National Advocacy:
Support bicycle and pedestrian projects
in the Economic
Recovery Bill
Thanks to calls from bicyclist and pedestrian advocates like
you, the Senate refused to hear an amendment that would have blocked any
Economic Recovery Bill money from being spent on biking and walking
infrastructure projects. Now we need everyone's help to make certain that
there is strong support for Transportation Enhancements $ for biking and
walking in the final bill!
Your action is needed before 4pm (CST) February 11th!
The House and the Senate have each passed their own version
of the Economic Recovery Bill, aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the
economy. Both bills include billions for transportation infrastructure,
but only the House bill includes funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects in
the Transportation Enhancements program. The House bill includes approximately
$1.35 billion for Transportation Enhancements of which 50-60% is traditionally
spent on bicycle and pedestrian projects. The Senate bill does not explicitly
include Transportation Enhancements, so it's unclear whether this funding will
be in the final bill.
We need your help to make sure Transportation
Enhancement funding
is in the final bill.
This week there will be a conference committee
where several members of the House and several members of the Senate will work
together to reconcile the two bills. Conferees need to hear that
Transportation Enhancements are important to stimulating the economy, creating
green jobs, and moving us towards a sustainable future.
How to act:
1) Find out who represents you in the House and Senate by following this link.
2) Call them and ask them to tell the Conferees to
support Transportation Enhancements in the Economic Recovery bill. Tell them:
 Bicycle and pedestrian projects create jobs at the same or better rate
than highway projects.
-
These smaller projects can move quickly to hire local businesses and
help local economies.
-
Providing safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access gives
families healthier and cheaper transportation options.
- Improving sidewalks and bike lanes can make a downtown a destination
further helping the local economy.
- Better biking and walking options also help ensure greater energy
independence, less pollution, and a healthier United States!
Photo illustration based on original by Freddy (via Flickr)
|
Local Advocacy:
Your input is needed on Central Corridor
bicycle and pedestrian plans
Come review the draft Bike Walk Central Corridor Action Plan and make suggestions for bicycling and pedestrian improvements.
Open House: Bike Walk
Central Corridor Action Plan
Thursday, February 19
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Central Corridor Resource Center 1080 University Ave W, St. Paul (map)
More information
|
