Editor's note: The following is an unedited release from Mount Rainier National Park.

The National Park Service has prepared an Environmental Assessment for a proposed plan to rehabilitate the Paradise Inn Annex and Snow Bridge, which is located in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. The project would complete the last major building rehabilitation project within the Paradise Historic District. The proposed project is being considered because of the need to protect cultural resources and reduce the risk for potential damage to the Annex and Snow Bridge from excessive snow loads, or collapse as the result of a seismic event.

Paradise, located on the south slope of Mount Rainier, is the most popular and heavily used area of the park. In addition to Longmire, Paradise is the only visitor use area that is accessible by vehicle year-round. Paradise Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, and is a contributing component of the Mount Rainier National Landmark Historic District. Paradise Inn consists of two structures, the Inn and the Annex, which are connected by the Snow Bridge. The Annex was constructed in 1920 and provides 79 guest rooms, over half of all overnight lodging available in the park.

This Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates two alternatives: a no action alternative and a preferred alternative. The no action alternative would not rehabilitate the Annex and Snow Bridge and would continue the present level of management, operations, and maintenance. The preferred alternative would include installation of a new concrete foundation for the Annex including the use of existing foundation stone as a veneer to replicate the historic appearance of the building. Seismic stabilization, plumbing, electrical, fire safety, drainage and other interior and exterior improvements would be made to the Annex and Snow Bridge. The proposed project would close the Annex from August 2017 through October 2018, and temporarily reduce parking in the Paradise area.

If you wish to comment on this EA, you may post comments online at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/mora/piannex or mail or hand deliver comments to: Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Ave. E., Ashford, Washington, 98304. This EA will be on public review for 30 days.