(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Doc Hastings’ (WA-04) legislation to rebuild the upper Stehekin Valley Road passed the U.S. House of Representatives today.  The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“Rebuilding Stehekin Valley Road will improve access for visitors to the North Cascades National Park and help bring jobs to Chelan County,” said Hastings.  “When Congress originally created the Wilderness Area it made a commitment to the people of Stehekin that their sole vehicular access into certain areas of the Park would be protected.  My legislation gives the National Park Service the authority to fulfill its mission of providing access to American parks for all to enjoy, while at the same time restoring an economic lifeline for the people of Stehekin.  There are several more steps to go before this bill becomes law, and I’ll keep working towards this goal.”

During legislative consideration of the North Cascades National Park’s creation in 1988, Congress determined that this road would remain outside of the wilderness area.  Otherwise, no cars, mountain bikes or other mechanized vehicles would have been allowed to transport area residents or Park visitors to the wilderness areas north of the Stehekin community.  Failure to fix the road will keep many people from entering the Park and will reduce the number of visitors to the region.