Advocates not resting as Senate blocks raid on top trails funding source
TRAILS -- The U.S. Senate voted 60-38 to reject Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-Ky) amendment to siphon the only dedicated source of funding for walking and biking trails into bridge repair projects.
"The amendment was opposed by both Democrats and Republicans, important news as we head into what is likely to be months of more attacks on the Transportation Enhancements program," said Jake Lynch of the Rails to Trails Conservancy.
Transportation Enhancements funds have been the largest and most cost-effective source of funding for trails, walking and bicycling during the last 20 years.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has posted a short story on both the vote and the amendment.
"This current budget battle has the potential to dramatically alter everything from how we get around to our economic, environmental and personal health for decades to come," said Lynch, who's based in Washington, D.C.
Follow the political threats to active transportation on the Rails-to-Trails Consevancy blog.
