RTC Protects Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Trail Funding

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has scored a major victory, protecting what could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars of funding for trails, walking and biking. Working with members of Congress, RTC once again successfully defended transportation enhancements (TE)—the nation's largest funding source for bicycle, pedestrian and trail programs—against unfair, targeted cuts.
 
On Thursday, March 6, 2008, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) ordered states to return $3.15 billion in transportation funds. Such "rescission" orders have historically resulted in disproportionate attacks on TE. This rescission, however, was different. 
 
In June 2007, RTC worked diligently with Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) and other supporters to pass legislation* protecting TE from disproportionate future cuts. By helping to develop and advocate for the policy, and supporting it with legal analysis, RTC assisted Rep. Oberstar's work, and an amendment* ensuring proportionality passed. As a result of this powerful 2007 decision, the USDOT is now legally required to limit the amount each state can cut from its TE program.
 
Had states been able to cut TE in this rescission order at a rate similar to those in recent years, TE could have lost two to three times as much in funding. Given the provision that cuts must be fair and balanced across programs, TE should now lose less than $100 million—saving $100 to $200 million nationally to spend on rail-trails, bicycling and other valuable projects.

Please thank Rep. Oberstar for his work protecting TE. When our elected officials take bold stances to do the right thing, it's important that we thank them for their hard work.