Singletrack Funding Threatened in Congress

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
05-20-05
Contact: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Specialist

303-545-9011 ext. 115

Every six years, Congress reviews and reauthorizes the nation's transportation programs. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is just a portion of this behemoth bill, but it's vital for mountain bikers. That's why IMBA urges cyclists to take immediate action to protect the higher-funded House version of the program.

How much does your state stand to gain? Here are a few examples:

• In California, the difference between the House and Senate version is $12 million or enough to build 1,236 miles of new trails
• In Michigan, the difference is $5 million or 516 miles of new trails
• In Oregon, it's a $3 million gap or roughly 293 miles of new trails
• In short, all 50 states would see massive reductions in funds for trails and trail-related facilities if the Senate's version prevails
• The difference totals about $223 million. That could build 17,000 miles of new trails!

See how much money is at stake in your home state.

Here's what you can do to help:

• Send a letter to your Congressional representatives
• IMBA will hand-deliver your letters to Congressional leaders

Please don't delay! The House and the Senate are in conference to reconcile the differences between the two bills. For the past two years, our lobbying team in Washington has pushed IMBA's message. All of that hard work will pay off if we make one final rally that convinces Congress to preserve and expand trail projects from coast to coast.