Defend Federal Trails Funding TODAY

September 16, 2009
American Hiker

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Defend Federal Trails Funding TODAY

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UPDATE Sept. 17: The amendements described below were defeated in votes taken Sept. 16.

Trails Funding Under Attack TODAY, Sept. 16, 2009
Your help needed immediately

The U.S. Senate is voting TODAY on two amendments to the  FY10 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill that would ELIMINATE the majority of federal funds for trails, sidewalks, bicyclist education programs, bike rack on bus programs, and roadway improvements for bicyclists.

These amendments directly threaten the protection and establishment of trails, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and habitat connectivity projects. A significant amount of funding for trails comes from this bill - and the following amendments are a direct threat to our hiking experience:

Amendment 2370 would prohibit the use of federal funds for pedestrian/bicycle facilities and trails, maintenance of habitat connectivity, and other projects important to hikers if the Highway Trust Fund cannot cover unfunded highway authorizations.

Amendment 2371 would allow states to eliminate spending on a federal program called Transportation Enhancements, one of the largest funding sources for trails. Congress currently sets aside a portion of federal funds for Transportation Enhancements to support these projects in all states.

Please call your Senators NOW!

In NEW YORK

Senator Charles Schumer (202) 224-6542 or email from his website
http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contact.cfm

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand  (202) 224-4451 or email from her website
ttp://gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/

In NEW JERSEY 

Senator Frank Lautenberg (202) 224-3224 or email from his website
lautenberg.senate.gov/contact/routing.cfm

Senator Robert Menendez (202) 224-4744 or email from his website
menendez.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm

Ask them to vote AGAINST amendments 2370 and 2371.  Mention how federal Transportation Enhancements funding has benefited your community.  Ask how they are going to vote. 

Thanks for your help.  Your voice is SO IMPORTANT!!!!