IRVINE : $6-Million, 16-Mile Trail System Wins OK

Forty miles of riding and hiking trails planned for the city were reduced to a more modest 16-mile system by the City Council this week, saving $10 million in projected costs.

And city planners said for the first time that the county has indicated it will share the cost of constructing the trails, which could save another $3 million.

The city’s ambitious plans for more than 40 miles of horse and hiking trails carried an estimated $16-million price tag, according to Kia Mortazavi, principal transportation analyst for the city. But a committee of city and community representatives agreed to a compromise $6-million, 16-mile trail system, which was unanimously approved by the City Council.

With funding from the county, Mortazavi hopes to cut the $6-million cost in half.

The county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday is scheduled to consider entering into negotiations with the city on funding the trails. The Irvine trails are planned to connect with a countywide equestrian and hiking trail system.

Mortazavi said the county has already agreed to bear the cost of maintaining the planned trails.

“We feel this is a big step on the part of the county,” Mortazavi told council members. “It’s something they weren’t doing before.”

Councilman Greg Smith expressed concerns that some Irvine residents may be taxed to pay for part of the cost for trails used by residents from throughout the county.