Vermont § 441 - Statement of purpose

§ 441. Statement of purpose

• (a) In order to provide access to the use and enjoyment of the outdoor areas of Vermont,
  to conserve and use the natural resources of this State for healthful and recreational
  purposes, and to provide transportation from one place to another, it is declared
  to be the policy of this State to provide the means for maintaining and improving
  a network of trails to be known as the “Vermont trails system.” (b) It is the intent of the Legislature that trails be established within and without
  boundaries of State parks and forests and, when feasible, to interconnect units of
  the State park and forest system, as well as such federal and municipal lands as may
  be appropriate. (c) The development, operation, and maintenance of the Vermont trails system is declared
  to be a public purpose and in this context, the Agency of Natural Resources together
  with other governmental agencies is authorized to spend public funds for such purposes
  and to accept gifts and grants of funds, property, or property rights from public
  or private sources to be used for such purposes where permission is granted. (d) It is the intent of the Legislature to maintain Vermont’s eligibility for receiving
  and spending federal funds for trails. (e) It is the intent of the Legislature that whenever a railroad line not already owned
  by the State of Vermont is proposed for abandonment, and continuation of railroad
  service is not economically feasible under present conditions, the right-of-way may
  be acquired by the State of Vermont for railbanking and interim trail use under 5
  V.S.A. chapter 58. (Added 1993, No. 211 (Adj. Sess.), § 28.)