For Release 7 p.m. EST                                                                 June 3, 2008

Weird Priorities – Costs for Proposed Klingle Road Hike Bike Path at least $9.6M -- $2M More than Cost of Rebuilding Klingle Road

(Washington)  According to the District’s Department of Transportation, it will cost $9.6M to renovate the area to make it suitable for a permeable surface hike/bike path on Klingle Road.  Estimated cost to rebuild two lanes of Klingle Road for public motor vehicle traffic remains at $7.18M.  The DC Council has yet to hear who might use what could be the most expensive and unnecessary hike/bike path in the country.   

Ward 1 Council Member Jim Graham introduced an amendment, which was voted down, that would leave intact the current language in the Budget Support Act, but would result in a pause to examine what the best purpose of the area would be. 

Ward 4 Council Member Muriel Bowser questioned the city carving out substantial land without knowing who would use this hike/bike path.   

"Why put pedestrians in the middle of a stream bed?" said At Large Council Member Carol Schwartz.  After all, Ward 3 Council Member Cheh called Klingle Road a steep gorge in a stream bed subject to flooding and Schwartz does not want to see those who may use this area drown in Klingle Valley.   

The amendment seeks $2M in federal aid but Council members have varying ideas on how it would be spent.  For a Council that purports to take its legislative responsibilities seriously, this Alice in Wonderland amendment is mystifying. 

 ##