Work to begin on new Katy Trail segment

" I was a parent volunteer with a cub scout troop that took a ride on the Katy Trail last summer. I was completely shocked at the # of people that use the trail and the # of people that come from all over the US to use it. I met folks from Colorado, Virginia adn a couple of other eastern states I can't remember in the 2 or 3 hours I was out there. Anyone that discounts the rewards reaped from the Katy Trail or it's use needs to get on a bike or put on their walking shoes...get out there, use it and meet some of the folks that use it. You will be amazed. "

" Actually, WE the customers are paying for it. Ameren personnel made bad decisions, at best, and possibly illegal actions, at worst, but in the end it is the customers that are paying for it. Just like everyone says about the new plant they want to build, the customers will be paying for it because businesses pass their costs onto their customers. This is no different. To say "Ameren" is paying for this is wrong....we, the customers, are paying for it through higher rates because of THEIR mismanagement and possibly illegal actions. "

" mariab worte: " An amenity like the Katy Trail brings in money to businesses along and near the Katy Trail, raises property values for property owners near the Trail, and brings tourism money to Missouri from other states. It helps keep small towns alive that would otherwise wither away and die.

Keep small towns alive??? Bring in money, what a laugh! MOST bikers are looking for something free, want 1/2 a meal and spend only dimes. They are there to simply use the facilities and get free water. Does zero for our community.
Since we already have the trail, I would however like to see bikes BANNED from the highway! Since of course the two are next to one another. "

" i thank if you would have the reform of marijuana that would help the state more than spending 18m for a trail "

" Who cares what it costs? To go for a ride along the river on a beautiful day like today is priceless to me.

I must be crazy sitting here blogging???! I better go get my bike out! "

" Also, don't know if you've noticed, but there's a trend in which people are relocating from states such as California, Washington, Oregon and other high-scenic, strong outdoors-related reputations. They seek less expensive places to live, but which still offer the outdoors beauty and amenities they leave behind.

Missouri - including mid-Missouri - attracts some. The Katy Trail, Missouri River, walkable communities (like Columbia), cultural attractions are important enticements. Some day, Missouri's Ozark Trail will be huge draw.

BTW, you might be surprised how many out-of-state equestrians come to Missouri for its horse trails. These people have money. Ditto for sailboat owners who come to Stockton Lake - among top 10 in country for its quality sailing experience. .. ditto for flyfishermen. "

" I don't have those numbers, Boscoe, so if you do, I assume you'll share.

Here's an example, though, of how the Katy Trail (and amenities like it) create direct and indirect dollar multiplier effects.

In tandem, the Katy Trail and Missouri River bring significant activity to Rocheport. Tourists go to Rocheport to walk/bike the trail. Businesses that benefit: Bike rental shops, beds and breakfasts, cafes, etc.. All small business owners who, in turn, buy products and services from other business to serve their customers. Entrepreneurs offer guided nature walks along the Katy Trail. A canoeing business on the river offers another reason to visit Rocheport. The winery gets more business with more Katy Trail and river tourists, so it can thrive/expand. "

" How about some simple facts: How many jobs were created by the Katy Trail? How many millions/billions of dollars have been spent to build and maintain the Katy Trail?

Get that information and you'll see how valuable it is.. "

" We love the Katy. Love it. And I am sitting here thinking my prop value may go up. The Katy is the only thing that really keeps us in this area. We ride it all of the time as its so convenient for us. Mariab is right, it brings in so much business to the little towns along it. "

" With everything that is going on with the economy, I think this money could of been better spent elsewhere and the Katy trail could of waited. Kind of like the Tuscumbia Bridge waited years to be replaced even though it was on the list of worst bridges and was rated a 2 out of 100 for safety! "

" The MKT railroad acquired the land through land grants in the 1800's. They are now State Parks owned by the State! These things just didn't happen overnight. The owners of the railways donated most of the land to the State to build the "Katy" trail, and donated money to help after the floods destroyed the railways. The Railroad did more for the farmers and landowners than if the railroad never existed. This was a way of living, how do you think they got their products to market? Property Rights? "

" What about the lost income to the farmers and landowners who should now own the trail? I mean, the land was taken from them to build the railroad, and now if the railroad isn't needed, the land should go back to the private landowners. What happened to private property rights in this state? "

" if your property values go up so do your taxs why would want to pay higher taxs i thank the income is going to be far less than the out come and the home owners are the ones thats going to pay "

" An amenity like the Katy Trail brings in money to businesses along and near the Katy Trail, raises property values for property owners near the Trail, and brings tourism money to Missouri from other states. It helps keep small towns alive that would otherwise wither away and die.

The Katy Trail is the longest rails-to-trails trail in the entire country. "

" yep theres away to spend taxpayers money some thing we realy need could have spent 18 million onsomething else "