Rock Island Trail Funding Bill Signed Into Law
While the legislative session came to a close on May 17, the process in which a bill becomes a law continues. During session, the General Assembly passed nearly 100 pieces of legislation, but as many of us know from Schoolhouse Rock, a bill needs one more seal of approval before it becomes law. That’s where the governor comes in. Since the end of session, the governor has signed several bills into law, including recently one of my legislative priorities.
On July 10, the governor signed Senate Bill 196, which I sponsored. This legislation creates the Rock Island Trail State Park Endowment Fund, which will help fund a “rails-to-trail” project looking to connect the Rock Island Trail to the Katy Trail. With the help of private donations and grants available through the endowment fund, the Rock Island Trail will stretch over 200 miles, from Windsor in the west to Beaufort in the east, and form a 450 mile loop with the Katy Trail.
I believe the creation of the Rock Island Trail State Park Endowment Fund is an important step for this project moving forward. Not only will this dedicated funding stream help complete the trail, but also help maintain it over the years. When completed, I believe the Rock Island Trail will be a premier destination for Missourians and visitors alike to enjoy some of Missouri’s natural beauty. The trail also has the possibility of increasing tourism and supporting local economies along the trail. Either way, I believe the Rock Island Trail will be a win-win for our state.
Additionally, SB 196 authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to award grants to preserve and maintain historic county courthouses across the state. By providing counties with some additional resources to keep up these historic structures, I hope we can maintain these important courthouses for years, if not decades, to come.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573) 751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.