‘Coumonweattn oF KenrucKy OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR STEVEN L. BesHEar 700 Carrrou Avenue JERRY E. ABRAMSON Govemwon Sure 142, wee a Faanixront. KY 40601 ena Govewon (S02) 564-2611 Fax: (502) 564-2849 November 25, 2013 Kentuckiana River Trail Committee c/o Waterfront Development Corporation 129 East River Road Louisville, KY 40202 Dear Committee: I commend the Kentuckiana River Trail Committee’s efforts in working to open the K&I Bridge for pedestrian access, As former Mayor of Louisville, 1 supported this project over the years and am happy to lend my support again. ‘Now that the Big Four Bridge pedestrian and bicycle pathway is a reality and is being enjoyed by our community, gaining access to the K&I would be another huge step toward completing the trail. Having a nine mile loop around Louisville and Southern Indiana is certainly a unique opportunity and I hope your organization continues to study the merits of this project. As always, if I can be of any assistance, please dog't hesitate to let me kno i) if Kentuckiy™ KentuckyUnbridledSpirit.com TEMBRIBCEC SPIRIT De ‘An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/DOHIO RIVER Yoting Membe Clarks Bob Polsion -Town Couneil President, Sam Gwin, Jim MeCoskey Jeffersonville: Mayor Mike Moore, Philip Hendershot - Chair, | David Boome - Vice-Chair New Albany: Mayor Jeff;Gahan, Pat Leist-Stumler ~ Treasurer, Anne Banet GREENWAY fivdcons: Sevecton DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Non Voting Members: lim Keith, Kelley Morgan, Wendy Dant Chesser, Jim Ude Project Staff: Shaunna Graf Project Director November 19, 2013 Ron Grooms, Indiana State Senator 200 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 | Subject: K&I Bridge Access for the Kentuckiana River Trail and Ohio River Greenway Project, Dear Senator Grooms: (On behalf of the Ohio River Greenway Development Commission (ORGDC), I am writing this letter to endorse and support opening the K&tI Bridge for pedestrian and bicycle access. This additional connection between Louisville and New Albany would allow for the completion of the “Kentuckiana River Trail”, a 13-mile loop which will connect the riverfionts of Louisville, Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany. The Ohio River Greenway would be the Southern Indiana component of the Kentuckiana River Trail. Since 1993, leaders in Southern Indiana have been actively engaged in the planning, funding, design, and construction of the Greenway, and substantial progress has been made, Our leaders have cooperated with the City of Louisville om a vision to connect the Greenway to Louisville's trail system via two bridges. The upcoming opening of the Big 4 Bridge ‘connection ramp in Jeffersonville will bring half of this vision to reality. Now, our four communities are focused more than ever on the K&tl Bridge connection. In addition to a unique recreational experience, the Greenway and Kentuckians River Trail will provide a safe, functional non-vehicular means of transportation among the four communities. The connection of communities along the Ohio River ‘will foster cooperation and benefits such as employment, tourism, seasonal festivals and enhanced access to dining and entertainment. ‘The ORGDC supports efforts to secure the approval from Norfolk Southern to open the K&I Bridge for pedestrian and bieyele access as soon as possible. We appreciate your interest and involvement in this worthy initiative Sincerely, Day T. Nostaet- Philip Hendershot Chair, Ohio River Greenway Development Commission 315 Southern Indiana Avenue, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130 wwrw.chiorivergreenway.orgTown of CLARKSVILLE 2000 Broadway Clatksville, Indiana 47129 (G12) 288-7155 November 4, 2013 Honorable Ron Grooms Indiana State Senate 200 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 Dear Senator Grooms: ‘The Ohio River Greenway is an important recreational feature along the Ohio River, linking Clarksville, Jeffersonville, and New Albany. The seven and a half mile trail includes pedestrian and bicycle access to the riverfront, as well as recreational features such as amphitheaters in Jeffersonville and New Albany, and the fossil beds and Interpretive Center in Clarksville. Louisville, Kentucky also has access to the riverfront of the Ohio River with pedestrian and bicycle trails, and recreational features. These two trails are currently linked by the Big Four Bridge between Jeffersonville and Louisville. ‘Acomplete loop of the area would be achieved if the K&i Railroad Bridge that links New Albany and Louisville would be opened to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Your help is needed to complete this loop and connect the four river cities. The Clarksville Town Council supports the efforts to secure approval from Norfolk Southern to open the K&i to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. We sincerely hope this effort is successful and the loop is completed. Sincerely, ag (fo Town Council President Sister City + CHARTERED 1783 * Sister City Bewdley, England town carksvilleinws La Garenne-Colonibes, FranceOFFICE OF THE MAYOR LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY GREG FISCHER October 22, 2013 Ohio River Greenway Commission 315 Southern Indiana Avenue Jeffersonville, IN 47130 Dear Ohio River Greenway Commission: My office fully supports the effort to make the Kentucky and Indiana Bridge pedestrian friendly bridge. As you know, we are working on the Kentuckiana River Trail which would create an approximate nine mile loop around Louisville, Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany. All four cities ave cooperating to make this important connection between Kentucky and Indiana a reality, The great news is that a portion of this trail has already been completed, with the Big Four Bridge opening on the Kentucky side and the Jeffersonville side to open in the near future. In order to make this entire loop a reality, there needs to be a link on the west side of the project. The appropriate connection would be to use the eastern vehicle path that exists on the K&I bridge. It is our hope that Norfolk & Southern can be of assistance in making this portion of the bridge available to the Kentuckiana River Trail. Louisville Metro is committed to assut ina safe manner. The Kentuckiana River Tt four cities not only psychologically but also economically. ng Norfolk & Southern that this can be accomplished k two states and offers a unique opportunity to Any assistance you can give in moving this project forward is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Pog fot, Greg Fischer WWW.LOUISVILLEKY. GOV LOUISVILLE METRO HALL 527 WEST JEFFERSON STREET LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40202 502.574.2003,(052 SEES Ho eT, Office Of The Mayor Mayor Mike Moore 812-285-6400 office 812-285-6403 fax ‘wwweciyafefinet Jeffersonville City Hall 500 Quartermaster Court Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130 ‘November 6, 2013 Ron Grooms, Indiana State Senator 200 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 RE: K&I Bridge Pedestrian Bicycle Access for the Kentuckiana River Trail and Ohio River Greenway Project Dear Senator Grooms: On behalf of the City of Jeffersonville I would like to request support in the opening of the K& Bridge for pedestrian and bioyole access. As we prepare for the Big Four Bridge to open and connect our great city with Louisville and our neighbors to the south, we see the excitement surrounding the project and the need for pedestrian and bieycle access to connect our two states. The opening of the K&l Bridge to Pedestrian and bicycle access would allow New Albany, Clarksville, Jeffersonville and Louisville to ‘complete a loop through these four communities creating a community tral and an amenity for our region asa whole. This project would not only provide safer access for pedestrians and bicyclists, but would also encourage healthy and active lifestyles among our communities. In addition, study after study has proven thet trails such as the Ohio River Greenway and the Kentuckiana River Trail offer economic benefits to bordering communities. Trails often result in increased dining and entertainment opportunities which would improve the quality of life forall three communitics. With your help, we look forward to the opening of the KI Railroad Bridge to complete the thirteen-mile loop around the Kentuckiana riverfront. We are hopeful that Norfolk Southern will approve use of the bridge and allow pedestrians and bicyclists better access to these four great communities, thereby encouraging healthy lifestyles and economic development, and improving the quality of life. Coo Mayor, City of Jeffersonville ‘An equal opportunity employer