Action Alert - Trails projects suspended by NJDEP

This action alert was issued by the New Jersey Bike Walk Coalition to save Rec Trails Funding. We at WalkBikeJersey suggest that NJDOT's Local Aid Office would be an excellent steward for this federal transportation funding program.

Nearly $2 million of federal funds that are earmarked for trails projects in New Jersey for 2013 and 2014 have been suspended by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

The $2 million in trail funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program (RTP) which is provided for under MAP-21, the nation's current transportation law.

Since the trails program began in 1993, more than $17 million has been awarded to state, county and local government agencies and nonprofits in New Jersey.

The multi-use trail "haul road" at Franklin Parker Preserve near Chatsworth

Tell Governor Christie To Save Rec Trails Funding

From the Rails to Trails Conservency:

Save the Recreational Trails Program! The hugely popular, cost-efficient Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has endured multiple attacks over its 20-year history. Most recently, it faced elimination during the drafting of the new transportation bill MAP-21, but thankfully a bipartisan effort led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) was successful in preserving the program.

But, there's a catch.

Governors can choose to opt out of the program for their state, thereby reallocating these funds to other programs that were not the intended recipients, and ultimately failing to invest in the critical programs your state needs to generate economic activity, attract tourists and encourage people to get outdoors and be active.

Governor Christie has until September 1st to decide if New Jersey will opt out of the Rec Trails Program. Meanwhile in Pennsylvania Governor Corbett has agreed to not opt out, let's follow suit in NJ.

Contact the Governor Today

Here is a list of 2010 projects using Rec Trails funding in New Jersey

"The Circuit" Promises To Make Trail Connections Beyond The Philadelphia Region

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and dignitaries from both sides of the Delaware River made the formal announcement for "The Circuit". A 750 mile regional trail network that cover all of the Greater Philadelphia Region including Mercer, Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties.