Federal Funding Of Recreational Trails Program Set
Trail Users To Benefit From Federal Funding Of Recreational Trails Program
Off-highway motorcycle
riders and other trail users stand to benefit from
up to $82.4 million in federal funding to be apportioned to 49
states in 2014 through the Recreational Trails Program, the
American Motorcyclist Association reports. Only Florida opted out
of the program for fiscal 2014.
"As a federal grant program that provides funds to develop and
maintain recreational trails, RTP is vitally needed to continue
expanding and maintaining off-highway opportunities for riders,"
said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Wayne Allard. "In
fact, RTP funds come from excise taxes generated by fuel purchased
for off-highway vehicle recreation -- off-highway motorcycles,
all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and off-highway light trucks --
so this is money that rightfully belongs to trail users."
RTP was created by Congress in 1991 with bipartisan support. The
Federal Highway Administration administers the program.
Since its inception, the RTP has leveraged more than $787 million
of federal grants into more than $1.3 billion in monies to fund
recreational trails. Without this vital program, many trails would
not have been built and without its continuation, many will face
reduced maintenance and possible closure.
Authorized funds are allocated annually by the federal government
to those states that choose not to opt-out for that fiscal year.
Every year the governor of each state has the option to opt-out of
the RTP and deploy the funds to other non-recreational
projects.
Each state then manages its funds in consultation with an RTP board
that represents both motorized and non-motorized recreationists.
RTP funds support motorized, non-motorized and mixed-use trails
projects. The only stipulation is that 30 percent of obligated
funds must go to motorized trails, 30 percent to non-motorized
trails and 40 percent to mixed-use trails.
Over the last year, the AMA and the OHV community have successfully
fought against the elimination of the RTP by Congress, stressing
the economic and social benefits of responsible recreation. The
current federal highway authorization -- known as MAP-21 --
provides $85 million dollars annually for distribution to the
states. However, OHV users contribute significantly more to the
federal highway trust fund.
"With next year's RTP authorization now set, it's time for
off-highway vehicle recreationists across the nation to contact
their grant administering agencies and work to secure grants to
fund trails projects." said Sean Hutson, AMA legislative assistant.
"After all, it's the fuel taxes paid by the OHV community in
particular that fund the entirety of this important program."
This marks the second consecutive year that Florida has opted-out
of the annual RTP allocation, giving up $5.2 million in funding
already paid for by that state's off-highway vehicle recreation
community. As a result, Florida has fewer funds to create and
maintain safe recreational trails for responsible users.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
