In recent weeks you may have seen news that Missouri Governor Eric Greitens’ administration is re-considering the rails-to-trails conversion of the former Rock Island railroad corridor in central and eastern Missouri.
We want to clarify that the trail segment in question is east of Windsor, MO and not in the KC metro area. The recently-opened section west of Windsor to Pleasant Hill is not in jeopardy, nor is final section in Jackson County between Lee’s Summit and the Truman Sports Complex. The Jackson County section is jointly owned and developed by the County and the KC Area Transportation Authority. It is not under the jurisdiction of Governor Greitens or the State of Missouri.
Support the Rock Island Trail across Missouri
The vision for the Missouri Rock Island Trail is for a second cross-state trail through the Lake Area, and connected with the Katy Trail to from a 400-plus mile loop around the state. BikeWalkKC supports development of this new state-wide trail as it would connect to the Kansas City area and provide significant opportunities for bicycle tourism and economic development in the communities along the trail.
Send Governor Greitens a message
Click here to send a brief comment to the Governor and the Department of Natural Resources supporting the State of Missouri’s continued development of the Rock Island Trail.
More information
BikeWalkKC’s letter to Governor Greitens and MoDNR Director Carol Comer (PDF)
Our friends at the PedNet Coalition in Columbia are working hard to rally support for the trail in Mid-Missouri. Please visit their page for more information about the situation.
Media coverage
- Sedalia Democrat newspaper: Rock Island Trail needs public support.
- Gasconade County Republican newspaper: State Parks, DNR ask Belle to suspend Rock Island Trail development
Rock Island and Katy Trail in Kansas City
Visit BikeWalkKC’s Rock Island Corridor and Katy Trail Connection page to learn more about the KC area segments of the corridor that in development and/or open for use.