The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced a $22 million grant to the National Park Service to modernize and reconstruct a 0.7-mile segment of the Norris to Golden Gate roadway in Yellowstone National Park. This road is a critical link to Yellowstone’s major destinations, serving millions of annual visitors, local residents, and surrounding communities.
The project aims to improve safety and pedestrian access, reduce rockfall hazards, upgrade vehicle pullouts and parking areas, and add new pedestrian facilities to separate people from traffic. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of good transportation elements for experiencing the great outdoors at Yellowstone National Park.
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt highlighted the long-standing partnership between the FHWA and the National Park Service, stating that this collaboration enhances safety, enjoyment, and convenience for visitors to Yellowstone and other national parks. This project is expected to contribute to increased tourism and a better visitor experience, promoting sustained economic competitiveness for the entire rural region.
In 2021, over 4.9 million people visited Yellowstone, spending over $630 million in nearby communities. This spending supported approximately 8,740 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of over $834 million. Improvements to the Norris to Golden Gate roadway will further enhance the park’s economic impact.
Joan Mooney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget at the Department of the Interior, noted the importance of addressing critical infrastructure needs at public lands, especially as record visitation continues. Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly praised the relationship with the FHWA, which has been crucial in reopening the park after the 2022 flood and completing significant infrastructure investments.
The Yellowstone project is part of an $88.2 million investment package for five nationally significant projects. Additionally, FHWA announced $20.5 million in Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund grants for 80 projects.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides up to $355 million per year for Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects from 2022 to 2026. The law also ensures that half of the funding goes to projects in Tribal communities and increases the Federal share of projects on Tribal transportation facilities to 100 percent.
For updates on future funding opportunities, sign up for the Office of Tribal Transportation mailing list. FHWA has also developed a guide to assist Federally Recognized Tribes with information on new highway programs created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and existing highway and bridge transportation funding programs.
