As Missouri Senate debates Rock Island Funding, a Springfield News-Leader Editorial: The Rock Island Trail Is a pathway toward tourism success
As the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee continues to debate both routine funding and additional federal funding for the 144-mile cross-state Rock Island Trail, the Springfield News-Leader has published a powerful editorial from two regional leaders endorsing the trail and the benefits it will bring to Missouri.
- ALERT: Please contact your Missouri Senator now in support of the Rock Island Trail funding - so far in hearings the Committee has cut all proposed Rock Island Trail State Park funding, including not only additional federal ARPA funding proposals but also the routine privately raised maintenance and upkeep funding that the General Assembly agreed to in 2019. Your elected representatives need to hear from you - this is not right, and only an outcry from citizens will change the situation.
- Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Day at the Capitol is Monday, April 25th. Join us in Jefferson City Monday if you can! If you can't, please contact your Appropriations Committee Senators (again) to reinforce or in-person message.
The Rock Island Trail Is a pathway toward tourism success
Patrick Tuttle and Mac Vorce
Springfield News-Leader 22 April 2022
The Senate Appropriations Committee is debating its version of the state budget and nestled in there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — $70 million to kick start development of the Rock Island Trail State Park.
In his State of the State address, Governor Mike Parson called on the legislature to invest a portion of the state’s federal recovery dollars to develop the 144-mile corridor, which was officially railbanked in December. The trail will eventually connect to the Katy Trail and into Kansas City, creating a 400-mile trail loop. Governor Parson understands the trail’s potential as “a world-class, one-of-a-kind destination for travelers coming to Missouri … while also supporting businesses and creating jobs”—potential that can only be realized if the trail is built. The House also recognizes the potential and included the $70 million and more in its budget. Now it is up to the Senate to act and pass H.B. 3020.
In establishing a tourism base, a state’s natural amenities play a major economic role. It is not possible to create a mountain or add a beach where there is none. For Missouri, showcasing the state’s natural features contributes greatly to the tourism revenue streams of every community.
Trails, like the Katy Trail and the future Rock Island Trail State Park, make it possible to access the wonders of our state through means that support the environment and promote public health. This land that is a part of the Missouri landscape—this unused railway that crosses the midsection of Missouri—is a pathway toward tourism success on many levels.
A study of outdoor recreation found that bicycling participants spend $83 billion on 'trip-related' sales and generate $97 billion in retail spending each year in the U.S. In Missouri, our bicycle economy already ranks 13th nationwide—we’re a top state for bicycle tourism and the jobs it supports. Missouri’s trails alone contribute $507 million in economic activity to the state annually, which could grow to $1.05 billion each year as trail connectivity improves.
The portion of the trail requested for ARPA funding is the most difficult but also the most scenic section of the Rock Island The portion of the trail requested for ARPA funding is the most difficult but also the most scenic section of the Rock Island, with two major bridges and three major tunnels. With this most difficult piece of the trail done, the complete connection to the Katy will be rapidly complete. Further regional, statewide, and national trail connections are in the works as well.Considering the totality of economic opportunity that bicycling, trails and outdoor recreation represent for the state, it’s hard to understand any opposition to this investment.
It’s not every day that the state has a surplus of funding intended for economic recovery. Pair that with a world-class trail network ready to be built and we’re sitting pretty for a significant boost to our tourism economy. Based solely on the visitation and economic impact of the Katy Trail, we know this will be a tourism draw for the entire world.
This investment is a smart move. We’re all counting on Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Senator Dan Hegeman, Vice Chairman Senator Lincoln Hough and Ranking Member Senator Lauren Arthur to make the strategic move for our state and vote in favor of HB 3020.
Patrick Tuttle is the director of the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mac Vorce is the executive director of the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce.
Related: ALERT: Please contact your Missouri Senator now in support of the Rock Island Trail funding now
One of the top goals of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri is building a world-class bicycle and pedestrian transportation system in Missouri. The addition of the Rock Island Trail to Missouri's statewide trail system is the biggest single advance we have seen in Missouri in over 20 years.
Your membership and generous financial contributions help turn our Vision into reality--building the statewide public support for bicycling, walking, and trails that make major advances like the Rock Island Trail possible.
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