Trail Expert Network Newsletter from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Thanks for being part of the Trail Expert Network! We want to make sure you get the most out of this bi-monthly newsletter to support the great work you are doing to plan, build and manage trails. Please contact us if you have any comments or if there's something you'd like us to include in future editions! | | |
| | | Free Webinar Making the Value Case for Trails 
As public investments, trails have shown time and again to provide benefits that exceed their costs. Combining connectivity, recreation, health, tourism and economic values: trails can be true aggregators of broadly and equitably spread benefits throughout a community. Building networks of trails and conducting low-cost programs to drive usage only multiply the benefits. In our upcoming webinar on Oct. 31, experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) will help attendees envision the full benefits of a trail network, including understanding how to assess and define the economic value of trails to make the case that public investment in trails has a long-term net positive value to residents and to government. Register for free today. |
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Railbanking  Proposed Rule Threatens Railbanking
Earlier this month, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) began considering a rule proposed by opponents to railbanking that would restrict railbanking negotiations to six 180-day extensions—essentially three years—except under “extraordinary circumstances.” Many rail-trail managers know that negotiations can unfortunately persist beyond that time, whether for regulatory, funding or other legitimate reasons. Trail managers and advocates have until Nov. 1 to file comments in opposition to the proposed rule. We’re putting the finishing touches on RTC’s comments, but it will be particularly valuable for the STB to hear directly from those who have benefited from railbanking negotiations lasting longer than three years. The easiest way to submit comments is to use the STB’s e-filing system to attach your comments as a file. Be sure to follow all the instructions listed. Comments are classified as “Other Submissions,” which do not require a filing fee nor the creation of a user account. The docket number is EP-749-1. |
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Trail Policy  Recreational Trails Legislation Introduced
After working with the Coalition for Recreational Trails for over a year, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced S. 3604 on Oct. 11, with Sens. James Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) as co-sponsors. The Recreational Trails Program is funded through fuel taxes that are paid by motorized off-road recreational vehicles and which are returned to the program to build and maintain all types of recreational trails. The program currently receives $85 million per year, but the fuel taxes paid are thought to be three times as much—at about $287 million per year. Sen. Klobuchar’s bill would require a study to determine the best available estimate of the total amount of non-highway recreational fuel taxes received by the Secretary of the Treasury. The bill would also institute new Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) codes to track how funding for the program is being spent. The Senate is adjourned, and senators are at home. Please write to your senators and ask them to co-sponsor the bill! |
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 Send Us Your Case Studies
The rise in popularity of active transportation is beginning to reverse the car-centric trends of American life. The Partnership for Active Transportation has developed five human-centered mobility principles to guide their work and encourage other organizations and communities to shape mobility and community design choices facing our society by putting people and places first. The five principles are: safety, streets are public space, public engagement and equity, data, and affordability. Has your community already adopted aspects of people-first mobility? The Partnership wants to hear from you! Send your case studies and stories to xxxxxx@railstotrails.org, and we’ll feature your community in writing. |
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