New provisions for Recreational Trails Program announced

Following are RTP provisions in the HR 3 conference report, provided as part of the process for House and Senate to reach agreement on competing Federal transportation bills:

Overall transportation program funding:

• $286.4 billion/5 years

Recreational Trails Program Funding:

• $370 million ($60/70/75/80/85 million through FY2009, an increase of approximately 64%* from TEA-21 funding levels

Program administration:

• $840,000 per year

Changes in spending requirements:

• Encourages, but does not require, use of youth conservation corps

Required non-Federal match:

• Changes 80% requirement to new formula used for most Federal aid programs

State recreational trails advisory committees:

• no change

Planning and environmental assessment costs:

• Pre-approval (no more than 18 months prior to approval) expenditures on planning, environmental compliance may be credited to non-Federal share of project

Legality of fees/passes for use of RTP-funded projects:

• None

Technical assistance to state trails programs and trail project partners:

• No specific provision, but funding for technical assistance continues to be provided for

Trail patrols and training:

• Specifically authorizes funding for non-law enforcement trail safety and trail-use monitoring patrol programs and trail-related training from 5% allowable for use on educational programs for safety and environmental protection

Waiver from 30/30/40 project categories requirements:

• Deletes 30/30 discretionary waiver provision, requested through trail advisory committees, but retains small state exemption