The funding is provided by the 1998 Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA). Through a provision of SNPLMA, the proceeds from public lands sold in southern Nevada can fund restoration, conservation, recreation, capital improvement and ecological protection projects in the area. Reclamation has received over $20 million in grants from this program to preserve cultural resources, enhance visitor experiences, and improve safety at Hoover Dam over the past decade.

"This project will improve the safety and accessibility of the parking garage for the nearly three million visitors to Hoover Dam each year. We are nearly doubling the number of accessible parking spots," said acting Lower Colorado Regional Director Terry Fulp. "The repairs will improve the surface of the parking area and the pedestrian ramps with only minimal disruption during our normal operating hours," added acting Director Fulp.

The contract calls for providing 42 new concrete wheel stops replacing damaged or missing wheel stops, recoating the surface of the five upper levels of the parking garage, painting new parking space lines and markings and relocating existing accessible parking symbol signs on the upper levels. Two additional accessibility ramps will be installed, and pedestrian ramps on levels three and four will be repaired and refinished.

The repair and maintenance on the Hoover Dam parking garage will begin in early July 2012. For more information on Hoover Dam facilities and tours, go to www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/index.html.