House passes bill to clear up Incline legal status

Today the House passed Congressman Doug Lamborn’s bill to help clarify the legal status of the popular Manitou Incline hiking trail.

H.R. 4073 is supported by the Colorado Springs City Council, the Manitou Springs City Council and Mayor, the Colorado Springs Mayor, and the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway Company.

“This bill will remove a centuries-old legal cloud that has been hanging over a portion of the popular hiking trail. It will ensure that the Forest Service can professionally manage and maintain the trail,” Lamborn said.

H.R. 4073 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.

Senator Michael Bennett has introduced companion legislation on the Senate side, S.2341. The bill must pass both the House and the Senate and be signed by the president to become law.