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Motion Expressing the Sense of Council of Allegheny County that revenue from gaming should be utilized to establish a new county riverfront park
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WHEREAS, one of the greatest assets of Allegheny County and this region is four great rivers - the Ohio River, the Monongahela River, the Allegheny River, and the Youghiogheny River; and
WHEREAS, the creation of a Riverfront Trails Park -- consisting of a comprehensive network of riverfront trails, with amenities, stretching along all four rivers within Allegheny County -- would take advantage of our beautiful riverfront corridors, would attract national and international attention, would raise the quality of life for residents of our region, and would benefit rich and poor alike; and
WHEREAS, similar trail development in other cities has proven to increase property values, impact the economy, improve quality of life, provide a cleaner environment, and promote health and fitness; and
WHEREAS, the creation of a Riverfront Trail Park would provide an enormous economic benefit to the residents of the City, the County and the region; and
WHEREAS, because Pittsburgh riverfronts are no longer heavily concentrated with manufacturing plants and facilities, there are at this time innumerable opportunities to facilitate the advancement of a trail system through the acquisition of property rights along riverfronts within the County; and
WHEREAS, quality of life is the third most important factor in locating a business, according to an annual survey of chief executive officers, which includes convenient access to natural settings, recreational, and cultural opportunities, and open space; and
WHEREAS, the region's rivers are a great attraction for residents and visitors alike who boat, kayak, water ski, fish, and jet ski on the waters and spend time at the riverfront walking, jogging, hiking, fishing, cycling, biking, and roller-blading, utilizing the riverfront trails in increasingly large numbers; and
WHEREAS, trails contribute to public health by providing a means to exercise while still doing the things required in daily life by providing safe, attractive routes to work, school, church, and shopping, resulting in a healthier and happier community; further, businesses recognize the benefits of having healthy employees who have increased efficiency and decreased health insurance claims and convenient access to trails helps promote fitness, making this region more attractive for economic development; and
WHEREAS, the trails serve as connections for riverfront communities and riverfront and riverfront attractions; and
WHEREAS, our riverfront corridors are truly a regional asset and the concept of a new linear park along our riverfronts is an opportunity that should not be lost; and
WHEREAS, the State Legislature has enacted legislation that will expand gaming within the Commonwealth and will likely lead to one or more gaming facilities within Allegheny County, which is projected to produce a substantial amount of new revenue for state and/possibly local governments;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, AND IT IS THE SENSE OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, that a portion of said revenue should be devoted to the creation of a new Riverfront Trails Park - consisting of a comprehensive network of riverfront trails, with amenities, stretching along all four rivers within Allegheny County.