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majority of which will take place in our Trail project's Region. This Trail (130-miles) <br />will be the longest in Texas and the 5th longest in the Nation. Its length is a potential <br />economic benefit, because the longer the duration of time the user can spend on the <br />Trail, the more they will generally spend. Visitors from all over Texas, other states, <br />in particular from adjacent ones Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana will frequent <br />the Trail for vacations and weekend outings. Studies have shown that trail users can <br />generate as much as $1.25 million annually for the towns that a trail passes. Our <br />Trail will roll through 19 towns, therefore, as the Trail marketing starts attracting <br />tourists' dollars there is the potential of conservatively generating $23.75 million of <br />revenue annually for this economically depressed Northeast Texas Region. The <br />estimated construction cost of this Trail network is $17 million. That's a great rate <br />of return. The Trail will provide the tools to turn its geographical resources into <br />community trademarks that become focal points of civic pride and key attractors of <br />new residents and businesses. <br />Livability <br />Studies have shown that Trail facilities improve the overall quality of life in a <br />community and that quality of life truly determines the livability of an area. Citizens <br />and visitors alike will benefit from the multi-use trail that will foster recreational <br />activities and encourage a healthier lifestyle. Obesity among Americans has reached <br />an all time high and continues to climb despite Surgeon General warnings and other <br />health initiatives sponsored by the White House and the Department of Health and <br />Human Services. Research shows that even small increases of physical activity can <br />evidence measurable health benefits including controlling weight, helping prevent <br />heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels and diabetes, slowing bone loss associated <br />with advanced age, and more. Although individuals must make the decision to <br />exercise, communities can make the choice easier by providing an attractive, safe <br />place to bike, walk, hike, and skate. This need is ever more important in areas with <br />no sidewalks like many of the towns in the proposed project area. The Trail will <br />provide a social environment to help people connect with nature and enjoy beautiful <br />rural landscapes. This Trail will be for non-motorized alternate modes of <br />transportation, reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. The ability to avoid <br />congested streets and highways, and travel through natural areas on foot or by non- <br />motorized means, is a large factor in a community's "livability". This Trail will allow <br />people to enjoy beautiful rural landscapes that can increase quality of life perception <br />in the Trail communities. <br />Sustainability <br />The Northeast Texas Rail-Trail project will provide a safe, eco friendly way of <br />transportation thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With rising fuel costs, more <br />and more people are opting for travel alternatives such as cycling. Also, people are <br />increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and as a result, <br />choosing bicycles over oil dependent vehicles. The trail will also preserve areas <br />including wildlife, wetlands, and historic areas along the trail. Businesses along the <br />trail front would be engaged as volunteers to maintain the area adjacent to their <br />4 <br />- -15-1 <br />