Federal Multi-year Transportation Bill Gets it Wrong

On Friday, November 4, 2011, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee unanimously passed a draft of our nation's next multi-year surface transportation bill. But "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century" (MAP-21) falls far short of addressing our nation's growing need for active transportation facilities that enable walking and bicycling.

In particular, the bill reduces the amount of funding available for Transportation Enhancements (TE)—the nation's largest funding source for trails, walking and bicycling. However, and even more dangerously, the bill adds expensive new eligibilities to the type of projects that can be funded with TE funds, including wetland banking, routine mowing and more—projects that do not conform to the intended purpose of the new consolidated programs. So, many state departments of transportation will now fund these other projects instead of community trail, walking and bicycling facilities.

More than 47,000 Americans died in the last decade while walking and bicycling on our nation's roadways—a tragedy, especially since we currently spend less than two percent of our surface transportation dollars on these modes. Given the economic, public health, mobility, environmental and quality of life benefits from more walking and bicycling, this bill's changes to existing law are highly irresponsible.

In spite of the above setbacks, there were some signs of hope in the debate of MAP-21. Among these were amendments championed by EPW Committee leaders, Senator Ben Cardin (Md.) and Senator Jeff Merkley (Ore.) to address some of the bill's shortfalls.

For more details on the above, please read a press release that RTC issued following the bill's announcement, or read a national sign-on letter that RTC authored and delivered to members of the EPW Committee.

And stay tuned! As this bill moves through the process—and an accompanying House bill that may come to pass in the coming months—RTC will keep our readers updated on the latest opportunities to stay involved and speak up for a healthier, more walkable and bikeable America.