Ranking Member Paula Hicks Hudson urges support for U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

Ranking Member Paula Hicks Hudson delivered sponsor testimony supporting Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, which would encourage development of a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

Hudson told the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that the Great Lakes represent the world’s largest freshwater system and that a coordinated trail system along the lakeshore could strengthen regional connectivity, promote outdoor recreation, and spur economic development across the eight Great Lakes states. She said the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program is working on mapping a potential route and listed participating or supportive entities including the Great Lakes Commission, state natural resources departments and regional greenway groups. "I urge your support of this resolution and stand ready to answer any questions," Hudson said.

In testimony Hudson highlighted Ohio’s 312 miles of Lake Erie shoreline and said a continuous trail would especially benefit smaller lakeshore towns by bringing tourists and business to local shops and inns. She cited an economic benefit study from Michigan that the testimony described as estimating an approximately $3,750,000,000 annual impact from greenways, water trails, parks and related waterfront investments.

Committee members asked Hudson whether the trail already exists in other states and whether parts would run through her district. Hudson said sections in other states are at various stages of development and that mapping and coordination efforts are underway; she described the initiative as being advanced in partnership with counterparts in other states and with support from National Park Service staff. She characterized the proposal as a first hearing of the resolution; no committee vote on the measure was taken and the matter was not acted on further at this meeting.