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Supporting Trails

 

This page provides the facts on current issues and 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.

 

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

• 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
• 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: Safe Routes to School National Partnership urges supporters to write letters that can be shared with members of the House and Senate to whow how much people in their states and districts value Safe Routes to School.
• July 21: Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) introduced the “Green Routes to Work Act” (HR. 3271) which would promote low-carbon transportation options such as tax credits for both employers and individuals who walk or bike. Last Action: Referred to House Oversight and Government Reform
• July 9: Health bill includes $ billions for parks, paths, from Boston Globe. "The add-ons— characterized as part of a broad effort to improve the nation’s health “infrastructure’’— appear in House and Senate versions of the bill."
• June 5: 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: 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.

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
• Message from Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimball: "We are creating good private sector jobs during difficult economic times."
• Message from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar: "Job Corps and youth recruited by partners including the Student Conservation Association will assist in restoring trails."

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:

• July 21: Forest Service announces trail projects for ARRA economic recovery funds
• March 19: Forest Service ARRA Projects by States (pdf 84 kb)
• Implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

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. 24: Stimulus Legislation Defines Prospects for Landscape Architecture Projects from ASLA
• 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 Bill 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

• 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-tohome 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:

• http://www.recovery.gov/
• http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/agencies

FHWA

• http://www.dot.gov/recovery/
• http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/economicrecovery/index.htm
• http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/economicrecovery/summary.htm

USDA Forest Service

• http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
• FS Funding Summary
• Listing of FS projects - including trails - by State (pdf)

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

• http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/recovery/index.asp
• http://www07.grants.gov/search/search

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/content/default.aspx?documentId=7

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

National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse

• http://www.enhancements..org/recovery.asp
• http://www.enhancements.org/recovery_faq.asp

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

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

• See bill summary from National Trust for Historic Preservation... 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: 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: 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: 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. 11: "Omnibus Bill Delayed as Stimulus Negotiations Continue"
• Feb. 5, 2009: "Omnibus Public Lands Bill (S-22) vote expected""
• On Jan. 14 the Senate passed a Cloture Motion, which moves the bill to a vote. But there are 14 amendments (13 from Senator Coburn of Oklahoma) to be acted on as well.
• S.22, a collection of about 160 bills, would set aside more than 2 million acres as new designated Wilderness in nine states, address Federal budgets and agency funding, designate 1,000 miles of rivers in seven states as Wild and Scenic Rivers, create National Landscape Conservation System designations, and designate National Heritage Areas.

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.

Funding for NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program

• Supporters ask for funding increase for RTCA program

 

 

 

 

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