This message is from: "Linda Lehnert" <lindalehn...@hotmail.com>
Support Funding for U.S. Trails - AMHA AMHA Logoa.. Home b.. Contact Us c.. Knowledge Center/FAQ's d.. Site Map e.. Member Log-In a.. a.. National Association Membership About the Morgan The Registry Youth Competitions Activities / Recreation News, Dates, & Events a.. Latest News a.. Calendar of Events a.. Press Room a.. Celebrate the Morgan a.. Stallion Service Auction a.. Kentucky Horse Park Pavilion Marketplace Breed Magazine Forms/Publications Educational Charitable Trust Members Only Font Size a.. A++ a.. A+ a.. A Support Funding for U.S. Trails The American Horse Council and the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR), of which the AMHA is a member, is working to preserve the Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program. If Congress does not take action this year, this program might no longer be available to recreational riders. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. It was created as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was last reauthorized in 2005 as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; however, this law is about to expire. The RTP will have to be reauthorized in the next national surface transportation program bill if it is to continue. Since its inception, the RTP has provided approximately $677 million for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance, and restoration of trails and trail-related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails. Although each state manages its own program, 30 percent of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30 percent on motorized, and 40 percent on multi-use projects. In the coming months, Congress is expected to begin work on the next five-year highway bill. The American Horse Council (AHC), in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational trail users, is requesting that Congress not only reauthorize the RTP, but also increase funding for the program to $555 million to be spent during the five years of the bill. "AMHA is working with ELCR, and we need our members help to ensure that our trails stay funded and functional for equestrian activities," said Julie Broadway, AMHA executive director. AHC is urging recreational riders to contact their members of Congress to voice support for this program. Contact information for your representatives and senators can be found at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov. © 2009 American Morgan Horse Association. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
