We’re $7 Million Closer to Finishing the EVT!
On March 15, 2024, the Board of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) announced the Eagle Valley Trail (EVT) as one of the recipients of a Centennial Program grant for $7 million. Recognized as a “once-in-a-lifetime vision,” Eagle County is one of seven grantees named by GOCO, which invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds into outdoor recreation and conservation projects throughout Colorado’s 64 counties.
How the GOCO Funds Will Be Used
These funds will be invested in the construction of the Horn Ranch to Edwards portion of the EVT – the last remaining section of the trail. This 7.5-mile stretch will be the longest, most difficult and most expensive portion of the trail. This grant from GOCO gets us to over 90% of our fundraising goal, but we need support from the community to bridge the final gap.
This show of support by GOCO is a tremendous win for the people of Eagle County, the ECO Trails Committee and the Board of County Commissioners. It underscores the importance of why we are building the trail – to provide for the safe, equitable transportation of residents and visitors throughout Eagle County; to be good stewards of our lands and wildlife; and to improve the quality of life for all who use the trail.
While a snowstorm may have kept the formal celebrations from occurring in person, the ceremony proceeded on Zoom, with grant recipients encouraged to capture a photo of a snowy celebration – which we did!
Shannon Anderson (left; EVT Campaign Committee Chair) and Robin Thompson (right; Fundraising Consultant) out on the trail in Edwards.
To learn more about how these funds are being utilized to complete the EVT in 2024, as well as other news and updates, subscribe to our newsletter. You can become an Eagle Valley Trailblazer by donating to finish the trail.
About GOCO
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a Constitutional Amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more that 5,200 projects in urban and rural areas in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support. For more information, visit GOCO.org.
A Huge Thank You to Our Partners
ECO Trails would like to thank our partners who helped make this happen. Your contributions have made a big impact!
Towns of Vail, Minturn, Avon, Eagle and Gypsum
EagleVail, Berry Creek, Arrowhead and Edwards Metropolitan Districts
Eagle River Water & Sanitation District
Mountain Recreation Foundation
Private Foundations
Individual Donors
ECO Trails Committee
Eagle Valley Trail Campaign Committee