Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/13/2010

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dn~,~,y~-,: ~,;~ T~ Apli13. ?0089 bh~. James Andrew & Tltz Transportation Advisory Board of Mztropolitan Council 390 Robert Street A'or[h St. Paul, MN 55101 Dear Mr. Andrew and Transportation Advisory Board Members Mississippi River Trail, ffic. (MRT) is a 3,000-mile trail system traversing ] 0 states, 1?3 cotnties and over 400 communities along the Mississippi River. We are a partnership nonprofit organization with a bi- regional Memorandtmt of Understanding with the National Park Service to advocate cross promotion of national parks, state puks, colnnunity parks. wildlife refitges, and communities (large and small) in order to elevate the importance of treating the Mississippi Rivet' as a national treasm'z. Otu' focus is on enviromnental education, active n'ausportation, and trail-build-out. Otu system htchtdes the River as a water trail feanue, and provides numerous trail use oppothmities for local residents and tourists from around the world. Mississippi River Trail, hte. is pleased to subrttit a letter of support for the City of Anoka ARRA Transportation Enhanczmzn[s - i.4ississippi River Trail and Alterative Transportation Opportunities Projzet. The proposed trail will be bzneficial to many users in the City of Attoka as well as for uumet'ous tonists whose spending will help boost the economic development potential for the area. Critical comtections such as this one are key to making the 3.000 toile-trail a national tauristn eneine. As an example of the economic development potential, the State of Iowa anticipates S20 million dollars a year in new totuist revenue once the Dississippi River Trail is completely sighed in the state. ~Ve are happy to partner with the Ciry of Anoka on this project. The Ciry has an excellent reputation for for its forward-thinking approach to development and improvement of hail resom'ces. Mssissippi River Trail, Inc. has been working with the Ciry of P.ttoka, the Mississippi National River and Recreation urea's snperitrtendent and staff, the Mhutesota Department of Transportation, the Parks and Trails Cotntcil of Milmesota, altd many other numicipalities and state agencies to help facilitate trail location, establishment of signage. and coordination of planting efY'otts for this and many other similar projects. A stimulus Brant for this `shovel ready' transportation znhancement project will solve the critical missing litilc between two cities, provide bicyclists and pedesnians safe routes east and west along LJS Hwy's #10 R #169. Sincerely. c 1 ~~ c~/~ Terry Eastin Executive Director 858 N.Iackson • Fayetteville, AR 72701 •479-?360938 •479-5 i t 665 FAX • m~+vmississippiris'email o[v 21