We live, raise our families or work in the St. Louis region. Improving our quality of life will enable our region to continue its viability and foster growth. Clearly, the Arch and the St. Louis riverfront are landmarks that define our region. Both are in need of serious renovation. We have a unique opportunity to address these needs. Communities that take the initiative to improve our quality of life will succeed in doing just that. Great Rivers Greenway plays an important role in the development of our regional trail system.
GRG was created when the voters in 2000 approved the passage of Proposition C, the “Clean Water, Safe Parks and Community Trails” initiative. GRG has worked diligently, investing in programs that clean watersheds and preserve nature, building more than 104 miles of greenways and 84 miles of on-street trails, and connecting 40 communities within our region. Ninety-one cents of every dollar GRG receives is expended on direct capital improvements and open space. The balance is spent on our dedicated and talented staff, who work diligently on achieving our goals.
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GRG projects have connected communities torn by racial, geographic and economic divides, and created truly viable alternatives for residents to commute on foot or by bike. GRG has helped neighborhoods realize economic benefits, including increased property values and creating new jobs.
The Safe and Accessible Arch and Public Parks Initiative is being introduced in St. Louis County, St. Louis City and St. Charles County. If passed in April’s election, the initiative stands to impact our region positively and dramatically.
The initiative will generate about $38 million in revenue annually. Local parks will receive 40 percent and GRG will receive 60 percent of those revenues. GRG will use one-half of its funds to develop regional parks and greenways; GRG will oversee the balance, which will be allocated for Arch grounds projects and renovation of the riverfront and Kiener Plaza. GRG always utilizes citizens’ involvement and input in its projects; the City Arch River 2015 project will as well. GRG is utilizing a citizens’ advisory committee to consider how to make everyone’s Arch experience even better.
Yet there is much more to do. About 500 miles of additional trails remain to be built to complete the River Ring, which, will be an integrated trail system connecting trails located in St. Louis City, St. Louis and St. Charles counties. GRG has received $135 million in project requests over the next five years, but only $55 million is available in expected revenues. The additional revenues generated from the new initiative will go a long way toward bridging the gap and realizing the prompt completion of the integrated trail system.
St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and municipalities in St. Louis County have identified a need for more than $200 million to restore, maintain and improve community parks to enable them to be safer and more accessible to people of all abilities. Addressing these needs promptly is why the Safe and Accessible Arch and Public Parks Initiative has been introduced. These revenues will help to preserve existing infrastructure. The proposed sales tax of 3/16th of 1 cent amounts to less than 2 cents on every $10 taxable purchase.
City Arch River 2015 project will make the Arch, Old Courthouse and riverfront fully accessible for people of all abilities for the first time in history. New landscaping and lighting will make utilizing the Arch grounds and riverfront safer and more enjoyable. This project’s estimated economic impact is expected to contribute substantial new revenue and create about 4,200 new jobs regionally. This initiative should make our region an even better place to live and work, and deserves thoughtful consideration.
Rob Epstein is president of Great Rivers Greenway District.
