Opponents in Ala. Senate stall Forever Wild Vote

The Alabama Senate bogged down in a debate over a bill that would extend for 20 years a program to preserve wilderness land in Alabama.

By: Lauren Vargas | WKRG
Published: May 04, 2011

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The Senate adjourned after several hours of debate Wednesday without taking a vote on extending the Forever Wild program.

The Forever Wild program allows the state to use 10 percent of earnings from a trust fund for Alabama's oil and gas revenue to buy land for hunting, recreation, wildlife habitat and other uses. The bill has already passed the House.

The issue has divided the new Republican majority in the Legislature, with some saying the program needs to be studied for at least another year.

Republican Sen. Gerald Dial of Lineville used delaying tactics Wednesday to stall a vote on extending the program.