FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 14, 2020
CONTACT:
Patricia Brooks, Patricia@matchmapmedia.com, 202.351.1757
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy applauds Gov. Kim Reynolds’ call to fund the state’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund
Nation’s largest trails organization marks historic announcement during governor’s “Condition of the State” speech to finally invest in the fund that will advance trails and outdoor recreation across the state
DES MOINES—Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) joined its partners in Iowa, including the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, in applauding Gov. Kim Reynolds for committing to invest in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund during the Condition of the State speech.
“Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and our partner, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, are thrilled that Governor Reynolds recognized the importance of trails and outdoor recreation in her address today,” said Ken Bryan, senior strategist at RTC. “Funding for trails from the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund will help complete the Great American Rail-Trail through Iowa, as well as other connected trail networks around the state, providing robust economic benefits to communities and giving more Iowans safe, healthy ways to get around.”
It’s been more than nine years since Iowans overwhelmingly approved the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. RTC is committing to working with its local partners and the legislature to protect the funding formulas outlined in the law that was passed in 2010. Assuming the funding formula is maintained, this dedicated funding would provide an estimated $200 million annually for clean water, healthy wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation projects—including significant and sustainable funding for trails.
In 2010, 63% of Iowa voters passed a state constitutional amendment to create the fund. Now, nearly 70% support investing in it with the 3/8 cent sales tax.
Learn more about the Great American Rail-Trail, a 3,700-miles-plus trail from Washington, D.C., to Washington State that will cross Iowa, at greatamericanrailtrail.org.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
