Subscription Guy
08-07-2003, 01:52 PM
Got this From IMBA, and wanted to share:
Dear IMBA Clubs, Reps, and Advocates,
Congress just adjourned for a short summer recess and most members are back
in their districts through Labor Day weekend. Their summer schedules are
focused on public interactions with constituents and they will be actively
working parades, state fairs, festivals, etc.
These public events give local bicycle advocates the perfect avenue to talk
to them about bicycling and, more specifically, the Transportation
Enhancements and Recreation Trails programs.
As it stands, the Transportation Enhancements Program is slated for zero
funding for the next six years. Transportation Enhancements funds
community-initiated projects such as multi-use paths, bike lanes and
crossings, sidewalks, streetscaping, and renovation of historic
transportation structures. Thousands of communities have used the funds to
build nearly 16,000 projects since the program was created in 1991. We face
an uphill battle getting the program funded when members return in
September. The program was expected to receive $600 million in 2004._
Future funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) seems safe, but
that could change. Recreational Trails helps clubs build, maintain, and sign
hundreds of miles of trail and buy trailbuilding equipment. Showing members
of Congress fantastic trails built with RTP money is critical to ensure the
future of the program. The program is expected to receive $60 million in
2004 and we are asking for $143 million.
If you have any bicycling events scheduled in August, please consider
inviting your members of Congress and their staffs to participate. Trail
groundbreakings, festivals, and even races are a good opportunity to show
them what federal dollars have done for bike trails, paths, and facilities.
Invite the member of Congress to address the crowd in some type of formal
fashion and make sure you point out local trails or bike facilities that
have been built with Recreational Trails or Transportation Enhancements
federal funding.
Another option is to invite them to tour one of your trail or bike facility
successes. You can do a walking tour or try to get them on a bike.
Including local community and elected leaders increases the event's appeal
and the chance that your Congressional representative will attend.
For Recreational Trails Program or Enhancements talking points visit:
Recreational Trails Program:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/04_03/04_10_rtp.html
Transportation Enhancements:
http://www.imba.com/news/action_alerts/07_03/07_18_call_congress.html
Make sure to let me know if you succeed in arranging the participation of a
member of Congress or their staff in an August event. We are happy to help
so feel free to call or email me anytime.
This is a critical point in our nation's bicycle funding history. Thank you
for anything you can do in these next few weeks.
Sincerely,
Jenn Dice
--
Jenn Dice -- Government Affairs Director
International Mountain Bicycling Association
Phone: (303) 545 9011x103 Fax: (303) 545 9026
E-mail: jenn@imba.com Website: http://www.imba.com
Long live long rides. Are YOU an IMBA member? www.imba.com
Dear IMBA Clubs, Reps, and Advocates,
Congress just adjourned for a short summer recess and most members are back
in their districts through Labor Day weekend. Their summer schedules are
focused on public interactions with constituents and they will be actively
working parades, state fairs, festivals, etc.
These public events give local bicycle advocates the perfect avenue to talk
to them about bicycling and, more specifically, the Transportation
Enhancements and Recreation Trails programs.
As it stands, the Transportation Enhancements Program is slated for zero
funding for the next six years. Transportation Enhancements funds
community-initiated projects such as multi-use paths, bike lanes and
crossings, sidewalks, streetscaping, and renovation of historic
transportation structures. Thousands of communities have used the funds to
build nearly 16,000 projects since the program was created in 1991. We face
an uphill battle getting the program funded when members return in
September. The program was expected to receive $600 million in 2004._
Future funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) seems safe, but
that could change. Recreational Trails helps clubs build, maintain, and sign
hundreds of miles of trail and buy trailbuilding equipment. Showing members
of Congress fantastic trails built with RTP money is critical to ensure the
future of the program. The program is expected to receive $60 million in
2004 and we are asking for $143 million.
If you have any bicycling events scheduled in August, please consider
inviting your members of Congress and their staffs to participate. Trail
groundbreakings, festivals, and even races are a good opportunity to show
them what federal dollars have done for bike trails, paths, and facilities.
Invite the member of Congress to address the crowd in some type of formal
fashion and make sure you point out local trails or bike facilities that
have been built with Recreational Trails or Transportation Enhancements
federal funding.
Another option is to invite them to tour one of your trail or bike facility
successes. You can do a walking tour or try to get them on a bike.
Including local community and elected leaders increases the event's appeal
and the chance that your Congressional representative will attend.
For Recreational Trails Program or Enhancements talking points visit:
Recreational Trails Program:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/04_03/04_10_rtp.html
Transportation Enhancements:
http://www.imba.com/news/action_alerts/07_03/07_18_call_congress.html
Make sure to let me know if you succeed in arranging the participation of a
member of Congress or their staff in an August event. We are happy to help
so feel free to call or email me anytime.
This is a critical point in our nation's bicycle funding history. Thank you
for anything you can do in these next few weeks.
Sincerely,
Jenn Dice
--
Jenn Dice -- Government Affairs Director
International Mountain Bicycling Association
Phone: (303) 545 9011x103 Fax: (303) 545 9026
E-mail: jenn@imba.com Website: http://www.imba.com
Long live long rides. Are YOU an IMBA member? www.imba.com