Supporting Trails

This page provides the facts on current issues, debates, and the ongoing efforts of American Trails to continue its 20 years of support for positive policies and funding for trails and greenways. Please join our efforts to document the value of trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities as transportation infrastructure, and be an active and positive voice in the reauthorization process as well as economic stimulus proposals.

trail note Support the Recreational Trails Program! Join our efforts with the Coalition for Recreational Trails to get RTP funding included in the next transportation bill and sign on as a member of the Recreational Trails Council of Advisors. Will your state's trails program survive? See Concerns about the future of the Recreational Trails Program.

TOP NEWS

February 3, 2012: We do have one victory to celebrate: the transportation bill just passed by the House Transportation Committee includes the Recreational Trails Program with $85 million in annual funding as a discrete program. Rep. John L. Mica, Chairman, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, was thanked in a letter from the Coalition for Recreational Trails for including RTP in the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act. Hundreds of local and national trail organizations joined in efforts led by CRT to support funding and authorization for RTP. Read more and keep up to date on future strategies...

See our Blog: Working together: taking the long view of funding...

February 2, 2012: The Petri amendment FAILED on a committee vote. It would have restored dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements, state bike coordinators, and Safe Routes to School programs, as well as restoring eligibility for rail corridor preservation.

February 1, 2012: On February 2, the House Transportation Committee will vote on the "American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act" (H.R. 7). According to the Rails to Trails Conservancy's analysis, the Recreational Trails Program would be authorized at $85 million, but the Safe Routes to School program would be eliminated along with dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements. Eligibility for preserving abandoned railway corridors, including trail conversion, is specifically eliminated. See the Safe Routes to School National Partnership site for an easy way to contact your Representative. Read more about the bill and how to make your voice heard...

January 28, 2012: The House transportation committee is expected to on its version of the federal transportation funding bill (H.R. 7) with markup to be webcast live on February 2. Like the Senate bill under discussion, the House version would no longer require states to spend highway funds on non-highway projects and programs such as bicycle/pedestrian facilities. Trail supporters are urged to contact their Members of Congress to support these essential programs. Read more about the proposed bill and key dates...

January 9, 2012 (from Lindsey Levick, LWCF Coalition): The LWCF Coalition is focused on growing co-sponsorship of S. 1265 in the Senate, which amends the LWCF Act of 1965 to provide reliable authority and funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Besides targeting new Senators, supporters are urged to thank current co-sponsors, talk to target Senators about co-sponsoring, or increase positive messages about LWCF to your local and regional House members. See current list of co-sponsors and members to ask to cosponsor S. 1265.

December 11, 2011: Land and Water Conservation Fund news: "A bipartisan effort is now underway to ensure that LWCF funding is preserved in any legislative proposals that address the disposition of OCS revenues. Please lend your support by signing on to the Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Reps. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Charlie Bass (R-NH), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), and Jay Inslee (D-WA). The deadline for sign-on is December 16, 2011." Read more and take action...

December 9, 2011: Congressmen urge passage of six-year transportation funding bill. Rep. John Carney (D-Del.) and Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) submitted a letter on behalf of 111 House members — composed of 62 Democrats and 49 Republicans asking the President to support a bill longer than the two-year authorization proposed by the Senate.

December 1, 2011: The long-awaited House version of the transportation funding bill will apparently be delayed until after Congress returns January 17. Rep. John Mica, chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee announced that details of the bill would not be released as planned. An E&E News reporter quoted Rep. Mica as "saying that he would not eliminate the Transportation Enhancements program and that the bill would maintain funding for bike and pedestrian programs." That casts still more uncertainty on the details, and whether Recreational Trails would be included in any actual funding. Read more...

November 9, 2011: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed its rewrite of the federal transportation bill, "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century" (MAP-21). The bill consolidates 70 former programs and allows states to choose their own priorities, but eliminates dedicated funding for trails and bike/ped projects. A new "transportation mobility program" includes eligibilty for Recreational Trails, Enhancements, Scenic Byways, and Safe Routes to School, among many other bridge, highway, and environmental programs. Section 149 of USC title 23 would cover "congestion mitigation and air quality improvement" and also includes Recreational Trails eligibility. According to the committee, it also "Reforms the Transportation Enhancements program with more flexibility granted to the states on the use of the funds within the program." Read more...

October 24, 2011: The Senate released their Interior bill discussion draft last Friday and recommended Land and Water Conservation Fund funding level of $350 million. On the House side, the LWCF Coalition has been working with the House Committee on Appropriations to support strong levels of funding for LWCF in FY 12. Read more and see talking points...

September 8, 2011: Land and Water Conservation Fund attacked on jobs concerns

The House FY 2012 federal land management spending bill (HR 2584) will cut some conservation programs, though Park Service and Forest Service appropriations are close to FY 2011 numbers, reports the August 1 bulletin from Federal Parks & Recreation. Read more...

The August 1 bulletin from Federal Parks & Recreation newsletter reports that "the full House last week voted three times in favor of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. But by the start of business today House Republicans were still on course to reduce federal acquisition alone by almost $100 million. And provide the state grant program with no money." Read more and learn how to take action...

July 26, 2011: The LWCF Coalition reports that "Congressman Broun (R-GA) has offered an amendment to eliminate all LWCF funding from the Interior Appropriations bill and puts the proceeds into the general deficit reduction account. This is very similar to the Lummis amendment from HR 1 and must be vigorously opposed. Though the timetable is uncertain on a vote/debate of this amendment, the Interior bill will be back on the floor for consideration this evening and we need to be prepared." Broun is a member of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. The LWCF Coalition asks supporters to defend funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the FY12 Interior Appropriations bill. The bill reduces LWCF to only $61.8 million from the authorized level of $900 million per year and is an 80% cut below the $301 million appropriated last year.

July 19, 2011: Senate releases outline of Transportation funding bill: MAP-21 - The outline provides only a broad philosophy, which emphasizes consolidation and allows States to set their own performance targets. According to the outline, "MAP-21 consolidates 87 programs under SAFETEA-LU to less than 30 programs. The activities for which dedicated funding has been removed have been consolidated into the very broad core programs, leaving States with the flexibility to fund these activities as they see fit." Once we have access to the bill, it will be added to the American Trails website...

July 11, 2011: The No Child Left Inside Act (H.R. 2053) will be reintroduced July 14. To learn about what you can do to support their efforts, please join a "No Child Left Inside" Conference Call with Mr. Reed and Mr. Sarbanes on Tuesday July 19 at 3:00pm EST. Sponsored by Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland and Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the No Child Left Inside Act (NCLI) is designed to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind) to include environmental.

June 28, 2011: Land and Water Conservation Fund bill (S. 1265) has been reintroduced: "A bill to amend the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to provide consistent and reliable authority for, and for the funding of, the land and water conservation fund to maximize the effectiveness of the fund for future generations, and for other purposes."

June 21, 2011: Supporters of the Land and Water Conservation Fund are asking for groups and individuals to sign on to a support letter by June 27. The letter is designed to begin a conversation with Senate Majority Leader Reid and House Speaker Boehner that hopefully leads to his support of conservation funding in upcoming budget negotiations.

June 2, 2011: Making Public Lands Public Access Act was introduced May 5 by Senator JonTester (MT). Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure, from amounts requested for the Land and Water Conservation Fund per fiscal year, that not less than the greater of 1.5% of the requested amounts or $10 million be made available for certain projects identified on an annual priority list to be developed pursuant to this Act. Requires projects identified on such a list to secure, through rights-of-way or the acquisition of lands or interests from willing sellers, recreational public access to existing federal public lands that have significantly restricted access to hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

June 1, 2011: Californians: ACT NOW to save trails and bike/ped facilities in the next Transportation Bill

May 25, 2011: A total of 150 members of Congress, including 15 Republicans, signed onto the Dear Colleague Letter! in support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This is a historic high for LWCF Dear Colleague letters, and sends a truly strong message to the appropriations committee that the program needs consistent and robust funding in 2012 and beyond. (from Lindsey Levick, LWCF Coalition)

May 6, 2011: Seventy-four Members of Congress from both parties agreed to support the Recreational Trails Program in a lettert to the leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bi-partisan "Dear Colleague" letter asking Members of the House of Representatives to include funding for the Recreational Trails Program is being circulated by Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) and Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME) in the Transportation Reauthorization Bill. Legislation expected to be produced by both House and Senate in May.

April 29, 2011: Support the Land and Water Conservation Fund! Please reach out to your members of Congress and urge them to sign onto our the Dear Colleague Sign on Letter! It is absolutely essential to get more Representatives signed on than we've ever had before. We have a highly motivated group of Champions working this from the Hill. The spreadsheet has all our most important targets highlighted in yellow! There are check boxes to identify whether they've signed on to past LWCF letters, voted no on the Lummis amendment, or both. (from Lindsey Levick, LWCF Coalition)

April 21, 2011: The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is urging support for continued funding for two key programs at the CDC that support the built environment that are proposed for elimination in the FY12 budget The two programs are: $22.7 million for the Healthy Communities Program - this program has provided funding to more than 300 communities to support policy change efforts to reduce chronic disease and obesity-including through physical activity and healthy eating work; and $2.7 million for built environment activities within the National Center for Environmental Health which provides essential national leadership on the impact of the built environment on health. The sign-on deadline is Tuesday, May 3, 2011

April 15, 2011: Congress passes Continuing Appropriations Act with two major recissions of funding for transportation-funded projects (H.R. 1473)

April 12, 2011: Land and Water Conservation Fund: The negotiated FY 11 budget bill for the last 5 months of this fiscal year is expected on the House floor for a vote on April 14. LWCF is funded at $301 million -- a 33% cut from the FY10 enacted. With FY 11 funding levels now set, we will now turn our full attention to the FY 12 budget process and work with Congress to reverse these cuts and support robust and consistent funding that will lead to the fully authorized level of $900 Million.

April 8, 2011: A bi-partisan "Dear Colleague" letter asking Members of the House of Representatives to include funding for the Recreational Trails Program is being circulated by Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) and Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME) in the Transportation Reauthorization Bill now being written by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Action is needed by April 14, 2011: ask your Member of the House of Representatives to sign on to Rep. Petri’s and Michaud’s letter supporting continuation of RTP. And, please join 499 groups and agencies who are supporting RTP at this crucial time.

March 29, 2011: The Land and Water Conservation Fund urgently needs your support to ensure strong and consistent funding for the next Continuing Resolution (CR’s)- being negotiated this week and up until April 8th.

March 7, 2011: The House version of the Continuing Resolution cuts LWCF by 90% from the proposed FY 11 levels and by 87% from FY 10 enacted levels. The Senate version of the bill reduces LWCF overall by 27 % from the FY 11 budget proposal and by 17% from FY 10 enacted levels. While the Senate version sets us back from our push towards full funding, it is clearly better than the provisions of HR 1. Neither HR 1 nor the Senate substitute are expected to be the final bill approved, but on Tuesday those are the two choices available.See more news and details on LWCF...

February 28, 2011: National field hearings and listening sessions on future surface transportation needs were held in February by the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The CRT letters had almost 500 signatories and documented the results of the program nationally and in each Member’s state.

February 19, 2011: House lawmakers voted to cut more than $60 billion, from 2010 levels, in spending for federal programs and agencies for the rest of FY2011. The House vote was 235-189 to send the so-called continuing resolution to the Senate. However, with government funding set to expire March 4, 2011, the Senate will only have five days to work on the funding bill after returning from the Presidents Day recess on Feb. 28. As a result, both Democrats and Republicans are working on short-term extensions to avoid a government shutdown.

February 16, 2011: President Obama announced his plan for next year's budget (FY2012): As part of the America's Great Outdoors initiative, the Administration's Budget request for both Interior and the U.S. Forest Service totals $900 million for LWCF, the full amount of revenue generated each year from oil and gas development that is dedicated for land acquisition and conservation. Interior's 2012 Budget includes $375.0 million for Federal land acquisition and $200 million for an expanded LWCF State grants program.

February 16, 2011 - By a vote of 216 to 213, Rep. Lummis (R-WY) amendment to zero out LWCF in H.R. 1 was DEFEATED on the House floor this evening. 33 Republicans joined Democrats in defeating the amendment. H.R. 1 still makes drastic cuts to LWCF, but at least the Program has not been totally defunded. For additional information, visit the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition.

February 10, 2011: The new continuing resolution will contain $100 billion in cuts from Obama’s budget. The measure, which funds government operations including transportation, is essential to keeping federal programs running temporarily, will be released on Friday, and is still set to hit the House floor next week. Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) promised that the cuts put forth by the GOP will be the largest in congressional history.

February 3, 2011: With the current federal budget debate, the mounting deficit, and proposed cuts to spending on every aspect of national programs, every program we rely on could be cut or eliminated. This means Transportation Enhancements, Recreational Trails Program, and Safe Routes to School could all disappear.

January 28, 2011: According to a Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation article, "The idea that bicycle and pedestrian funding-- rather than general overall cuts to federal transportation spending-- might be specifically targeted is realistic given that a few members of the House, like House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia, have repeatedly called for bicycle & pedestrian funding to be cut or eliminated." Read about past history of bicycle and pedestrian cuts proposed in federal budget.

January 18, 2011: "There are no Republican or Democratic roads. There are no Republican or Democratic bridges," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Speaking at a transportation technology conference, LaHood expressed confidence that Congress would pass a multiyear bill to reauthorize the federal surface transportation programs.

December 28, 2010: Proposed House rules could reduce funds available through SAFETEA-LU, including trails and bike/ped programs. "This proposal simply ensures we won’t be required to spend more on transportation projects than we take in. At the same time, it protects the Highway Trust Fund by ensuring every penny of the gas tax is spent on highway and transit projects, rather than diverted to pay for other items that we simply cannot afford," said Brendan Buck, spokesman for the Republican transition team. Current rules require annual spending increases as set in SAFETEA-LU, regardless of how much revenue was collected from fuel tax. Congress has had to appropriate a total of $35 billion to cover the shortfall. See "House Republicans Release Proposed 112th Congress Rules Package"...

December 22, 2010: A day after introducing the America’s Great Outdoors Act, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid cancelled his effort to pass the 110-bill Omnibus legislation this year. The Senator's spokeswoman Regan Lachapelle said that "Sen. Reid is working with the chairmen of the relevant committees to see if smaller sections of the bill might be able to pass on their own." Senate Republicans had asked for more time for review the many unrelated program authorizations.

December 21, 2010: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) introduced S. 303, "America's Great Outdoors Act of 2010," a package of 110 individual bills that authorizes $18 billion over 10 years for federal lands, agencies, and programs. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition believes the Act "guarantees that LWCF will be available in the future while leaving specific decisions regarding funding levels and project needs to future Congresses." Habitat conservation, new national monuments, and Wilderness area designation are just a few of the many authorizations.

Dec. 16: H.R. 6426, the Moving Outdoors in Nature Act (MONA) was introduced by Rep. Ronald Kind (D-WI). It would fund $165 million over three years to “authorize the Secretary of the Interior to carry out programs and activities for connecting children and families with the outdoors.” Trails, hunting, conservation education, and outdoor recreation are mentioned as being eligible for competitive grants or cooperative agreements. The bill has been referred to two House committees: Natural Resources and Energy and Commerce.

Dec. 1: "The future of trails in federal transportation funding" was the topic of a kenote address at the American Trails National Symposium by Eric B. Beightel, U. S. Department of Transportation Office of Transportation Policy. He stated that "Active transportation projects could be in a position to increase their funding levels under a new bill if they are able to effectively make their case as cost-effective transportation investments. The new performance-based, outcome-driven authorization will give preference to those projects that are able to prove their value to the taxpayer. This is good news for trails."

October 14: Trail advocates urged to sign petition to support trails as part of federal transportation funding. Rails to Trails Conservancy supports flexibility to use the Highway Trust Fund to develop a healthy mix of transportation choices including trails.

September 1: The US Senate still needs to approve LWCF funding for parks, open space, and trails. On July 30, 2010 full and dedicated funding at $900 million for the Land & Water Conservation Fund passed in the US House of Representatives. Meanwhile, the Senate will consider similar legislation in September when it returns from the August district work period.

August 3: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs reported favorably S.1619, The Livable Communities Act. It would create a new HUD office and authorizes two competitive grant programs which would be contingent on future appropriations. The Challenge Grant Program authorizes $2.2 billion over three years for projects such as public transportation improvements, support for transit-oriented development, pedestrian and bicycle enhancements, the preservation and creation of affordable housing, and to promote economic development. Eligible projects include transit facilities, structured parking, environmental remediation activities, sidewalks and bikeways.

July 29: The House passed its fiscal 2011 Transportation appropriations bill. In March 2010, $20 billion was transferred from the general fund to cover the Highway Trust Fund shortfall. That funding is projected to support the current funding levels through August 2011. According to "Roads & Bridges," the appropriations bill does not solve the underlying problem of the revenue shortage in the Highway Trust Fund. The highway and transit programs are currently operating under a short-term authorization that expires on Dec. 30. If a long-term reauthorization measure is not enacted by that date, Congress must again approve a short-term extension to avoid a shutdown in highway and transit funding.

July 19: The National Recreation & Parks Association asks for your support for Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance funding. In the House, the Consolidated Land Energy and Aquatic Resources Act (HR 3534) was passed out of committee earlier this week with a provision specifying full and dedicated funding ($900 million annually) for the LWCF.

July 14: A letter from the Coalition for Recreation Trails includes support from 348 trail and recreation organizations and asks Secretary LaHood to "join Americans across the country in supporting the Recreational Trails Program as part of the new federal transportation bill." The letter emphasizes that "trails are an investment in the future of our communities and our public lands, while connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to the environment." (Download letter in pdf format, 168 kb).

June 28: Every trail organization can help expand support for continued funding for trails, greenways, and recreation routes through the federal Recreational Trails Program. Just think, what would happen in your state if RTP disappeared? So we are asking the Council of Advisors to recruit additional RTP supporters. Read how you can join us in support of RTP...

May 2: The National Recreation and Park Association reports that the President’s budget calls for $50 million in funding for Land & Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program in FY 11, which is a $10 million increase over the amount appropriated in FY 10. Read more background on the need for LWCF Stateside funding...

May 1: National Recreation and Park Association highlights "Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program." This new grant program is expected to offer opportunities and funding for parks and recreation. It will span urban to rural boundaries where parks, trails, and public open space are expected to be key components in plans developed by the regional partnerships that will be formed to apply for the grants.

April 16: President Obama's remarks at America's Great Outdoors Conference. "First, we’re going to build on successful conservation efforts being spearheaded outside of Washington-- by local and state governments, by tribes, and by private groups," Obama said. "Secondly, we’re going to help farmers, ranchers, property owners who want to protect their lands... Third, we’ll help families spend more time outdoors, building on what the First Lady has done through the “Let’s Move” initiative... And fourth, we want to foster a new generation of community and urban parks." Read the full text of the President's speech...

April 16: White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors held to discuss working together to conserve America's precious land resources and to encourage people to get outdoors and reconnect to the land.

March 22: The Highway Trust Fund was extended through the end of 2010 as part of the new jobs bill. US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood stated that "we need lawmakers and experts to think creatively about how we're going to fund our transportation infrastructure in the 21st century."

March 22: When President Obama signed the jobs bill into law, he also extended the Highway Trust Fund through the end of 2010. US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood stated that "we need lawmakers and experts to think creatively about how we're going to fund our transportation infrastructure in the 21st century."

March 15: "This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized," said US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to a League of American Bicyclists conference. "We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects." Sec. LaHood also announced key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
Go beyond minimum design standards.
Collect data on walking and biking trips.
Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
Improve non-motorized facilities during maintenance projects.

March 13, 2010: The web team at our Federal Highway Administration has created an interactive map of the U.S. that shows every single one of the 12,000+ Recovery Act road projects.

March 8: National Recreation & Park Association provides analysis of proposed 2011 federal budget which would increase funding for key programs and a number of new initiatives that positively impact parks and recreation. This means that the advocacy efforts of NRPA are working and the Obama Administration is realizing the need to invest in c1ose-to-home access to outdoor recreation, public lands, and programs promoting livable communities and youth development. While the President's budget numbers signal a renewed interest in parks and recreation, funding for park and recreation programs has steadily declined over the past decade, and as a result, the National Park Service reports more than $12 billion in unmet needs relative to outdoor recreation resources. Now more than ever, advocates must convince Congress that an even greater investment in parks and recreation is needed in order to build healthy, sustainable communities.

March 5: US Department of Health and Human Services announces the availability of new $10 million Recovery Act Funds for Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative. National public or private non-profit organizations can compete for up to $1.5 million in cooperative agreement support to: * Share expertise with select CPPW communities across the nation; * Foster a national prevention movement by spearheading new changes through their affiliate networks; and * Enhance consumer education and awareness prevention by expanding the CPPW media campaign.

March 3: SAFETEA-LU expired on September 30, 2009. Extension #4 is extended through March 28, 2010. Surface Transportation Authorization discussions continue.

SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS.

(a) In General- Except as provided in subsection (b), for purposes of the continued extension of surface transportation programs and related authority to make expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund and other trust funds under sections 157 through 162 of the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010 (Public Law 111-68; 123 Stat. 2050), the date specified in section 106(3) of that resolution (Public Law 111-68; 123 Stat. 2045) shall be deemed to be March 28, 2010.

(b) Exception- Subsection (a) shall not apply if an extension of the programs and authorities described in that subsection for a longer term than the extension contained in the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010 (Public Law 111-68; 123 Stat. 2050), is enacted before the date of enactment of this Act.

March 3: U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (Ore.) introduced H.R. 4722, the Active Community Transportation Act of 2010 in the House. The bill calls for the creation of an active transportation fund, authorized at $2 billion over five years, to fund community investment in walking and bicycling networks to shift short driving trips to active transportation.The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy wants you to encourage your U.S. representative to co-sponsor the legislation now! March 11 is Virtual Lobby Day for the Act

February 26: The Coalition for Recreational Trails, a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations, is pleased to announce its 2010 achievement awards to recognize outstanding trail projects funded by the national Recreational Trails Program

Feb. 20: Senate Jobs Bill includes 3% set-aside for Transportation Enhancements, and 100% federal match for funding, according to smartgrowthamerica.org. In December, the House approved a $154 billion jobs package, which included tax breaks, infrastructure spending and unemployment benefits. The Jobs for Main Street Act of 2010 was approved in the House by a close vote of 217-212, but the White House has not given its support and the Senate has chosen not to take up that bill. The House bill would provide $37.3 billion for transportation programs, including $27.5 billion for highways.

February 17: US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced awards to states, tribal governments, cities, counties and transit agencies for 51 transportation projects through the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants. Projects funded with the $1.5 billion allocated in the Recovery Act include improvements to freight rail, bus and rail transit, passenger facilities, freeways and parkways, and piers and unloading facilities. Along with some intermodal facilities and bridges accomodating bikes and pedestrians, two non-motorized transportation projects were funded. The Indianapolis Bicycle & Pedestrian Network (IN) received $20,500,000 to "complete the eight-mile urban bicycle and pedestrian network in the heart of downtown Indianapolis," and the Philadelphia Area Pedestrian & Bicycle Network (PA, NJ) received $23,000,000 to "repair, reconstruct and improve 16.3 miles of pedestrian and bicycle facilities."

Feb. 10: Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that the proposed $79 billion fiscal year 2011 budget for the Department of Transportation includes continued investments in transportation infrastructure and livable communities, among other agency priorities.

January 13, 2010: Secretary of Transportation: "people want the opportunity to leave their cars behind". In a dramatic change from existing policy, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood proposed that new funding guidelines for major transit projects be based on livability issues such as economic development opportunities and environmental benefits

Dec. 19, 2009: The House and Senate have both passed extensions of SAFETEA-LU transportation funding. The Senate gave existing highway funding programs a two-month reprieve today when it approved a Defense Department appropriations bill 88-12. Included in the defense bill is a continuing resolution that allows the government to disburse money under the terms of the 2005 surface transportation act known as SAFETEA-LU. The Senate extended the law until Feb. 28, 2010. The extension gives the Senate time to consider a jobs bill that also cleared the House on December 16. The bill directs $75 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), with two-thirds of the total going to the Department of Transportation for infrastructure programs.

December 17, 2009: The House jobs bill (H.R. 2847) includes $27.5 billion going to highways proposes a 3 percent set-aside for transportation enhancements (TE), totaling $800 million.

November 24: A bill introduced (S. 2747) would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund at $900 million a year.

Nov. 7: 2010 Interior Environment and related agencies appropriations bill (HR 2996) provides increased funding for conservation programs, from Trust for Public Land

Nov. 6: Funding increase for Federal recreation programs including trails passed by Congress. For the Forest Service, trail maintenance is up by $14,746,000 over the 2009 budget. Trail construction, however, is down $10,380,000 due to the large increase in 2009 for Forest Service ARRA economic stimulus projects. BLM recreation and construction budgets are up significatly.

Oct.12: CDC releases application for $ millions in prevention funding federal health grants can fund bike/ped programs; ARRA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants total $500 million

The "committee print" of the new Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 is available in pdf format (1.3 mb)

Funding for trails in an era of economic challenge: opinions and proposals

What's next for transportation and parks funding? Will Congress see trails as investments in health and transportation? Pam Gluck, Executive Director of American Trails, notes that "These are exciting times— but they are full of challenge for trails."

Health care reform: Attempts to set billions aside for infrastructure projects like bike paths face uphill climb on Capitol Hill
"We should not force states to spend approximately 10 percent of all their surface transportation program funds on 'enhancement' projects like landscaping, bicycle safety, and transportation museums," argue Senators Tom Coburn and John McCain in "Out of Gas: Congress Raids the Highway Trust Fund for Pet Projects While Bridges and Roads Crumble."
July 5, 2009: Editorial by Vincent Carroll in the Denver Post: "LaHood's pipe dreams" criticizes emphasis on non-highway spending: "Bike paths are a wonderful amenity. I ride on them all the time. We should build more of them. But they will have almost no discernible effect in reducing congestion here or in most U.S. cities in years to come."

Bills in Congress affecting trails and greenways

Fiscal stimulus: "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act"

USDA Forest Service announces trail projects for ARRA economic recovery funds
TIGER grants can benefit trail and greenway projects under ARRA
Final version of ARRA as signed into law by President Obama. See complete ARRA text with details of funding for agencies and programs or see searchable pdf version. To follow the progress, visit www.recovery.org.
Summary of programs benefiting trails in the ARRA economic stimulus bill with specific text from the bill and Infrastructure Spending in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from the Association of General Contractors of America

Federal Highway Administration links to economic stimulus issues:

Questions & Answers on Economic Recovery Issues Raised by State DOTs
Summary of ARRA Provisions for FHWA
Actions That Can Be Taken To Expedite Economic Recovery Delivery
Opportunities and Additional Resources for FHWA offices reviewing their State's recovery programs

Forest Service Economic Recovery pages:

News and opinions on the ARRA "economic recovery" funding:

Sept. 3, 2009: Portland, Ore. takes regional perspective on stimulus money for major trail linkages connecting with light rail through TIGER grant program
July 13: U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is concerned that not enough stimulus dollars are being spent in large metropolitan areas
June 17: The Corps Network has launched a resource center for Corps interested in staying up-to-date with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Apr. 24: Agencies plan trail projects with economic stimulus funds
Apr. 10: Accessibility will be a Required Part of Recovery Act Projects; from the Access Board
Apr. 8: California has $77 million in Transportation Enhancements funds for quick action
April 4: Good news and exciting times! An economic stimulus— and a challenge for trails; editorial by Pam Gluck, Executive Director of American Trails
March 9: American Horse Council Urges Land Managers to Use Stimulus Funding for Equestrian Trails
March 4: Stimulus provides billions for public lands, other recreation goals, from American Recreation Coalition
March 3: Safe Routes to School National Partnership urges supporters to Take Action to Secure Stimulus Funds for Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Safe Routes Projects
March 3: Rails to Trails Conservancy outlines steps local advocates can take to ensure the best possible outcome of Transportation Enhancements dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions on Transportation Enhancements in ARRA from Rails to Trails Conservancy
Feb. 18: ARRA was signed into law by President Obama; see America Bikes and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership analysis on providing funding to build sidewalks, bike lanes, pathways, and to create complete streets. This infrastructure can help to create an interconnected bicycle and pedestrian network, improving safety and providing opportunities for increased physical activity for both children and adults.
States must spend 3% of their allocation on Transportation Enhancements (TE), roughly $800 million nationwide. See state by state list with estimates for TE funding through ARRA compiled by America Bikes and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.
The Chief of the Forest Service has asked all Regional foresters to submit their list of priority projects to her by this Friday.
$825 million in funding for Transportation Enhancements: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy applauds Congress for its foresight in recognizing the job creation benefits of building bicycling and walking infrastructure, including trails.
Feb. 12: Recovery bill WILL allow spending of stimulus funds for community parks; from NRPA
Feb. 11: House and Senate reach compromise on economic recovery plan - see comment from National Center for Bicycling & Walking
The Coalition for Recreational Trails has written letters to support funding local trail projects through the Recreational Trails Program in the economic-stimulus package.
America Bikes Coalition asks Congress to provide balanced transportation investments, including Transportation Enhancements, in The Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act
NRPA urges votes to support park and recreation funding in stimulus package: Amendment 309 would prevent money from being used to rehabilitate or repair park infrastructure; Senate Amendment 480 would provide $100 million in funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program.
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals asks bike/ped advocates to support Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in the Economic Recovery Bill
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy urges support for Transportation Enhancements as Congress meets in conference to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act"
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as passed by the House includes a few items that could help public lands, parks, and trails: Construction on Public Lands and Parks ($3.1 billion for infrastructure projects on federal lands including improvements to visitor facilities, road and trail restoration, preservation of buildings). This includes $1.8 billion for the National Park Service, $325 million for the Bureau of Land Management, $300 million for the National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries, and $650 million for the Forest Service. AmeriCorps Programs $200 million to put 16,000 additional AmeriCorps members to work doing national service.
A graphic presentation from the Washington Post: Taking Apart the $819 billion Stimulus Package
National Parks Conservation Association promotes funding for national parks and service programs in stimulus package.
Rep. Nick J. Rahall, Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, urges the inclusion of funds to address infrastructure and maintenance needs facing federal natural resource agencies in the economic recovery bill
NRPA urges funding for Parks and Recreation programs in Economic Recovery Package: LWCF Stateside Assistance Program, Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program, Community Development Block Grant, and increased funding for the National Parks Service Corps
Oberstar Drafts Blueprint for Infrastructure Spending in Stimulus, from Congressional Quarterly Today - States would receive $30 billion from FHWA, using current apportionment formulas and would provide the federal agency with lists of projects they would fund with the additional funds. There is apparently no requirement that any of the funds be spent on bike/pedestrian or trail projects.
The Green Society - America's Next 100 Days; Jeff Olson argues for a new American dream through trails, a national system of greenways, and common-sense conservation (Dec. 2008).
A Bicyclist's View of the Inauguration - From Alta Planning + Design
Trails for the Future; Ken Harris discusses why conditions for trail development have been so favorable and what strategy the trails community might pursue for the future (Nov. 2008)

Land & Water Conservation Fund

See more information on LWCF: Current issues, background, and resources

July 30, 2010: Full and dedicated funding at $900 million for the Land & Water Conservation Fund passed in the US House of Representatives. The House voted 209-193 to pass the CLEAR Act, H.R. 3534, an oil spill response bill, of which LWCF funding was a significant component. See details of the legislation with new LWCF funding...
July 19, 2010: The National Recreation & Parks Association asks for your support for Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance funding. In the House, the Consolidated Land Energy and Aquatic Resources Act (HR 3534) was passed out of committee earlier this week with a provision specifying full and dedicated funding ($900 million annually) for the LWCF.
April 30, 2010: From the National Recreation and Park Association: The good news is that the President’s budget calls for $50 million in funding for LWCF State Assistance Program in FY 11, which is a $10 million increase over the amount appropriated in FY 10. The bad news is that the President’s budget only calls for $50 million in funding for the LWCF State Assistance Program, at a time when the National Park Service reports an unmet need of more than $12 billion for LWCF projects.
Nov. 24, 2009: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, (D-MT) introduced the Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act of 2009 (S. 2747). It would provide full funding for the LWCF at its congressionally authorized level of $900 million without further appropriation to fund preservation of outdoor recreation resources including parks, trails, and wildlife lands.
August 11, 2009: National Recreation and Park Association urges support for Stateside Assistance program in Land and Water Conservation Fund; House Natural Resources Committee is preparing energy legislation and strongly considering full and dedicated funding for the LWCF at the authorized annual level of $900 million.
Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance fact sheet from NRPA
May 6: 29 Senators Signed-On, Rally Your Senators to Support LWCF State Assistance
March 24: Support urged for LWCF State Assistance; NRPA anticipates that the President’s budget will recommend funding LWCF State Assistance at $30 million.
Feb. 25: Omnibus Appropriations Bill provides $20 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance

Budget bills and funding for public lands and trails

March 8, 2010: National Recreation & Park Association provides analysis of proposed 2011 federal budget which would increase funding for key programs and a number of new initiatives that positively impact parks and recreation. This means that the advocacy efforts of NRPA are working and the Obama Administration is realizing the need to invest in c1ose-to-home access to outdoor recreation, public lands, and programs promoting livable communities and youth development While the President's budget numbers signal a renewed interest in parks and recreation, funding for park and recreation programs has steadily declined over the past decade, and as a result, the National Park Service reports more than $12 billion in unmet needs relative to outdoor recreation resources. Now more than ever, advocates must convince Congress that an even greater investment in parks and recreation is needed in order to build healthy, sustainable communities.
Nov. 7, 2009: 2010 Interior Environment and related agencies appropriations bill (HR 2996) provides increased funding for conservation programs, from Trust for Public Land
June 26, 2009: FY 2010 budget proposed for INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, and RELATED AGENCIES
June 3, 2009: Proposal to President Obama would eliminate Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Rep. Boehner (Minority Leader from OH) submitted the "Proposals to Reduce the Deficit and
Achieve Savings for American Taxpayers" (pdf 268 kb)
March 10: The Senate passed the 2009 Consolidated Appropriations Act by a voice vote and was signed into law by the President on March 11, 2009. The House passed the bill on February 25, 2009 by a vote of 245-178. This Consolidated bill includes appropriations for the two bills that fund Interior programs: the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, and the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill. The bill incorporates the House and Senate Appropriations Committee's agreement on the 2009 appropriations
FY 2010 Administration Budget: Traditionally, the President’s budget is submitted to Congress the first week of February, but Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag said during his confirmation hearing that the FY 2010 budget outline could be released the middle of February and the full budget in early March. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have not yet set deadlines, although members of Congress have set individual office deadlines for project submissions.
Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar Gives Strong Endorsement to Funding Land and Water Conservation Fund
The official NPS budget request for FY2009, aka "the Greenbook" is on-line at: http://data2.itc.nps.gov/budgetweb/downloads/fy_2009_greenbook.pdf

Getting trails and greenways in the sights of the Obama Administration

Supporters of trails and bike/ped facilities are watching the new Administration roll out programs and promises. At the same time we see new lows in the stock market, fuel tax receipts, employment figures, and state income. How will funding for trails fare in this challenging environment? People are talking about possibilities:

A revival of CCC-type employment programs to address natural resource management?
A drop in donations and volunteers for nonprofit trail groups?
Elimination of the Recreational Trails and Enhancements funding programs?
Or more money flowing to these existing programs that touch every Congressional District?
A giant infrastructure investment in roads, transit, and other transportation facilities?
A national service initiative to send more young adults to conservation and youth corps?
And finally... how can the trails community make the case for more funding?

RESOURCES from agencies and organizations

Recovery.gov is being updated regularly:

FHWA

USDA Forest Service

Department of Interior - http://www.doi.gov/recovery/

Access Board - http://www.access-board.gov/recovery/

America Bikes Coalition - http://www.americabikes.org/

American Horse Council - http://www.horsecouncil.org/

Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals - http://www.apbp.org/

Coalition for Recreational Trails - http://www.funoutdoors.com/coalitions/crt

National and Community Service / Americorps Funding

National Center for Bicycling & Walking - http://www.bikewalk.org/

National Parks Conservation Association: take action - http://act.npca.org/npca/home.html

National Recreation and Park Association - http://www.nrpa.org/

League of American Bicyclists - http://www.bikeleague.org/

National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse

Rails to Trails Conservancy - http://www.railstotrails.org/index.html

Safe Routes to School

http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/media/file/FAQ_recovery_bill_2-18-09v2.pdf (pdf)

StreetsBlog

What’s Wrong With SAFETEA-LU — and Why the Next Bill Must Be Better

Your comments and suggestions

Your comments on these concerns are welcome. Email us at trailhead@americantrails.org.

To propose additional articles, letters, links, or resources for this page, please email Pam Gluck, Executive Director, American Trails. This is meant to be an educational page, and American Trails reserves the right to turn down any submission that doesn't meet our intent for this page.

Also see Planning for reauthorization of federal transportation funding

ARCHIVE SECTION: BILLS AND FUNDING ISSUES NO LONGER CURRENT

March 3, 2010: H.R. 4671 National Discovery Trails Act of 2010 introduced by Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, Nick Rahall of West Virginia; referred to House subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.
Nov. 6, 2009: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy urges support for S. 575: Clean, Low-Emission, Affordable, New Transportation Efficiency Act which would "auction 10% of emission allowances established under any EPA program providing for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions" and "develop transportation greenhouse gas emission reduction plans."
September 3, 2009: Safe Routes to School National Partnership urges supporters to write letters that can be shared with members of the House and Senate to show how much people in their states and districts value Safe Routes to School.
June 5, 2009: National Transportation Objectives Act (H.R.2724): according to Transportation for America, promoting energy efficiency, ensuring the safety of all users, reducing vehicles miles travelled by 16 % and tripling walking, bicycling and public transportation use by 2030.
April 9, 2009: Complete America’s Great Trails Act from American Hiking Society; bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax for qualified conservation contributions which include National Scenic Trails. Last Action: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.

Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008 (S.22)

S.22 also authorizes Willing Seller Land Acquisition Authority for nine national scenic and historic trails and adds to the National Trails System:
- Designation of the Arizona National Scenic Trail;
- Designation of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail;
- Designation of the New England National Scenic Trail;
- Designation of additional routes and feeder trails for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail;
- Designation of the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail;
- Designation of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail; (a new category of "trail"?)
- Authorization of a Feasibility Study of the Chisolm Trail;
- Authorization of a Feasibility Study of the Great Western Trail (cattle trail);.
March 25, 2009: Congress passed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, which includes over 160 separate bills relating to public lands, national parks, historic sites and battlefields, conservation and wilderness designation, national heritage areas and corridors, and national scenic and historic trails.
March 11, 2009: The omnibus public lands bill did NOT pass. The House of Representatives debated and voted on S. 22 today under a motion to suspend the rules. On a suspension vote, 2/3 of the Members present must support the bill. The final vote was 282-144 in favor of the bill, but missed by 2 or 3 votes to get the necessary two-thirds majority. However, this unsuccessful vote does not mean the bill is dead, as the House leadership can bring it up another way; from Partnership For The National Trail System
March 10, 2009: National Landscape Conservation System supporters urges support for S.22 in House; from the Wilderness Society
March 9: S.22 Stalls in the House; (from Americans for Responsible Recreational Access) In an attempt to move the legislation quickly through the House floor, House leaders decided that they would not allow any amendments to S.22 when the House begins consideration of the measure. Such a maneuver requires a super majority for approval and it seems as though the leadership is short in getting the required number of votes. One option is to break the Omnibus measure up into multiple parts and vote on each separate bill. If that happens, each measure would then go back to the Senate for approval, meaning that parts of S. 22 will have to go through the legislative process in dribs and drabs.
Feb. 12: The House of Representatives did not vote on S. 22 as scheduled due to work on the Economic Recovery Act. See details and opinions from Partnership for the National Trails System.
Feb. 5, 2009: "Omnibus Public Lands Bill (S-22) vote expected""

Rail banking and rails to trails legislation

Twenty-five years of rail banking: a review and look ahead; hearings by Surface Transportation Board, July 8, 2009. Issues for discussion include: the success for rail banking, facilitating rail banking and encouraging the restoration of active rail service on rail banked lines, and how rail banking has affected reversionary property owners.