Region - Representatives of the El Dorado National Forest reported late Friday that nine local projects were selected to be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As announced by Secretary Tom Vilsack, these projects include road maintenance and decommissioning and associated watershed restoration. Projects specific to Eldorado’s include road decommissioning; road storm proofing, chip sealing, and surfacing. A variety of road restoration and decommissioning projects were funded in Amador County and a variety of chip sealing projects will be funded in Alpine County. “The road maintenance projects selected for the Eldorado National Forest will improve public health and safety, resource protection, and access to lands in the National Forest,” said Villalvazo. “The rehabilitation of roads will improve water quality by reducing sediments in nearby streams and help to restore natural resources and habitat for fish in areas impacted by deterioration and erosion of road surfaces.” Villalvazo says that in some cases multiple projects were lumped under one project title. As a result, the name of the project may include more than one activity. Vilsack said that nationally a total of 106 projects on National Forest Lands in 31 states were funded for more than $228 million. The amount of funding available for El Dorado Forest projects is unknown and will depend on bids received for the projects and the contracts awarded. The Forest Service manages almost 370,000 miles of road and 143,000 miles of trails on the 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. The Forest Service transportation system is a key element that supports the businesses and activities that occur within or adjacent to these lands. Story by Alex Lane, Staff Report