Paddling trail seen as boost to tourism

Mayor John Cook and some of his advisers have big dreams for turning the Rio Grande into a tourist destination and recreational playground.

Cook's Quality of Life and Tourism Cabinet -- an informal group of about a half-dozen people -- want the city and other government agencies to work toward establishing a paddling trail along the Rio Grande.

The goal is to include a 19-mile stretch of the river from the Texas-New Mexico line to the American Dam near Asarco as part of the Texas Paddling Trails system.

Eighteen water trails are already part of it, but this would be the first in West Texas, said John Moses, general superintendent for Texas State Parks in El Paso. Moses is co-chairman of Cook's tourism Cabinet.

People already use the Rio Grande for kayaking, canoeing and rafting, Moses said, but the change would give this stretch a formal state designation and allow the region to promote it more effectively.

Tourists use El Paso as a springboard to visit Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands National Monument and Big Bend National Park, Moses said. Gaining a designation for the Rio Grande could enhance tourism, he said.

"We have three main natural resources -- our abundant and consistent sunshine, the mountains and the Rio Grande," Moses said. "The Rio Grande is probably the least of these as far as people's awareness."

The trail would cost about $21,000 to create, Cook said. This would include five designated put-in and take-out areas for canoes, kayaks  and other water craft, and parking areas.

It could be paid for with a state or federal grant or with local governments pitching in, Cook said.The main benefits would be boosting economic development and tourism, Cook said. The river could also be used more by El Pasoans, he said. Moses said entrepreneurs could be encouraged to rent rafts and canoes or even give tours.

The City Council earlier this week gave Cook permission to create a task force to look at establishing the trail and making other improvements.

Cook said he had already written letters to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the International Boundary & Water Commission, El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 and El Paso Water Utilities, asking them to join.

The city, county, Vinton and Sunland Park would also play a less formal role but would participate, Cook said.Cook's advisers are asking that the task force also look at what it would cost to create a permanent pool area near the American Dam along the Rio Grande. This area would then be used as a place for paddling, bird-watching and fishing, Moses said.

County Commissioner Veronica Escobar has created an eco-tourism committee as part of her office and wants to promote El Paso as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Escobar's committee has also worked with the El Paso Convention & Visitors Bureau to produce a brochure that promotes El Paso's outdoor activities and destinations.