Thursday, August 1, 2013

Advocacy Alert: Funding for MAP-21

Funding for Transportation Alternatives in MAP-21


Last year Congress passed a new transportation bill, MAP-21, combining several programs for biking and walking including Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails under a new program called Transportation Alternatives. Funding for these programs was reduced by 30%. Currently there are efforts in Congress to redirect resources for the Transportation Alternatives program toward bridge repairs by Senator Rand Paul (KY) through an amendment to the Transportation Appropriations billas well as an amendment by Senator Lee (UT), which would prohibit any funding from being used for Transportation Alternatives. It does not direct the money be spent elsewhere.

While resources are needed to continue to repair and maintain our infrastructure, including bridges, it is also important cities, towns and counties have the resources to provide safe and efficient transportation options for everyone. Dedicating the small amount of Transportation Alternatives funding to bridge repair couldn't fix our country's bridges in 50 years.

Please contact your Senators and ask them to save Transportation Alternatives by voting NO on amendments 1742 and 1798. Please feel free to share this message widely with your partners.