DRAFT

RESOLUTION NO. 6654

A RESOLUTION BY THE LAWRENCE CITY COMMISSION CALLING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RECREATIONAL PATHWAY BETWEEN LAWRENCE AND TOPEKA.

WHEREAS, the cities of Lawrence and Topeka independently have each undertaken the development of recreational pathway systems on behalf of their citizens;

WHEREAS, President George H. Bush's Commission on Americans Outdoors concluded that greenways with recreational pathways can "draw people together in their communities, to provide open spaces for all close to their homes…Greenways are our vision for the future."

WHEREAS, a 1999 report by the Trust for Public Land concludes that easy access to recreational pathways and open space has become a "new measure of community wealth--an important way to attract businesses and residents by guaranteeing both quality of life and economic health" and experience shows that Kansans are more than willing to drive to central Missouri to use the KATY Trail.

WHEREAS, recreational pathways allow seniors, children and families to exercise for health and travel safely away from traffic;

WHEREAS, the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy and the City of Topeka are currently building the 38-mile Landon Nature Trail in the out-of-service Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor which now provides the cities of Lawrence and Topeka the opportunity to link up their respective communities with a recreational pathway;

WHEREAS, federal Transportation Enhancement funds and other federal funds may be available for paying up to 80 percent of the cost of construction of a multi-purpose path;

WHEREAS, the cities of Lawrence and Topeka working together can help achieve a dream of linking their respective communities with a recreational pathway which will contribute to the creation of an interconnected network of off-road recreational pathways in eastern Kansas;

NOW THEREFORE, the City of Lawrence desires to work cooperatively with the City of Topeka and the State of Kansas in ensuring a recreational pathway linking the two cities is established in a timely manner.