EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Plans to bring back El Paso’s Wyler Aerial Tramway are moving ahead and entering the contract bidding phase, according to a joint news release sent out by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the El Paso Community Foundation.
The tramway is advancing into Phase 1 of the reconstruction project, and contract bidding is now open, according to the news release.
The tramway has been closed since 2018 after the Texas parks department conducted a study and concluded that the tramway had surpassed its “life expectancy” and was no longer suitable for public use.
The El Paso State Delegation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is leading this effort in collaboration with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) and the El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF), according to the joint news release.
With design plans for the entire project nearly complete, the CRRMA is inviting contractors to submit bids for the construction of Phase 1, marking a “crucial step towards bringing this iconic tramway back to life,” according to the news release.
“The Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority is now soliciting contractors to provide proposals for Phase 1 of the project, and we’re excited for the public to know that the Wyler Aerial Tramway is really happening. This project is moving forward with intention, and that is evidenced by the support provided by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, our El Paso delegation, and the El Paso Community Foundation,” said Raymond Telles, executive director of the CRRMA.
In efforts to revive the Wyler Aerial Tramway, the El Paso State Delegation, led by Sen. César J. Blanco and Reps. Lina Ortega, Joe Moody, Claudia Ordaz and Mary Gonzalez, has secured $20 million for the project, which will be used for this initial phase, according to the news release.
The Phase 1 design plans include roadway extensions, additional parking, shelters, supportive infrastructure, an amphitheater, and hiking trails.
“The Wyler Aerial Tramway is an important local treasure and asset to the El Paso region, and I am happy to see that our collaborative efforts are moving us closer to the reopening of a new and improved tramway,” Blanco said. “I look forward to continuing to champion additional state funding in the Senate and working with the entire El Paso Delegation, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority, and the El Paso Community Foundation to secure the additional public and private dollars needed to finish the new tramway.”
“I have fond memories of the Wyler Tramway, and so do generations of El Pasoans. Nothing beats that view of our incredible hometown, so I’m excited to see the state funding our delegation secured lay the foundation that will bring the tramway back for generations to come. I won’t stop until that happens,” Moody said.
“The State of Texas has committed millions of dollars towards the reopening of the Wyler Aerial Tramway. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with local leaders to see the project is completed,” González said.
“The overlook from the Tram will provide visitors with a stunning view of our city’s majestic landscape,” Ortega said. “Our community’s quality of life will also benefit from the walking trails that will be available for everyone to use and enjoy.”
Rep. Eddie Morales added: “As we always work to promote the livelihood of Texans, which includes the experience of viewing our beautiful natural and urban landscapes, I am excited about the funds secured to bring back the Wyler Ariel Tramway. I commend my colleagues for their hard work in securing these funds for El Pasoans and all Texans who make their way to El Paso to enjoy.”
“For years the El Paso community has been waiting for the grand return of the Wyler Tramway. As the state’s only public tramway, we have the opportunity to attract visitors young and old to highlight the beauty of our city,” Ordaz said. “I’m excited that we are finally able to kick things off, and look forward to working with my colleagues’ community members to get this project fully funded.”
Here is some history of the tramway as provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the El Paso Community Foundation:
The El Paso Community Foundation received the original gift of the Wyler Aerial Tramway from El Paso broadcast pioneer and philanthropist Karl O. Wyler.
Wyler, who owned and managed KTSM TV and radio, built the tramway to transport equipment to construct the radio transmitters in 1959. He opened the tramway to the public in the 1960s and then gifted it to the Foundation to ensure it would remain accessible to the public in perpetuity.
In 1999, the El Paso Community Foundation gave the Wyler Aerial Tramway and 170 acres of adjacent property to TPWD, where it was enjoyed by the public as a state park from 2001 until its closing in 2018.
“It made sense in the 1990s for the El Paso Community Foundation to gift this treasure of our community to the largest urban state park in Texas so that we all could enjoy it,” said Eric Pearson, president and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation. “Now, we need to come together again to help make it the best possible new facility for the next generations to enjoy and learn about our Chihuahuan Desert.”
For more information and updates on the project, as well as future announcements regarding the RFP process, visit www.crrma.org.
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