Texas to keep federal funding for bike/ped trails

Advocacy groups relieved

Matt Dietrichson, Sep 10, 12.

In spite of widespread fear that the state would utilize its choice to opt out, Texas has decided to keep federal funds allocated for recreational trails, according to BikeTexas:

...Under the new federal transportation bill, MAP-21, bicycle and pedestrian projects now have more competition for less money than was available under previous transportation laws. The new bill also gives state officials more latitude in designating funds, and—most importantly—in deciding whether some funds are distributed to alternative transportation at all.

BikeTexas is happy to report that Texas did not opt out of Recreational Trails funding!

While rumors suggested that Texas would opt out of the program as allowed by the new transportation bill, and many national groups urged grassroots action, BikeTexas engaged in weeks of diplomatic communication with TxDOT, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Governor’s office. We received word a few days before the deadline that Texas is keeping the Recreational Trails money provided in the new federal transportation bill.

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