Capital Project Funding Jeopardized

We were thrilled to learn in January that the Bartram's to Passyunk Phase II trail extension project received construction funding through the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) only to find out in March that this funding is under review for compliance with USDOT's new priorities, which may not include funding recreational trail or bicycle infrastructure projects. Many of our capital projects, including the Christian to Crescent and Schuylkill Crossing projects that are expected to open this year, would not have been possible without federal funding, much of which comes from USDOT grant programs.

We need your help to raise USDOT's awareness of how essential recreational and commuter trails are to you and your community. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is gathering signatures for a letter to send to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that emphasizes the direct impact federal trail funding has in America’s economy, transportation safety, and quality of life. Read the letter here. If you are a local elected official or affiliated with a local chamber or business association, please consider signing your name to the letter. If you are not, please reach out to your local elected officials and local business associations to encourage them to sign on in support. The combined voices of these local leaders will elevate trail projects and help prove that they are worthy of continued federal investment.

Read this Rails-to-Trails Conservancy article to learn more about the current state of federal trail funding and other ways you can help make the case for trails. 

Above photo is of the construction crew pouring concrete for the deck of the Christian to Crescent trail project in September 2023. This trail project received a $12M federal grant that is helping fund this work.