|
EMMA TO GLENWOOD SPRINGS
In November 2004 RFTA committed $5,000,000 over five years to complete the trail from Emma to Glenwood Springs by 2010. It has received and is anticipating grants bring the budget to $6,350,000. The first section of the trail from Emma to Hooks Lane has been completed.
RFTA estimates the Rio Grande Trail will cost $8.5 million. They don't have the money budgeted. By their admission, at $8.5 million the chances are marginal for completing the trail by 2010.
To make up the overrun, staff has proposed scrapping the rails for cash and building the trail entirely over the railroad. RFTA approved scrapping the rails from Emma to Glenwood Springs April 14, 2005..
The trail is "the ultimate!" It's a 15-foot wide platform with a paved multi-user high use trail permitting 3 people abreast and a separate gravel footpath for joggers. It will be build over 45% of the roadbed.
AT&R is lobbying to only scrap the rails above Carbondale, build a less expensive trail, and use the savings for an off-rail trail below Carbondale. Below Carbondale removing the rails or placing the trail over the railroad destroys a $5,000,000 functioning railroad.
|
|
