Title
Pikes Peak Summit Complex Update and Status Update from Pikes Peak Observatory
Presenter:
Jack Glavan, Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain Manager
Bob Sallee, Chairman, Board of Directors - National Space Science & Technology Institute
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain is working with the US Forest Service, Colorado Springs Utilities, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Research, and the Manitou and Pikes Peak COG Railway to design and construct a new Summit Complex. The detailed design, a preliminary construction estimate and construction schedule have been completed. The next public meeting has been scheduled for October 18, 2016, at the City Auditorium to present this information.
The National Space Science and Technology Institute is interested in the construction and operation of an Observatory on the summit of Pikes Peak. The organization will submit an application to the US Forest Service in the near future. City Council is supporting their efforts and has directed City Staff to provide guidance, suggestions and coordination in completing the SF 299 application and the environmental process.
This presentation will provide an update on the progress to date for the Pikes Peak Summit Complex and the current status of the Pikes Peak Observatory.
Previous Council Action:
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Background:
Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain is an enterprise operation of the City of Colorado Springs. PPAM operates the Pikes Peak Highway under a Term Special Use Permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Included in the operation are the associated visitor facilities including the Summit House, Glen Cove Inn and Crystal Reservoir Gift Shop, and the Pikes Peak Recreational Corridor for activities such as hiking, picnic grounds, and interpretive trails. Revenue is primarily generated from gateway entry fees and concessionaire fees. These fees provide visitor and Ranger services, highway maintenance and construction, facility maintenance and construction, interpretive and educational services.
A plan to replace all existing buildings with a new Summit Complex has been developed. The design of the Complex is scheduled to be completed in 2016. Construction of the Summit Complex could begin in 2017, with the ultimate goal of completing construction and summit restoration by the end of 2020.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to investing in infrastructure as the current facilities were built in the 1960’s and have exceeded their useful life.
Financial Implications:
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Board/Commission Recommendation:
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Stakeholder Process:
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Alternatives:
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Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
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Summary of Ordinance Language
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