Action Alert

Continued support for the Recreational Trails Program is needed now.

American Horse Council
February 10, 2012

MAP-21 would reauthorize the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program (RTP); however it would make major changes to RTP by removing dedicated funding for the program and consolidating it with several other programs.

Next week the Senate will debate its version of a multi-year national highway bill, called MAP-21. MAP-21 would reauthorize the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program (RTP); however it would make major changes to RTP by removing dedicated funding for the program and consolidating it with several other programs. The changes MAP-21 would make to RTP would effectively end the program in many states.

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota is planning to introduce an amendment to MAP-21 that would restore dedicated funding to RTP. This amendment would make the Senate bill consistent with language that is already in the House highway bill. More information on the House bill can be found on the American Horse Council website.

AHC urges all recreational riders and trail users to call their senators and ask them to support Klobuchar's RTP amendment to MAP-21. There has never been a more important time to support RTP. 

Since its inception, RTP has provided money for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for all recreational trail users.  It is funded with a portion of the gas taxes paid into the Highway Trust Fund by recreational off-highway vehicle users.

You can reach your senators by calling the congressional switchboard at (202) 225-3121. Ask for your senators' office and then ask to speak to the staff person who handles transportation issues.

Call them today and tell them:

• You support the Recreational Trails Program and it is important to trail riders in your state.
• Ask them to please support Sen. Klobuchar's RTP amendment to MAP-21.
• Tell them RTP is a very effective, user-pay/user-benefit program and a proven success story. It serves as the foundation for state trail programs across the country, facilitates healthy outdoor recreation and helps spur economic activity in countless communities.
• The RTP program must be a separate distinct program with dedicated funding.  

If you have any questions, please contact the AHC.