Governor Matt Blunt

P.O. Box 720

Jefferson City MO 65102

Dear Governor Blunt -

I operate www.BikeKatyTrail.com, the web's most authoritative resource for Katy Trail information.  I am writing to give you my perspective on how the Katy Trail contributes to Missouri businesses, and why asserting the state’s right to use the Boonville MKT bridge will directly benefit Missouri’s businesses.

When visitors to www.BikeKatyTrail.com post comments or questions on the website, they are asked where they are located.  Amazingly, over half are from out of state!  These are people who are planning their trips to the Katy Trail, and the majority are not even Missourians!  This indicates what a major tourist draw the Katy Trail is.  This trail is well-know among cyclists nationwide, even internationally, and is considered a “must visit” destination among touring cyclists.  Clearly, this translates into significant tourist dollars for the many small businesses on and near the Katy Trail.

Incorporating the historic MKT bridge into the Katy Trail can only raise the trail’s visibility even higher and bring more tourist dollars to our state’s businesses.  And since it will be done with private funds, the state of Missouri reaps these gains without spending additional taxpayer dollars.

The Katy Trail is a tremendous asset to Missouri’s citizens and businesses.  Please help make it possible to further increase the value of this asset, by asserting the state’s ownership of the Boonville MKT bridge.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Raymond L. Scott

Founder & Administrator, www.BikeKatyTrail.com