12.06.16

Cantwell Lauds FEMA Grant to Restore Undie Road, Access to Jefferson County Homes and Trails

Jefferson County receives more than $1 million to repair damaged road into Olympic National Park

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and local officials announced that Jefferson County can expect $1,042,423 in funds through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to reimburse the County for recently completed work to relocate a section of Undie Road near the Bogachiel River.

Undie Road was severely damaged by a storm in November of 2015.  Since then, access to the road has been highly restricted for public safety, often leaving local residents cut off from their homes. 

“This critical funding for relocation of Undie Road will provide safe and adequate access for local residents to the Olympic National Forest. With this funding, Jefferson County does not have to shoulder the cost of repairs alone, helping ensure recreational and economic opportunities for this region,” said Cantwell.

Earlier this year, Senator Cantwell helped Jefferson County secure $2 million in Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) funds to permanently restore Undie Road at its new location away from the shifting Bogachiel River channel.  Federal Highways will use the FLAP funds in future years to upgrade the emergency bypass road to an improved standard ensuring safe reliable access to the Olympic National Forest and Park for all visitors.  

“Jefferson County greatly appreciates Senator Cantwell's assistance in obtaining funds to reroute Undie Road. This allows people access to their homes and maintains recreational and emergency access to Federal lands that small counties like ours can't afford on our own,” said Jefferson County Commissioner David Sullivan.

Undie Road is one of the few access points open year-round on the west side of Olympic National Park. The road provides passage to 37.5 miles of trail through the forest, including the popular Bogachiel Rainforest Trail #825, part of the 1,200 mile Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail that runs through Montana, Idaho, and Washington.

Olympic National Park is one of the top ten most visited national parks in the country, averaging approximately 3 million visitors a year.  

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