City of Pueblo Secures over $2 Million for Four Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fu

PUEBLO-The City of Pueblo recently received notification of four Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund (MMOF) grants for projects put forth by the Pueblo Area Council of Governments, Metropolitan Planning Organization (PACOG) for a total of $2,966,036. Each project addresses key needs in the Pueblo community for connectivity for citizens in the form of pedestrian, bike and commuter transportation.

"Receipt of these funds will allow for the construction and completion of these four Multimodal Transportation grants with the support of PACOG and will enhance our tremendous trail system," said Mayor of Pueblo Nick Gradisar. "We continue to look for funding opportunities to better serve the community with transportation advancement whether it be by foot, bike, or another mode of transit with expansion for commuter support."

The Northern Avenue Trail Phase 3 project is an existing project requiring additional funding due to constructions cost increases. The total funds awarded are $693,494 which assists with design and construction of a 10 ft. wide concrete trail between Cambridge and Prairie Ave. with improvements to the sidewalk on Prairie Ave. and Amherst Ave. Additional signal improvements are included at the intersection of Prairie Ave. and Northern Ave., Prairie Ave. and Mesa Ave., and finally Prairie Ave. and Amherst Ave. Along the corridor includes improvement to Pueblo Transit bus stops and updates to existing bicycle wayfinding signage. An installation of a permanent pedestrian and bicycle counter will also be included along the trail.

The Prairie-Lake Minnequa project includes the design and construction of a 12 ft. wide concrete multi-use trail within an existing drainage ditch from Lake Minnequa to Pueblo Blvd. The total award for this grant project is $1,022,542 from the Federal Recovery fund. This is an existing project with Pueblo Public Works and Parks and Recreation, but the funding helps cover the increased construction costs which assists with on-street bike lanes from the trail to Prairie Ave., lighting along the trail, crosswalks, bollards and trailhead improvements.

The Wildhorse Trail Project, phase one of the project received $850,000 funding from the MMOF State fund to assist with the westside trail. This funding is for the creation of a 10 ft. wide concrete trail along the arroyo, connecting W. 18th St. to W. 24th St. Sidewalk and curb ramp improvements are required at the end of each trail and the project includes solar lighting at approximately every 200 ft. of the trail. "These trail projects demonstrate the City's commitment to improving pedestrian and bicycle transportation connectivity for trail users in our community," said Director of Public Works Andrew Hayes. "The projects facilitate recreational activities, promote healthy living, and improve quality of life for our residents."

The Transit Vanpool project received notice of funding for $400,000 in late July and was announced by the City of Pueblo earlier this year and is one of the four projects included in the PACOG funding announcement. Pueblo Transit is facilitating the creation of vanpools to help assist with a new commuter plan for the Pueblo Industrial Park. This is to assist those who ride to and from work an average of three of more days a week with a round trip of more than 15 miles for the commute.

"This funding will provide the means to expand transportation service to an area of the City that has previously been outside of the operating scope of Public Transportation," said Director of Pueblo Transit Ben Valdez. "The City will now be able to partner with these businesses impacted by lack of workforce transportation to help provide this vitally needed service."

Across Pueblo County three additional projects were funded by PACOG for a total of seven projects to begin construction and updates. None of the projects funded require a matching fund from the City of Pueblo. Each project funded shares a focus on connectivity to residents through trails, bike paths, transportation accommodations or pavement updates.

For more information about the MMOF projects, contact the Pueblo Public Works Department at 719-553-2259.