A grant of nearly $137,000 will fund a project designed to make biking and walking along Horizon Drive in Grand Junction a safer and more pleasant experience.

The Horizon Drive District received a Revitalizing Main Streets grant for its project along a bike route. The project will install benches with tables, bicycle racks, a bicycle repair station, a stretching station and covered outdoor dining area.

“We are grateful and very excited to be awarded this grant,” said Vara Kusal, executive director of the Horizon Drive District. “The Horizon Drive District is the gateway to Grand Junction and contains 73 percent of the visitor lodging in the Grand Valley. Many visitors are here specifically to take advantage of the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities this valley offers.”

Kusal said visitors, as well as the 2,300 people who work along Horizon Drive, will use the improvements.

Brian Burford, the owner of Zarlingo’s Automotive on Horizon Drive and a member of the district board, agreed. “These improvements will really bring the community together and encourage people to get outside and enjoy the scenery as well as access the local businesses. As a local business owner, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy these future amenities.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also praised the grant and project. “Investments like this go beyond just making the Horizon Drive District a more beautiful place to spend an afternoon biking. They help our economy and businesses. I’m thrilled to see this state grant award further transform the Grand Junction area into a more cyclist-friendly recreational destination.”

The latest grants bring to 106 the number of projects across Colorado receiving funding under the Revitalizing Main Streets program. The program helps improve roadways and infrastructure while also promoting safety and economic activity. 

The program began in 2020 as a way to counter the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. In March 2021, the Colorado Legislature allocated $30 million to continue and expand the effort. Communities can apply for grants of up to $150,000 on a rolling basis.

Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, said she’s eager to see how the project will improve connectivity. “Making this community main street safer and more accessible through innovative transportation solutions will lead to a vibrant and active Horizon Drive District into the future.”