Jul 09 2012

Recreational Trails Program Passes

Recreational Trail Funding Approved

Congress & President Obama have come to the rescue of trails across America.  On July 6, the Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

family on hiking trail

trails are for everyone

was rescued for another two years as Barack Obama signed the transportation bill that was approved by the U.S. Congress. Thanks to this legislation, the RTP will receive $85 million in annual funding for the next two fiscal years.

Since its original passage in 1991, the RTP program has funded state trails programs across the nation and provided essential funds for thousands of trail projects. This federal sponsorship has allowed partnerships between such organizations as state governments, non-profit organizations such as Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, private donors and corporate donors. As a result, the numbers, miles and quality of trails dramatically increased during that time period.

Thanks to all of you who wrote letters to your elected officials in support of our nation’s trails. This vote came right down to the wire and was a squeaker, so there is no doubt that your letters and emails made a difference. I am convinced that this legislation would not have passed without the input of trail lovers across the country. I wish I could say that the crusade was over, but we’ll probably have to step up to the plate again in two years to lobby for continuation of trail funding. In the meantime, let’s get out there and enjoy those trails, but keep in mind that they exist because we made raised our voices and were heard.

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Trailsnet has been your source for trail news and information since 2008. We provide information about hundreds of trails around the world including bike trails, hiking trails, backpacking trails, bikepacking trails, nordic ski trails, snowshoe trails, equestrian trails, long-distance trails and more. We also provide information about trail gear, trail organizations and trail advocacy. In addition to the Trailsnet.com website/blog, you can connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest using the @trailsnet username. We welcome suggestions and questions. Feel free to add your own favorite trails using the 'Add a Trail' link on the top horizontal navigation bar. Happy trails and stay safe!!

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/07/09/recreational-trails-program-passes/

4 comments

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  1. Such great news! You’ve done an awesome job of keeping this in the front of everyone’s mind. Thanks so much for your commitment to helping get all of us rallied to support the legislation!

    1. I appreciate the kind words, Amy. I truly believe that it was because of the internet community of trail lovers that this legislation was finally passed. Everyone came together and made their voices heard. I hope we all continue to support trails.

      Thank you, also, for your support and advocacy. As the saying goes, “Together, we made a difference.”

    • Ross-Barry Finlayson on 07/09/2012 at
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    This is really-great news Kevin. Take a bow.

    1. This is a huge relief. I wish it was for longer than two years, but we’ll take what we can get and keep crusading.

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