Lamborn Bill to Legalize Manitou Incline to Get Committee Vote

Press Release

Congressman Doug Lamborn's (CO-05) bill clarifying the legal status of the popular Manitou Incline hiking trail is scheduled for a vote in the House Natural Resources Committee this Thursday, June 7, 2012. The bill, H.R. 4073, faced no opposition in the legislative hearing in April and has the support of the Colorado Springs City Council, the Manitou Springs City Council and Mayor, the Colorado Springs Mayor, and the Manitou Pikes Railway Company.

If the bill is approved by the committee this week, it will go to the House Floor for a vote.

"This bill will remove a centuries-old legal cloud that has been hanging over a portion of the popular hiking trail. Hikers will be able to use it confidently knowing that the trail's safety and beauty will be protected. It will ensure that the Forest Service can professionally manage and maintain the trail. The Manitou Incline is one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country and loved by locals and tourists alike. It is a treasure unique to Pikes Peak and we want to ensure it is kept up for generations to come." -- Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

H.R. 4073, is technical and narrow in scope. It specifically addresses a right-of-way issue with the railway company. It allows for the U.S. Forest Service to accept the railway's relinquishment of their right-of-way. This is necessary based on an 1875 federal law.

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