Political Quotes

“Again, this is a simple amendment which would designate $300,000 within the operation of the National Park System for the New England National Scenic Trail. This is an amendment which was offered last year and was adopted by voice vote in an en bloc amendment. Again, the language is absolutely identical. By way of background, the New England Trail was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 2009, making it one of the newest of the Nation's 11 National Scenic Trails. The trail is 223 miles long and winds through 41 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Amazingly, nearly 2 million people live within 10 miles of the trail, making it one of the most accessible National Scenic Trails for one of the most densely populated parts of the country. It was passed in 2007. Congressman John Olver, Richie Neal, John Larson, Rosa DeLauro, now-Senator Chris Murphy, and I introduced and passed the law, the New England Scenic Trail Designation Act. Unfortunately, the trail has been woefully underfunded for the last 5 years. The trail system has received an average of $127,000 in funding, which is split three ways between the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the National Park Service. Of the approximately $43,000 each entity receives, the vast majority goes to facility maintenance, volunteer coordination, community engagement, outreach to youth, and the trail's landowner hosts.…”