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Protect Active Transportation Funding
This is not a time to build [bike paths]. If we are going to invest in infrastructure, invest in infrastructure that actually makes the economy more efficient, such as roads that are needed.
-Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009
Comments like those above are misguided.
Along with others, like Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), who offered an amendment to prohibit funding for walking and bicycling, Sen. Ensign does not realize that more trails means people walk and bike more and drive less. This translates into less congestion, healthier people, a healthier planet, more money available to our communities, and much, much more.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the U.S. Senate passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Unlike the House of Representatives’ version of the bill, the Senate did not explicitly fund Transportation Enhancements (TE), the nation’s primary funding source for active transportation.
However, the Senate and House will work to reconcile their differences “in conference” over the next few days.
We must convince the Senate to protect TE in conference.
Please choose your state from the following list:
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