More, better transportation options on the way?
After a lengthy discussion and many speeches, this morning the North Carolina House Finance committee approved HB 148, the multi-modal bill, by a vote of 19-6. The bill will be heard on the House floor on Tuesday, so please contact your state representative and urge their support.
HB 148 is a far-sighted bill that gives local governments funding options to update and link transit, rail, short line and other public transportation modes for the future.
NC Sierra club congratulates bill sponsor Rep. Becky Carney (D-Mecklenburg) for all her hard work last year and this leading up to today's successful vote. We also offer Rep. Carney our best wishes for her speedy return to the legislature after a recent illness.
Again, if you haven't yet, please contact your representative and urge their support in next week's vote on the House floor.
Chapter website 2.0
We've launched a new look for our Chapter website.
Come check it out and find:
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a more streamlined look with easy navigation.
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user-friendly Events and Outings Calendar.
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photos
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and much more, so come take a look.
Getting kids outside in NC
Former Chapter Chair and national president Chuck McGrady's outdoor program Muddy Sneakers was recently awarded a grant from the Sierra Club's Building Bridges to the Outdoors (BBTO) program.
Sierra Club's BBTO is working with Muddy Sneakers to expand opportunities for underserved youth in North Carolina to get outside and learn from nature. Muddy Sneakers is a new and innovative environmental education program where students receive repeat exposure to the outdoors through a series of outdoor classes throughout their academic year; it is the first program in our state to receive funds from BBTO.
Through the grant, nearly 900 students will have an opportunity to get outside and experience the natural beauty of North Carolina. Congratulations to Chuck, and to Muddy Sneakers, for a job well done.
Outings
Palmetto Trail & Francis Marion NF Hikes/Car Camp | Apr 17-19 2009 | Piedmont Plateau Group
The Palmetto Trail is the South Carolina version of a mountain to sea trail. We will be on the coastal end of the trail in the Francis Marion National Forest.
This easy 6-mile hike to learn about wildflowers will be lead by a guide from the Nature Conservancy, which owns the Bluff Mountain Preserve in Ashe County. There are 25 endangered species of plants, great views of the mountains and a waterfall.
Hammocks Beach State Park paddle | Sunday, May 3, 2009 | Cypress Group
This is an intermediate rated paddle across the Intracoastal Waterway and through the salt flats to Bear Island. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the estuarine fish nursery and a wide variety of sea and shore birds.
For more outings, visit our outings calendar.
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