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fJi( /<... VIII.- PROJECT USE AND BENEFITS. Completion of this project will mean the creation ~f an integrated intennodal transportation netVIork within the city. San Marcos has a new trolley system whose central terminus will be on the courthouse side of Hopkins street when the restoration (funded by earlier Enhancement monies) is completed in 1997. This project links the troUey, the downtown pedestrian-ways, and the Ai"ITRAK train station with the parkland trail system, and SWTSU's trails and pedestrian paths. Tourism is increasing in San Marcos. Two major attractants are the river parklands and the factory shops. This projeçt makes it possible for travelers to explore San Marcos without using their car. Three multicultuIallow/moderate income neighborhoods adjoin the River parkland Trail system. The central and unifying nature of the trail network means that adults, children and students from these neighbor hoods, the university and visitors will make extensive use of it to move about and through the city to get to a variety of commercial, religious, educational and reçreational destinations. In addition., I commuter parking will reduce traffic into Austin and San Antonio. I San Marcos will benefit economically through increased tourism, the fastest growing segment of the local economy. Environmental and ecological benefits include proteçtion and preservation of the river corridor through public education experiences, exhibits and demonstrations originating at the Interpretive Center. There is increased social benefit from enhanced accessibility to recreational opportunity for local residents and tourists. This trail network will connect vvith other existing or planned hike & bike trails: Southwest Texas State University's existing and planned trails through SeweU Park and the adjoining campus, the planned connector with the Springtown retail area and the planned "Mercado" to be located south of the "rvfain Street" area. The proposed enhancements will connect rail, automobile and trolley transportation systems with parkland, SWTSU, the new public library, the soon to be built Community Activity Center, City Hall, and the historic Hays County Courthouse Square(Courthouse restoration was previously designated ISTEA project). Older sections of the trail system from City Park past the historic Old Fish {{atchery are in disrepair. Two bridges in this section need replacing, existing steps must be removed and the grade adjusted to accommodate wheeled passage. These improvements and the addition of new conneçtive trail segments will allow for increased hikelbike traffic. Lighting, waß.-wayand other streetscape enhancements for the square and connecting links to parks and SWTSU will pro-vide safer use and access tòr pedestrians. Failure to correct the highway runoff problems ""ill continue to destroy the limestone bearing walls of historic downtown businesses. Water damage is being done to the historic dovmtown buildings by highway runoff associated with the continued repaving of Ranch Road 12 over the previous 25 years. Ranch Road 12 is now so high that asphalt berms in front of the downtown businesses no longer adequately divert the water away c:md structural damage is occurring a..TId flooding basements. IX. COì\ù'\-fUNITY INVOL VEJ\1ENT. The trail system began as a volunteer driven bi-centennie1 project in 1976 as the "San Marcos RiveIWalk of Texas" and has continued to grow since then. Two recent bond issues are directly linked to this proposal: (1) a 55.3 Million bond issue for a new Community Activity Center near the library included dedicated funds for a connecting trail and, (2) the courthouse restoration bond issue ($1.8 tvlillion) which with the previously granted ISTEA funds will provide complementary work on Courthouse Square. The new city master plan developed by a 60+ member Citizen Advisory Committee includes dearly stated support for hike & bike trails, river preservation and enhanced linkage of downtown \vith the river 'conidor. Sources of Funds: Several local non-profit organizations and private individuals have contributed matching funds for this project. 1. The San Marcos River Foundation was instrumental in acquiring the proposed ErC structuIe -- no declared value 2. CDBG Funds and Public Works, and San Marcos Electric Utility Company 5290,000 3. Two donations from private individuals 170,000 4. Heritage Assoc.-S2,500, San Marcos River Found. 52,500, San Marcos Riverwalkers $500. 5,500 Letters of support for this project from individuals, organizations, downtown businesses and community leaders can be provided upon request. Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program , Page B5