ALERT: Federal funding for bicycling and walking under attack in Washington DC--by Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler

Federal funding for bicycling and walking--the primary funding source for better, safer bicycling and walking in America (and Missouri) today--is currently under attack in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Missouri members of Congress need to support bicycling and walking--and you can
Missouri members of Congress need to support bicycling and walking--and you can help ensure that they do.

Unfortunately, Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler has played a key role in this--most recently, she has  co-sponsored a bill to completely eliminate the Transportation Alternatives Program, the primary source of federal transportation funding for biking and walking. 

We need to send a strong message to Missouri members of Congress on this -- especially include Congresswoman Hartzler.  We need Missouri's members of Congress to take a leadership role in SUPPORTING biking and walking, not opposing it.

If you live in Rep. Hartzler's District (Columbia, Warrensburg, Sedalia, Raymore, Lebanon, Moberly, Mexico), a quick phone call can make a big difference. 

Hartzler's office phone numbers:

  • Washington, DC: (202) 225-2876
  • Columbia: (573) 442-9311
  • Harrisonville: 816-884-3411
  • Lebanon Office: 417-532-5582
  • Suggested message:
    I support the Transportation Alternatives Program and funding for bicycling and walking in federal transportation funding.  Please do not support or co-sponsor any bills or amendments that threaten this funding.

 

We have been working to coordinate with national and local organizations on this issue as it moves through Congress.

Below is the Action Alert on this issue from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, with more information:
 

 
RTC | Tell Congress to Stop Attacks on Funding for Trails... | Act Now

Dear Trails Supporter,

Trails, sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes aren’t luxury items. They’re essential to help people safely get where they need to go—in small towns and large cities alike.

So why are some members of Congress trying to kill the largest federal source of funding for these types of projects?

Act Now

Take action now! Tell Congress to oppose attacks on the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)!

Reps. Sam Johnson (Tex.) and Vicky Hartzler (Mo.) have introduced a bill (H.R. 2609) that would eliminate TAP—the largest dedicated source of funding for trails, and walking and biking infrastructure in America. TAP helps create trails, crosswalks, sidewalks and bike lanes, helping millions of people safely get where they need to go under their own power.

This legislation could now be offered as an amendment to a transportation funding bill that will be voted on as early as tomorrow!

Speak out today! Tell your senators and representative to defend critical funding for trails and active transportation against these types of attacks!

If TAP is eliminated, communities across the country will lose the funding they need to make wise investments in active-transportation options at a fraction of the cost of car-only transportation infrastructure.

This cost-efficient funding helps to create healthier neighborhoods, provide transportation choices and boost local economies. These attacks on TAP are simply unwise and unacceptable—and we need to make sure they don't go unanswered.

Please tell Congress to oppose efforts to eliminate TAP—the most important funding source for trails, and walking and biking programs in the country.

Programs like TAP are in high demand. Today, 12 percent of all trips in the United States are made by biking or walking. These active-transportation modes continue to grow as options for more and more Americans, yet we only invest 1.5 percent of surface transportation funds in these programs.

These aren't the first attacks on this critical funding—and they certainly won't be the last. Please take this simple action today.

Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,

Patrick Wojahn
Director of Government Relations
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

   

 

 

 

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