The Katy Trail in Missouri is the longest developed rail to trail route in the United States, and it just got a bit longer, by 47.5 miles.Gov. Jay Nixon officially opened the new stretch from Windsor to Pleasant Hill near Kansas City. The Katy Trail is now 287.5 miles long. The trail runs from St. Charles County to Clinton in west Missouri. It is a hiking/biking trail.Residents of this area are among users of the trail — in rather large numbers. When the new bridge over the Missouri River at Washington is completed, the project will include a trail from north of the bridge to the Katy Trail at Dutzow, a stretch of about 3 miles. The trail will be along Highway 47.When that project is completed, it is anticipated that Washington will be host to a number of bicyclists, even walkers, from Dutzow into Washington. The new Missouri River bridge will have a bicycle and pedestrian walkway on the west side. Of course, Katy Trail users also will be able to travel from Washington to the Trail at Dutzow with ease.Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the Katy Trail. It is a great recreational asset for the state. It draws users from many states. Some of the users are from the East and West coasts. A state study found that the Katy Trail State Park generates nearly $18.5 million a year in economic impact, and supports 367 jobs, making an overall economic impact of $8.2 million to the local trail communities. In this area, many trail users visit the wineries since they are so close to the trail.The Katy Trail is one of Missouri’s stellar recreational attractions.