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Study to look at trail options

A consulting firm will study the feasibility of a river walkway under the U.S. 19 bridge.

By CAMILLE C. SPENCER
Published December 21, 2006

PORT RICHEY - In a city struggling to find its image and create a bustling downtown, officials developed a short list of solutions:

They hired a city architect. They encouraged developers to build pricey condos and townhouses. One is planning to bulldoze a mobile home park to build a hotel and steak house.

Next on the list is the construction of a walkway along the Pithlachascotee River that would run underneath the U.S. 19 bridge, allowing people to cross from the east side by the Crab Shack to the west side (by Catches Waterfront Grille). City officials hope to create a pedestrian-friendly environment that would make the waterfront the heart of the city.

They also hope this walkway would be the first step linking the city with a larger hike and bike trail in west Pasco. Pulling it off would require a partnership with the county and New Port Richey officials.

No plans have been drawn yet for the larger trail. But City Manager Jerry Calhoun said the route could start in the city, go along the Cotee River, and head east toward Starkey Wilderness Park, which connects to the Suncoast Trail.

The first step toward the walkway and the larger trail is a $25,000 feasibility study, paid for by the city's Community Redevelopment Agency fund and required by the state Department of Transportation. Engineers from the LPA Group, a consulting firm, will start by evaluating the space beneath the U.S. 19 bridge to see if a walkway is even doable.

The study is scheduled to be completed by LPA Group in about a month.

If DOT says the walkway can be built, city officials will request funding from the Metropolitan Planning Organization, a group of officials from the county and various cities who deal with regional transportation issues.

"The idea has been floating around for a number of years," Calhoun said. "If it (the hike and bike trail) is feasible, I will take that to the Metropolitan Planning Organization. I'll say, 'All right guys, I need funding to do this. Help us with permitting and construction.' "

The walkway's design could be a floating dock or a boardwalk, said Mariben Andersen, environmental manager for LPA Group.

"What he (Calhoun) is trying to do is like ...John's Pass (in Madeira Beach) where you could go from one side to the other."

Camille C. Spencer can be reached at (727) 869-6229 or cspencer@sptimes.com.

[Last modified December 21, 2006, 06:10:54]