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Mineral Belt Trail

A Good Idea

Description

The goal of the Mineral Belt Trail is to provide safe and legal access throughout Leadville, CO while connecting schools, recreation areas, historic sites, and other important buildings. The trail, including a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge, was constructed using Transportation Enhancement funds and has been sanctioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a cap over an old railroad corridor.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the Mineral Belt Trail is to provide safe access throughout Leadville, CO to schools, historic areas, and natural landscapes.

Results / Accomplishments

As a result of the access that the trail provided, the city of Leadville reported a 19% increase in sales tax revenues in the months after the trail opened. Also, owners of various restaurants and lodging facilities reported that they were serving more customers who had come into the area specifically to ride the trail.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Colorado Department of Transportation, City of Leadville, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Colorado State Parks, Union Pacific Railroad Company, and Asarco Mine
Primary Contact
Topics
Environmental Health / Built Environment
Organization(s)
Colorado Department of Transportation, City of Leadville, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Colorado State Parks, Union Pacific Railroad Company, and Asarco Mine
Source
Rails to Trails Conservancy
Date of publication
Nov 2002
Date of implementation
1993
Geographic Type
Rural
Location
Leadville, CO
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Adults, Families