BILLS TARGET LEADING NATIONAL ROLE FOR ALABAMA REC

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   This was sent to me - some of you maybe should monitor/get involved.
--troy

BILLS TARGET LEADING NATIONAL ROLE FOR ALABAMA RECREATIONAL TRAILS 

FOR RELEASE: JANUARY 28, 2010

MONTGOMERY, AL - Companion bills filed in the Alabama legislature (SB 258, HB 376) would create an Alabama Trails Commission to foster widespread development and link-up of green and blue-water trails throughout the state. Focused on health, family, economic and tourism incentives, the bills call for the proposed commission to coordinate local needs, goals and leadership in trail design, operation, build-up and maintenance for hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, motorized off-highway vehicles, and water sport.
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:
Debbie Quinn
Alabama Recreational Trails Advisory Board
P.O. Box 429                                                                        
Fairhope, AL 36533
Phone (251) 751-1858 (cell)
debbiequinn@bellsouth.net

Rob Grant
Recreation Programs Director
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
401 Adams Avenue, 5th Floor
Post Office Box 5690
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5690
Phone: (334) 242-5483
FAX: (334) 242-3381

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visiblepulse Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Visitor Joined: 15 February 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 158	Post Options Post Reply Quote visiblepulse Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: BILLS TARGET LEADING NATIONAL ROLE FOR ALABAMA REC Posted: 03 February 2010 at 10:42am
	This was sent to me - some of you maybe should monitor/get involved. --troy BILLS TARGET LEADING NATIONAL ROLE FOR ALABAMA RECREATIONAL TRAILS FOR RELEASE: JANUARY 28, 2010 MONTGOMERY, AL - Companion bills filed in the Alabama legislature (SB 258, HB 376) would create an Alabama Trails Commission to foster widespread development and link-up of green and blue-water trails throughout the state. Focused on health, family, economic and tourism incentives, the bills call for the proposed commission to coordinate local needs, goals and leadership in trail design, operation, build-up and maintenance for hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, motorized off-highway vehicles, and water sport. 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: Debbie Quinn Alabama Recreational Trails Advisory Board P.O. Box 429 Fairhope, AL 36533 Phone (251) 751-1858 (cell) debbiequinn@bellsouth.net Rob Grant Recreation Programs Director Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs 401 Adams Avenue, 5th Floor Post Office Box 5690 Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5690 Phone: (334) 242-5483 FAX: (334) 242-3381
	my 2wd rodeo is afraid of big rocks. usually, if i post anything, it's a pic or a flick that i reckon ya'll might like.

alabamatoy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group I dont work here anymore... Joined: 16 February 2004 Location: Signal Mountain Status: Offline Points: 9442	Post Options Post Reply Quote alabamatoy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 February 2010 at 12:33am
	Robert Fuller - you know anything about this? Whatever happened to the alohva effort?
	"If you didnt buy your 1st gen 4Runner new, then YOU are a newbie!!" BRC Life Member

Doc Savage Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Visitor Joined: 16 February 2004 Location: Huntsville, Madison County Status: Offline Points: 1180	Post Options Post Reply Quote Doc Savage Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 February 2010 at 2:57am
	I've been involved in the phone cons putting this together. We were rushed at the end to get legislation on the table and this was actually submitted the day the ARTPAB met a couple of weeks ago. Spent the afternoon in the legislature talking to local politicians. It passed committee in the senate the day it was introduced and has since been introduced in the house. I had discussions with folks from the Cheaha Trail Riders, and the state who want to get ALOHVA up and running again. The president had some family issues come up and has pretty much dropped out. There is a new person supposed to get with me about what we had done, but I haven't heard anything yet. Robert
	Past President, Rocket City Rock Crawlers Past President, Madison County CERT Association

alabamatoy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group I dont work here anymore... Joined: 16 February 2004 Location: Signal Mountain Status: Offline Points: 9442	Post Options Post Reply Quote alabamatoy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 February 2010 at 6:11am
	Dont forget that we still own those associated Internet domains, if anyone wants them.
	"If you didnt buy your 1st gen 4Runner new, then YOU are a newbie!!" BRC Life Member

50Willys Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Member RCRC Vice President Joined: 16 February 2004 Location: Trinity, AL Status: Offline Points: 3033	Post Options Post Reply Quote 50Willys Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 February 2010 at 6:13am
	Robert, If you need help getting ALOHVA going again, just let me know.
	Bob S. '96 Cherokee, 4.0L w/Auto Trans & locked D44s '99 Dodge 2500 CTD Tow Rig

Doc Savage Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Visitor Joined: 16 February 2004 Location: Huntsville, Madison County Status: Offline Points: 1180	Post Options Post Reply Quote Doc Savage Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 February 2010 at 6:45am
	Thanks Bob, I'll definately keep you in the loop. With the Rec. Trails Board, starting the CERT Association, and life, my plate is pretty full. Robert
	Past President, Rocket City Rock Crawlers Past President, Madison County CERT Association

alabamatoy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group I dont work here anymore... Joined: 16 February 2004 Location: Signal Mountain Status: Offline Points: 9442	Post Options Post Reply Quote alabamatoy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 February 2010 at 12:08pm
	David Borum, the SFWDA legislative affairs guy, wrtes: "If you know anyone that is in the sponsors district it would be a good idea if they would visit the sponsors office. It would also be a good idea to visit their district State Representative and Senator to discuss the bill." I'll try to figure out where these reps are from and see if we can either go visit them or energize some locals to do so.
	"If you didnt buy your 1st gen 4Runner new, then YOU are a newbie!!" BRC Life Member

Doc Savage Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Visitor Joined: 16 February 2004 Location: Huntsville, Madison County Status: Offline Points: 1180	Post Options Post Reply Quote Doc Savage Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 February 2010 at 12:26pm
	I talked with Randy Hinshaw my rep. (shudder) and he was positive on it. Left a package with Paul Sanford and Phil Williams (both were out of the office when I went by). That was all I was able to get to. Debbie Quinn who has been heading this up, is fairly well known to the senate sponsor and house sponsor. Several members of the ARTPAB were able to talk this up the day it was introduced in the senate. Robert
	Past President, Rocket City Rock Crawlers Past President, Madison County CERT Association

Doc Savage Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List RCRC Club Visitor Joined: 16 February 2004 Location: Huntsville, Madison County Status: Offline Points: 1180	Post Options Post Reply Quote Doc Savage Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 April 2010 at 8:08am
	Well it passed. Robert < ="-" ="text/; =utf-8">< name="ProgId" ="Word.">< name="Generator" ="Microsoft Word 12">< name="Originator" ="Microsoft Word 12"> TRAILS COMMISSION BILL SIGNED INTO LAW! On Thursday, April 22, Governor Riley approved HB376, and thereby created Act 2010-585. The Alabama Trails Commission has been born! A link to the Act is below. This is an incredible accomplishment for all who have contributed their time, talents, and support to make this day possible. Many, many people made an effort in pushing this bill to final passage. It is not possible to list them all, but we would like to acknowledge the members of the legislature, the heads of relevant state agencies, the Trails Commission Committee, and the Alabama Recreational Trails Advisory Board (ARTAB) for their tireless efforts and support: Senator “Walking” Wendell Mitchell, sponsor of SB258 Senator Trip Pittman, co-sponsor of SB258 Representative Cam Ward, sponsor of HB376 Senator Tom Butler, who spoke on behalf of HB376 in the Senate prior to final passage Ms. Doni M. Ingram, Director, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Mr. Joe McInnes, Director, Alabama Department of Transportation Mr. Barnett Lawley, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Mr. Lee Sentell, Director, Alabama Tourism Department Mr. Josh Blades, Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office The Alabama Association of Regional Councils Ms. Debbie “The Mighty” Quinn, Chairperson, Trails Commission Committee, ARTAB member Ms. Jody Waites, committee member and State Trails Coordinator for Alabama Ms. Francesca Gross, committee member Ms. Tracy Delaney, committee member Mr. Tedson Meyers, committee member Mr. Glenn Myers, committee and ARTAB member Mr. Bobby Whaley, committee and ARTAB member Mr. Mark Rubino, committee member Mr. Robert Fuller, committee and ARTAB member Mr. Tom Maxwell, committee and ARTAB member Mr. Jerry Bynum, committee and ARTAB member Mr. Rob Grant, committee member And the rest of the Alabama Recreational Trails Advisory Board: Mr. Patrick Denney, Mr. Jimmy Lanier, Mr. Bill Matthews, Mr. Bill St. John, and Mr. Richard Martin A very special thank you to Ms. Joanne Schrantz, Legislative Assistant to Sen. Mitchell! And certainly, the Honorable Bob Riley, Governor, State of Alabama Now that the “easy” part has been accomplished, the work to make the Trails Commission operational begins. We again look to all of you for your assistance in this process. We will keep you informed of the progress being made and ask that you contact one of us listed below if we can answer any questions. Debbie Quinn debbiewq@gmail.com Jody Waites State Trails Coordinator, ADECA Jody.waites@adeca.alabama.gov (334) 353-4384 Rob Grant Recreation Programs Manager, ADECA Rob.grant@adeca.alabama.gov (334) 242-5483 LINK TO ACT 2010-585: http://arc-sos.state.al.us/PAC/SOSACPDF.001/A0008068.PDF
	Past President, Rocket City Rock Crawlers Past President, Madison County CERT Association