SAFETEA-LU, the current highway bill, was set to expire earlier this year. However, because Congress has yet to pass a new highway bill, it has been forced to extend the current law. Most recently, Congress extended the current law for two months; that extension is set to expire February 28, 2010.
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has released the Committee Print (draft language) of their version of the next surface transportation authorization bill. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which has traditionally generated the Senate version of the highway bill, has yet to introduce a bill. For this reason, Congress will continue to extend the current highway bill until the Senate takes action on this issue.
Recreational Trails Program
The RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. It was created in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was last re-authorized in 2005 as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, this law is about to expire. The RTP will have to be re-authorized in the next national surface transportation program bill if it is to continue.
Since its inception, the RTP has provided approximately $677 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails.
Although each state manages its own program, 30 percent of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30 percent on motorized, and 40 percent on multiuse projects.
The RTP is one of the few sources for federal funding of trail projects that are not on federal land. The program is a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their state and local parks.
The AHC, in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational users, has been working to ensure RTP is included in any national highway bill passed by Congress. The working draft of the Surface Transportation Authorization Act released by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure would re-authorize RTP.
The draft bill does not specify a dollar amount for RTP at this time. The AHC is requesting that RTP funding be set at $690 million over the six year period of the bill. If you have any questions please contact the AHC, www.horsecouncil.org.
