Topeka ? The federal government has begun the process for designating the Kansas River between Junction City and its junction with the Missouri River near Kansas City as a National Historic Water Trail.

Linda Craghead, assistant secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, said Wednesday that the designation would be an economic boost for communities along the river.

Craghead discussed the possibility at a meeting of the Topeka and Shawnee County Riverfront Authority. She said the U.S. Department of Interior was working with the state to secure the designation.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that state and federal officials said they will protect the rights of landowners along the river.

The country’s first historic water trail designation was issued in December 2006.