For Immediate Release: December 23, 2009
Contact: Michael Mascari; (303) 236-4336; michael_mascari@fws.gov
Sharon Rose; (303) 236-4580; sharon_r_rose@fws.gov
FFS #R6BK/JG

Green River, Wyoming – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has awarded $2.27 million for the construction of three residential buildings and a bunkhouse on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

McMillen LLC, of Boise, Idaho, will use the ARRA funds to construct the buildings to replace existing rodent-infested structures. The new facilities will be substantially safer and up to 80 percent more energy-efficient. They will have solar heating with radiant floor heating systems. The existing propane-heating system for the two usable houses can cost up to $500 per month to heat.

“The stimulus funds are helping to improve the environment, enhance our facilities, and create job opportunities with projects like this one,” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said. “With this investment, we will help the habitat and benefit the region for years to come.”

The Bureau of Reclamation built the existing structures as temporary housing for workers constructing the Flaming Gorge and Fontenelle Dams for the Colorado River Storage Act in the early 1960s. They moved the houses to the refuge after completion of the project. Over time, the buildings became mice-infested, making them unsafe to occupy. The Service attempted unsuccessful pest mitigation projects in the past and two of the buildings are condemned.

“This is a great example of how Recovery Act funding can benefit the economy, and the environment. To be able to make safe, efficient housing for our employees and visitors while providing jobs and infusing money into the economy creates a win-win situation,” said the eight-state Mountain-Prairie Regional Director Stephen Guertin.

Mara McMillen, owner of the McMillen LLC, said the project would employ dozens of people. In addition to the 40 employees who work for the firm, the project will provide jobs for local plumbers, electricians, suppliers and other workers from the refuge area.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed earlier this year gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. The ARRA funds represent an important component of the President’s plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. Under the ARRA, Interior is making an investment in conserving America’s timeless treasures – our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage – while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

“With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come,” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on www.recovery.gov and on www.interior.gov/recovery.

Secretary Salazar has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force to work closely with Interior’s Inspector General and ensure the recovery program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility, and transparency set by President Obama.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For questions, comments or concerns email us at recoveryact@fws.gov. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.