FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
california coastal trail receives $10,000
Millennium Trails grant from AMERICAN EXPRESSWashington, D.C., Mar. 8 – The California Coastal Trail, a newly minted Millennium Legacy Trail, today was awarded a $10,000 grant from American Express Company.
The Millennium Trails initiative is a collaborative effort of the White House Millennium Council, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC). First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton serves as honorary chair of the Millennium Trails Celebration Committee. As lead Corporate Partner, American Express Company has contributed $500,000 and is a cornerstone in the Millennium Trails public-private partnership.
The First Lady said, "Millennium Trails is a national initiative to create, enhance and celebrate more than 2,000 trails as part of America's legacy for the new millennium. These legacy trails symbolize the spirit of our efforts to connect our nation's culture, heritage and communities."
The California Coastal Trail was honored at a White House ceremony last October by the First Lady who announced 50 Millennium Legacy Trails representing 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater said, "The Millennium Trails Initiative connects our nation's landscape, heritage and culture and demonstrates our national commitment to improving the quality of life for all Americans."
American Express Company grants of $10,000 will be going to a Millennium Legacy Trail in each of twelve states. American Express is also contributing a $20,000 grant to each of the 16 National Millennium Trails. Trail groups can use these awards to fund outreach programs, conduct trail studies and strategic planning, improve trail infrastructure and maintenance or provide initiatives to attract new trail users.
Harvey Golub, Chairman and CEO of American Express Company, said, "We are making a $500,000 grant to Millennium Trails in recognition of this great legacy for our nation. It builds on our long-term support for historic and cultural trails worldwide. The trails and greenway movement is changing the American landscape, and we are honored to be included as a partner in this effort."
RTC President David Burwell, whose organization will be distributing the checks, said, "These grants are given in recognition of the contribution these trails will make to our nation's cultural and natural heritage. They represent a positive, permanent contribution to our nation's future that will be enjoyed throughout the coming millennium. We greatly appreciate the contribution made by American Express Company."
The California Coastal Trail, nominated by Governor Gray Davis, runs along the scenic California coast, connecting the state's urban areas to the many natural, scenic and historic features controlled by state and federal parks as well as local jurisdictions. When complete, the trail will be 1,200 miles long and will run along the coastline.
The nine legacy trails receiving American Express grants are located in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina and Utah with three more states to be determined by American Express.
-30- For information about Millennium Trails contact:
Jeff Green at 202-974-5149 or rtcjgreen@transact.org
For a complete list of Millennium Trails, visit the Web at www.millenniumtrails.orgFor information about Rails-to-Trails Conservancy contact:
Page Crosland at 202-974-5147 or rtcpage@transact.org
Web at www.railtrails.org