Office of the Secretary Contact: John Wright 202/208-6416

For Immediate Release: January 31, 1997 Scott Gediman 209/372-0248

Interior Department Estimates Cost to Repair Flood

Damage at Yosemite National Park at $178 Million

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt announced today that flood damage to Yosemite National Park is so widespread and severe, that the cost to fully repair and restore the park could run as high as $178,053,000. This estimate is based on a comprehensive assessment of visible flood damage and estimates for moving facilities to more suitable locations.

“We are committed to reopening the park as quickly as possible,” said Babbitt. “Emergency repairs are underway to stabilize the infrastructure, but the long term fix will take time.” Yosemite Valley is closed, but other areas of the park will be opened as critical repairs are completed, and health and safety requirements are met. The Wawona area is currently open. The Badger Pass area will open to cross country skiing on Saturday, February 1. Reservations to the park have been canceled through February.

More than 400 damage assessments have been completed by professional engineers, architects, and other experts. Cost estimates are derived using established construction estimating methods based on actual costs for construction projects in the region. Flood damages at the park include impassable access roads, inoperable sewer system, water well systems destroyed, hundreds of campsites, lodging units, and employee housing units are severely damaged or destroyed.

The park still faces 10 weeks of winter weather and the annual spring runoff. Damage estimates are expected to climb once the snow has melted and crews are able to get into areas inaccessible during the winter.

“To fully reopen the park and assist the gateway communities economy will require action by Congress,” Babbitt said. “We applaud the legislation proposed by the California congressional delegation and look forward to working with Congress to gain the funding necessary for full recovery of the park.”

Yosemite National Park Superintendent B.J. Griffin made copies of the Preliminary Damage Assessment Report available during a news briefing today at the park. The news briefing was followed by a tour of the damaged areas.

“Make no mistake, Yosemite is a national treasure and it will be repaired,” said Babbitt. “I look forward to working with the local communities and with organizations such as the National Park

Foundation and others to make this restoration a team effort, where everyone who loves this place can pitch in and help.”

Babbitt noted that the flood is an opportunity to rethink how the landscape is used to enhance the Yosemite experience for park visitors. Quality visitors services and protection of park resources will help guide the recovery.

“The key to rebuilding intelligently is learning from the mistakes of the past. Buildings and campgrounds constructed in the flood area will be replaced in scale, scope, and function, but relocated away from the flood zone,” park Superintendent B.J. Griffin said.

Copies of the Preliminary Damage Assessment Report can be obtained by calling the Yosemite Public Information Office at (209) 372-0248, or by writing Yosemite National Park,

P. O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389, Attn: Public Information Office.

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