First Round of Active Transportation Connectivity Grants Showcase Program Potential to Make American Towns and Cities Safer and Economically Resilient

Rails to Trails Conservancy Points to Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program as Uniquely Positioned to Meet Soaring Demand for Safe, Connected Regional Walking and Biking Routes

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's announcement of grantees under its inaugural round of funding for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) underscores the need for dedicated federal funding to connect walking and biking routes nationwide.

The first round of ATIIP funding provided nearly $45 million for active transportation networks and was oversubscribed by applications at a ratio of 40 to 1, with 350 communities requesting $1.8 billion. With the funding available, DOT awarded only 4% of projects, selecting 14 that serve a range of rural, suburban and urban areas.

"This first round of ATIIP grants marks a critical milestone for this new and unique program," said Kevin Mills, RTC's vice president of policy. "Connectivity is key to unlocking the full potential of our country's active transportation networks. In every single state, people are working to connect trails and other walking and biking facilities creating incredible opportunity for people's safety and quality of life, and powerful promise for the economy."

The projects, from 13 states and Puerto Rico, represent a strategic use of federal funds, says RTC, because they prioritize filling gaps in active transportation networks to better leverage and utilize existing infrastructure, creating safe and reliable transportation options at a fraction of the cost of other projects. For example, in Pennsylvania, $13.7 million will close a critical gap in the 860-mile Circuit Trails network, one of RTC's TrailNation projects, by completing a 39-mile multiuse trail between Pottstown and Southwest Philadelphia that will be an anchor for shops, offices, housing and public transit. In Kentucky, the City of Bowling Green will receive $1.2 million for planning and design to fill the largest gap in the area's regional greenway network, connecting constituents to schools, parks, jobs, government offices, shopping centers and grocery stores, and medical facilities.

"Understanding the demand of this first round of ATIIP applications, and the unbeatable ROI of this program, we're counting on Congress to fully fund the program through the appropriations process in FY25 and FY26. We can't leave a program unfunded when it has the potential to contribute billions in economic impact, while keeping people safe and healthy," said Mills.

More than 150 trail and active transportation networks are being developed nationwide, with at least one in every single state—half of Americans live in a community where an active transportation network is being built. Communities need sizeable grants and dedicated funding opportunities to move these projects forward and realize the economic, mobility, health and safety benefits they offer. Current discretionary and dedicated federal programs deliver significant investments for trails, walking and biking, but many communities will not achieve their infrastructure goals without reliable funding at sufficient scale that is focused on active transportation.

ATIIP is an innovative new program that can provide significant investments to ensure consistent progress that meets the far-reaching impact and demand of the nation's active transportation networks. It is the only federal program to provide dedicated funding for the planning and construction of safe and connected active-transportation networks and long-distance spine trails. The program has been authorized by Congress, and RTC, Congressional champions and partners across the country are continuing to advocate for full program funding through the appropriations process.

Rails to Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on social media.

CONTACT:
Patricia Brooks, 202.351.1757, [email protected]

SOURCE Rails to Trails Conservancy