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| January 8, 2010
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Golden Gate Bridge Could Soon Offer Tours to Alleviate Budget Gap |
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The cash-strapped agency that operates one of America's most-recognizable bridges is seeking ways to close a $132 million budget shortfall over the next five years without having to increase tolls. That could include offering special tours and climbs of the bridge to tourists willing to pay for the experience.
"People get pretty nuts about this bridge, and if you have a behind-the-scenes tour -- albeit on a catwalk -- people would be jazzed," said Mary Currie, spokeswoman for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District in San Francisco. "It's the idea of going somewhere where no one's been before." Statements of qualification are now being accepted by the district from companies that are interested in running a bridge tour concession, the Los Angeles Times reported. The district's inspiration is the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb in Australia's largest city. Since 1998, 2.4 million visitors have paid for the chance to clamber 440 feet above the scenic Sydney Harbour. Applications are being accepted until Jan. 26. The district hopes to make a decision about how to move forward by the end of February. District officials estimate a concession could raise about $9 million per year. Tours could start in 2012 to coincide with the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary, Currie said. Questions regarding this article may be directed to editor@aashtojournal.org. |