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RE: I&M Canal and Hennepin Canal parks closing
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Ed Barsotti
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Sep 03, 2008 21:58 PDT
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Repair of the I&M Trail is a whole separate issue that we've been working
on. Basically, there was major flood damage, IDNR was awarded FEMA money
for repairs (with a 20% state match required), IDNR submitted the "front
money" for the FEMA dollars in their supplemental budget for the year, that
bill did not pass, and now the clock is ticking (18 months?) before the FEMA
money evaporates. We have urged the IDNR to propose a whole separate bill
that only contains reimbursable front money - without grouping it into the
same bill with budget increase requests. This is something that should
happen automatically, but further demonstrates the problems that are
occurring.
Mike Kruger has asked about what the Hennepin closing really means.
Basically, all maintenance staff except the site superintendent are slated
for layoffs. With the state parks are being closed, they can simply close
the gates. But closing the trail is different, since there are so many
access points. I don't think this has been thought through, either.
Ed Barsotti, LIB
From: now-@nowlin.com [mailto:now-@nowlin.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 10:02 AM
To: dcjc-@earthlink.net
Cc: ilcyc-@topica.com
Subject: Re: I&M Canal and Hennepin Canal parks closing
The I&M Canal Trail between Ottawa and Utica has been closed for over a year
now because they don't have the funds to fix a big washout from last August.
I rode it last weekend. You can get around the outage if you're willing to
do some climbing, but a year is ludicrous. This is one of the prettiest
parts of a beautiful bike trail. It doesn't look like they've even tried to
repair the worst part yet. It looks like two of the four parks the trail
winds through are not closing:
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/Parks/I
<http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/Parks/I&M/Main.htm> &M/Main.htm
Jerry
Dave Johnsen wrote:
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It is a budget issue. Governor Blagojevich plans to close about two dozen
historic sites and state parks. Of course, he may be playing politics,
bluffing to put pressure on the legislature. There's nothing like shutting
down state facilities to draw public attention:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/28/news/doc48b6e2bf7256b655654087
.txt
Here is the list:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/28/news/doc48b6ead84f1b8189593039
.txt
The I&M Canal isn't named explicitly on that list, but it runs through the
parks in Channahon and Morris that are closing.
--David Johnsen
Author, "Biking Illinois: 60 Great Road Trips and Trail Rides"
http://www.bikingillinois.com
_____
From: DLBO-@aol.com [mailto:DLBO-@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:42 AM
To: coac-@ameritech.net; ilcyc-@topica.com
Subject: Re: I&M Canal and Henepin Canal parks closing
Hello again bikers,
I'm not familiar with these two parks. What is the reason for the closures?
Rather than just dropping a line, how about some solutions to the problems
be sought? It's like going to your boss and complaining about something,
it's a whole lot more productive to bring a solution than just bringing the
problem. If it's all funding, maybe organize a charity bike ride or find
corporate sponsors, maybe they need volunteers to marshal the area, maybe
they need volunteers to maintain the parks. The biking community is a
resourceful bunch, help find solutions . . . perhaps we can be more than a
squeaky wheel!
In a message dated 09/02/2008 9:05:30 PM Central Daylight Time,
coac-@ameritech.net writes:
Hello bikers,
I am forwarding an email I received tonight. Please click on the link below
to help keep the trails and Parks open.
Hi Mike:
The Governor of Illinois's office recently announced that the State of
Illinois will be closing the I&M and Hennepin Canal State Parks.
While it's unclear whether the State will put "trail closed" signs up, there
is no apparent money to maintain them and fallen trees, washouts, and other
issues will undoubtedly happen.
Please help pass the words to help keep the trail open by contacting the
governor's office. 217-782-0244, 312-814-2121, or
www.illinois.gov/helpdesk/contact.cfm and click on the "Governor's on Line
Contact Form"
Maria Lenz
**************
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
(http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)
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