Rec Trails Saved from Chopping Block!

July, 2014 – On Monday, July 7, American Hiking Society found out that Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), was preparing to offer an amendment to the current transportation bill being heard in the Senate that would completely eliminate funding for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). While TAP is a major source of federal funding for worthwhile programs such as rail-trails and Safe Routes to School, of primary concern to the hiking community, it also includes funding for the Recreational Trails Program.

The senator was expected to submit his amendment on Wednesday, the 9th, so American Hiking joined the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s efforts and gathered organizational sign-ons to a letter they had originated. Time was of the essence!

We are proud that so many of our Pennsylvania Alliance members were able to quickly join the effort and add their names to the letter to Sen. Toomey. And not only did many of our Alliance members sign, but they shared our request with other organizations and moved them to sign on also.

On Friday, it was learned that Sen. Toomey withdrew his amendment that sought to end TAP, thus preserving Recreational Trails Program funding! Thanks to all those terrific organizations who signed on so quickly and helped send a message that trails and the Recreational Trails Program are important to those living in the senator’s home state. Job well done!