Details about the STB's decision allow the Rock Island corridor trail agreement to proceed - Gasconade County Republican: Gasconade County
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“Ameren is pleased with the Surface Transportation Board’s decision,” said Warren Wood, Ameren’s vice president for External Affairs and Communications, in a release shared with Missouri Rock Island Trail (MORIT) officers. “The many stakeholders who support this project expected a favorable decision as Ameren continues to move forward with abandoning and donating 191 miles of the Rock Island line to the state of Missouri for use as a bike trail.”
Wood noted the process is just beginning and could take years to complete. But, he noted, it will be worth the wait.
“Abandonment of this rail line and its transfer to the state will take several years,” said Wood. “We see a tremendous opportunity for tourism, outdoor entertainment and economic development for the people and communities along this rail line. If converted to a trail, this would be one of the longest bike trails in the country, and if connected with the Katy Trail would be one of the longest bike trails in the world.”
Support has been strong, he added.
“We have received thousands of support letters from people living along the line, people in other states and even from other countries,” said Wood. “We look forward to working with stakeholders to maximize the benefits of this trail to the nearby communities while working to address the concerns some stakeholders have expressed.”
MORIT officials also expressed their pleasure at the STB decision.
“This is very exciting news and moves us one step closer to a trail,” said Chrysa Niewald, an Owensville resident and MORIT president. “On behalf of MORIT, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Ameren for their commitment in making the Rock Island Trail a reality. Their efforts to preserve the Rock Island corridor through rail banking and interim trail use demonstrates their dedication to support our communities, improve the quality of life and attract new investment to the region. Future generations of Missourians will benefit from Ameren’s generous donation.”
“This is a major step forward for the statewide Rock Island Trail,” said Brent Hugh, executive director of the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation. “Our congratulations to Ameren, to Missouri State Parks, to the Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc., (MORIT) and to the communities along the trail.”
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