Hotchkiss delays action on trail

The Hotchkiss Town Council at its Nov. 8 meeting decided to take another month before deciding whether to accept $310,000 in funding from CDOT for a trail along Highway 92 to the bridge. The Town of Hotchkiss would have to match with $62,000 which it has set aside for the project.

Another option would be for the town to not accept the CDOT funding and its accompanying regulations and paperwork. That option would see the bulk of the work done by the public works department over possibly two to three years. The cost is estimated at about $115,000. Mayor Wendell Koontz said the funding could be spread out over several years. The enhancement trail would then cost more than double the amount of the town's match if the CDOT funds were accepted.

If the trail is via Bridge Street, the project is estimated to cost $425,000 using CDOT funds with a town match of $85,000. If the town would do the project on its own, it would cost Hotchkiss taxpayers $142,000.

CDOT approved funding for the town to have enhancement trails 10 years ago. If the town refuses to use the CDOT money now, it may risk losing those funds and possibly future funds and assistance.

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