House Republican Press Release

January 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. HOVEY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION FOR TRAIL, RURAL PRESERVATION

Would Protect Numerous Equestrian Trails in Monroe, Newtown

            State Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-Monroe, Newtown) has introduced two bills that would preserve rural elements in Connecticut communities. The legislation is currently before the Legislature’s Environment Committee and Planning and Development Committee.

            House Bill 5595, An Act Preserving Certain Horse Trails In Connecticut, would amend state laws to ensure the preservation of 25 horse trails in Connecticut, including Monroe Rails into Trails and Pequonnock/Housatonic Railed Greenway in Monroe and Newtown, Webb Mountain Park in Monroe and Al's Trail, Fairfield Hills Trails and Kazan Property Trails in Newtown. It is before the Environment Committee and will be reviewed during a January 26 public hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

            “I’m pleased the Environment Committee will be giving serious consideration to this bill,” said Rep. Hovey. “The 25 trails this bill would protect are a key part of our state’s rural heritage and it would also benefit equestrians, who continually see trails they have historically used being paved and restricted to foot and bicycle use.”

            House Bill 5713, An Act Concerning The Location Of Farming Or Farm Stands, would prohibit local planning or zoning boards from eliminating farming or farm stands as a residential use.

“This issue is very closely related to open space preservation,” said Rep. Hovey. “Farmlands are one of the most natural and oldest forms of open space and this legislation would help preserve both natural resources and quality of life.”