Kicking off an ongoing campaign to protect active transportation programs at the state and local level, over 30 ASLA chapters joined ASLA National, in signing a letter to each of the 50 governors urging them to protect the Recreational Trails Program. 

Thanks to the diligent advocacy efforts of ASLA and other national organizations, the new surface transportation law, MAP-21, continues to fund the RTP at current funding levels.  However, the new law does allow state governors to opt out of the program if they notify the U.S. Secretary of Transportation (DOT) of their decision no later than 30 days before the funds are apportioned.  Since the funds will be apportioned on October 1^st, any opt-out decisions must be sent to US DOT by September 1^st. 

The letter shows how the RTP is an immensely popular program that has created thousands of miles of trails for motorized and non-motorized use in all 50 states.  These trails have enormous economic impact on their surrounding communities, and because the RTP is already paid for through taxes paid by off-highway recreational vehicle users the program does NOT require any federal or state spending.

The ASLA Chapters signing the letter  were: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CCASLA, San Diego, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho/Montana, Indiana, Iowa, Prairie Gateway, Louisiana, Maryland, Boston, Michigan, St. Louis, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New York Upstate, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

ASLA Chapters will continue to support the efforts of our coalition partners and many will be developing and implementing campaigns of their own to support not only the RTP, but other critical transportation programs that will be implemented by the states in the wake of the passage of MAP-21. 

For more on MAP-21 visit www.asla.org/advocay