The Cortez City Council approved funding for several pedestrian projects on the Southern edge of Cortez Tuesday.
The projects include paved sidewalks along Seventh Street and a paved path from town to the Hawkins Preserve parking area for a combined city contribution of $86,418.
Councilor Tom Butler objected to the projects, saying although he supports walking and bike paths within the city, he feels the expense is too much.
City Manager Jay Harrington said 60 percent of the project is being funded by the state, and such state grants might become scarce in the future.
I hate to turn down grant money like anybody else, Butler said. But at the same time, I just have a hard time justifying putting out this much taxpayer money, at this particular time.
Councilors Bob Archibeque, Robert Rime and Matt Keefauver spoke in favor of the projects.
Keefauver said he wished to complete the Mesa Trail Project to the Hawkins Preserve, saying he did not know when state funding would be available again.
I spend a lot of time in Hawkins because I volunteer there, he said. It amazes me how many people use it for different purposes walking and riding.
The council voted in favor of the projects with Butler voting against.
The projects include a 1,200-foot paved path from the gravel parking area at the south end of Cedar Street, along Verde Vu Drive to Oak Street. The second project is a paved side walk along Seventh Street from Ash Street to the bridge southwest of Walmart.
The cost of the two projects totals $432,090.
A traffic light is being installed at the intersection of Seventh Street and Broadway for an estimated cost of more than $300,000. The signal project is aimed at pedestrian safety.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com.