Andy Ostmeyer: No downside to accepting Rock Island

BRANSON MO NEWS:

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and Ben Ellis could give Missourians one heck of a Christmas present by accepting the 144-mile Rock Island line for a future state park trail corridor.By doing so, Greitens and Ellis, director of state parks, would be honoring the wishes of the state’s residents, who have made it clear that is what they want.Earlier this year, the state opened a public hearing on the corridor, which would be a companion on the south side of the Missouri River to the popular Katy Trail State Park. The state already opened a 47.5-mile spur of the Rock Island, connecting to the 240-mile Katy at Windsor and running to the south side of Kansas City. Between the two, and with spurs and connectors, the state would have a 400- to 500-mile network of trails for cycling, running, hiking, walking and more connecting major cities and smaller towns.

It would make Missouri the envy of every other state.This summer, during a public comment period, the Department of Natural Resources (which oversees state parks) received more than 8,600 comments and they were overwhelmingly in favor of accepting the corridor.Some examples:• “I am an avid supporter of this trail and its development. I have personally ridden the entire KATY Trail on two occasions and spent $500 plus over the four days. While traveling I met people from several states and also at least one foreign country. The addition of the Rock Island Trail will make Missouri even more of an active recreation destination and draw people to the state.”• “These villages along the proposed trail will benefit greatly from the increased tourism traffic as bikers and hikers will be searching for supplies, lodging, restaurants, etc … What are we waiting for? … I see little downside. Build it, promote it, and …