Salida, Colorado – Construction for the South Ark Neighborhood infrastructure project is officially underway, marking a major step toward expanding workforce housing opportunities and critical infrastructure in the community.
Site preparation and construction of water main extensions along the US-50 corridor have now begun. This work is part of the South Ark Neighborhood Infrastructure Phase I project and will provide essential utilities needed to support future housing development in the area.
Construction of the water mains is expected to take several months to complete.
During construction, access to the nearby open space will be temporarily closed. The presence of heavy equipment and open trenches creates safety concerns when construction activity and pedestrians intersect. These temporary closures are necessary to ensure the safety of both workers and the public. The affected areas will be fully restored once construction is complete and additional trail improvements are proposed
As part of the project, the City will also improve the trail connection at the crossing between the Hampton Inn and Faricy Boys, enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists traveling through the corridor.
The disc golf area will remain open and accessible through an access off of County Road 104 throughout most of construction.
Residents and visitors are asked to keep dogs on leash while in the area to help maintain safety around construction activity and equipment.
This project is made possible through a combination of state grants, local partnerships, and City funding. The City of Salida received two $2 million grants from the state’s Strong Communities and More Housing Now initiatives, totaling $4 million, specifically to support the South Ark Neighborhood Infrastructure Phase I project. These grants will help develop the utilities and roadways necessary to enable new housing in the area.
In addition, Chaffee County and Colorado Mountain College have each committed up to $1 million to support the project, demonstrating strong local investment in workforce housing.
Importantly, the City has also contributed $1.25 million from its Housing Fund, which is supported by occupational lodging tax revenues. These funds are specifically set aside to support workforce housing initiatives, helping ensure that new housing remains attainable for the local workforce.
The City appreciates the community’s patience as this important infrastructure work moves forward. For project updates and additional information, please visit www.cityofsalida.com/commdev/page/south-ark-neighborhood.
