House Republican Press Release

August 20, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Mike Alberts Announces Greenways Appointment

Mary Adams Anthony of Pomfret Center Will Serve on CT Greenways Council

State Rep. Mike Alberts R-50^th, Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret, Woodstock, announced that Mary Adams Anthony of Pomfret Center has been appointed to the Connecticut Greenways Council.

Ms. Anthony, executive director of a historic preservation foundation, was named to the 11-member citizen advisory council to promote Connecticut greenways by House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, on the recommendation of Mike Alberts.

Rep. Alberts said, "It is a pleasure to announce that Mary Adams Anthony will be bringing her skills, talents and dedication to this state Greenways Council. I know the state will benefit from her service on this council."

Ms. Anthony said, "I am looking forward to serving on the Council to protect and develop greenways in Connecticut, particularly those that will provide safe recreational links between existing green spaces."

The state legislature created the council in 1995 as part of major legislation to encourage state and local government to preserve greenways.

Under the law, a greenway is defined as an open space corridor related to a natural area. It  can  protect  natural resources, preserve scenic  landscapes  and  historical resources, or provide  recreational opportunities, such as hiking, bicycling,  or other forms of non-motorized transportation. It can connect or provide access to existing protected or outdoor  areas.  And it can be located along a waterway or some other natural area or along unused man  made transportation rights of way. It can also be a green space along a highway or around a village.

The governor appoints five members of the council, the House speaker  and Senate president pro tempore two each, and the House and Senate minority leaders one each. The members serve without compensation, but are reimbursed for  expenses when performing their duties.

The council's main duty is to advise government agencies and private citizens on planning, implementing, and funding greenway projects. It has established criteria to designate greenways and to inventory greenways and greenway projects funded under the law. The council meets once a month.

State law also authorizes  the state commissioner of environmental protection to provide grants, within  available  funds, for planning, designing, and implementing  greenway  projects. The DEP can make grants to towns, regional planning organizations, and  private organizations for these purposes.

State law also requires the state department of motor vehicles commissioner to issue greenway commemorative  license plates. The department charges an additional fee for the plate, which goes into the greenway account. The fee is $50.

Mike Alberts noted that state government is working to preserve farmland and open space, particularly in rural areas of eastern Connecticut. Connecticut has set a goal of preserving 20 percent of the states land area as undeveloped open space.

Ms. Anthony is executive director of the 1772 Foundation in Pomfret, a position she has held since 2003. She previously was a consultant for non-profit historic and land preservation organizations. From 1993 to 2000, Ms. Anthony worked as director of development for The Rectory School in Pomfret.

Rep. Alberts serves the 50^th Assembly District of Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret and Woodstock in the state House of Representatives.