Eagle River Greenbelt Access and Pathway - Project Background
Access to the Eagle River Greenbelt is an important issue for Eagle
River residents and government agencies. Alaskans, on the average, participate
in outdoor recreation at a rate twice the national average. It is important
to have access to these opportunities, while maintaining a healthy respect
for the resources that are being utilized. A process is underway to
improve access to the Eagle River Greenbelt, and construct a pathway
along its length.
In 1995, a proposal to construct a shared use pathway connecting the
Glenn Highway with the Eagle River Nature Center, was submitted by Alaska
State Parks for funding under the Transportation Enhancements portion
of the Federal Highways program. The proposal includes improvements
at four existing trailheads, possible development of one or more additional
access points, construction of bridges over Eagle River, scenic viewing
areas adjacent to the pathway, and winter ski loop trails. The proposal
was evaluated through the municipality's Anchorage Metropolitan Area
Transportation Solutions (AMATS) process and rated against other projects
of local interest. In 2001, the proposal was accepted and approved for
funding.
A series of public and agency meetings were held to offer opportunities
to comment on the project. This concluded in 2004 resulting in a Preferred
Alternative for the pathway.
