Federal Reconciliation Bill Cuts Millions for Trail and Active Transportation Projects
The recent signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill on July 4 has sent shockwaves through the active transportation community as it rescinds unobligated funds from the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, totaling nearly $750 million. This legislative change threatens the future of vital trail, walking, and biking projects across the nation, posing significant risks to the lives of those who rely on these infrastructures for safe mobility. The Rails to Trails Conservancy, a leading voice in trail advocacy, emphasizes that this funding was crucial to achieving connectivity in communities that desperately need it.
Kevin Mills, vice president of policy at the Rails to Trails Conservancy, stated, "The Neighborhood Access and Equity Program created new opportunities for people and places by restoring connectivity in communities so that everyone can get where they need to go. Congress is clawing back funds that will prevent communities from repairing damages created by misplaced federal transportation investments and causing unnecessary harm." This alarming act essentially halts several key projects aimed at ensuring safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, thereby exacerbating an already perilous situation.
Every day, over 20 individuals lose their lives while walking, and those who cycle face serious risks on the roads. In light of these statistics, hundreds of communities are actively pursuing interconnected trail and transportation networks, aiming to create safer spaces for individuals who do not own cars. The abrupt withdrawal of promised investments sends a chilling message, particularly at a time when urban, suburban, and rural areas are striving to improve mobility options.
Currently, municipalities from all 50 states are moving forward with ambitious plans for trail and active transportation networks. These initiatives are driven by local leaders who understand the link between infrastructure, economic growth, and improving the quality of life for residents. In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation made a historic investment of $3 billion into active transportation infrastructure, with 25% allocated to walking, biking, and trails. This was a clear acknowledgment of the overwhelming demand for these projects. However, with the recent rescissions, multiple awarded projects have lost critical funding, undermining the hard-fought progress made towards equitable mobility.
For instance, in Alabama, projects that collectively received $92.7 million are now jeopardized. Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail, a monumental project which would connect 30 miles of trail to numerous neighborhoods, schools, and healthcare facilities, has lost a vital grant of $147 million. In Montana, a $24 million project aimed at creating safer connections for East Missoula residents is also at risk. These cuts not only stifle economic prospects but also put countless lives at risk.
Mills calls for a collective response: "This move by Congress is appalling, and it sends a clear message. We need to band together—the public, local and state officials, and champions in Congress—to protect the range of funding that exists for this vital infrastructure. We will remain vigilant in advancing a federal policy agenda that provides opportunities to overcome this setback, making safe, connected active-transportation infrastructure accessible to all Americans."
As advocates grapple with the implications of these cuts, the reality remains that decades of investments have resulted in over 42,000 miles of multiuse trails, contributing more than $34 billion to the economy each year. Yet, current public funding continues to fall short of the demands for necessary walking and biking routes, placing lives at stake. This situation reinforces the urgent need for a robust federal policy agenda focused on building essential active transportation infrastructure that genuinely serves the needs of all citizens. The Rails to Trails Conservancy stands resolute in its mission to ensure that the future of trail development is secure, emphasizing the critical need for safe passage for all who wish to walk, bike, or engage in outdoor activities. Connect with the organization through railstotrails.org or its social media platforms to stay updated on advocacy efforts for active transportation.
Kevin Mills, vice president of policy at the Rails to Trails Conservancy, stated, "The Neighborhood Access and Equity Program created new opportunities for people and places by restoring connectivity in communities so that everyone can get where they need to go. Congress is clawing back funds that will prevent communities from repairing damages created by misplaced federal transportation investments and causing unnecessary harm." This alarming act essentially halts several key projects aimed at ensuring safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, thereby exacerbating an already perilous situation.
Every day, over 20 individuals lose their lives while walking, and those who cycle face serious risks on the roads. In light of these statistics, hundreds of communities are actively pursuing interconnected trail and transportation networks, aiming to create safer spaces for individuals who do not own cars. The abrupt withdrawal of promised investments sends a chilling message, particularly at a time when urban, suburban, and rural areas are striving to improve mobility options.
Currently, municipalities from all 50 states are moving forward with ambitious plans for trail and active transportation networks. These initiatives are driven by local leaders who understand the link between infrastructure, economic growth, and improving the quality of life for residents. In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation made a historic investment of $3 billion into active transportation infrastructure, with 25% allocated to walking, biking, and trails. This was a clear acknowledgment of the overwhelming demand for these projects. However, with the recent rescissions, multiple awarded projects have lost critical funding, undermining the hard-fought progress made towards equitable mobility.
For instance, in Alabama, projects that collectively received $92.7 million are now jeopardized. Jacksonville’s Emerald Trail, a monumental project which would connect 30 miles of trail to numerous neighborhoods, schools, and healthcare facilities, has lost a vital grant of $147 million. In Montana, a $24 million project aimed at creating safer connections for East Missoula residents is also at risk. These cuts not only stifle economic prospects but also put countless lives at risk.
Mills calls for a collective response: "This move by Congress is appalling, and it sends a clear message. We need to band together—the public, local and state officials, and champions in Congress—to protect the range of funding that exists for this vital infrastructure. We will remain vigilant in advancing a federal policy agenda that provides opportunities to overcome this setback, making safe, connected active-transportation infrastructure accessible to all Americans."
As advocates grapple with the implications of these cuts, the reality remains that decades of investments have resulted in over 42,000 miles of multiuse trails, contributing more than $34 billion to the economy each year. Yet, current public funding continues to fall short of the demands for necessary walking and biking routes, placing lives at stake. This situation reinforces the urgent need for a robust federal policy agenda focused on building essential active transportation infrastructure that genuinely serves the needs of all citizens. The Rails to Trails Conservancy stands resolute in its mission to ensure that the future of trail development is secure, emphasizing the critical need for safe passage for all who wish to walk, bike, or engage in outdoor activities. Connect with the organization through railstotrails.org or its social media platforms to stay updated on advocacy efforts for active transportation.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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