Coalition for Recreational Trails Celebrates 2019 Successes and Unveils New Website, Infographics
Washington, D.C. (January 26, 2020) –The Coalition for RecreationalTrails (CRT) expressed appreciation for bipartisan Congressional efforts which moved the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) forward recently and offer real hope that additional federal non-highway recreational fuel taxes will soon provide better and safer trails. Led by U.S. Senators Shaheen, Risch, Klobuchar, Burr, Daines and Van Hollen, Hill champions of RTP succeeded in including preparation of an estimate of non-highway recreational fuel usage to facilitate Congressional determination of future RTP funding levels in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FY2020 budget.
Since its creation in 1991, RTP has underwritten the costs of more than25,000 key projects. Projects are in place in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and benefit not only the recreational trail enthusiasts paying the taxes but all trail activities.
The successes of RTP are easier to understand than ever through CRT’s new website at www.rectrails.org and through new infographics. One infographic is an updated version of a document explaining the need for the new fuel use study. It shows that current funding of RTP – about $85million annually – falls far short of the estimated $300 million in federal tax generated as motorcycles, snowmobiles, OHVs, 4x4s and more are used nationwide. A new infographic provides a colorful overview of the program, noting the partnership-based nature of RTP and its contributions to access, safety, fun and the economy. The two infographics are on the website and attached to this release. The website also provides access to the RTP projects database.
According to CRT co-chairs Marianne Fowler and Derrick Crandall, the trails community is optimistic that 2020 will be a year of success for recreational trails. CRT is now working to include RTP in the next multi-year major surface transportation bill and has solid, bipartisan support. According to the duo, prospects are excellent for RTP to celebrate its 30th anniversary with many more years of authorization and a marked increase in funding.
The new website includes information on the more than 30 national organizations comprising CRT. Most played key roles in its initial creation and its successful journey since December 1991. The website also contains information, including nomination information, on the CRT’s 2020 Recreational Trails Awards, which is planned for Washington on June 17, 2020.