JOPLIN, MO — The governor signed two fiscal year 2017 budget bills, House bills 2017 and 2018 into law on Thursday, June 16. The bills outline state appropriations for capital improvement projects. Three parks projects in the 21st Senatorial District – the construction of Rock Island Trail State Park, improvements in the Little Otter Creek Watershed and bridge designs in Knob Noster State Park – will be receiving state funding in the coming year.
“I am thrilled that the governor has recognized the need for improvements to these natural areas in the 21st District,” said Senator Pearce, R-Warrensburg. “Residents and tourists who visit our district will benefit from these projects for generations to come.”
Rock Island Trail State Park, a new 47-mile Rails-to-Trails project, will receive $4.6 million for its construction. It runs from Pleasant Hill to Windsor and will include stops in Chilhowee and Leeton. The trail spans sections of the old Rock Island Line, and will wind its visitors through farmland, woodland and wildlife across the 21st District. This portion of the trail should be complete by the end of 2016.
The Little Otter Creek Watershed will receive $2 million in funding for the completion of a 362-acre lake as well as for environmental mitigation efforts in the area. The new improvements will offer flood control and a more dependable water supply to the region, as well as new opportunities for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.
Additional state funding provides for architectural drawings of a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly bridge in Knob Noster State Park on the Spirit Trail. This trail will connect Warrensburg and Whiteman Air Force Base. These appropriations, which are contained within House bills 2017 and 2018, are currently awaiting the governor’s signature.
“There has been a large amount of community support and local efforts to make these projects a realization,” Sen. Pearce said. “Improving and preserving the natural areas of our state is an endeavor from which everyone benefits for many years.”
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