We, the undersigned, residents of the City of Sioux City and surroundinggreater tri-stateSiouxland area,or visitors to the community, strongly favor construction of the Big Sioux RiverRecreational Trail as a dedicated bikeway between Riverside Park and Stone State Park, in the northwest quadrant of Sioux City. We also support the development of the Rail Walk Interpretive Trail Network at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District.

We believe the proposed trail and bikeway are needed because it will be the safest and most attractive way to allow bikers, roller skaters, hikers, walkers, runners, joggers, pedestrians, and all non-motorized vehicles to enjoy the scenic corridor consisting of the Big Sioux River, Milwaukee Railroad Shops, Stone State Park,and Loess Hills National Natural Landmark.

We believe such a trail and bikeway will encourage recreational tourism and other economic activity in the neighborhood and the surrounding Siouxland communities.

For decades, it has been a community goal to establish a continuous trail system from Stone State Park through Riverside to linkages with the Citywide Trail System – to connect Downtown Sioux City to Stone State Park. With the completion of many segments of trail throughout the area, the extension through the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District is needed to complete the “missing link” to this goal.

An interpretive trail system is also needed in the Milwaukee Railroad Shops to improve access to the historic buildings and grounds. The proposed interpretive trail system will improveheritage education programs, allow the site to develop Four-Season events, and allow for better mobility for individuals with disabilities and families with strollers.

As signers of this petition, we encourage the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association and its partners to pursue development and funding opportunities to bring the Big Sioux RiverRecreational and Rail WalkTrail System to completion. As such, I am proud to endorse this project by signing this petition and offering my comments as a demonstration of my support.

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