LEGISLATURE INCREASES COMMITMENT FOR RECREATIONAL TRAILS AND GREENWAYS IN FLORIDA FOREVER ACT

Tallahassee - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Florida Field Office praises the Florida Legislature for its renewed commitment to "connecting people and communities" in its passage of a successor program to the popular Preservation 2000 program. "This legislation once again propels Florida into national leadership in developing local and statewide trail and greenway systems," said Ken Bryan, Florida Director.

Successes for the new 10 year program include:

• Funding for DEP's Office of Greenways and Trails was increased to $4.5 million per year to acquire and implement trail and greenway projects throughout the state including connectors with local trails.
• A new program created within Florida Communities Trust that ensures no less than $3.6 million each year be designated for acquisition of "Trail Systems." Trail systems within the Florida Communities Trust are projects generated by local government that make connections between neighborhoods, school yards, parks, business centers and other community resources. These local trails may also be tied into the emerging statewide system of trails and greenways.
• Capital Improvement funding to develop facilities on publicly owned land was increased to over $20 million annually. Recreational trails are now eligible for this funding.
• A new Florida Greenways and Trails Council was established to oversee the state's emerging system of greenways and trails. Trail users along with environmental representatives and state agencies will participate in implementing the state's greenways and trails plan.

"Florida leads the nation in adopting a comprehensive program to acquire, develop, and manage recreational trails. The trails and greenway community along with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy can be proud of this landmark accomplishment," said David Burwell, President, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Washington, DC.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a national non-profit charity enriching America's communities and countryside by creating a nationwide network of public trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors.