Latest News: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Stimulus benefits some local parks
April 23, 2009 12:36 am
By RUSTY DENNEN


Some area national parks got greener on Earth Day.

The National Park Service yesterday announced that they are among projects around the country winning economic stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Locally, the dollars will be used mainly for infrastructure improvements, such as maintenance, equipment and painting.

"It may not be too exciting to other people, but we're happy to hear it," Russ Smith, superintendent of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, said yesterday.

The park oversees more than 8,000 acres, focusing on the Fredericksburg, Wilderness, Chancellorsville and Spotsylvania Court House Civil War battlefields.

They will be receiving about $1.1 million in all. Part of that will go toward a fire suppression and detection system to protect the museum collection at the Stonewall Jackson Shrine in Caroline County.

The remainder will replace heating and air-conditioning equipment at Fredericksburg Visitor Center and other park historic buildings, and go toward painting.

The money is needed because the park's maintenance budget has been slashed in recent years.

Manassas National Battlefield Park will get $211,000 to paint the historic Thornberry and Sutton houses, reline chimneys in other historic structures, remove vegetation and repoint masonry at Hooe Cemetery and Chinn House.

Prince William Forest Park will receive $5.5 million, mostly for resurfacing 11 miles of road and parking areas, rehabilitating 13 historic structures in Camp Pleasant, and replacing windows and doors at Cabin Camp.

Shenandoah National Park will get the most money among parks in the region, about $17 million.

That will be for utility improvements at Thornton Gap, re-paving 11 miles of Skyline Drive, improving overlooks on the scenic highway, and for rehabilitation and maintenance of historic structures.

About $55 million will go toward work on the National Mall in Washington.

"These projects are an investment in America's future that will create jobs, stimulate the economies of local communities and get our country moving again," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said yesterday.

About 800 park projects nationwide will receive about $750 million.

Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431
Email: rdennen@freelancestar.com


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Copyright 2009 The Free Lance-Star Publishing Company.

Online at: http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2...4232009/461453

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

I am going to piggyback on Mr. Dabney's post because these are very similar.

By Staff Reports

Published: April 23, 2009

Virginia will receive $27 million in stimulus funds from the National Park Service for 37 projects to upgrade facilities at national parks and historic sites.

The funding includes $579,000 for work at Richmond National Battlefield Park. Projects slated there include demolition of structures and removal of debris at Malvern Hill; elimination of trees that could prove hazardous to visitors; exterior repairs at Chimborazo Medical Museum; energy-efficiency projects and trail repairs.

The funding also includes $563,000 to rehabilitate the Pennsylvania Monument in Petersburg, which pays tribute to the dead of the 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers; and $94,000 for structural and cosmetic repairs at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site.

Nationally, the Park Service is spending $750 million in almost 800 projects under the stimulus act.

"The $27 million dedicated to preserve, protect and provide long-deferred maintenance to Virginia's rich historical and natural sites will help stimulate local economies and invest in the history of our nation," said Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va.

The Virginia funding includes $17 million for multiple projects at Shenandoah National Park, including rehabilitation of 11 miles of Skyline Drive and 16 overlooks; $5.5 million for Prince William Forest Park; $1.1 million for the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial and $172,000 for repairs at Appomattox Court House. -- Andrew Cain

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/new...223254/263083/

Here is another article concerning the money that Gettysburg received. It was difficult to copy over here so Ill just copy the link over.

http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_12202187

Drew A. Gruber

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Re: Pennsylvania Monument Repairs

Monument to get $563,000 facelift

BY MICHAEL BUETTNER
STAFF WRITER
Published: Friday, April 24, 2009 4:13 AM EDT
PETERSBURG — A historic monument to a distinguished Union military unit is due to get some relief in its own battle against time and vandals.

The National Park Service has announced that the Pennsylvania Monument on Wakefield Street near Walnut Hill Elementary School will receive $563,000 for repairs to the granite obelisk and its bronze statues.

The money has been approved under the federal economic stimulus program that give out $27.2 million for Virginia historical and recreational projects.

The funds also will pay for replacement of 22 bronze rails that were stolen from the monument almost two years ago, said Bob Kirby, superintendent of the Petersburg National Battlefield.

“That Pennsylvania Monument has suffered mightily the past few years,” said Kirby, whose department oversees the site. “The bronze railings around the base were stolen when the price of bronze and copper was high. It’s also been hit by cars on several different occasions. That’s why you see those Jersey walls there now.”

Kirby said attempts to track down whoever stole the railings were unsuccessful. “I sent my chief ranger to every single metal-recycling place, 11 of them, from Richmond to North Carolina,” he said. “Nobody knew anything about it.”

Restoring and stabilizing the monument has been on the Park Service’s to-do list for some time, Kirby noted. “We’ve been working with our monument experts in the Northeast region for some time to get the exact specifications ready,” he said. The project will be submitted for bids in the near future, and Kirby said he expects to have a contract signed by the end of this year.

The 100-year-old monument honors the all-Pennsylvania Third Division of the IX Corps from the Army of the Potomac, which on April 2, 1865, captured the Confederates’ Fort Mahone near the memorial site. President William Howard Taft attended the dedication of the monument on May 19, 1909.

Other Virginia projects receiving stimulus funds from the Park Service include repairs and refurbishment at the Maggie L. Walker historic site in Richmond, the McLean House at Appomattox Courthouse, visitors’ centers and other buildings at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania battlefield parks, and multiple sites along Skyline Drive.

• Michael Buettner may be reached at 722-5155 or mbuettner@progress-index.com.

Online at: http://progress-index.com/articles/2...70779_top2.txt

[Arkansas Box Boy]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

PEA RIDGE - Excitement filled offices at the Pea Ridge National Military Park on Thursday as staff members learned the park will soon receive a $151,000 grant.

The money is part of $700 million set aside for the National Park System as a part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, President Barack Obama's stimulus plan.

"The money will be benefiting both large parks such as Yellowstone and small parks such as Pea Ridge," said Sherri Modine, facilities manager for Pea Ridge National Military Park.

The $151,000 will pay for replacing a leaking roof on the Visitors Center and for removing ice-storm debris from the park's trail systems, in addition to installing new culverts, Modine said.

Some of the stimulus money will be used to hire people through the Arkansas Workforce Center in Fayetteville to help the park's staff get caught up on day-to-day activities, Modine said.

"Hiring more people will help stimulate the economy. Contracting things out will help stimulate the economy," Modine said of the park's plan to use the $151,000.

Once the stimulus money is spent, the park will have its first round of large improvements in more than 10 years, Modine said.

"The visitor is going to be able to see some real tangible changes," Modine said. "Visitors to the park have always noticed some changes in tiny bits, but it has been 10 years since the last big change."

[csabugler]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

This is great news, and thanks to Jim K for keeping it from becoming a political discussion/rant.

[Strawfoot]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

Not that I'm not appreciative, because I am, but hasn't the Federal government always found ways to get money to the parks in some fashion? Is it news now, only because it's part of the current administration's 'Stimulus' bill?

This whole thread's politicized. And brilliantly crafted I may add.


Mike Phineas
Arlington, TX

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

Mike & Mods
Well the inherent problem with the articles, or news in general is that it will always either be written with a bias or taken as being biased. In either case it is important to extract from it the information pertinent to our interests. Obviously preservation is directly related to Living History regardless of political persuasion or biases. Even if you do not donate a cent, wearing the uniform (even not Approved AC Vendor supplied) is a form of preservation through public memory.

That being said, Yes the Government must get money into the Park Service without funding it would obviously falter. Other organizations such as the CWPT work best with matching ratios for instance. These ratios are not rendered without various types of funding whether it be directly or indirectly from the State or Federal Government. State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) also rely a great deal on Federal monies. Without them many of the inter workings of preservation which we see in a more tangible manner would falter. These are just two of the many ENDLESS examples, which are not limited to cultural resources directly. For instance highway and transportation monies, as well as environmental initiative are often called into assist in Battlefield preservation.

However it appears that many of these funds seem to be filling voids and gaps within both the Park Service and other organizations. For instance it seems in the articles posted below they are being used to do jobs which appear to have been on the back burner such as this Roof at Pea Ridge and Monument at Petersburg. Having been involved in parks & preservation at all levels I can say it is normally these jobs which get put off and off and off until they absolutely have to be done- all because of budgeting issues.

Scrolling through Thomas there have been a number of legislative pieces throughout time, without apparent bias to one party or another which have put extra emphasis on the Park Service. Rarely has there been concerted efforts towards SHPO's/etc but those noted were bipartisan.

In short, I apologize if you find it politicized. Unfortunately as mentioned there will be one party or another in office when these preservation efforts happen, and obviously various papers with different affiliations will report them.

Drew A. Gruber

[Strawfoot]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

Lost in all this is the absolutely heroic job the park rangers and other preservation types do to jump all over this money and put it to the best uses. This reminds me of the Shiloh Living History a few years back.

We were touring the battlefield up around the Shiloh Church and came across a wrought iron marker for the 53rd Ohio. This is the rookie regiment who's colonel kept badgering Sherman before the battle about rebs being off in the brush, and who Sherman told to "take his damn regiment back to Ohio."

When the attack started they were hammered pretty good, but held their ground up until the moment their colonel got shot. Anyhow, the unit marker had been cracked and spot welded back together. I always wondered if the park would get around to fixing that marker, as those boys deserved that and much more.

Anyhow, that would be a worthwhile destination for "O"s stimulus money...


Mike Phineas
Arlington, TX

[LWhite64]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

Well you should see an impact at Chickamauga, our maintenace crew has been basically doubled and there is about to be a lot less Chinese Privet on the battlefield.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

Along the Shiloh front... The 12th Iowa Camp Marker has been gone for years. Would like to see it get replaced. David Reed was in Company C of the 12th Iowa. He IS the reason for the markers around the battlefield. Most of the 12th got captured leaving the Hornets Nest April 6. About 16 years ago I was able to look at their field desk at Upper Iowa University. It was in a store room with drama costumes etc piled on top of it. I told the rangers at Shiloh and e-mailed back and forth with Timothy Smith. They would like to have it...

Sorry to leave the discussion. But to me Shiloh is special.

[Mtn.Guerilla]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

Well you should see an impact at Chickamauga, our maintenace crew has been basically doubled and there is about to be a lot less Chinese Privet on the battlefield.

Lee, I did want to compliment the park on the work being done to thin out all the thickets, and restoring the battlefield to an 1863 condition. My 6 year old son and I spent the afternoon there visiting the museum and flying kites. We spent alot of time near Wilders Tower and I couldn't believe how much work had been done to the opposite tree line. We even spent some time in the tree line cleaning up "things the soldiers didn't have", as my son says !

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

Petersburg monument due for a makeover

Published: Sunday, May 10, 2009 4:12 AM EDT

The Pennsylvania Monument on Wakefield Street is due to get a major overhaul.

The National Park Service recently announced that the Pennsylvania Monument will receive $563,000 for repairs to the granite obelisk and its bronze statues. The money has been approved under the federal economic stimulus program that give out $27.2 million for Virginia historical and recreational projects.

The funds also will pay for replacement of 22 bronze rails that were stolen from the monument almost two years ago.

The 100-year-old monument honors the all-Pennsylvania Third Division of the IX Corps from the Army of the Potomac, which on April 2, 1865, captured the Confederates’ Fort Mahone near the memorial site.

The announcement to refurbish the Pennsylvania Monument couldn’t come at a better time. Next week, on May 19, will be the centennial of the monument’s dedication. On May 19, 1909, President William H. Taft came to Petersburg to dedicate the monument.

During the dedication ceremony, Taft stressed reconciliation.

“The contending forces of half a century ago have given place to a new North and a new South, and to a more enduring union in whose responsibilities and whose glorious destiny we equally and gratefully share,” Taft said.

The monument stands for more than the Union soldiers of the IX Corps. It stands for the reconciliation of North and South.

Now the monument will get a much needed makeover.

In addition to the theft of the bronze railings, the monument has been hit by cars several times. Jersey barriers currently surround the base of the monument.

Restoring and stabilizing the monument has been on the Park Service’s to-do list for some time. “We’ve been working with our monument experts in the Northeast region for some time to get the exact specifications ready,” said Bob Kirby, superintendent of the Petersburg National Battlefield.

In the near future, the Pennsylvania Monument will be restored to what it was when it was dedicated 100 years ago. That is an important development in order for Petersburg to continue to protect its history and to promote historic tourism.

Online at: http://www.progress-index.com/articl...498248_edi.txt

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Re: Stimulus Money Benefits Four Virginia National Parks

Stimulus money will help spruce up parks
September 28, 2009 12:36 am

BY RUSTY DENNEN


Federal stimulus money is flowing to Virginia's national parks, including one in the Fredericksburg area.

But it will be months before much of the work--intended to quickly create jobs and stimulate the economy--is finished.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park received $1.1 million, most of which is earmarked for heating and cooling equipment upgrades at the Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville visitor centers and the Chatham headquarters.

Other projects include painting at multiple locations and a fire-protection system at Stonewall Jackson Shrine in the Caroline County community of Guinea.

The shrine is where Confederate Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson died in May 1863 after being mistakenly shot by his own men.

Russ Smith, superintendent of the military park, said everything is still in the contracting phase.

"We're moving as fast as we can. The contracts are not all out."

Replacing the heating and air-conditioning equipment "is pretty complicated because we're having to replace entire systems," Smith said, adding: "That's just in time. All three went down this spring."

The work at Jackson Shrine could be completed within about six months, he said.

The 8,000-acre battlefield park is one of the nation's largest devoted to the Civil War. It includes the Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House battlefields and related sites.

Twelve Virginia national parks received a total of $27.2 million under the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama in February. The funds must be obligated or spent by Sept. 30, 2010.

Parks include the Appalachian Scenic Trail, Appomattox Court House National Historic Park, Colonial National Historical Park, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Petersburg National Battlefield, Richmond National Battlefield Park, Shenandoah National Park, Prince William Forest Park and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

Prince William Forest Park, off Interstate 95 about 20 miles north of Fredericksburg, got $5.5 million to resurface 11 miles of road and parking areas, and for culvert repair. One project will replace roofs, siding and deteriorating structural elements on 13 historic cabins that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

George Liffert, the park's deputy superintendent, said the road project is being coordinated through the Federal Highway Administration.

"We expect an award on that as early as March," he said. The job should be completed next summer.

An environmental assessment has been done on the cabin work, Liffert said. The park is hiring six people to work on the project, which should be finished by next September.

Shenandoah National Park received $17 million, the lion's share of Virginia's national park stimulus money.

That's being used for installing water lines and demolishing a parking area at Thornton Gap, painting administrative buildings, paving 11 miles of the 105-mile Skyline Drive, rehabilitating 16 historic overlooks, and smaller maintenance and road projects.

The park runs from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It encompasses 196,466 acres.

Approximately $750 million in stimulus money went to national parks, hit by years of shrinking budgets. Capital improvements have been put off, along with routine items visible to visitors, such as grass-cutting, seasonal employment and upkeep.

Many of the nation's nearly 400 national parks submitted proposals for a share of the stimulus money.

Priority was given to "shovel ready" projects intended to improve parks' energy efficiency and renewable-energy use, road improvements, building restoration at historically black colleges, and cleaning up abandoned mine sites.

Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431
Email: rdennen@freelancestar.com


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Copyright 2009 The Free Lance-Star Publishing Company.

Online at: http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2...9282009/495912