Missouri Bicycle News

Enterprise Rent-A-Car founder Jack Taylor has pledged $200,000 to preserve an old railroad bridge targeted for dismantling in Boonville.

Paula Shannon of the Save the Katy Bridge Coalition said today that the large pledge raises the group's total commitments to $365,000. The group is trying to raise $1 million to refurbish the old lift bridge over the Missouri River for pedestrian use.

Taylor acknowledged in a prepared statement that while he does not do a lot of hiking or bicycling, he appreciates "the heritage of landmarks like the Katy Railroad bridge" and said the trail is "worth preserving and improving for future generations."

The Union Pacific Railroad Co. wants to dismantle the bridge and use its steel for a new rail bridge over the Osage River. Last year, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources relinquished the state's interest in the bridge but that triggered a lawsuit by Attorney General Jay Nixon, who called it a giveaway to a private business.

Nixon and others are concerned that removing the bridge will sever part of the 200-mile corridor that was being preserved for potential rail use in the future. That, in turn, could threaten the Katy Trail should property owners try to reclaim their railroad easements.