Transportation Enhancements Remain in Stimulus Package

from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Transportation Enhancements have been used to benefit the North Country Trail in some specific instances. These funds can not be used for single-track backcountry trail. However they are often invaluable for solving some pedestrian problems. For example, they can be used to add a pedestrian lane to bridges, safe road crossings, urban routes which might also be used by school children or commuters, etc. -JHY

Last week, we asked you to speak up for active transportation in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. You took action, loudly asking our elected officials to protect Transportation Enhancements (TE), the nation's largest federal funding source for trails, walking and bicycling.

You spoke up, and Congress listened.

Our congressional representatives recognized the role walking and biking play in a balanced transportation system, and allocated $825 million to TE. While this is less than two percent of transportation funding in the recovery package, it represents a doubling of TE spending for communities in the next year.

These hundreds of millions of dollars for TE will allow communities across the country to create jobs by building trails and other infrastructure immediately, while simultaneously addressing congestion, environmental concerns, the obesity epidemic and economic challenges in the long-term.

TE is a long-standing program that has historically enjoyed bi-partisan support. Its place within the stimulus package, however, heralds the recognition among elected leaders that active transportation infrastructure is a smart way to create jobs in the short-term, while resulting in long-term economic and other benefits.

The victory of this TE funding represents more than just dollars-- it represents job creation, community connectivity and a step forward in recognizing the tremendous benefits of trails, walking and biking.

See Trails, walking and biking earn $825 million in stimulus To spark jobs, active transportation
See Some Transportation Enhancements Remain in Stimulus Package
See Transportation Enhancement Funding - Source and Eligible Uses