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Bellefonte trail

ADRIANA PENA

State College

When I hear complaints about the Bellefonte rail-bike trail in the name of fiscal responsibility, I wonder if those who complain ever heard the business mantra “You got to spend money to make money”. No business became prosperous by merely cutting expenses. What brings prosperity in increasing sales and bringing in new customers. And for that you have no SPEND money.

Trails like the one in Bellefonte bring visitors, who come from as far as neighboring states. They eat, drink, put gas in the tanks in local businesses. Some stay overnight at local hotels/motels/Bnbs. Some buy biking or hiking equipment. purchases.

The visitors thus bring money to the local economy. Similar trails in Pennsylvania deliver thousands of dollars this way. The portion of that money that goest to taxes will tend to the needs of the community.

Other, intangible benefits are keeping the population healthier by exercise, thus lowering medical costs, and providing families with wholesome entertainment,with a positive effect on the family dynamics.

Also, some visitors might, in the future,r on, make businesses decisions to locate anew plant or satellite center. A place that they know and have good memories of might look more attractive thana place they do not know so well, and that will help them decide in our favor.

It is time that we stopped reflexively screaming “fiscal responsibility” and ask ourselves if something is a good investment.

And the trail seems to be a good one.

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