chris Powell, spokeswoman for GGNRA. 'We have trails and buildings parkwide that need rehabilitation. These projects will result in some of the tattered ends of the park being taken care of.'"
"The Point Reyes seashore is getting $3.1 million for seven projects. Among them are campground rehabilitation at Tomales Beach as well as solar-panel installations at a park youth hostel, visitor center and at a historic telegraph station. Trails, overlooks and exhibits will be built at the scenic new Giacomini wetlands near Point Reyes Station.
'Not only are we able to take care of some of the backlogged maintenance work and have a smaller carbon footprint,' said John Dell'Osso, chief of interpretation for the Point Reyes seashore, 'but we will be able to generate jobs in the local community and stimulate youth participation.'"
FULL STORY: $97 million awarded to state's national parks
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