(Published: December 1, 2003)
Mayor Begich is pursuing several good ideas for breaking the deadlock stalling the south Coastal Trail extension.
Earlier this fall, the mayor had tried to shift some unused federal highway money over to the trail, so the environmental impact statement could be finished. The Murkowski administration, no big fan of trails in general or this project in particular, stymied that effort.
Mayor Begich then turned to the private sector. He talked to the impact statement consultant and learned the job could be done for a quarter-million dollars less than previously planned. Now, the mayor has approached the Rasmuson Foundation for the $450,000 that's needed to complete those environmental studies.
There's reason to be hopeful about the request. It is supported by foundation chairman Ed Rasmuson and will be considered by the foundation board early this week. The board no doubt faces many requests and competing priorities -- and it alone will determine whether the trail studies meet its purposes. But the Rasmuson Foundation has stimulated excellent projects throughout the state; it would do Anchorage a service -- another among many -- if it decides to support the next stage of work on the trail.
The north half of the Coastal Trail, from downtown to Kincaid Park, is one of the most popular and spectacular outdoor features in Anchorage. The southern half, from Kincaid to Potter Marsh, with views of the tidally turbulent Turnagain Arm and the rugged Chugach Mountains, would be every bit as awe-inspiring.
When running for mayor, Mr. Begich promised to find ways to soothe resistance and move forward with an environmentally responsible version of the trail that's compatible with neighborhoods. And so he has.
The foundation request isn't the only way. Mayor Begich also is talking to some long-time Anchorage families who own property along the route. He believes they will donate easements or property to help clear the way for the extension, saving money in the process.
So there's renewed hope that Anchorage will get to enjoy this long-anticipated enhancement of the city's outdoor splendors. If the Rasmuson Foundation sees fit to nudge the project to its next stage, that would be a win for the whole community.
BOTTOM LINE: Chances of extending the Coastal Trail are improving with creative approaches.