Arizona Trail-National Scenic Trail status possible?

[montezumawell]

The March 14 Arizona Republic includes a 7 paragraph note on Page B8 detailing McCain-Kolbe bills to study the feasibility of making the Arizona Trail a "headliner" trail as part of the National Trails System.

McCain actually introduced his bill waaay back on April 29, 2004, so this isn't exactly "new" news. But I didn't know about it so it is new news to me.

There is a copy of a news release on the topic on the Arizona Trails website. I called McCain's contact person this AM and was promised more details but haven't rec'd them. (Contacts: Crystal Benton, Sen. McCain 202/224-2182).

Anyway, the 1968 National Trails System includes such world-class trails as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, The PCT, The Oregon, Mormon, Old Spanish, California, New Perce, Santa Fe, Pony Express, and many more legendary icons. There are only a total of 24 Historic and Scenic trails that have been designated by this law's process. (It is the same law that also helped create National Recreation Trails and there are over 900 of those nationwide.)

Here is the relevant website:

http://www.nps.gov/nts/

If any of you determine the actual Senate Bill number, please post it up here. I'd like to follow this process. Does anyone know how this process is "proceeding," so to speak?

thx, j