Conservation projects totaling $20,102,500 which will create thousands of new jobs and extend into virtually every State were announced today by Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall following approval by President Kennedy of additional allotments under the Accelerated Public Works Program.
The new projects bring to $32,101,500 the amount to be administered by the Department under the program which was signed into law by President Kennedy September 14, 1962. The program is designed to help in the initiation and speed-up of State, local, and Federal public works projects that will provide immediate useful work for the unemployed and underemployed in labor-surplus areas.
Of the $20,102,500 just approved, $14,102,000 is for specific projects to be set up in 29 States, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The remaining $6 million will be apportioned among virtually all the States on a matching-fund basis to improve fish and wildlife resources. State projects will be reviewed by the Area Redevelopment Administration, Department of Commerce, prior to the commitment of any funds by the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service.
''The fish and wildlife grants constitute a major increase in the fish and wildlife restoration program," Secretary Udall said. "Federal grants will be matched equally by the States. The projects will develop new fishing grounds for sportsmen, build access roads and trails for hunters, restock streams and lakes, and create havens for wildlife. This program, in which every State is welcome as a participant - along with Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam - will provide employment opportunities while assuring long-range benefits for the outdoorsman. Its benefits will continue to be felt for many years."
Secretary Udall pointed out that the other Accelerated Public Works Projects, specifically earmarked, will provide the equivalent of nearly 1,800 man-years of direct employment. This, he emphasized, will be in addition to that developing from the fish and wildlife restoration program and from those jobs generated as a result of the allocation of $12 million for conservation projects October 31, 1962.
The $20,102,500 in new conservation projects just announced will involve seven bureaus and services in the Department as follows: Bureau of Land Management,
$1,660,000; Bureau of Indian Affairs, $4,361,500; National Park Service, $5,374,000; Bureau of Mines, $182,000; Geological Survey, $80,000; Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, $100,000; and Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, $6,000,000 in grant-in-aid programs and $2,345,000 in direct Federal allotments to various refuges and hatcheries.
Except in the case of Indian reservation jobs, employees for the projects will be hired only through local United States Employment Service offices.
Following is a breakdown of specific projects:
Alaska
Cook Inlet - One Indian village, in Election District No. 2, will be the site of $60,000 in construction and improvements of community centers, providing four man-years employment.
Norton Sound - Community centers at two Indian villages, located in Election District No. 23, will be benefited by construction and improvements costing $120,000 and providing eight man-years employment.
Southeast - Six Indian villages located in Election Districts Nos. 1, 2, J, and 4, will be economically assisted through $364,500 in construction and improvements projects affecting community centers. The equivalent of 19 man-years of local employment will result.
Katmai Project - Construction of a garage, dock and pier, fuel-storage facilities, and a campground under an investment of $100,000 are planned for this National Park area in the 15th Election District. Ten man-years of employment are assured.
Mt, McKinley National Park - In Election District 18, $100,000 will be invested in reconstruction of the Park road. Some 20 man-years of employment will be created.
Arizona
Fort Apache Reservation - An investment of $94,400 will be made to promote erosion control and improve timber stands and soil productivity. The equivalent of 17 man-years work will be provided in Apache, Gila, and Navajo counties.
Gila River Reservation - Eleven man-years of work will result from an investment of $82,000 for the construction of roads, erosion control and the improvement of soil productivity in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
Hualapai Reservation - Under a $25,000 erosion control and soil productivity program in Coconino, Mojave, and Yavapai counties, 4 man-years of work will result.
Navajo Reservation - With a total investment of $882,200, three projects will be undertaken, creating the equivalent of 141 man-years' work in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. Nine miles of primary highway from Ganado south will cost $400,000; a project to control erosion and improve soil productivity will be $282,200; and $200,000 will be invested in timber stand improvement.
Salt River Reservation - In Maricopa County, erosion control, soil productivity improvement, and road improvement, at an investment of $37,800, will result in six man-years of work.
California
Pinnacles National Monument - A $71,000 improvement project in San Benito County will involve the installation of visitor facilities and the placing of bituminous seal on roads used by travelers to this interesting area of spire like rocks, caves, and volcanic features. Seven man-years of work will result.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area $200,000 investment in this new and popular recreation site on Whiskeytown Reservoir in Shasta County will create
24 man-years of employment in establishing parking areas and roads, beach facilities for swimming and boating, and other betterments to encourage use by recreationists.
Kings Range Recreation Area - This scenic spot on public land in Humboldt County will undergo $70,000 in improvements to encourage use by visitors. Seven man-years of employment will be created in constructing a campground, picnic facilities, and foot trails.
Kings Canyon National Park - A $245,000 program is planned for this Fresno County area. Trails, campsites, and other recreation facilities will be provided. Twenty-four man-years of employment will result.
Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Access roads, walks, trails, and safety turnouts will be provided under a $100,000 project employing the equivalent of eight men for a year.
City of Refuge National Historical Park - The sacred grounds of Hawaiian warriors and others of a bygone day will be made more accessible to present-day visitors by a clean-up program, control of exotic plants, and stabilization of picturesque ruins. In all, $175,000 will be invested in this scenic area. The equivalent of 16 man-years of employment will result.
Volcano Observatory Project - A total of $80,000 will be invested in improving this installation of the Geological Survey in Hawaii National Park. Work will include trenching and laying cable, repairing the observatory, and building parking facilities. About 10 man-years of on-site employment will be created.
Idaho
Kootenai Project - In Kootenai County, forest and recreation improvements requiring six man-years of employment will stem from an $80,000 investment on public lands. Planned are construction of five miles of the Latour Creek access road, a new Killarney Creek Campground, trails at Beauty Bay, and acceleration of forest stand and improvements on some 500 acres.
Ontario Project - Some five miles of foot trails and 15 family camping units, along with acceleration of conservation measures on public lands in Payette and Washington counties will result from an $87,000 investment that will supply seven many years of work.
Nez Perce Reservation - $47,300 will be invested in Clearwater, Idaho, Lewis, and Nez Perce counties on erosion control, timber stand improvement, and the improvement of soil productivity. The equivalent of eight man-years of work will be involved in these activities.
Illinois
Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge - Conservation improvements totaling $150,000 have been authorized for this refuge. Sixteen man-years of employment will be created in Calhoun and Jersey counties.
Indiana
Lincoln Boyhood National Monument - Improvements to this Spencer County historic site will be made with $39,000 to be invested in boundary markings, grass seeding, and clearing unwanted growth. The equivalent of six man-years of work will result.
Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park - A $143,000 improvement program is scheduled for this well-known tourist attraction. Work will include new electrical wiring, structural improvements to the cave itself, and construction of a storage building. Approximately 25 man-years of employment will result in Edmonson,County.
Kentucky Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge - A $300,000 project, assuring
30 man-years of employment in Lyon County, will see wildlife facilities improved and a series of additional conservation measures taken. An important element in this project will be the development of recreational facilities for the public visiting this Between-the-Rivers area.
Maine
Acadia National Park - Tourism to this scenic area will be encouraged under a $145,000 program centering on trail reconstruction, creating a swimming beach and pier, and better sanitary facilities. Some 18 man-years of employment in Hancock County will be created.
Craig Brook fish hatchery - This National Fish Hatchery in Hancock County will be the site of $121,000 in improvements, including construction of roads and picnic areas, a water-supply line, and new buildings. The equivalent of 10 man-years of labor will be required.
Maryland
Harpers Ferry_ - Improvements totaling $68,000 will be made at this famed National Monument. Work will include construction of fire-control facilities, better marking of boundaries, and removal of old buildings of non-historic importance. About eight man-years of employment in Washington County will result.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, - Under an investment of $130,000 a dike now under construction will be completed and recreational-facilities will be improved. Some 13 man-years of employment in Dorchester County will result.
Glen Martin National Wildlife Refuge, - Provision of additional wildlife facilities and fulfillment of other conservation measures will result from an investment of $100,000 which also will generate the equivalent of 10 man-years of on-site employment in Somerset County.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal - A $32,000 project in Washington County will center on stabilization of the canal bed and banks. Three man-years of employment will be created.
Michigan
Isle Royale - Betterments totaling $400,000 are scheduled for this National Park in Lake Superior. Work will include removal of old structures, improved fire-control facilities, replacement of wooden lookout towers, building of protective barriers, and reconstruction of docking facilities. Employment equivalent to 40 man-years of work will be created in Keweenaw County.
Jordan River Hatchery - Employment equivalent to more than JO man-years' work will be created under a $400,000 improvement program at the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery in Antrim County. Work will cover construction of concrete raceways, raceway roofs, supply and drainage lines, roads, and picnic areas. Landscaping will be included and fencing installed.
Hiawatha National Fish Hatcher - Under a $60,000 investment, new buildings will be constructed, raceways improved, and betterments effected in utility lines, roads and parking areas, and recreational facilities. The equivalent of five man-years of employment will be created in Chippewa County.
Mississippi
Natchez Trace Parkway - Betterments totaling $528,000 are scheduled for four counties of this scenic area between Nashville and Natchez. They will involve screen planting, drainage improvements, picnic area development, vista clearing, and construction of a visitor center. The four projects will represent the following investments! Attala County, $50,000; Choctaw County, $72,000; Leake County, $180,000; and Madison County, $226,000. The resulting employment in these four projects will total 53 man-years.
Vicksburg National Military Park - With an investment of $400,000 many improvements are to be made in this historic area, including boundary survey and marking, slope stabilization, vista clearing, and the provision of better driveways and parking areas. The equivalent of 80 many years of employment will be created in Warren County.
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge - Development of recreational facilities, wildlife betterments, and other conservation measures are scheduled for this refuge and will create 40 man-years of on-site employment under a $400,000investment in Noxubee and Oktibbeha counties.
Choctaw Reservation - Under a $210,000 program, employing the equivalent of 42 man-years of labor in Attala, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, and Newton counties, reservation roads will be graded and surfaced, costly erosion will be controlled, and improvements will be made in soil productivity and timber stands.
Montana
Blackfeet Reservation - Reemployment of 27 man-years will result in Glacier and Pondera counties under a $165,400 program of grading and surfacing reservation roads, controlling erosion and improving soil productivity, and timber stand improvement.
Crow Reservation - Ten man-years of employment will result from a $90,800 investment in boundary fencing, road improvement, erosion control, and improvement of soil productivity. Work will be in Big Horn and Yellowstone counties.
Flathead Reservation - Reservation roads will be graded and surfaced, and timber stands will be improved under a $50,500 program in Flathead, Lake, Missoula, and Sanders counties. Nine man-years of work will result.
Fort Belknap Reservation - In Blaine and Phillips counties, the construction and improvement of a community center will involve a $46,500 investment and provide the equivalent of four man-years of employment.
Nebraska
Omaha Reservation - An investment of $25,400 will be made in Burt, Cuming, and Thurston counties for erosion control, improvement of soil productivity, and boundary fencing. Four man-years of work will result. Winnebago Reservation - Boundary fencing, erosion control, and soil improvement in Dixon and Thurston counties will provide four man-years of employment under an investment of $25,400.
Camden Project - A surplus Army vessel, now stored at Charleston, S. C., will be moved to Camden County, New Jersey, to be outfitted as a supply vessel for the Fish and Wildlife Service to carry materials between Seattle and the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea. The conversion will cost $100,000 and will create 12 man-years of employment in the Camden area.
New Mexico
Isleta Pueblo - An investment of $68,000 will be made in the construction and improvement of community centers. Six man-years of employment will result in Bernalillo, Valencia, and Torrance counties.
Jemez Pueblo - In Sandoval County, $36,300 will be invested in boundary fencing, erosion control, and improvement of soil productivity, employing the equivalent of five men for a year.
Laguna Pueblo - Under a $105,800 program in Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Valencia counties, 15 man-years of work will result from the grading and surfacing of reservation roads, erosion control, and improvement of soil productivity.
Nambe Pueblo - Construction and improvement of community centers will require
$30,000 and provide three man-years of work in Santa Fe County.
Navajo Reservation - At an investment of $400,000, road construction, timber stand improvement, erosion control and improvement of soil productivity will provide the equivalent of 66 man-years of work in McKinley and San Juan counties.
Picuris Pueblo - The $30,000 construction and improvement of community centers in Taos County will result in three man-years of employment.
Pojoaque Pueblo - An investment of $25,000 will bring about construction and improvement of community centers. The equivalent of three man-years of work will result in Santa Fe County.
Ramah - Road improvements will be made in this Navajo Community for $30,000. The equivalent of four man-years of work will result in McKinley and Valencia counties.
San Ildefonso Pueblo - With an investment of $25,000, erosion control and soil productivity improvement programs will result in five man-years of work in Santa Fe County.
Santo Domingo Pueblo - Thirteen man-years 1of work will result from the construction and improvement of community centers; boundary fencing; erosion control; and the improvement of soil productivity. Work will be done in Sandoval and Santa Fe counties. The investment will total $102,300.
Ohio
Mound City Group National Historical Park - Recreation facilities will be provided under an $85,000 project in Ross County. The equivalent of 12 man-years of employment will result.
Oklahoma
Platt National Park - This improvement project will be in Murray County. A $75,000 program will rehabilitate buildings and provide other betterments for the benefit of tourists. Approximately nine man-years of employment will be generated.
Tishomingo Refuge - At the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall County, $50,000 will be used for road betterments, water-management facilities, building fences, rehabilitating buildings, development of recreational areas, and soil and moisture conservation measures. The equivalent of five man-
Tishomingo Hatchery - At the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, recreational facilities will be installed and many betterments made to hatchery facilities, including replacement and repair of buildings, subdivide ponds, install fencing and curbs, and improve roads. An investment of $121,000 will create 10 man-years of on-site employment in Johnston County.
Iowa - The Iowa Indians in Lincoln County will benefit from the investment of $70,000 for construction and improvement of community centers and the resultant creation of five man-years of work.
Kickapoo - The construction and improvement of community centers for the Kickapoo Indians of Lincoln County will cost $70,000 and create five man-years of work.
Seneca-Cayuga - A program of erosion control and improvement of soil productivity to benefit the Seneca-Cayuga Indians of Delaware and Ottawa counties will involve $30,000 and require six man-years of work.
Oregon
Gold Beach Project - Recreation facilities at Sixes River and timber stand improvements on 185 acres at Bosley and Edson Buttes will create four man-years of work in a $26,000 project in Curry County, Oregon.
Salem Project - A wide variety of recreation and forest improvements near Salem will create 25 man-years of work in a $285,000 program. Recreation sites at Santiam River, Elk Horn Valley, Canyon Creek and Mill Creek, and 25 family recreation sites at Salmon Falls will enhance tourist and visitor attraction Surfacing five miles of the Gooseneck Road, and 15 miles of the Mt. Horeb Road will aid visitor access and timber harvest routes. Timber stand improvements are also listed for the Salem Project in Marion and Polk counties.
Albany Project - A $200,000 project in Linn County, will require 12 man-years of work in surfacing seven miles of the Yellow Bottom segment of the Quartzville road system, improving timber harvest and visitor access. Site improvement measures will be taken on 175 acres of public forests.
Warm Springs Reservation - Timber stand improvement and road improvement will be made for $64,000, creating 10 man-years of work in Jefferson and Wasco counties. Pennsylvania
Fire-Control Project - An $84,000 coal-mine-fire control project will be undertaken by the Bureau of Mines in Northumberland County. The fire threatens a residential area at Coal Run, near Shamokin. The Coal Run project will provide 25 man-years of employment.
El Canton Surface Mined Reclamation Demonstration Project - A $98,000 project on State-owned land in Clearfield, Clinton, and Elk counties will test and demonstrate methods for reclaiming extremely hilly country after completion of surface mining. Twenty man-years of work will be required.
Lamar National Fish Hatchery - This Federal hatchery near Tylersville, Clinton County, will undergo $150,000 in improvements that will include construction of concrete raceways, a water-supply line to various facilities, building of a retaining structure and spring intake, and installation of recreational facilities for the public. The equivalent of 12 man-years of employment will result.
Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery - An amphitheater and sidewalks will be provided in a $29,000 project in Adams County. Man-years of employment will total three.
years of on-site employment will be created.
Independence National Historical Park - Non historic structures will be leveled and historic sites and structures restored under a $273,000 project in the city of Philadelphia. A total of 35 man-years of employment will be created.
South Dakota
Cheyenne River Reservation - An investment of $68,000 will be made for erosion control and the improvement of soil productivity in Dewey and Ziebach counties. Ten man-years of employment will result.
Crow Creek-Lower Brule Reservation - The grading and surfacing of reservation roads will require $38,000 and provide five many-years of work in Buffalo, Hughes, Hyde, Lyman, and Stanley counties.
Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountain -With an investment of $219,000, a wide range of improvements will result in this National Park area in Sevier County, including road sealing, vista clearing, rehabilitation of historic buildings, and construction of trails and trail shelters. About 40 man-years of employment will be provided.
Natchez Trace Parkway - A $131,000 investment will be made in Wayne County and will include construction of water lines, improvements to grounds, and installation of boundary posts. Nine man-years of employment will result.
Utah
Navajo Reservation - In San Juan County an investment of $85,500 will be made for erosion control and improvement of soil productivity, resulting in 12 man-years of employment.
St. George Project - Widespread improvements on several thousand acres of public rangelands will create 21 man-years of work in a $300,000 project in Washington County. Included will be 105 miles of fence, two stock wells, and 15 spring developments. Sagebrush-control measures will improve forage on 4,000 acres of the national land reserve.
Sanpete Project - In Sanpete County, $32,000 will be invested in public land improvements, creating the equivalent of three man-years of employment. Five cattle guards will be built and 20 miles of fencing installed.
Carbon and Emery; Project - Improvements on public land in Carbon and Emery counties will involve an investment of $180,000 and will include construction of 16 family recreation units, replacement of the Bureau of Land Management office building at Price, construction of a storage warehouse, and the cutting of thousands of posts for fencing. The equivalent of 14 man-years of employment will result.
San Juan Project - A total of $400,000 will be invested in public land improvements in San Juan County for construction of recreation facilities at Anticline Overlook, Canyonlands Panorama, Needles View Point and Hatch Point, and building 47 miles of access road. More than 32 man-years of employment will result.
Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway - This heavily used recreation and scenic area will undergo $255,000 in betterments in Carroll County covering soil and moisture control, vista clearing, and addition of picnic facilities. In Grayson County, $111,000 will be invested in similar work. The equivalent of 51 man-years of employment will be created.
Washington
Olympic National Park -In Grays Harbor County, $115,500 will be invested in improving campgrounds and trails and providing other recreation facilities. A total of 16 man-years of work will result.
Lummi Reservation - In Whatcom County, $91,000 will be invested for the control of erosion and improvement of soil productivity; improvements also will be made to a community center, Nine man-years of employment will result.
Spokane Reservation - A $95,000 program for grading and surfacing reservation roads, erosion control, and improvements of soil productivity and timber stands will result in 15 man-years of employment in Stevens County.
Yakima - With an investment of $175,800, reservation roads will be graded and surfaced, erosion control measures taken, and improvements will be made in timber stands and soil productivity. The equivalent of 29 man-years of work will result in Klickitat and Yakima counties.
West Virginia
Harpers Ferry National Monument - Under an investment of $250,000, trails will be improved, vistas cleared, buildings reroofed, and a general cleanup arranged. More than 25 man-years of employment will result in Jefferson County.
Leetown National Fish Hatchery - Installation of recreational facilities and many improvements to the hatchery in Jefferson County, such as building construction, development of a water supply, and a fire-suppression system, and rebuilding of catch basins will result from a $203,000 investment which will create the equivalent of 15 man-years of on-site employment.
Wisconsin
Northwestern Wisconsin Reservations - Several counties will benefit from an investment of $154,000 in timber stand and road improvements, and the creation of 27 man-years of employment.
Puerto Rico
San Juan National Historic Site - A total of $400,000 will be invested in repairs at Morro Castle, Son Cristobal, and El Barico and in constructing parking areas and in general cleanup. A total of 40 man-years of work will result.
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park - This tropical park will have $291,000 in improvements. Historic ruins will be made more presentable, better trails and roads will be provided, vistas cleared, and a general cleanup of facilities conducted. About 30 man-years of employment will be provided on St. John, on which the park is located, and on nearby St. Thomas, St. Croix, and Buck islands.
