Rock Island Trail - Katy Connector
Posted By J.T. on May 2, 2009
Work has begun on the Rock Island Trail – Katy Connector, which will link the KC area to the nationally acclaimed Katy Trail State Park. Governor Nixon made the announcement last month from what will be the future trailhead in Pleasant Hill, next to the Cass County Fair Grounds. “With work beginning on the Rock Island Trail – Katy Connector, we are one stop closer to providing Missourians with an opportunity to experience the beauty of our state from one side to the other through an unbroken trail system,” Gov. Nixon said.
Eventually this will result in economic opportunity for the area. Over 350,000 visitors use the Katy Trail each year, many coming from other states. Tourism dollars will support existing and draw upon new businesses, such as bed and breakfasts, bicycle shops, campgrounds, stores and cafés. More than 300 trail-related businesses have developed and benefited from the 225-mile trail that currently exists from Clinton to near St. Louis.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the Katy Trail State Park and will lead the connector project, says the 46-mile stretch from Pleasant Hill to Windsor, Mo., won’t be completed for probably a decade.
Funding for the connector project comes from the Ameren Taum Sauk settlement agreement. As part of the $179 million agreement reached by then-Attorney General Nixon, the state received $18 million and a perpetual license to build a trail alongside the former Rock Island Railroad.
“Having a trail cross the entire state and connect our two major metropolitan centers will enhance recognition for Missouri and be an economic boost,” Gov. Nixon said. “No other state has such a cross-state trail, and I am excited to be part of its expansion.”
The 9th annual Katy Trail ride will start in Clinton on June 22 and end in St. Charles on June 26. GO HERE for more details.
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