The Colorado Department of Local Affairs announced on Tuesday, Dec. 6, that the City of Glenwood Springs has been awarded a $400,000 grant for its plans to reconstruct 7th Street as a festival street to enhance City-wide economic development.
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs announced on Tuesday, Dec. 6, that the City of Glenwood Springs has been awarded a $400,000 grant for its plans to reconstruct 7th Street as a festival street to enhance City-wide economic development. State Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program grants are funded through state severance tax proceeds.
The project to enhance 7th Street along the Restaurant Row corridor, includes improving the entryway to downtown from the historic train station and the south landing area of the pedestrian bridge over I-70 and the Colorado River. Two-way traffic will be maintained on the street while providing more room for outdoor dining and festivals.
The City of Glenwood Springs is collaborating with the Downtown Development Authority on the project, which will be built out in multiple phases. The project area for Phase 1 is bounded by Grand Avenue Bridge on the west, and the historic Amtrak Station on the east. Goals of the project are to create a destination pedestrian environment, provide space for community events, support four seasons of commercial activity, and preserve convenient access and circulation.
More than 10 public meetings were held during the development of the enhanced 7th Street design, including outreach in June and July of this year. The Downtown Development Authority plans to hold an open house in the near future to discuss site design.
Earlier this year, the City received a $400,000 Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District grant for this project.