How Iowa could cash in on Des Moines metro rivers, lakes
Improving Des Moines-area waterways could bring in more than $100 million to the regional economy, according to a new study.
KCCI reported last summer about plans to transform waterways, and now the numbers show the plans would more than pay for themselves.
It was too cold Wednesday to take a dip in the Des Moines River, but that didn't stop metro leaders from dreaming about warmer days and big changes for waterways.
"By activating our waterways, that gives us the added leverage point to give people the quality of life of things they want to do in the region," said Hannah Inman, with Great Outdoors Fund.
Inman unveiled last summer a $117 million plan to transform metro lakes and rivers.
That includes more than 86 projects, such as the Center Street Dam high energy adventure project downtown on the Des Moines River. It's the crown jewel of the water trails effort.
There are other proposed features across the metro, including the Fleur Drive Dam learn and plan project. It's a Raccoon River parking area, island and rapids area for smaller watercraft such as surfboards and whitewater boats.
"Big studies show across the country one of the No. 1 things people want to do now are outdoor adventure," said Greg Edwards, with the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.
He said those people will travel to the Des Moines area. A new study shows the economic impact could be more than $104 million in the first five years of operations.
"We think this will be a game changer for the community and tourism boost to the economy," Edwards said.
Metro leaders hope to use the economic impact study to raise money to build the waterway projects. Corporate dollars would speed up the building process.
"How do we get people touching that water, experiencing that water?" said Kristi Knous, with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. "There is just incredible potential in our community for this, and now, the time is ready to embrace that and make the change."
The Greater Des Moines water trails project will eventually become as important as bike trails across the metro. Announcements are planned for some of the first projects in the next month or so.