We've been planning it for over 20 years • A coastal, below-the-bluff route has been on maps and in all the planning documents since 1979. Planners, residents and politicians have all said they want to build it and have included it at or near the top of all the transportation and funding programs. The majority of the community continues to want the trail, in spite of the recent opposition heard at the public hearings.
Former opponents of the existing trail are now supporters • Many of the same arguments against the current trail project were raised when the original coastal trail was proposed in 1980 under George Sullivan. Many adjacent property owners were adamantly opposed to the original trail at that time. However, a great majority of those opponents are now strong supporters and recognize that their property values and quality of life have been enhanced by proximity to the trail.
There has been extensive public and agency Input • Federal, state and local agencies have held numerous meetings and provided input during the last 5 years of intensive study. Objective consultants have distilled and analyzed all the issues. The public has actively participated in over 40 public meetings. The culmination of these efforts is a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which we can rely on to help guide us to the ultimate solution.
There continues to be overwhelming public support • Statistically correct surveys, petitions drives, and public comment clearly support the concepts shown in the EIS. Over 80% of Anchorage residents use trails and the existing coastal trail is by far their favorite trail. Although opponents of the project are relatively few in number, they have voiced some legitimate concerns regarding property impacts. These need to be understood and resolved before settling on a final solution.
The trail is compatible with the ACWR • The trail never enters the ACWR. It skirts the edge of the ACWR without diminishing its values or impacting its wildlife. Most of the regulatory agencies and wildlife protection groups are in agreement on these issues. Whatever issues remain appear to be workable as long as thoughtful communication prevails.
All existing uses will continue • There will be no changes to current uses within the ACWR. The trail has been routed behind the rifle range and behind the motorcycle area so that no impacts occur. The shotgun and bow and arrow hunting that are presently allowed will continue without disruption.
Most private property impacts are minimal • No residences or businesses will be acquired, displaced or relocated. Any landscaping disruptions that occur will be rehabilitated to original condition. Landowners will be paid fair market prices for any easements that are required for the trail. In most cases, trail easements occur on bluff land or below-the-bluff land. Options exist to resolve those property impacts that are significant and should be pursued by the design team.
Economic and community impacts are positive • Local contractors will perform the design and construction work. Homeowner's property values and Anchorage's tax base will increase after the trail is built. The trail will attract more tourists and tourism dollars to all of Anchorage. Our quality of life will improve, making Anchorage a more attractive place for employees and employers.
Construction and maintenance costs are reasonable • Federal funding will provide at least 91% of the construction cost for the trail with the remainder coming from state funding sources. Annual maintenance costs will be similar to the existing coastal trail, which is $1500 per mile. That's only $20,000 per year. Major rehabilitation work will be funded with federal dollars, which will not impact Anchorage's maintenance budget.