Senate Amendment Threatens Recreational Trails Program

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is planning to offer an amendment (S. Amdt1742) to the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations act (S.1243) that would strip all funding from the Recreational Trail Program (RTP).

The Paul amendment would transfer all funding from the Transportation Alternatives Program to pay for bridge repairs. RTP is part of the Transportation Alternatives Program and would lose all its funding in FY 2014 if this amendment passes and the bill becomes law.

The American Horse Council urges all recreational riders and trail users to call their Senators and ask them to vote no on Senate Amendment 1742 to the  2014 Transportation Appropriations bill (S. 1243) . 

Since its inception RTP has provided money for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians.  RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for all recreational trail users.   It is funded with a portion of the gas taxes paid into the Highway Trust Fund by recreational off-highway vehicle users.

You can reach your Senators by calling the Congressional switchboard at (202) 225-3121.  Ask for your Senators’ office.

A vote on this amendment is possible in the near future so it is important that trail users act now.