Coordination and Partnerships

1. Which agencies are involved with deciding the path of the Regional Trail? And widening the creek bed?

Answer: A number of agencies are involved in both decisions. Agencies involved in trails-decisions include the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department and the City’s TOPS program (Trails, Open Space and Parks), the City of Manitou Springs Planning Department and Open Space Advisory Committee and El Paso County Parks Department. Community groups include the Trails and Open Space Coalition and the Friends of Red Rock Canyon.

Agencies involved in decisions about the creek include the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, and Cities of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. Of these agencies, the Corps has federal jurisdiction on all waterways in the United States and must review and approve any improvements to the creek.

2. What group has the greater weight in helping you determine which design option you go with – business owners or the residents? Who came up with Option #16? I see G.E. Johnson’s building and vacant lot are saved in this option …. Please explain.

Answer: There are many variables involved that the Federal Highway Administration will look at in making the decision, including input from business owners and residents; compatibility with community values; safety, accessibility, and mobility; potential environmental impacts; and ability to implement the design option. While the project team came up with Option #16, it is no longer recommended because there are other design options which provide a greater benefit at a lesser impact.