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<br />Printer version: Following trails to better things <br /> <br />Page 2 of2 <br /> <br />"We get a number of complaints, especially weekends in the summertime, because of all the use," <br />Danger said. <br /> <br />. Interest surging <br /> <br />There's a slew of reasons for the high interest: People are more aware of the health benefits of exercise; <br />it's relaxing and pleasing to be out in natural areas; it can save time, money and the environment to get <br />around by foot or bike, and people of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities at their own pace. <br /> <br />Now it's common to see trails parallel new roads and highway projects. Changes that made roadside <br />trails eligible for federal funding mean it's easier to finance such plans. Eighty percent of the cost for a <br />path alongside Hwy. 96 in Ramsey County is federally funded. <br /> <br />It all comes down to quality of life, said Mark Riverblood, parks and utilities supervisor for the city of <br />Ramsey. <br /> <br />"The desire for trails relates to improving the livability of a community," he said. <br /> <br />Ramsey has plans for a comprehensive trail system through the Town Center development and hopes to <br />connect to the Mississippi West Regional Park across Hwy. 10 and Hwy 169. <br /> <br />Ramsey's trail work fits with efforts to connect trails and open space along the Mississippi River into a <br />72-mile path. Local governments will implement the plans with some assistance from the National Park <br />Service <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Contact the writer at 612-673-7512 <br /> <br />or smccann@Startribune.com. <br /> <br />If)CQPYIighL2!)Q~ Star Tribune. All rights reserved. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />http://www.startribune.com/dynamic/story . php?template=print_ a&story=5 3 04740 <br /> <br />3/22/2005 <br />