The League of American Bicyclists recently alerted us to some good news about the future of the 2008 Transportation Enhancement funds.
On Thursday, March 6, 2008, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) ordered states to return $3.15 billion in transportation funds. Although this is not the first time that USDOT has issued such notices, historically the resulting effect has been that Transportation Enhancement Funds (TE) have been disproportionately targeted by many states, it is important to note that this time states will be required to limit the amount they can cut from their TE program.
According to research provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) the new legislative provision that cuts must be fair and balanced across programs could potentially save $100 – $200 million nationally to spend on trails, bicycling and other valuable non-motorized projects. This is good news and we all should keep a vigilant eye out to make sure that every State Department of Transportation adheres to the new provision.
Does anyone know what RI’s allotment of TE funding is for the year? We should definitely make an effort to ensure that RI limits the amount they cut from their TE funding.