Garfield County has thrown its support behind a paved trail that would connect New Castle and Glenwood Springs. Several local governments and organizations are working to secure state funds to construct the South Canyon Lower Valley, or LoVa,Trail.
Glenwood Springs, New Castle, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and the Lower Valley trail group are asking for 11 million dollars from the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program, or FLAP.
Glenwood Springs city engineer Terri Partch feels optimistic.
"We think we have at least a good chance of competing for the grant," she said.
That’s because the trail would help people access several networks of existing mountain biking and hiking trails in South Glenwood Canyon and New Castle.
Last week, Garfield County wrote a letter to FLAP. It stated that the trail would attract tourists and provide commuters with an alternative to driving I-70.
Former governor John Hickenlooper listed the LoVa trail as a high priority during his tenure and recommended it receive state assistance.
The coalition will find out next year if it received the grant.
