24-Move to approve a resolution authorizing a (TIGER) grant program

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The implementation of the Northeast Texas Rail-Trail project will immediately stimulate the economy in 19 rural towns along the path. At the forefront will be the addition of construction positions including surveying, project development, material suppliers, and the construction contractors. While construction is underway, the rural towns will see an increase in spending in their respective areas due to work crews seeking lodging, food, and recreation as well as materials purchased. As the construction is finalized, the Rail-Trail project will inevitably create jobs that support the trail such as maintenance and recreational businesses. In addition, it is predicted that many recreational businesses will form as a result of having the 130-mile multipurpose trail. A IVational Park Service study revealed that the economic impact of a trail involves a combination of newly created trail-related jobs and the expansion of existing businesses related to travel, equipment, clothes, food, souvenirs, and maps. Visitors to the trail will utilize services such as bed and breakfasts, hotels, travel agents, bicycle shops, visitor centers, gift shops, and restaurants while equestrian lodging and hay barns will be needed by those who choose horseback riding. Trail users' expenditures produce widespread benefits to the local economy including: increased retail sales, jobs, and subsequent expenditures by local merchants to suppliers of materials and services. Amenities such as pocket parks, picnic areas, trailheads would be formed along the trail. Many of the 19 towns along the proposed trail are seeing steep economic decline. Red River County, including Detroit, Clarksville, Annona, and Avery is one of the most economically poor counties in the state of Texas. The trail will spur new growth in these areas and help revitalize the declining economy. Innovation It will be the longest Trail in Texas and there is nothing of to compare in the adjoining States of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. A Northeast Texas (Red River) Trail Alliance consisting of the 19 rural towns and 7 counties is being formed. The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce has agreed to act as the central focal point for the organizations administrative support. The Ciry of Paris has agreed to be the governmental sponsoring agency for this comprehensive project. We view this Trail as a 130-mile linear park. There are no Texas State Parks in Northeast Texas. When the Trail is completed, the plan is to donate it to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TDPV1) as a State Park for Northeast Texas. It is preferable that TPWD will maintain the entire Trail. Another option would be for TPWD would create a Trail Maintenance Coalition District within the Northeast Texas Region made up of the Trail corridor municipalities and county governments. Each would oversee the day- to-day maintenance operations of their sections of the Trail network. Partnership The Northeast Texas communities' need for this project is evident by the many partnerships that have already been working in mile-by-mile sections to make it become a reality. The following is a list of these partnerships: Capital from 3- 6 - y -15