Katy Trail connection to KC--what remains to be done?

The AP's Alan Scher Zagier posted an extensive article about the hurdles left to be overcome before the Katy Trail Connection to Kansas City becomes a reality.

The recently announced agreement that includes a "trail license" and $18 million to build the trail is a huge step forward--but getting the trail completed certainly isn't a slam dunk.

That's where MoBikeFed and other advocacy organization around the state have a big role to play--making sure the DNR follow through reponsibly on its promises.

From the article:

Katy Trail cyclists hoping to pedal even closer to Kansas City after the state's $180 million Taum Sauk settlement provided funds for the path might want to wait before climbing onto their bikes.

A 46-mile westward trail extension is one of the key elements of the state's settlement with Ameren Corp. over the 2005 Taum Sauk reservoir collapse.

But despite that deal, which was announced last week, significant hurdles remain before cyclists, hikers and horseback riders can use a new section of what is already the nation's longest recreational path carved from a converted rail bed.

Money, property issues

First, lawmakers must agree to commit the $18 million Ameren payment for trail expansion to its intended use. . . .

Once a Reynolds County judge approves the Nov. 27 consent agreement between Ameren and Attorney General Jay Nixon, the state Department of Natural Resources has three years to complete the trail addition.

After that date the DNR can spend the $18 million "for any park purpose".

When Katy Trail State Park first opened more than a decade ago, some rural property owners sued the federal government about what they called illegal taking of private property.

Brent Hugh, executive director of the Missouri Bicycle Federation, said he doesn’t expect any similar opposition about the proposed extension.

"We’re seeing a 180-degree opposite situation to when the Katy Trail went in," he said. "Rural areas are really seeing what a huge economic benefit the trail brings. They’re working to bring the trail in rather than to oppose it."

Hugh called the agreement giving the state access to the rail corridor "the hardest part" of the deal. The lingering issue of loss-of-use payments to affected property owners is "the only thing that can be seen as an impediment," he said.

Trail boosters envision a path that could one day connect the Liberty Memorial in downtown Kansas City to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

A longer Katy Trail also could serve as a key segment in a proposed 700-mile Quad-State trail, connecting Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa.