Palmetto Cycling Coalition Update
August 18, 2010
Good Morning!rich

In the next few days, the South Carolina Department of Transportation could swipe millions of dollars from bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Last week, Congress approved $2.2 billion of rescissions from transportation funds. This means that state DOTs must cut projects and hand some money back to the federal government. South Carolina must return $35,603,848. Bike and pedestrian facilities and programs are likely targets to disproportionately bear the brunt of these cuts.

Don't let SCDOT send crucial federal funding for biking and walking back to Washington, DC!
We ask that you e-mail or call Governor Sanford TODAY! The SCDOT is required to decide by next week what projects and programs will be cut so we need you to take action no later than Friday, August 20!

In particular, ask that funding not be cut from these funding programs that support biking and walking:
  • Transportation Enhancements
  • Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
  • Recreational Trails
Let's flood Governor Sanford with calls and e-mails to show the importance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities - and that we're paying attention! Take action today and pass along this message to all your friends and family.

Visit the League of American Bicyclists Action Center to craft and send a message to Governor Sanford today!

Rachael Kefalos, Executive Director
(803) 445-1099
For more information...
Visit the League's blog to read about the need for proportionality in recissions.

Get to know what rescission's are all about by reading this fantastic report published by the League and Alliance for Biking and Walking.
Don't forget!
Members of the US House and Senate representing your district in South Carolina are currently on recess, continuing thru September 10.  This is an important time to connect with your members of Congress, many of whom spend August at home in their districts talking with constituents.

With the advent of social media, it is very easy to follow your Senators and Congressmen as they travel the state.  For instance, follow Congressman Spratt on twitter.  When visiting Congressman Barrett's twitter page, we found out that his August constituent meeting had changed; check that out here.
Thanks to the Alliance for helping us craft this message in a timely fashion!
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The Coalition needs the support of cyclists like yourself to continue our efforts of making SC more bicycle friendly.  We are THE voice for cyclists across South Carolina.  If your membership has lapsed, please renew today!  If you are not currently a member, please consider becoming one.
 
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