RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) Government Affairs Team has collaborated with the Department of the Interior on projects that will benefit RVers. A recently-announced project in Great Smoky Mountain National Park will fund $31 million to repair roads, bridges, and overlooks, according to RVIA’s News & Insights report.
The project will also ensure safe access to campgrounds such as Look Rock Campground. The team worked with Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Senator Lamar Alexander to secure the multi-million dollar investment into Look Rock Campground in 2018.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will use $31 million from the Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) to repave the Foothills Parkway West, from Chilhowee Lake to Walland. The 17-mile roadway offers recreation experiences for over 700,000 visitors each year. The rehabilitation plan will comprise the closure of lanes beginning March 14.
“We are pleased to have this opportunity to make these much-needed repairs,” said Acting Superintendent Alan Sumeriski. “With increasing visitation and the completion of the adjacent section of the Foothills Parkway, this area is experiencing more use and more wear and tear. These funds will enable us to make critical improvements to keep the road safely open for access to one of the most scenic driving experiences in the Smokies.”
GAOA funding supports a targeted initiative to tackle the greatest maintenance needs in the Smokies and other national parks across the nation. This initiative will cut over $25 million in deferred maintenance associated with the Parkway, support 400 jobs, and contribute $85.5 million to the nation’s economy.