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Parks pursues bridge funding after feasibility study as grantors favor shovel‑ready Down Valley trail segments
Summary
Parks staff said the Down Valley Connector trail remains a multi‑segment feasibility concept; because most funders now favor shovel‑ready projects, county parks is pursuing funding for two bridges in segment 5 while continuing grant outreach for later segments.
County parks staff gave an update on the Down Valley Connector trail, a proposed 3.4‑mile path linking Down Valley Park to the M59 corridor. Parks director Janet said a feasibility study is posted on the county website and that commissioners had previously supported pursuing design and engineering funding for the bookend segments.
Janet told the commissioners that recent grant cycles prioritize shovel‑ready projects and that she has shifted toward seeking funding that buys immediate community benefit—specifically two bridges in segment 5 that would enable much of the originally proposed route to function in the near term. She said she is exploring options including used or recycled bridge structures to lower cost and is working with the county open space commission and private contractors on design and pricing.
Commissioners and residents discussed the larger funding environment and the difficulty of finding grants for engineering and design. County and parks staff said they will continue to coordinate with CDOT, Region 10 and county stakeholders so that the county has shovel‑ready materials when funding cycles open.
Janet encouraged community feedback and said she will issue an RFP for construction if pricing and contractor responses support timely delivery.
