Udall, Hickenlooper Request Meeting Between Colorado National Monument, Quiznos Bike Race Organizers
Revised Race Proposal Deserves Consideration Given Likely Economic Benefits to Region, Udall and Hickenlooper Write to Park Service
Today, U.S. Senator Mark Udall and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper sent a letter to the director of the Intermountain Region of the National Park Service, asking him to convene a meeting regarding whether to stage a portion of the Quiznos Pro Challenge cycling race in Colorado National Monument.
While a first proposal to host the race through the Monument was turned down, local organizers have made a constructive effort to revise their proposal, Udall and Hickenlooper wrote. And because the event is expected to bring an influx of tourists and an economic boost for the surrounding community, it deserves serious consideration. Udall and Hickenlooper urged the Park Service to bring together the Monument superintendent and the local bike race organizers to continue their discussions.
"If the Monument is able to responsibly host the event while protecting its natural and cultural resources, we believe that showcasing this majestic area as part of this world-class cycling event will bring beneficial commerce and attention to this important part of the state," Udall and Hickenlooper wrote. "In addition, by hosting this event Colorado can significantly add to the stature and profile of the effort to designate the Monument as a National Park - while illustrating that Coloradans can effectively balance the often competing interests of use and protection."
The text of the letter follows:
Mr. John Wessels
Regional Director, Intermountain Region
National Park Service
12795 Alameda Parkway
Denver, CO 80225
Dear Mr. Wessels:
We are writing to request that your office convene a meeting regarding the revised proposal submitted by the Grand Junction Quiznos Pro Challenge Local Organizing Committee (Committee) to stage a portion of the Quiznos Pro Challenge cycling race through Colorado National Monument (Monument).
We understand that the Committee's initial proposal to host the bike race at the Monument was rejected, but - based on the issues and concerns raised by Superintendent Joan Anzelmo regarding the initial draft - the Committee has since offered a revised proposal. We are requesting that you convene a meeting with representatives of the Committee and Superintendent Anzelmo to reach agreement on the proposed event.
If the Monument is able to responsibly host the event while protecting its natural and cultural resources, we believe that showcasing this majestic area as part of this world-class cycling event will bring beneficial commerce and attention to this important part of the state. In addition, by hosting this event Colorado can significantly add to the stature and profile of the effort to designate the Monument as a National Park - while illustrating that Coloradans can effectively balance the often competing interests of use and protection.
We will make our staff available to participate in this meeting if needed and look forward to helping reach a resolution that is beneficial to all involved.
Sincerely,
___________________________ _____________________________
John Hickenlooper Mark Udall
Governor U.S. Senator