Simpson Applauds Announcement of Great American Outdoors Act Projects in Idaho

Press Release

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) that was sponsored by Congressman Mike Simpson and signed into law by former President Trump is now being implemented. The Great American Outdoors Act provides funding that will improve conditions, update and repair aging infrastructure and enhance visitor experiences within our national parks and public lands.

"I've often said we love our national parks to death. The backlog of maintenance to both the parks and forests is overwhelming and that is why I worked hard to make the Great American Outdoors Act law," said Simpson. "Idahoans love to get out and enjoy our public lands and it is rewarding to see the goals of GAOA come to life through these projects."

On August 4, 2020, the bill was signed into law, marking one of the most consequential pieces of conservation legislation in our nation's history. To commemorate this occasion, former Secretary of Interior Bernhardt signed a proclamation declaring August 4th "Great American Outdoors Act Day," which means every August 4th, entrance fees will be waived on Department of Interior lands.

"Our highest priority when implementing the Great American Outdoors Act are those projects that reduce deferred maintenance, are ready to implement and provide the greatest immediate benefit to the public," said Tawnya Brummett, Boise National Forest Supervisor and Chuck Mark, Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisor.

"Each year approximately two million individuals recreate in the Forest. GAOA funding is a great opportunity to improve many of our local facilities and enhance access to these popular areas," said Mel Bolling, The Caribou-Targhee National Forest Supervisor.

"Thanks to public input and our Forest Service employees, rural economies and communities in and around our national forests will benefit from the implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act," said Simpson. "I look forward to getting out on our public lands and seeing these projects upon their completion."

A list of the projects that will be funded in the three national forests in Congressman Simpson's district can be found below.

Boise National Forest

Yellow Jacket, Ten Mile Ridge and Silver Creek Summit Trail Maintenance
Scriver Creek Priority Bridge Replacement
East Fork Burnt Log Creek Priority Bridge Replacement
Boundary Creek -Dagger Falls Road Improvements
Central Idaho Wilderness Complex Priority Area Trails Maintenance
Edna Creek Campground Redesign and Improvements
Toilet Replacements at Buck Mountain, Penny Springs and Trout Creek Campgrounds
Idaho City Compound Water System Reconstruction
Third Fork Project Camp and Recreation Rental Cabin Water System Reconstruction
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Repairing and chip sealing 5.31 miles of road up to Scout Mountain Campground through an agreement with Bannock County.
Improving the Kinney Creek Trailhead by adding gravel, increasing parking spaces, adding kiosks and maintaining the trail
Repaving the Cherry Springs Nature Area and making sure it complies with ABA/ADA standards
Recontouring the Lead Draw Trailhead, removing garbage and installing new signs.
Giving portions of Scout Mountain Campground a much-needed face-lift by restoring picnic tables, installing new toilets, upgrading the water system and ensuring it complies with ABA/ADA standards
Improving the East Fork of Mink Creek Trailhead and Trail #164 by putting in new trail bridges, refurbishing the kiosk, adding water dips and replacing culverts
The Salmon‐Challis National Forest

the Dagger Creek Bridge Replacement
the Boundary‐Dagger Road Repair
the Central Idaho Wilderness Complex Priority Area Trails Maintenance
the Salmon River Road Corridor Recreation Site Maintenance
the Silver Creek Road (Road Forest 60108) Repair
the Central Idaho Wilderness Complex Trails Priority Area ‐ Trail Maintenance
the Salmon‐Challis National Forest Developed Recreation Site Maintenance on Sawtooth National Recreation Area Satellite Sites
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