Совет уездных supervisors округа Коши отказался от 2,2 млн долларов федеральных средств на строительство велодорожки

Cochise County Rejects $2.2 Million Federal Money for Local Multi-Use Path Most mornings, I drive into Sierra Vista before sunrise and always see cyclists, dog walkers, and joggers on the multi-use path along Buffalo Soldier Trail. This path has been a great addition to our city. Since this wide, paved walkway was built, more people have started exercising and using the path for walking and biking. Even though it’s near a busy road, the path is set back from traffic and has a smooth, flat surface, making it easy to stay active. Multi-use bike paths help keep pedestrians and cyclists safer. I live in a rural area without sidewalks and with few streetlights, so adding a path to one of the county’s busiest spots seemed like a good idea. But now, it looks like it won’t happen. Intergovernmental Agreement for the Multi-Use Path The planned multi-use path would have been built with federal funds under the Transportation Alternatives (TA) program, which has been allocated to communities nationwide. IGA26-0011629-I is the agreement between Cochise County and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). This agreement was meant to cover most of the design and construction for extending the Newman Trail and Ramsey Canyon shared-use path system. The project would have added new county trails and connected them to Sierra Vista’s existing bike and multi-use paths, giving pedestrians and cyclists a safer route. READ ALSO: Election Integrity Debate In Cochise County Sparks Controversy Project Funding Most of the funding was set to come through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). However, after the vote at the August 11th Cochise County Board of Supervisors meeting, it’s unlikely the project will move forward. You can watch the meeting at app.govly.com. The project was supposed to be funded mostly by federal transportation money managed by ADOT and regional programs. Planning documents showed that the trail’s design and construction would cost about $2.2 million, with Cochise County only needing to provide a small local match. Board Votes Against the Multi-Use Path Tom Crosby, the Cochise County Supervisor indicted in 2023 over the county's refusal to certify the 2022 election results, voted against moving the project forward. Supervisor Kathleen Gomez voted yes, but since Supervisor Frank Antenori was absent, the no vote carried. As of now, the agreement will not move forward. You can watch the discussion in the Board of Supervisors meeting video on YouTube. RELATED: How Poll Workers In Cochise County Help Ensure Election Integrity Since the project won’t advance under the proposed agreement, the federal transportation funds will leave Cochise County and likely go back to ADOT or the federal program. According to civiciq.com, the money will probably be used for other transportation projects. See the Cochise County Board of Supervisors Meeting via CochiseCoAZ on YouTube: New to Arizona? 15 Dead Give Aways You "Ain't From Around These Parts" Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM Fleeing Arizona? Here are the Top 10 States People from Arizona are Moving to Most Gallery Credit: Val Davidson Visiting Arizona? Don't Miss Reddit's Top 20 Must-See Attractions Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM