The money, which is being funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), will go to two major infrastructure projects in the USA’s most-visited national park. 

“Generations of park visitors and local residents have enjoyed scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and into our neighbouring communities, just last year the park had 15.9 million visitors," said Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent Tracy Swartout. “The Parkway was created to be a driver of tourism and to support and sustain local economies. Ongoing investments in critical park infrastructure and operations will allow the Parkway to continue to serve the nation in this important role."

Laurel Fork BridgeThe projects include approximately US$29 million for a full replacement of the Laurel Fork Bridge at in Ashe County, North Carolina. The historic bridge is approaching the end of its lifecycle. It was constructed in 1939 and is 166m long and 8.5m wide. It is a five-span bridge with a steel girder and concrete floor beam structure supported by concrete and stone masonry abutments, which are set in the steep slope of a ravine, and concrete piers that are cast onto a wide concrete footing. The bridge replacement project will take two years and require a full closure with detour.

The remainder of the funding will see approximately US$98 million spenton a three-year repaving and rehabilitation project that will span 75 miles of the Parkway in North Carolina.