BYLAWS OF THE

Upper Monongahela River Association, Inc.


Registered address:

c/o Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary, P. O. Box 519, Granville WV 26534-0519.

Phone 304-599-7585 (fax: 4131).

Email dcsoinks@adelphia.net

JANUARY 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I - NAME, PURPOSE AND ADDRESS

ARTICLE II - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS

ARTICLE IV - ASSOCIATES

ARTICLE V - FISCAL YEAR

ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES

ARTICLE VII - LIABILITY

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

ARTICLE IX - DISSOLUTION

ARTICLE X - AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS



ARTICLE I - NAME, PURPOSE AND ADDRESS

SECTION l - Name: The members of the UPPER MONONGAHELA RIVER ASSOCIATION, Inc., hereinafter known as UMRA, do hereby incorporate under the above name in the County of Monongalia, State of West Virginia. This organization will operate as a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) corporation.

SECTION 2 - Purpose: The purposes for which UMRA is formed are:

The purpose of UMRA is to promote the general development of the area encompassed by the drainage basin for the Upper Monongahela River in West Virginia. Primary concerns are economic development and quality of life concerns related to the environment and recreational opportunities. Activities directed towards this purpose include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.0 Recreational boating activities, which includes powered boats and other powered watercraft, water skiing, non-powered boats (eg, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, racing and rowing shells, and sailboats), and, boating activities primarily for recreational fishing.

2.0 Development of river-based facilities, eg, campsites, rails-to-trails, preservation and adaptation of old unused bridges for the recreational trails system in the region, river tours, swimming areas, boat launching ramps, marinas, shore-side restaurants, etc., by government, commercial, and recreational organizations and entities, in support of recreation in the Upper Mon region.

3.0 Development of river-based commerce, and supporting shore-side facilities such as commercially-owned and publicly-owned river terminals, and businesses for building, repairing, maintaining, and storing commercial and recreational river crafts.

4.0 Establishment of a public port authority, or other appropriate entity, for the Upper Monongahela River region in West Virginia, empowered to achieve the goals of the UMRA.

5.0 Lobby government, business, recreational, environmental, and civic organizations on behalf of UMRA goals. Specific priorities here include:

5.1 Congressional passage of legislation that adds boating recreation to the waterways mandates of the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE).

5.2 Ensure that COE has sufficient funds to operate the locks on the Upper Monongahela on lock schedules that fully facilitate river commerce and recreation, and, further, that COE has sufficient funds to maintain these locks.

6.0 Raise funds for UMRA operations and programs through individual, government, business, civic, and organizational dues, grants, and donations.

7.0 Promote the overall development of communities and infrastructure in the Upper Mon watershed, to include, but not limited to:

7.1 Transportation, to include, road, rail, river, and air.

7.2 Improved quality of water resources, to include ground water, streams and the Monongahela
River, to address sedimentation and runoff problems, acid mine drainage, and, to provide adequate water and sewage treatment systems for the region.

8.0 Advocate programs which enhance the quality of the environment, safety, and public health in the Upper Mon region.

9.0 Promote and execute cultural, educational, and public information activities that relate to goals sought by UMRA.

10.0 Promote tourism for the Upper Mon region, including attraction of long range recreational boaters to the area, tour boats, and, boating and fishing tournaments.

11.0 Execute programs to study and publish the history of the Upper Mon region, and, to develop and assist historical sites (eg, Prickett's Fort) and museums (eg, Riverfront Museums at the Seneca Center, Morgantown).

SECTION 3 - Address: For the purpose of receipt of notices and mailings, the principal place of business for the UMRA shall be: UPPER MONONGAHELA RIVER ASSOCIATION, Inc., c/o Donald C. Strimbeck, Secretary, 109 Broad Street, P. O. Box 519, Granville WV 26534-0519, phone 304-599-7585, fax 304-599-4131, email dcsoinks@westco.net.

SECTION 4 - Definitions: The word "members" shall refer to the officers and directors of the corporation. The word "associate" shall refer to an individual or organization meeting the criteria set forth in ARTICLE 4. An "affiliate director" shall be an individual appointed by an Affiliate Organization pursuant to ARTICLE X to represent its interests.

ARTICLE II - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1 - Makeup of Board: The organization shall be managed by a board of directors which shall manage the business and property of the organization as further specified herein. The number of directors of the organization shall be set at six (6), plus affiliate directors. Directors shall be elected by the members of the UMRA.

SECTION 2 - Term: One-third of the initial board of directors shall be elected for a three-year term, with one-third elected for a two-year term, and the final one-third elected for a one-year term. Thereafter, directors shall be elected for three-year terms and serve until their successors are duly elected and assume office. No director will serve more than two consecutive three-year terms. Initial terms shall be designated by drawing lots at the first meeting of the newly constituted board of directors.

SECTION 3 - Regular Meetings: The board of directors shall meet regularly as such time and place as they may determine. It shall be the duty of each director to attend the meetings. Should any director miss more than three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings without an excuse submitted in advance, the remaining directors may vote to remove this director at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board. A two-thirds vote of the remaining directors is needed for removal.

Meetings of the board of directors will be set by the president or, in his/her absence, the vice-president. For the purpose of conducting any business affairs of the organization, a quorum consisting of a majority of the board of directors must be present at the meeting. Directors must have no less than one week's notice of regularly scheduled meetings; notice is to be given in writing, by telephone, or by other electronic means received one week before the meeting.

SECTION 4 - Special Meetings: Special meetings of the board of directors may be called on no less than 48 hours notice by any two directors. Special meetings must address only specific purpose(s) announced in the call. Notice for special meetings may be given by the most expedient means available. For the purpose of conducting any business affairs of the organization at a special meeting, a quorum consisting of a majority of the board of directors must be present.

SECTION 5 - Annual Meeting: The board of directors will hold an annual meeting at a time and place of its choosing in the month of April of each year. Notice for this meeting will be given as it is given to regularly scheduled meetings of the board of directors.

SECTION 6 - Nomination/Election of Board: Each February, the president will appoint a nominating committee consisting of three members of the board of directors who are not eligible for re-election that year. Each member of the nominating committee will serve for two-years. Two members will be appointed in even number years and one member in odd numbered years after 200l. In that year, three members must be appointed, and they will draw lots to determine who will serve for two-years and who will serve for one-year. The committee will choose its own chair each year.

The nominating committee will present its slate to the board of directors in writing no later than March l5 of each year. The committee may, but is not required to, present a slate with more than one candidate for each position. If there are unfilled terms, the nominating committee will also present candidate(s) for those position(s).

Members of the board of directors will return their ballots to the chair of the nominating committee no later than two weeks before the date of the annual meeting. Ballots must be received by the chair of the nominating committee by that date. The chair of the nominating committee will be responsible for notifying those who were on the ballot of the results of the election.

SECTION 7 - Vacancies of Directors: - A vacancy on the board of directors because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, shall be filled temporarily by the board of directors until a new individual is elected to fill the vacancy at the next annual meeting.

SECTION 8 - Authority of Board: The principal purpose of the board of directors as specified earlier is to manage all affairs of the UMRA. Specificially, it shall enter into all contracts and exercise general supervision, control, and custody of all property and equipment belonging to the UMRA.

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS

SECTION 1 - Number: The officers of the UMRA, who are also the officers of the board of directors, shall consist of a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. These officers shall be elected by the UMRA board of directors from within its own ranks at the annual meeting of the board of directors. Officers shall begin their terms of office on May l and shall serve until their successors are duly elected and assume office.

SECTION 2 - Term of Office: The term of office for the officers shall be for one year. The board of directors may choose to elect an officer for consecutive service in that office, with the restriction that an officer cannot serve more than two one year consecutive terms in that office, following his or her initial year in office.

SECTION 3 - Duties of the President: The president shall preside at all meetings of the UMRA, both associates' and board of director's meetings (regular, special, and annual), and shall have general supervision and authority over the affairs of the meeting as generally specified by properly recognized parliamentary procedures. Upon the absence of the president at any meeting, the vice president shall have general authority to conduct the affairs. No meeting, either of associates or the board of directors, shall be held unless either the president or the vice president presides. The president shall have the authority, through the board of directors, to sign all contracts and written instruments on behalf of the UMRA. It shall also be the responsibility of the president to provide a brief written activity report on the affairs of the UMRA at each meeting, both of associates and the board of directors. The president shall also perform other such duties in keeping with his/her office as directed by the UMRA board of directors.

The president shall co-sign all checks along with the treasurer when disbursing the funds of the UMRA if the check is over $500.00 (five hundred dollars). Disbursements up to $l00.00 (one hundred dollars) may be made without the prior approval of the executive board. Expenditures in excess of $l00.00 must be approved in advance by the executive committee. Emergency approval may be obtained via telephone or other electronic inquiry by either the president or the treasurer.

SECTION 4 - Duties of the Vice President: The vice president shall, in the absence of the president, perform all duties relative to that position. Other duties in keeping with the position may be delegated by either the president or the board of directors. The vice president will chair the long range planning committee for the board of directors.

SECTION 5 - Duties of the Secretary: The secretary shall record the proceedings of all meetings, both associate and board of directors, in the organizational minutes. Furthermore, the secretary shall have the responsibility for maintaining all books, records, and papers (except financial records and papers) of the UMRA and shall present for inspection such records and documents when duly requested by either the president or the board of directors. Other duties in keeping with the office of secretary may be delegated by the president or the board of directors. The secretary shall also keep a roll of the associates and shall attend to all correspondence of the UMRA. Upon authority of the president, the secretary will provide notices of all board meetings, either by letter, memorandum, telephone, or other electronic form.

SECTION 6 - Duties of the Treasurer: The treasurer shall maintain custody of the funds and all financial records and papers of the UMRA and shall deposit such funds as applicable in any accounts maintained by a FDIC insured bank, credit union, or similar entity guaranteed by the FDIC. Along with the president, the treasurer will co-sign all checks or other instruments disbursing funds from UMRA account(s) as provided in Section 3 of this article. The president and treasurer will so sign such checks in the presence of each other, and, only after the treasurer has completely filled in the payment information on the check. In other words, the president will not sign in advance blank checks! At each regular meeting of the board of directors and at each associate meeting, the treasurer shall furnish a statement in writing of account balances, including all pertinent disbursements and/or expenditures since last report. At each annual meeting of the board of directors, the treasurer shall provide a written financial report of all financial activity of the previous year. The treasurer shall serve as a member of the budget and finance committee. Other duties in keeping with the office of treasurer may be delegated by either the president or the board of directors.

SECTION 7 - Removal: Any officer or agent may be removed by the board of directors whenever, in its judgment, the best interest of the UMRA will be served. Such removal will be upon the vote of at least two-thirds of all directors.

SECTION 8 - Vacancies: A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise shall be temporarily filled by the board of directors from within its ranks and that individual will serve until the next annual meeting.

ARTICLE IV - ASSOCIATES

SECTION l - Eligibility: Any person or organization interested in the general purposes specified by the UMRA as defined in Article I, Section 2, shall be eligible to be an associate of this organization and shall receive all benefits as determined by the board of directors.

SECTION 2 - Associates: All persons becoming associates of the UMRA shall furnish their name, mailing address, and telephone number to the secretary for the purposes of receiving scheduled mailings.

SECTION 3 - Associate Categories: The board of directors may establish categories of associates to include businesses, subscriptions, life associates, government, households, organizational, or honorary associates as necessary. At no time will associates have a vote in the affairs of the UMRA except insofar as associates are members of committees.

SECTION 4 - Dues: The board of directors may establish a dues structure and dues benefits for categories of associates at each annual meeting of the board of directors. Dues structures and benefits will be in effect for the fiscal year immediately following the annual meeting.

ARTICLE V - FISCAL YEAR

SECTION 1 - Fiscal Year: The fiscal year for UMRA will be from 1 January to 31 December of each year.

ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES

SECTION 1- Standing Committees: The board of directors shall appoint as necessary the following standing committees of the UMRA and determine the chairperson of each committee, where the chairperson is not designated by these by-laws. As the need dictates, other standing committees may be formed with members appointed by the board of directors. Committee members will be members of the board of directors and/or associates.

a. Planning Committee - Shall have the vice president as a chairperson. Shall have five members, including the treasurer and a minimum of one additional Board member.

b. Public Relations Committee - Chairperson shall be appointed by the president. Shall have minimum of two members, and maximum of four members, including at least one board member.

c. Budget and Finance Committee - Shall have the treasurer as the chairperson. Shall have three members, including the treasurer and at least one additional board member.

d. Fund Raising Committee - Chairperson to be appointed from associates or board of directors by the president. Shall have three to five members, including the vice president.

e. Bylaws Committee - Shall include five members, who shall be the president, vice president, secretary, and two associates.

SECTION 2 - Authority of Committees: All committees recognized by the board of directors will derive their authority and purpose from the board. The chairperson shall report directly to the president and, upon his/her direction, will provide the board of directors and associates with written reports of activities. Not all standing committees may be active at any given time. Creation of new committees shall be decided by a vote of the board of directors and do not require an amendment to these bylaws.

ARTICLE VII - LIABILITY

SECTION I - Limitation of Liability: An officer or director of the UMRA shall not be personally liable for monetary damages for any action taken, or any failure to take action unless the officer or director has breached or failed to perform the duties of his or her office within the purview of willful misconduct or recklessness.

SECTION 2 - Insurance: The UMRA board of directors may, upon a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors, purchase insurance against the liability of the officers and directors as well as against liability toward the organization itself and protection for any property, real or personal, owned by the organization.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 - Amendments: These bylaws may be modified, altered, or amended at any regular meeting or any special meeting of the Board of Directors called for that purpose. Any amendment of these bylaws shall be proposed in writing to the secretary, and notice of such amendments shall be given by the secretary to each member of the board of directors not less than fourteen (l4) days in advance of the meeting at which such amendments are to be voted upon. A decision to amend the bylaws may only be made if there is a quorum; a majority vote of those present at said meeting shall be required to approve amendments.

ARTICLE IX - DISSOLUTION

SECTION 1 - Dissolution: Should the UMRA at any time permanently cease to function, any buildings, real property, or personal property shall be turned over to an organization serving similar purposes, to be used at its discretion.

ARTICLE X - AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS

The UMRA may establish or recognize Affiliate Organizations which share the aims of the UMRA.

An Affiliate Organization may sever its connection with the UMRA upon giving sixty (60) days notice to the board.

An Affiliate Organization shall be represented on the board by an affiliate director. The affiliate director shall be entitled to one vote on any matter which shall be presented for board action, except election of officers, annual UMRA budget, or personnel matters.