Below is an excerpt from the Prairie Spirit Express (January 2009):
The Prairie Spirit Trail is a part of the National Rail-Trail Network (NRTN) and as such approximately 20 designation signs will soon be placed along the trail. "This program is composed of what we believe to be the top rail-trails in the country. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) will provide these selected trails with free signs and public exposure through RTC's publications and websites, and we think that the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail should be part of this network of excellent trails," states Allison Rosania, RTC. You can check out the RTC website to learn about other rail-trails and even submit your comments about your adventures on the Prairie Spirit Trail.
The next meeting of Sunflower Recreational Trails, Inc. will now be held on Saturday February 21 in Council Grove, a national landmark. The meeting will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Hays House, the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi River. Items of discussion include railbanking initiatives and participation in the Kansas Sampler. There will be a field trip to the Flint Hills Nature Trail following the meeting. All trails advocates are invited to attend.
The MetroGreen trail network in the Kansas City metro area continues to expand. The following is an excerpt from the Kansas City Star (14 January 2009):
Kansas City will receive $100,000 from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to help build the first section of the Hodge-Smithville Trail. The nearly two-mile trail for bicyclists, pedestrians and equestrians will traverse the north-south length of the Northland's Hodge Park. The City will contribute nearly $37,000 and Clay County parks will make a nearly $62,000 in-kind donation.
The new 2009 Stimulus bill to be signed by President Obama in mid-February will have well over $1.3 billion for transportation for the State of Kansas. So far, Kansas transportation officials are allocating all funds for highways and bridges. Many states such as Missouri are using a small percentage for transit and bicycle and pedestrian projects. As the bicycle is the most efficient and earth-friendly form of transportation, alternative transportation should receive its fair share of the pie. If we are going to transition to a sustainable society, investment in sustainable infrastructure is critical. Investment in sustainable infrastructure projects will ensure the viability of the state, country and Earth.
Unless out-of-service corridors are railbanked and converted into a multi-use paths, they will be lost forever. Conservation out-of-service rail corridors through railbanking will allow rail service to be readily restored if there is an energy crisis requires. However, the law requires that during the interim, a trail be built. This, of course, requires funding. These multi-use paths can be funded under the federal Transportation Enhancement Program administered by KDOT. Due to cutbacks by the State and Federal governments the past few years, many worthwhile Transportation Enhancement projects were not funded. The engineering and planning is done for many of these projects. These are ready to be constructed if the funding is available.
Unless Governor Sebelius hears from bicycle/pedestrian advocates, Kansas will continue its old 1950s transportation policies. Emails tend to be ignored. Personal visits, letters and calls work best.
Office of the Governor
State Capitol, Ste. 212S
Topeka, KS 66612-1590
1-877-579-6757
Local: 785-296-6240
Fax: 785-368-8788