Dear Senator Passidomo: 

On behalf of the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation (FGTF), I am writing to thank you for your leadership and unwavering advocacy for SB 106 during the recently concluded 2023 Florida Legislative Session. 

As an organization of paved trail enthusiasts, we are deeply grateful for the annual increase in SUN Trails funding for FDOT as well as for the expanded roles for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in the development of regionally significant trails. 

Equally significant in SB106 is the addition of lands in the Florida wildlife corridors and other state conservation lands to the Florida SUN Trails Network. These greenway corridors will complement and greatly enhance the existing SUN Trails system that is largely based on abandoned railroad corridors and under-utilized road rights-of-way. 

We sincerely believe that SB106 will encourage expanded safe corridor linkages and non-motorized access to Florida's award-winning State Parks as well as provide beautiful linear spaces for residents and visitors to recreate in nature and tour by bicycles and on foot. 

However, making these conservation landscape linkages will be challenging and will certainly require years of dedicated effort and advocacy from citizen groups such as the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation. We stand ready to support your visionary efforts and are committed to working in partnership with FDOT and FDEP to make Florida a national, and perhaps world leader in eco-tourism by human powered means. 

I will be reaching out to your staff, both in Tallahassee and in Naples, to offer our support and ideas as to the most cost-effective and beautiful means to accomplish the language of SB106. 

If we can assist your efforts in any way, we sincerely hope that you will reach out to us. 

With our deepest appreciation and well wishes, 

W. Dale Allen, President 

Board of Directors 

Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation 

www.fgtf.org