Funding Shortfall Means Whitewater Park Unlikely

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Funding shortfall means whitewater park unlikely historic habitat as far upstream as Rifle. Page 2 of 3 Once the passage is built, fish will have access to an additional 50 miles of river habitat, according to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. DeAngelis announced Tuesday the bureau intends to award the fish passage building contract to Kissner G.C. Inc. of Cedaredge. Of all the bids they received in November, Kissner G.C. was the lowest and thus the best value, DeAngelis said. Edwards thanked financial supporters of the whitewater park, including the city of Grand Junction, which contributed $100,000. He called supporters' efforts "nothing short of heroic" and said the town has no regrets about trying to come up with enough money for the park. "We do not harbor any animosity toward the Bureau of Reclamation. This is not anyone's fault," he said. Edwards said building the park is "still the right thing to do if funding becomes available." Sarno said selling the naming rights of the park is still "open for discussion." "I've turned over every rock I know," Sarno said in regard to finding potential donors for the park. Potential use of the park by kayakers and rafters could result in $500,000 per year for the area, supporters said. "It would have been a tremendous amenity to the town, and finding something else of its magnitude would be difficult," public works director Frank Watt said. Edwards said the town still is accepting donations. "We hope that someone would come forward who would like to donate. We stillbave 30 days left until it's officially over," he said. More information on the whitewater park can be found at www._gr4ndy4ileyriverpark.org. Mike Wiggins can be reached via e -mail at to yig cm - i ds.co hn. Comments Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M -F Post a comment Name: E- mail's : http : / /cox.printthis.clickability. com /pt /cpt? action =cpt &title= Funding +shortfall +means +wh... 3/14/2007