I am writing to personally thank you for getting involved in IMBA advocacy.
You wrote a letter to Congress asking them to fund an important national
trails program. I am happy to report, your letter worked! The Recreational
Trails Program (RTP) will receive $370 million over the next five years,
$144 million more than the last time it was funded. Congratulations! IMBA
and our affiliated clubs can build a tremendous amount of new trails and
repair old ones with this money.
IMBA advocates generated more than 1,500 letters on this important issue -
that's three reams of paper. Congressional leadership were impressed with
the sincerity of cyclists letters and our quick mobilization on the issue.
Now IMBA will shift focus to encourage our clubs to go get the money. If you
or your club wants to learn more about applying for a grant, visit imba.com.
Thank you for taking the time to get involved. I want you to know it really
made a difference.
Sincerely,
Jenn Dice
IMBA Government Affairs Director
--
New Transportation Bill Promises More Trails
The U.S. Congress approved a new five-year federal transportation bill that
will increase trail funding, including federal grants for singletrack.
After two years of delays, the new bill finally passed both houses of
Congress and will move on for President Bush's signature. In total, the bill
will dedicate nearly $3 billion through 2009 on bicycling and walking
infrastructure and programs almost twice the amount approved in the last
bill!
Most important for mountain biking, the bill promises more money for the
Recreational Trails Program, a small but important project in the massive
$286 billion transportation bill. The Recreational Trails Program, funded by
non-highway recreation gas taxes, has helped communities build and repair
thousands of miles of trails, involving more than 7,000 projects in all 50
states.
Funding for the Recreational Trails Program will grow to a total of $370
million over five years, $144 million (64 percent) more than the previous
transportation bill passed in 1998.
"This new bill is great for mountain biking," said IMBA executive director
Mike Van Abel. "We're pumped that funding for the Recreational Trails
Program will increase. This federal grant program is extremely important to
mountain biking's future."
"For the past two years, our lobbying team in Washington has pushed IMBA's
message. All of that hard work has paid off. Everyone who donated funds,
visited Capitol Hill during IMBA's lobby days, or contacted their members
of Congress, deserves thanks. You helped IMBA convince lawmakers that
mountain biking trails are important," added Van Abel.
The new bill also creates the first-ever national Safe Routes to School
Program, and authorizes more money for transportation enhancements and other
key programs that support bike facilities. Overall, bicycling and recreation
groups are very pleased with the legislation.
Bicycling organizations collaborated in the transportation bill lobbying
effort under the banner of America Bikes. Other trail and recreation
interests, both motorized and non-motorized, rallied together through the
Coalition for Recreational Trails.
--
Jenn Dice -- Government Affairs Director
International Mountain Bicycling Association
Phone: (303) 545 9011x103 Fax: (303) 545 9026
E-mail: jenn@imba.com Website: http://www.imba.com
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