Waterfront Drive Trail Action Alert!
Green Wheels
Show your support for the Eureka Waterfront Trail on June 5!
When: Tuesday, June 5, at 6 pm
Where: Eureka Council Chambers, 2nd floor of Eureka City Hall, 531 “K” Street
On April 17, the City of Eureka voted 3-2 to withdraw its plans for the Waterfront Drive Extension, a proposed road through the Palco Marsh. On June 5, the City Council will decide whether to reallocate funding from the now-defunct road project to be used instead for a bicycling and hiking trail from Del Norte Street to Truesdale Street. This proposed trail would complete a major segment of the Eureka Waterfront Trail.
Here are some points to highlight in public comments at the June 5 City Council meeting, or in emails/calls to City Councilmembers:
· Public safety: Broadway is extremely dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, and the Waterfront Trail will provide a safe alternative for bike commuters and runners. The trail will also provide public access to Humboldt Bay and become a staple for Eureka families to safely enjoy the waterfront.
· Good for the Economy: Trails provide significant economic benefits to the local community by attracting tourists, leading to increased stays in hotels and motels, increasing local government revenues from sales and transient occupancy taxes, and attracting businesses and increasing property values.
· More Recreational Opportunities: Trails also provide increased opportunity for recreation - biking, walking, jogging with demonstrated health benefits and decreased health care costs
· Use it or Lose it: The $2.932 million in State Transportation funding can only be allocated for eligible projects that will enhance operation and safety on Route 101 in the City of Eureka. A bike trail from Del Norte Street to Truesdale Street was identified as an eligible project in 1997. S
· Complete the Eureka Waterfront Trail: The proposed segment of the trail will complement the Hiksari (Elk River) Trail and will complete a significant portion of the Eureka Waterfront Trail and Promenade first envisioned in 2005.
The City is making progress toward development of gaps between existing trail segments to create a unified, vibrant system of trails, promenades, and boardwalks along Eureka’s scenic waterfront, as described in the City’s 2011 Strategic Visioning. The Hiksari Trail, from Truesdale Street to the Herrick Avenue Park and Ride, was recently approved and will begin construction this summer. And earlier this month, the final permit was approved for cleanup of the contaminated former G&R Metals site, which will make way for the connection of the Waterfront Trail between Old Town and the Adorni Center.
Once completed, the Eureka Waterfront Trail will become part of the California Coastal Trail system, which will provide non-motorized public access to California’s entire coastline.
To call or email the City Council to express your support for the trail:
Dave Tyson, City Manager
441-4144
Mayor Frank Jager
441-4200
fja...@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Marian Brady
441-4169
Linda Atkins
441-4168
lat...@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Mike Newman
441-4170
mne...@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Melinda Ciarabellini
441-4167
mciara...@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Lance Madsen
441-4171
lma...@ci.eureka.ca.gov