House Republican Press Release

May 10, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

HOUSE APPROVES REP. HOVEY LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING EQUINE COUNCIL

Panel Will Study Preservation Of Horse Trails

            On Wednesday, May 9, The House of Representatives approved legislation introduced by State Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-Monroe, Newtown) that would establish an Equine Advisory Council to help the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) study state horse trail preservation. Senate Bill 1223 now goes to Governor M. Jodi Rell for final approval.

SB 1223 would require that the advisory council's membership consist of the Connecticut Horse Council president and six representatives from an organization that serves the state's horse industry. Five of these six members must represent each of the state's Congressional districts. The sixth person must also be a member of the Connecticut Forests and Parks Association.

During a March 9, 2006 public hearing, representatives of several organizations testified in support of the need to preserve equine trails in Connecticut. Representatives from the Connecticut Horse Council noted that the horse industry provides over $1 billion annually to the State of Connecticut, which is more than any other trail user group, and that members have spent over 4,500 hours on the trails, which translates into approximately $32,000 in taxpayer money saved by having volunteers maintain the trails.

“Connecticut has a longstanding history of being an equine-friendly state,” said Rep. Hovey. “As we continue to grow and become more land-poor, it’s important to preserve equine trails to maintain our quality of life.”