Recovery Act Construction Projects Build a Better Future for Montana Refuges

Lima, MT-"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife awarded MCS Environmental approximately $888,000 in stimulus funds for building construction at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and the demolition of an aging structure at Lee Metcalf NWR.

MCS will use American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (ARRA) funds to build a residential duplex and garage for Service employees. The refuge will also use the funds to remodel the refuge shop with energy-saving fixtures, new windows and doors and insulation. 

The refuge currently has four residential buildings, but five full time employees. The new structure allows the staff to live and work on the refuge that otherwise might have to commute more than an hour each way on a gravel road and provide housing for future staff. The commute is treacherous during the winter, and heavy snow often makes the route impassible.

Red Rock Lakes is a registered National Natural Landmark. The refuge's high plains and montane forest provide secluded habitat for trumpeter swans. The trumpeter swan nearly disappeared but thrives today, thanks to the refuge. Long-billed curlews, sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, Shiras moose and the last native population of Arctic grayling in the continental U.S. reside on the refuge. The refuge has few established trails, and physical facilities are limited to enhance the natural experience of the refuge.

The environmentally friendly projects should benefit the economy. MCS project manager Forrest Senterfeit expects his 20-person firm to hire local subcontractors for the project. MCS is a small business specializing in small construction projects in remote areas. The company has experience with energy-efficient Recovery Act projects. This type of work should help position MCS for a better future once the ARRA funding ends.

Workers will also demolish an aging residential structure no longer in use at Lee Metcalf NWR in western Montana. The structure contains asbestos, lead paint and mold.  This project is the latest refuge enhancement made possible by ARRA funds. The Service also used stimulus funds to replace a condemned access bridge at Red Rock Lakes last year.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received $280 million.

The ARRA funds represent an important component of the President's plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century.