Press release from Congressman Doug Lamborn. His bill to clear up the Incline railway abandonment issue will be voted on in Washington tomorrow. This is a big step toward making the Incline legal for all to climb.

Congressman Doug Lamborn’s (CO-05)  bill helping to clarify the legal status of the popular Manitou Incline hiking trail is scheduled for a vote on the House Floor on Tuesday, July 31, 2012.

The House Natural Resources Committee passed  H.R. 4073 with unanimous approval on June 7, 2012.  The bill 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.

Lamborn wrote: “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."

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.