Restroom Facility on Schedule at Gazebo Park; Speeding Crackdown Begins
Rick Langenberg
The national government shutdown has crippled more than social service programs in Teller County and the lower Ute Pass.
The Green Mountain Falls government has now been forced to put on hold any pursuits for sewer and infrastructure pursuits that require federal grants.
At issue immediately were plans to seek a nearly $100,000 feasibility grant for exploring better sewer and wastewater options for the small Ute Pass community, which struggles at times in grappling with flushing a toilet.
“There is not much we can do until the federal government reopens,” said Mayor Todd Dixon. “We are shut down (from receiving federal grants) and I don’t see this ending anytime soon.”
Securing a better wastewater solution for businesses and residents has been cited as one key goal of the last two comprehensive master plans.
But turning this idea into tangible action has become a stumbling block. This is a pursuit that is highly dependent on federal grants, which are off-limits now. In recent weeks the mayor and town manager held meetings with Colorado Springs Utilities and discussed a possible bid to extend a sewer line from GMF to a facility in Colorado Springs. Other options favor developing a local leach field or developing coordinated actions with nearby communities, or just improving the current septic technology and disposal methods.
The big problem GMF faces is the outdated systems that dominate the town’s infrastructure makeup.
That bid is on permanent hold. And unfortunately, according to local officials, with more delays come higher prices in the future.
“We don’t really know what we can afford,” admitted Dixon
However, with the state government demanding more regulations pertaining to septic systems, the town is searching for alternatives.
Plus, tourism numbers, fueled partially by the Green Box’ signature display, “Off the Beaten Path,” capped by thousands of colorful kite-like fabric pieces suspended over the lake, have set new records. Dixon stated that Green Box officials have estimated that last summer’s display may have generated more than 100,000 visitors during the time it was featured over the Gazebo lake
The full-service restroom facility was able to move forward due to the use of state grant funds, which to date have not been adversely impacted by the shutdown.
Speeding Crackdown Begins
And in other GMF news, the town has started implementing its new automated camera system, aimed at curbing the problems it faces with speeding motorists.
In the last few summers, complaints have risen regarding visitors and even some locals racing through town. These complaints have been solidified by studies, orchestrated by Marshal Sean Goings, with some speeds recorded signaling major concerns. The problem is even worse on U.S. Hwy 24 in the section between Green Mountain Falls and Cascade. Some motorists were recently clocked at close to 100 miles per hour.
Under the new program, violators will be spotted on camera and receive fines, without any law officer contact. The program will be coordinated by the Louisiana-based Meta Traffic company.
The speeding camera will be stationed at different locations throughout town.
Goings, in a recent meeting, stressed that the program is not designed to generate revenue for the town, but rather to deter visitors and area residents from excessively speeding in driving through the downtown area. “Hopefully, we are not going to be giving out any tickets,” said Goings.
For the next month, the town plans to implement a probationary warning period, during which no fines will be issued.
The trustees heavily favor these efforts, as they see this as a balance between public safety and a perception of excessive enforcement. The latter image occurred about 10 years ago, as GMF, under a different law enforcement reign, was viewed by some as a “speed trap.” This view, in fact, led to an arson-related incident, resulting in the scorching of the old town hall.
