As you may have heard, a group of state legislators led by Representative Dan Moul is considering raiding trail and other transportation funding to close a gap in the state budget.
Funds for next year’s parks & trails projects, such as those listed in this spreadsheet, and other critical projects would not be available. Additionally, a grant that has not been 100% disbursed could potentially be “taken back” by the legislature for the General Fund, as proposed by Representative Dan Moul. This would be a major blow for PA trail development, as there are currently several projects that are in planning & design phases that would be threatened.
Join us to help save trail funding by contacting your representative today.
Mr. Moul’s group of legislators -who call themselves the “Taxpayer Caucus- are proposing raiding transportation and conservation funds that support trail construction in your area. These trails are in various stages of completion. Many have already secured initial funds that leverage federal, county, local and/or foundation funds. These matching funds would be at risk of being lost along with the state funds that would be raided, leading to stalled or cancelled projects, as well as job losses.
During 2016, the five counties in Southeastern PA received over $33 million in grants for trail and bicycle/pedestrian projects from Pennsylvania’s Multimodal and Conservation Program funds. These funds are at risk of being diverted to cover the state’s budget if the Legislature approves a House Republican proposal next week and would jeopardize any future funding for projects such as these.
Below is a list of the legislators who are apparently considering voting with the “Taxpayer Caucus,” and the Circuit Trails in each of their districts.
Join us to help save trail funding by contacting your representative today.
Becky Corbin (155th)
Devault Line
Schuylkill River Trail
Struble Trail Extension
Proximate to Chester Valley Trail
Michael Corr (150th)
Powerline Trail
Perkiomen Trail
Susan Helm (104th)
Capital Area Greenbelt
Chester Valley Trail Extension to Altglen/County Line
Struble Trail Extension
Schuylkill River Trail Phase 2: Pottstown
Warren Kampf (157th)
Warner Spur
Paoli Chester Valley Trail Connector
Devault Line
Schuylkill River Trail Towpath (Phoenixville)
Chester Valley Trail
Marcy Toepel (147th)
Perkiomen Trail
Newtown Branch Trail
202 Trail: Doylestown to New Hope
Neshaminy Creek Trail
D&L Canal Towpath
Marguerite Quinn (143rd)
202 Trail: Doylestown to New Hope
Neshaminy Creek Trail
D&L Canal Towpath
Eric Roe (158th)
Brandywine Trail
Chester Valley Trail Phase 4b
Todd Stephens (151st)
Powerline Trail Extension
Proximate to Pennypack Trail
Join us to help save trail funding by contacting your representative today.
Hi
Is it worthwhile to contact these Representatives if we don’t live in their district?
Thanks.
Hi Owen:
Yes, it would have been. Unfortunately, the bill passed earlier this week. https://bicyclecoalition.org/pa-house-passes-bill-raid-transportation-funds/#sthash.yQ1KsgWR.dpbs