Angeles National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT

Angeles National Forest Contributes to Economic Recovery

ARCADIA, CA — March 10, 2009

U.S. Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell announced the Agency's plan to participate in the nation’s economic recovery program. The Forest Service has received $1.15 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The first group of Forest Service projects nationwide created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, totaling $98 million, have been selected. These initial projects will create 1,500 jobs, giving the Agency the early opportunity to put people to work. The remaining projects, totaling $1.052 billion, will be announced shortly and will create an additional 23,500 jobs nationwide.

First round projects on lands managed by the Forest Service in California will include maintenance and construction of facilities, roads and trails totaling 70 jobs and $7.75 million. The jobs are estimated to last from four months up to a year. These projects will benefit 11 counties.

"I'm excited that the Angeles National Forest can play an important role in creating jobs for the citizens of California," said Marty Dumpis, Deputy Forest Supervisor. "Over 2.5 million dollars has been allocated to the Forest for facilities, road, and trail maintenance projects which will benefit Los Angeles County and its adjacent communities." added Dumpis.

Under the language of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Forest Service will create as many jobs as possible to support communities and to get money flowing through the economy again. "The Angeles National Forest will be using private contractors, temporary employees and partnership agreements to get the work done," stated Dumpis.

"The Forest Service anticipates playing a key role in our nation's economic recovery," said Chief Kimbell. "We are grateful for the confidence Congress has shown us and look forward to demonstrating how the Forest Service can create good jobs during difficult times," Kimbell added.

Information on the overall U.S. Forest Service role in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can be found at: http://fs.usda.gov/recovery. Information on the total federal effort can be found at http://www.recovery.gov.

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