Page 55 - FDI Alliance International Magazine | September 2018 1

While all of the proposed projects will have an between neighborhoods, businesses, parks, grade proximity to a college or university, and 2) it had to
enormous impact on the citizens of Ruston, there schools, Delta Community College, Louisiana Center be located on a pedestrian path. The City of Ruston
is one project that the Mayor is particularly excited for the Blind, and Louisiana Tech University. The was able to find property for the Developer less than
about – the walking and biking trails. The primary Greenway also greatly expands access to healthcare, 0.25 miles from the Louisiana Tech University campus
trail is being developed along the former railroad jobs, social support services, cultural centers, and directly adjacent to phase 2 of the Greenway.
right-of-way running north-south through Ruston and and recreation. The Greenway represents a starting The Developer will break ground this fall.
Lincoln Parish. It has been hailed as the Rock Island block for a city-wide trail system that will improve
The Rock Island Greenway will continue to enhance
Greenway, named after the now obsolete rail line. the quality of life for our entire community.
quality of life, generate new municipal revenue thanks
The Rock Island Greenway (Greenway) will convert
As a direct result of the Rock Island Greenway walking to increased investment around the Greenway, and
the abandoned railroad right of way to a shared-use
and biking trail, a new student housing development promote infill development in the core of the city
path and linear park running 6 miles through the city,
that will ultimately yield more interest in active
connecting residential areas, Ruston’s downtown transportation and reduce the need for driving.
commercial core, Louisiana Tech University, and Some of the benefits to the community Investment in the Greenway also offers a chance
wooded natural settings. The trail will connect include the following: to introduce a new population to the benefits of
Ruston from the northern city limit to the southern ● Connects the city across traveling by bike and to provide an example worthy
city limit. To assist with the costs, Ruston applied neighborhoods, enhancing mobility for of emulation in similar places across the region and
for and received multiple grants including two $1 people of all ages, races and economic the country. It is this administration's belief that by
million grants each from Blue Cross and Blue Shield backgrounds. establishing fun, accessible, healthy, and economical
and Lincoln Health Foundation to assist in expanding ● Improves health outcomes by encouraging ways to travel around town, the city can utilize
the trail and to build connector sidewalks.
physical activity. resources to address other community challenges.
Ruston recognizes the importance of providing a ● Facilitates access to jobs, schools, and The citizens of Ruston have been very involved and
network of open spaces with passive and active other needs and amenities, particularly for extremely supportive of the entire Moving Ruston
recreation opportunities. The open space network those members of the population who cannot Forward initiative from the beginning. The MRF
will be serviced by an interconnected network or choose not to drive. projects and increased connectivity will improve the
of sidewalks, trails and paths for pedestrians and ● Increases bicycling for recreation and quality of life for all of our residents and encourage
bicyclists alike, providing desired amenities and transportation in the city of Ruston by providing guests to visit Ruston. It shows those looking at our
facilities for residents and visitors to Ruston. This city that we are progressive and willing to take care
6-mile trail will be completed in four (4) phases and will a safe, attractive place to ride via a protected of our needs locally. It also demonstrates that our
dramatically improve community health by establishing multi-use path and linear park that will eventually citizens care deeply for our city and want to ensure
unprecedented opportunities for physical activity serve as the spine of a robust active transportation that Ruston is well prepared to handle continued
and active transportation. Construction was recently network.
growth and to cultivate the quality of life for future
completed on phase 1, or one mile, of the first shared-
generations. We invite all to visit Ruston and learn
use path in the region, which will be the centerpiece is coming to Ruston. The Developer had two primary why Excellence is Made Here.
of Ruston's new bicycle/pedestrian network. criteria that had to be met in order to consider building
This shared-use path will establish direct connectivity in a community: 1) the development must be in close

Kristi Lumpkin

Economic Development Administrator
City of Ruston

P.O. Box 2069

Ruston, LA 71273
Office : 318-251-8643

Cell : 318-278-9569

Klumpkin@ruston.org
www.ruston.org

FDI ALLIANCE | SEPTEMBER ISSUE 2018 55