Katy Trail extension advocates are asking Missourians to sign a petition seeking the completion of the trail by linking it from its present terminus to Kansas City. Trail advocates envision the trail benefiting communities throughout Missouri as it stretches from the St. Louis Arch to the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City and beyond. The Joplin Trails Coalition, a member of the Missouri Bicycle Federation, especially is interested in what lies beyond. By October 14, 2006, 1000 additional signatures are needed in a petition to Ameren and copied to the Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon and the Department of Natural Resources to work together to make the trail part of a cross-state system.
AmerenUE is the owner of the crucial connecting link, a 65-mile section of the former Rock Island Railroad which runs from the end of the Katy Trail at Windsor to Pleasant Hill near Kansas City. Leading settlement negotiations with Ameren over their Taum Sauk dam failure that occurred on December 14, 2005, is Nixon, a long time supporter of the Katy.
The map, at left, shows that the connection to Kansas City is key to connecting the trail network to St. Joseph, Omaha, Lawrence, Topeka and to the trails being established by the Joplin Trails Coalition (not pictured). It is believed that creating a trail network this size will bring tremendous economic benefits far beyond the Kansas City area and become a project of statewide significance.
"The Taum Sauk disaster affected the state parks system--a system supported by citizens across the entire state," says Dr. Brent Hugh, executive director of the Missouri Bicycle Federation. "It only makes sense that some reparations focus directly on the area devastated, but some should have a general benefit for all citizens of Missouri. Missourians from across the state will not be satisfied with a settlement that benefits only one small portion of the state."
Ameren is now talking with the city of Windsor on a smaller, related trail project and has issued statements indicating there is the possibility of discussion on the larger Rock Island segment.
Said Hugh:
"This could be a win-win situation for Ameren. They could retain their utility easements and the right to reactivate the railway line in the future while granting a trail easement. If the railroad is reactivated the trail can remain alongside as a 'rails with trails' project. In short, Ameren can protect their business interests in the corridor while making a gesture that will garner the good will of citizens across the state, demonstrate their commitment to the public welfare, and create a legacy that will last for generations. Other connections to Missouri cities are possible, too. It is difficult to imagine another project that could benefit this many Missouri communities coming with such a low price tag. The connection to Kansas City is the key to making all this happen."
Well over 2000 citizens already have written, called, or emailed Ameren and the DNR asking them to support the Katy Trail Connection. To add your support, go here.
Comments