IL HR0479

Expresses support for the creation of the U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a proposed recreation trail being mapped by the National Park Service across all eight Great Lakes states

Urges Illinois state agencies to coordinate with other states on developing a shared identity for this regional trail

Notes Illinois currently has 63 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline trail access, including portions of the American Discovery Trail, Lake Front Path, Green Bay Trail, and McClory Trail

References a 2019 study finding that a blue/green corridor along the Chicago River would generate over $192 million in annual economic benefits and support 1,614 full-time equivalent jobs annually over 15 years

Acknowledges Canada's existing Great Lakes Waterfront Trail spans over 2,250 miles from Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence River, connecting more than 150 communities including Indigenous nations