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View Full Version : Recreational Trails Program (RTP)



FZRguy
Thu Jul 25th, 2013, 10:41 PM
Over the last couple of days CSA and COHVCO have received notice that the funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is again in danger of disappearing. As the Senate continues debate on transportation authorization legislation Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced an amendment that would strip the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) of its funding! Senator Rand is targeting a section of statute enacted last year titled Transportation Alternatives, which includes, among other programs, the RTP. He calls for all funds under the section to be used for bridge repair. While we understand the importance of safe and reliable bridges, it is important to note that RTP funds are generated from a portion of the fuel taxes collected at the pump when OHV enthusiasts fill up their dirt bikes, ATVs, ROVs, snowmobiles, 4X4’s or other OHVs.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a time tested and proven successful funding program for outdoor recreation, paid for from a small portion of the taxes you pay at the pump for gas that is not used on roads. The trails the RTP helps to fund, in turn, are the basis for literally billions of recreation dollars and associated taxes spent on goods and services in adjacent communities. Our communities depend on recreation and maintaining the integrity of the RTP all across the US is essential.

RTP funding is allocated in participating states under a 30-30-40 rule. Non-motorized projects are awarded 30% of available funding, motorized projects, 30% and diversified projects (benefiting a diverse group of recreationists) gets the 40%. In Colorado the Snowmobile Program (funds most of the capital equipment purchases) and OHV Program (funds trail maintenance and restoration efforts) split the 30% motorized funding and the Snowmobile Program also gets some of the diversified funding to help fund grooming of winter recreation trails.

Here is a sample letter you can draw ideas from:

Please Oppose Amendment No. 1742 (Paul) that would Strip Funding for the RTP.

As a constituent and an active motorized recreationist, I write to urge you to oppose Senator Paul's (R-KY) amendment (Amendment No. 1742) to transportation appropriations legislation which would eliminate funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

The RTP was established as a provision of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was subsequently reauthorized in 1998, 2005 and as part of MAP-21. The program embodies the user-pay, user-benefit philosophy by utilizing a portion of funds generated by motorized vehicle users who pay the gas tax on any fuel they purchase for use in their off-highway vehicles to fund trail building, maintenance and other trail-related projects. It should also be noted that the RTP requires that 30% of program funds must be dedicated to non-motorized uses with an additional 40% for mixed-use trails that may or may not include motorized uses.

Many diverse recreation interests strongly support the RTP as evidenced by a Coalition for Recreational Trails letter last year to Congressional Leadership which included signatures from more than 400 international, national, state and local recreation organizations. Motorized, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and an array of other recreation interests were represented on the letter. The broad support for the program is a testament to its success.

http://www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=contact (http://www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=contact)

http://www.bennet.senate.gov/contact/email