Arches, Zion parks given $1 million for transportation

WASHINGTON — Two of Utah's national parks will receive $1 million in federal grants from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration for transportation projects within the parks.

Arches and Zion national parks won three grants totaling $1 million for the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands program, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, announced. The program aims to promote and maintain natural, historical and cultural resources while cutting back on congestion and pollution in the parks.

"Our state's natural beauty has long drawn Utahns and tourists alike to its many national parks," Hatch said in a statement. "By providing equal access and visitor accessibility to these areas while conserving their natural, historical and cultural resources, Utah's visitors and residents will be able to enjoy fully Utah's wilderness."

The Bureau of Land Management Moab Field Office at Arches National Park will get $774,000 to construct a transit hub on the north end of Moab, according to Hatch's office.

Zion National Park will receive $151,000 to expand the visitor center shuttle-bus stop with an additional $150,000 to do a shuttle-service planning study.

The grants are also made to help improve tourism accessibility by making sure there is access for persons with disabilities.

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