KCStar supports regional trails system

The KCStar recently ran an editorial supporting the region's trails plan, MetroGreen:

Trails supporters also are still working to overcome some opposition to trails plans.

In Johnson County, several mayors have opposed the possibility of voting in a few years on some kind of bistate funding for trails. The elected officials point out that the county has its own tax for building pathways.

However, a regional tax for trails could help the county build more miles of trails more quickly - and make more progress connecting them with trails in other area counties.

Trails remain extremely popular, especially with nearby residents. Supporters continue to press developers to include land for trails within housing subdivisions.

More trails should be constructed along streams as part of flood-control plans now under study in Kansas City. And the Katy Trail should be connected to the area’s pathway system.

Finding a fair way to finance a bigger and better MetroGreen system of trails should be a top priority for this region’s elected officials.