The town is hoping to encourage citizens to tackle crumbling sidewalks with $10,000 set aside to help fund projects.

Residents are responsible for maintaining their own sidewalks in Mancos, but this year the town will cover half the cost of a sidewalk replacement, up to $750.

Julia Whelihan who lives on Bauer Avenue got on the waiting list to participate the program many years before it was put on a hiatus.

"It is a win-win situation for us and the town for safety and aesthetics," she said.

In her opinion, it is a great program for Mancos families in this economic time.

"If more participate, it is my hope that there would be possible better pricing in the bidding," she said.

Projects must be completed using a qualified, licensed contractor or qualified individual. Funds are provided on a first-come, first-served basis in three application periods. The town reserves the right to prioritize projects based on an assessment of sidewalk damage.

The matching funds cannot be applied to driveways, removal of trees or tree roots and other areas are the property owner's full responsibility. But the property owner may have the contractor complete those tasks at the same time as the sidewalk construction.

Town residents who are interested in replacing their sidewalk have until April 25 to apply

Construction will take place between May 15 and July 15.

This is an outline of the process:

Fill out a one-page sidewalk program application and submit it to Town Hall.

Once the application is approved, the town will ask a contractor to visit your property to provide a free estimate. Or, you may contact your own qualified firm or individual to provide an estimate of work to the town.

Pay your local match of the project cost up front and the town will pay its share to the contract.

Contractor or qualified individual completes the project according to town sidewalk construction standards.

Town staff inspect the project and signs off on its completion.

mshinn@cortezjournal.com