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Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia | Photo by Milo Allerton

Putting Unprecedented Federal Funding for Trails and Active Transportation to Work

Posted 12/09/22 by Brandi Horton, Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Federal, Funding, RAISE, TrailNation, Transportation Alternatives

The team at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has studied the ins and outs of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that includes about $1.44 billion in annual funding for Transportation Alternatives, and other breakthrough programs for trails, walking and bicycling—describing the BIL as a launching point to take the trail development movement to the next level, with work yet to be done.

Along the Wendy Park Bridge and Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail in Ohio | Courtesy Cleveland Metroparks

New Federal Funding for Safe Walking and Biking Routes Could Help Meet Booming Demand

Posted 09/12/22 by Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Federal, Funding, RAISE

This summer, developments in federal funding for trails, walking and biking illustrated both the urgency communities are feeling to provide 1) safe and connected active-transportation infrastructure, and 2) more tangible opportunities to invest in the infrastructure their residents are demanding.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge connecting Iowa and Nebraska | Photo by TrailLink user thejake91739

Spring News from the State Legislatures

Posted 04/06/22 by Andrew Dupuy, Brian K. Housh in Policy | Tagged with California, Colorado, Funding, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, RAISE, South Carolina, State and Federal Programs, Virginia

Depending on where you live, this time of year may mean the prolonged dregs of winter, early signs of Spring, or some variation on “mud season.” But for most of the country—regardless of climate or geography—it’s also the height of the state legislative season. Most states’ general assemblies are part-time, and generally convene in the early part of each calendar year. All but a handful of states are currently in session. So what does this mean for trails and active transportation funding in states?

Indianapolis Cultural Trail | Photo by TrailLink user lunariver

USDOT’s Current RAISE Funding Opportunity Is Best Chance Yet to Secure Big Investments in Connected, Safe Walking and Biking Routes

Posted 02/08/22 by Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Connected Systems, Demand for Trails, Federal, Funding, RAISE, TrailsTransform

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has invited applications for the next round of its competitive, multimodal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program (formerly known as TIGER under the Obama Administration and BUILD under the Trump Administration). This round promises to be your best chance yet to secure $5 million to $25 million to build your trail and other active-transportation connections, or a big planning grant to get your regional system ready.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Misses Opportunity to Prioritize Walking and Biking as Essential

Posted 08/09/21 by Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Federal, Funding, RAISE, Recreational Trails Program, Transportation Alternatives

The U.S. Senate today passed the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, the bipartisan infrastructure deal that has been painstakingly negotiated by the White House and moderates of both parties—negotiators who were not necessarily experts in transportation policy. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s (RTC’s) analysis finds the end result to be lacking.

Photo courtesy Gareth Milner | CC BY 2.0

White House Budget Sets Troublesome Tone for Trails

Posted 05/24/17 by Kevin Mills, Leeann Sinpatanasakul in Policy, Taking Action | Tagged with Federal, Funding, Partnership for Active Transportation, RAISE, Recreational Trails Program, State and Federal Programs

Yesterday, the president released his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2018. While White House budget proposals are little more than agenda-setting exercises—and many in Congress have said that this one is dead on arrival—the agenda it aims to set would not be good for trails, walking and biking.