Forest Roads: Construction and Financing

Publication Date: July 1997

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment

Type:

Abstract:

Forest roads provide access for using national forests, but are often opposed to prevent environmental damages, protect roadless areas, and avoid the cost of building and maintaining them. New road construction has declined by 75% in the past decade, and road reconstruction has declined by half. However, the principal purpose of most roads is still for access to timber, and many feel that granting credits to timber purchasers for construction is a subsidy; proponents argue that the current system is efficient and effective. The Administration has proposed eliminating the credit system.