More Help Needed for the RTP Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber, We know that for BRC members it’s frustrating to constantly have to fight for what is fair and right. Since its inception in the early 90s, the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has served as a model of success as a funding program for trails nation-wide. The RTP derives its funding from that portion of gas taxes that are used “off-highway” by the motorized recreation community. The “user-pay, user-benefit” RTP model has provided critical funding for both motorized and non-motorized trails for over two dec

More Help Needed for the RTP

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

We know that for BRC members it’s frustrating to constantly have to fight for what is fair and right.

Since its inception in the early 90s, the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has served as a model of success as a funding program for trails nation-wide. The RTP derives its funding from that portion of gas taxes that are used “off-highway” by the motorized recreation community. The “user-pay, user-benefit” RTP model has provided critical funding for both motorized and non-motorized trails for over two decades.

It’s simple and it’s fair. But in our political system the RTP program must be re-authorized every time there is a major new transportation funding bill, so we are stuck in this nearly annual fight.

The most recent transportation budget battle nearly resulted in the elimination of the RTP program. But thanks to the commitment of key U.S. Senators, including Senators Klobuchar (MN), Risch (ID), Shaheen (NH) and Burr (NC) along with long-standing champions in the House of Representatives including Representatives Petri (WI), Michaud (ME) and Rahall (WV), the RTP program was saved.

Everyone at BRC remains consistently gratified because when we ask you to contact your legislators in support of the RTP program, you respond… en masse! (Perhaps this is the reason the RTP programs enjoys wide support, even among budget hawks.)

RTP needs your help once again.

The language of this latest reauthorization of the RTP does include a new provision that allows state governors to “opt out” of the program if they notify the US Secretary of Transportation of their decision at least 30 days before the funds are apportioned.  This year that deadline is September 1, which leaves some work still necessary to secure each state’s participation and a short time to get it done.

We must do all that we can before September 1st to ensure that these state Governors understand the importance of this program and how many of their constituents care passionately about trails and the RTP.