IL SR0230

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

Urges Illinois state agencies to coordinate with other states to develop a shared identity for the regional trail

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

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

Cites a 2019 study showing 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