I received the letter pasted below from Ryan Miller, the Utah IMBA rep:

RESTORE TRAILS AND PATHWAYS FUNDING!

Dear Trails Program Supporter:

People of all ages and abilities enjoy Utah's trails and pathways. We are committed to quality growth and the development of active walk-able community environments.

Trail activities offer opportunities for physical activity, improved health, contribute to well-being, clean air, enhance appreciation of the outdoors, provide insights into our cultural heritage, encourage tourism and enhance the state's economy.

The Trails and Pathways Program, administered by Utah State Parks, provides
matching fiscal assistance to construct a statewide network of non-motorized trails that offer health, recreational, and economic benefits for residents and visitors of the state.

Recipients of the funding include cities and towns, counties, state and federal
agencies that partner with citizen groups wanting to improve their neighborhoods and communities.

During the past few years state funding for the Trails and Pathways Program has been drastically reduced from $950,000 to just $30,000, making it very difficult to develop the trail network infrastructure so important to Utah. We need your help to restore $500,000 in funding for this important program.

We urge you to send your letters and resolutions of support to the Recreational Trails Advisory Council at the address listed below. We intend to forward them to the Governor's Office and to members of the 2006 Legislature.

Thank you for your prompt response to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Julie Peck-Dabling
Acting Chair Utah Recreational Trails Advisory Council


1594 West North Temple, Suite 116 l PO Box 146001 l Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6001

telephone (801) 538-7344 l facsimile (801) 538-7378 l www.stateparks.utah.gov