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Dirt Rag Fresh Dirt
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5.16.2005
URGENT: Take Action NOW!
By: John Vasilis
Federal funding for cycling took a blow last week when senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) proposed amendment Number 646 during a debate on the reauthorization of the nation’s transportation legislation, in an effort to cut the nations’s overall transportation bill by $10.7 billion.
Although funding for highways will remain largely unaffected, cyclists will likely see severe cuts to the programs they most care about. Among other programs threatened by this amendment, Transportation Enhancements (TE) stands to loose $1.1 billion and the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement program (CMAQ) will have its budget reduced by $4 billion. Instead of seeking to cut costs in programs that account for the bulk of the total bill, Number 646 targets small efficient programs which bring great tangible benefits to communities nationwide.
What is at stake?
Transportation Enhancements (TE):
TE is a community-based program started in 1991 that accounts for the largest source of funding for trails and sidewalks. Over the life of the program, TE has been responsible for more than 18,000 small-scale, locally-initiated projects that promote alternative transportation, healthy recreational activities and community pride. Rails to Trails Conservancy estimates over 3,000 projects across the country to be at risk.
Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement program (CMAQ):
CMAQ is a source of funding for areas that do not meet federal standards for air quality. These funds are used by communities for programs designed to improve air quality, such as the construction of bicycle trails. This environmental program will be crippled by the proposed $4 billion cut.
Many smaller community-oriented programs will also be affected.
This is your call to action!
Amendment Number 646 will impact the lives of everybody who uses a bicycle to commute to work, mountain bikes recreationally, or breathes air. This amendment may be voted on as early as today, May 16 2005. Contact your senators via telephone or e-mail immediately and tell them to vote “NO” on “Sessions Amendment 646” to the surface transportation bill.
Click HERE to find your senator’s contact information.
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