A recent announcement by Colorado’s governor could help Green River, if the city and the county travel and tourism board capitalize on that announcement.
According to the Denver Post, Governor John Hickenlooper pledged $100 million to make Colorado a top location for biking while speaking in Las Vegas. One may have a hard time connecting a $100 million Colorado-based investment and Green River, it does represent an opportunity for our city.
Green River has a large number of trails located just outside the city. These trails already exist and, if promoted heavily during the next few years as Colorado attempts to become the place to go for mountain biking, may become a great weekend stop during a trip to or from a Colorado biking getaway.
This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned this, but Green River truly can become a place for biking enthusiasts. Much of the infrastructure is already in place with the Wilkins Peak Trail System and Green River Bike Park, but a few minor changes could be made to improve biking accessibility through the city. For example, the city should create a more bike-friendly atmosphere by placing bicycle racks throughout the city. Also, additional bike lanes along city streets would help as well. While the city would have to work with Wyoming Department of Transportation regarding both Flaming Gorge Way and Uinta Drive, as both are technically state highways, however we believe the two can work an agreement out.
Admittedly, tax revenue is tight and limits the city’s ability to complete large endeavors in a short amount of time. Yet, we believe any improvements made to the city towards making a more bike-friendly community will pay for itself through increased sales tax dollars. A gradual approach spread over multiple phases would be a perfect fit as Colorado’s $100 million investment won’t take place over night.
We think with some initial investment, as well as a marketing push courtesy of the Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism Board, Green River could reap the benefits of people traveling along Interstate 80 to or from a mountain biking vacation in Colorado. The Wilkins Peak Trail System, or even navigating through the beautiful Wild Horse Canyon to White Mountain would make for a memorable bonus to any vacation.
With some minor improvements, Green River could capitalize on increased biking tourism to Colorado and earn more of those all-important tax dollars.
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