Bike Trail Study Grant announced for the Creole Nature Trail - KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Bike Trail Study Grant announced for the Creole Nature Trail

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The following is a Press Release from the Creole Nature Trail:

A Bike Trail Feasibility and Planning Study for the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road was recently funded for $345,600 under the 2012 National Scenic Byways Discretionary Grant Program.

"Bicycling is a continued recreational growth market for the nation and our area" says Shelley Johnson, Executive Director of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau. "A study is needed to determine if bike lanes along the Creole Nature Trail are feasible in light of the fact that most of the Creole Nature Trail road beds have to be built before the roadway itself can be constructed."

"This study will determine the expected benefits, for both visitors and locals as well as the Southwest Louisiana area, of adding bike lane to the Creole Nature Trail route" according to Monte Hurley, Chairman of the Creole Nature Trail District Board of Commissioners. "Input from all parties including bike advocates, public health organizations, government organizations and the public will be utilized to determine if and where bike lanes should be added as well as identify potential funding sources."

Grants from national scenic byways discretionary funds enable states to undertake eligible projects along highways designated as All-American Roads, National Scenic Byways and state-designated byways.  Eligible under this program are planning projects to inventory, preserve and enhance the qualities of a byway, to improve safety, to construct bike and pedestrian facilities, to develop visitor information such as brochures and interpretive facilities and scenic overlooks, and to protect these resources by such means as scenic easements.

The first nationally designated byway in Louisiana, the Creole Nature Trail project is among 125 projects in 44 states that will share $37 million in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) scenic byways grants for 2012. This funding helps recognize, preserve and enhance America's scenic roads and highways throughout the United States.

Complete information on the Creole Nature Trail, including a free video tour app for your iPhone or Android, can be found at www.CreoleNatureTrail.org. For more information, please contact the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-456-7952.