Media

SEAtrails receives $454,813 for trail maps, promotional materials

Friday, September 26, 2003

Juneau Empire

SEAtrails received $454,813 in the 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Act under the Public Lands Highways Discretionary Program and has entered into an agreement with the Western Federal Lands division of the Highway Administration and the U.S. Forest Service Alaska Region.

Sen. Ted Stevens, an Alaska Republican, included the appropriation in the Senate transportation budget that will enable the Southeast Alaska Trail System, called SEAtrails, to begin developing trail maps, information, promotional materials and a strategic plan.

The appropriation also provides funds for establishing a grant program for local trail projects. SEAtrails was established to facilitate planning, construction, and maintenance of a region-wide, Southeast Alaska trail system. This system promotes economic development by improving recreational opportunities for cyclists, hikers, kayakers, SCUBA divers and others.

Alaska’s Marine Highway System provides the basic transportation links for SEAtrails. The group includes representatives from local governments, village councils, trail organizations, businesses, state and federal agencies.

SEAtrails is a grass root trail organization that represents a coalition among the communities, businesses, organizations and agencies involved.

To date, 16 communities have joined through formal resolutions of support. Several convention and visitor bureaus and trail organizations, as well as the Southeast Conference, Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association and Alaska Recreation and Park Association, have endorsed the establishment of SEAtrails.

SEAtrails Awarded Federal Project Dollars

Wednesday, September 24, 2003

SEAtrails received $454,813 in the 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Act under the Public Lands Highways Discretionary Program and has entered into an agreement with Western Federal Lands division of the federal lands Highway Administration, and the US Forest Service Alaska Region.

Senator Ted Stevens included an appropriation in the Senate transportation budget that will enable the Southeast Alaska Trail System called, SEAtrails, to begin developing trail maps, information and promotional materials, and a strategic plan. It also provides the necessary funds for establishing a grant program for local trail projects. SEAtrails was established to facilitate planning; construction, and maintenance of a region-wide, Southeast Alaska trail system. This system will promote economic development by improving recreational opportunities for cyclists, hikers, kayakers, SCUBA divers, and others to experience the public trails, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions in Southeast. Alaska’s Marine Highway System provides the basic transportation links for SEAtrails. The group includes representatives from local governments, village councils, trail organizations, businesses, state and federal agencies.

SEAtrails is a grass root trail organization that represents a strong partnership and coalition among the communities, businesses, organizations, and agencies involved. To date, 16 communities (Angoon, Craig, Coffman Cove, Haines, Hydaburg, Juneau, Kake, Ketchikan, Naukati, Pelican, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Thorne Bay, Whale Pass, and Wrangell) have signed on through formal resolutions of support from city councils, tribal organizations, borough assemblies, or from community associations. Several convention and visitor bureaus and trail organizations, as well as Southeast Conference, Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association, and Alaska Recreation and Park Association, have endorsed the establishment of SEAtrails.

With volunteer time, out-of-pocket expenses and help from the State of Alaska, the US Forest Service, and the National Park Service. SEAtrails organized as a 501c(3) nonprofit in 2003. It has approved Bylaws and elected a Board of Directors and Officers. It has still a volunteer organization and members of the Board are located primarily throughout Southeast Alaska.