Attending the cermony at the Capitol left to right: Noopie Cosby, Political Affairs Consultant for ASRT; Julia Segars, Vice President, Alabama Power Eastern Division; Fred Couch, President and Founder, Alabama Scenic River Trail; Governor Robert Bentley; Ike Lyon, Site Manager, Alabama River Lakes Project, US Army Corps of Engineers; Rob Grant, Rectreational Trails Program Manager, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs; Jim Felder, Executive Director, Alabama Scenic River Trail; Catherine Felder; Linda Vice, Vice President, Alabama Scenic River Trail.

At 2:00 pm on January 15th in the old House chambers in the capitol building in Montgmery, Governor Bentley signed a proclamation honoring the achievements of the Alabama Scenic River Trail:

WHEREAS, because the Alabama Scenic River Trail has made the boundless recreational opportunities of Alabama more valuable to our citizens and visitors than ever before; and

WHEREAS, the thousands of miles of waterway trail created under the auspices of the non-profit Alabama Scenic River Trail Association enhances the quality of life for our citizens and increases tourist activity in the state; and

WHEREAS the Alabama Scenic River Trail is an opportunity to increase public awareness of Alabama’s waterways and to promote the importance of all such outdoor initiatives throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, boating activities created by the Alabama Scenic River Trail association are enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and are important drivers of the remarkable expansion of new waterway access, outfitters, maps and fueling sources and the creation of jobs that complements that expansion; and

WHEREAS, the phenomenal growth that the Alabama Scenic River Trail association has enjoyed since its 2008 inception has been recognized by the Secretary of the Interior and is one of only seven blueways to be designated a National Water Trail.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim and signify to all that the Alabama Scenic River Trail Association in the state of Alabama is an extraordinary creation which encourages citizens of all ages to observe this day by enjoying our rich and extraordinary outdoor heritage.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 15th day of January 2013.

Image courtesy Alabama Scenic River Trail