BILLS TARGET LEADING NATIONAL ROLE FOR ALABAMA RECREATIONAL TRAILS

An initiative of the Alabama Recreational Trails Advisory Board (ARTAB), the plan was moved forward by Senator Wendell Mitchell (Luverne) and Representative Cam Ward (Alabaster).  Both legislators have long histories in the outdoor recreation communities. An ARTAB committee chaired by Fairhope City Council member Debbie Quinn led in the plan's preparation. 

"This would be a first for Alabama," said Quinn. "The Commission would promote and coordinate recreational trail projects across an array of organizations such as local, regional, state and federal agencies, trail advocates, business interests, higher education centers and non-profit organizations." Quinn said a similar program has been underway in Florida since 1995.

Under the proposed legislation, there would be a twelve member Alabama Trails Commission. Five state agencies would be members: Alabama Department of Transportation, Alabama Department of Conservation and National Resources, Alabama Tourism Department, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Governor's Office. Other board members would represent trail users, local government and the business community.

The legislation also calls for an Alabama Trails Commission Advisory Board and a tax-deductible non-profit foundation to advance the Trail Commission's goals by fund raising and supporting recreation in education.

The Commission would be housed in the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). 

"Alabama's diverse terrain provides some of the most splendid trails anywhere in the nation, said ADECA Director Doni Ingram. "This commission will help identify trails in the state and work to promote them and encourage usage."

CONTACT: