Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Planning for an extensive rehabilitation of Longhouse Scenic Drive has been funded as part of an allocation of funding from the Great American Outdoors Act.

Four projects on the Allegheny National Forest have been selected for funding from the Great American Outdoors Act.

The act sets aside a total of $9.5 billion over five years — $1.9 billion per year — specifically to address deferred maintenance issues on federal lands, including national forest and national parks.

The Forest Service alone has over $5 billion in backlogged deferred maintenance.

The most notable project funded in Warren County is a redesign of the Longhouse Scenic Drive, part of the National Scenic Byway system, which cuts between Rt. 92 and Rt. 321.

“This project will result in full design plans and specifications for phase one of the Longhouse Scenic Drive and Jakes Rocks Road Rehabilitation Project,” a statement from the ANF explained. “Three additional phases will comprise the project to repave 14.5 miles of roadway, replace 190 culverts and make public safety improvements.

County and federal officials have been — unsuccessfully until this funding stream — been seeking funds to address Longhouse for several years.

Importantly, more than just the design plan is funded.

“The Forest will receive funding for each phase of the project, 2021 survey and design as well as the 2022, 2023, and 2024 construction phases,” ANF Public Affairs Officer Chris Leeser said.

Rich Hatfield, Bradford district ranger, told the Times Observer last year that Longhouse is a “Fifteen to $20 million-type project.”

Hatfield also said last year that he was “committed to getting something done” at Kiasutha, as well, addressing a $1.5 million in deferred needs.

Calling the boat launch a “disaster,” he said “(we) need reinvestment in that site.”

In short, he got it.

Demolition of three restrooms, installation of two new vault toilets, electricity to an additional 17 campsites and replacing the boat ramp are included with the Great American Outdoor Act allocation.

Leeser said that work is “anticipated to take place outside of peak use season, reducing potential impacts to the public.

“We anticipate construction to start in September 2021 and run through March of 2022,” he added.

Funds were also included for trail work through American Conservation Experience youth crews on both the Morrison and Minister Creek trail systems.

Leeser said that work “will be completed throughout the 2021 field system.”

The final project awarded was funding for a bridge on FR 137 over Sugar Run Bridge.

“Structural failings have lowered the bridge’s vehicle weight limit to three-tons,” a statement explained. “The new bridge will allow the resumption of commercial truck traffic. Work is expected to start in late summer and take three to four weeks to complete.”

Just how much money is coming to the ANF in this cycle isn’t clear.

“In order to protect the bidding process and get the tax payers the best value for their money I believe that some of the dollar amounts are not ready for release,” Leeser said. “Local project costs will be available after contracting is completed and work has begun. For now we can confirm that the approved FY21 projects are funded out of the national $285 million Legacy Restoration Fund.