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<br /> <br />1~~~ <br />7(~ 1~ <br /> <br />April 3, 20089 <br /> <br />Mr, James Andrew & <br />The Transportation Advisory Board of Metropolitan Council <br />390 Robert Street North <br />SL Paul, MN 55101 <br /> <br />Dear Mr, Andrew and Transportation AdvisoI)' Board Members: <br /> <br />Mississippi River Trail, hlC. (MR T) is a 3,OOO-mile trail system traversing 10 states, 123 counties and <br />over 400 commlmities along the Mississippi River. We are a partnership nonprofit organization with a bi- <br />regional Memorandum of Understanding with the National Park Selvice to advocate cross promotion of <br />national parks, state parks, community parks, wildlife refhges, and communities (large and small) in order <br />to elevate the importance of treating the Mississippi River as a national treasme, Our focus is on <br />environmental education, active transportation, and trail-build-out. Our system includes the River as a <br />water trail featme. and provides numerous trail use oppommities for local residents and tourists from <br />around the world. <br /> <br />Mississippi River Trail, hlC. is pleased to submit a letter of support for the City of Anoka ARRA <br />Transportation Enhancements - Mississippi River Trail and Alterative Transportation Opportunities <br />Project. The proposed trail will be beneficial to many users in the City of Anoka as well as for numerous <br />tourists whose spending will help boost the economic development potential for the area. Critical <br />cOlmections such as this one are key to making the 3,000 mile-trail a national tomism engine. As an <br />example of the economic development potential, the State ofIowa anticipates $20 million dollars a year <br />in new tourist revenue once the Mississippi River Trail is completely signed in the state. <br /> <br />We are happy to partner with the City of Anoka on this project. The City has an excellent reputation for <br />for its forward-thinking approach to developmelll and improvement of trail resomces. Mississippi River <br />Trail, Inc. has been working with the City of Anoka, the Mississippi National River and Recreation <br />Area's supelintendent and staff. the Mimlesota DepaIiment of TranspOliation, the Parks and Trails <br />COlUlCil of MiImesota, and many other municipalities and state agencies to help facilitate trail location, <br />establishment of signage, and coordination of plalUling efforts for tltis and many other similar projects. A <br />stiInulus graIlt for this 'shovel ready' transportation enhancement project will solve the critical missing <br />link between two cities, provide bicyclists and pedestlians safe routes east and west along US Hwy's #10 . <br />& #169. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />~ ~ <br />d <br /> <br />Teny Eastin <br />Executive Director <br /> <br />858 N. Jackson' Fayetteville.AR 72701. 479-236-0938' 479-571-2665 FAX' \vww.lllississippirivertrail.org <br /> <br />04/0312009 <br />