Plans for Coachella Valley trail linking desert cities unveiled

The project Parkway 1e11, now called CV Link, was unveiled to more than 50 Valley neighbors at a public workshop at the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership headquarters in Palm Springs. The pathway, a 52-mile trail, will run from the Whitewater River in Palm Springs to the Salton Sea for pedestrians, cyclists even electric carts, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments announced Tuesday.

“It’s going to link cities and give people a place where they can ride and feel safe,” said Nancy Ferguson, of Palm Springs.

Attendees met with project managers, asking questions and sharing concerns, everything from how the trail will disrupt golf courses to the dangers of carts speeding alongside pedestrians and bicyclists.

Cyclist Nancy Brown says the projected $70 million cost should be spent otherwise.

“Safer crosswalks and to improve bike ways for the average person.”

The project would use existing parts of paved trails and create overpasses and underpasses around the desert. Project managers say it aims to get families active and give tourism a boost.

“We’re giving people opportunity to walk, bike and improve health in the Valley,” said George Hudson, the project architect.

CVAG expects the trail will provide about $1.5 billion in economic benefits, create about 700 permanent jobs, help relieve congestion on Highway 111 and improve air quality.

More than $47 million in funding has been secured for the project, which is projected to cost around $70 million. The funding is from sources including the state Strategic Growth Council, South Coast Air Quality Management District, CVAG and Desert Healthcare District, according to CVAG.

For more information on the trail, go to www.cvag.org.

“This is where we need to be in the process. The concerns help build the foundation,” said Hudson.

Hudson says the goal is to work out the kinks and break ground for the trail by winter of 2015.

The next workshop will be held in the East Valley in July.