The vote will take place this Thursday, September 4th !
On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the 2004 Transportation Appropriations bill. Currently, that bill contains language which eliminates funding for the popular Transportation Enhancements program, the major source of federal money for projects such as trails, bikeways, blueways (river trails), and greenways. The Transportation Enhancements program provides essential funding to secure and develop hundreds of popular river access sites around the country.
Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) and Congressman John Olver (D-MA), longtime supporters of trails and bikeways, are leading a bipartisan effort and will offer an amendment during debate on Thursday to restore the funding.Please remember, the Administration’s Bill, SAFETEA, recognizes the importance of Transportation Enhancements and includes funding for this program in the amount of $812 million per year.
Also, the U.S. Department of Transportation recognizes TE as one of its most popular programs. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta states, “Trails are an important part of America’s transportation system, providing opportunities for environmentally sustainable infrastructure, links to our heritage, and recreation for our people. Transportation Enhancements make our communities more livable, enhancing streetscapes, preserving historic transportation facilities, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connections.”
ACTION
Please contact your Representative on Wednesday , September 3 , and ask them to vote to restore guaranteed funding for the Transportation Enhancements program. Ask them to vote in favor of Representative Petri (pronounced “PEE-try”) and Representative Olver’s amendment to strike Section 114 from the 2004 Transportation Appropriations bill (H.R. 2989). Please distribute this message through your networks.
Visit the American Trails website: www.AmericanTrails.org for additional background information and talking points
Note: this alert was provided by www.AmericanTrails.org .