Missouri has a chance — and the money — for big things at Rock Island Trail State Park

There is much at stake for Missouri this week.

The Missouri 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, Gov. Mike Parson called on the legislature to invest a portion of the state’s federal pandemic recovery dollars to develop the 144-mile corridor, which was officially railbanked — set aside for possible future use — in December. The trail will eventually connect to the Katy Trail and into Kansas City, creating a 400-mile trail loop. Parson understands the trail’s potential, calling it “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 Missouri House also recognizes the potential and included the $70 million and more in its budget. Now it is up to the state Senate to act and pass HB 3020.

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.

A study of outdoor recreation nationwide found that bicycling participants spend $83 billion on “trip-related” sales (bicycle tourism) and generate $97 billion in retail spending each year in the United State. In Missouri, our bicycle economy already ranks 13th nationwide — we’re a top state for bicycle tourism and the jobs it supports. Outdoor recreation already contributes 80,000 jobs across the state. 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.

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. The annual return on investment far exceeds this single infusion of cash.

While the $70 million is not enough to build the entire 144-mile rail-trail, it provides needed funding to complete the hardest and most expensive portions, including three major tunnels and two major bridges.

This investment is a smart move for the state. The Rock Island Trail State Park would raise the profile of Missouri around the globe. It will be key to bolstering our economic future. We’re counting on Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Dan Hegeman, Vice Chairman Lincoln Hough and Ranking Member Lauren Arthur to make the strategic move for our state and vote in favor of HB 3020.

It’s clearly a win-win.

This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 5:00 AM.