Welch and Curtis reintroduce bipartisan legislation to boost funding for recreational trails

Bipartisan bill makes critical reforms and provides at least $250 million to support recreational trails

U.S. Representatives Peter Welch (D-Vt) and John Curtis (R-Utah) reintroduced legislation that will more than double funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) on March 11.  Since 1991, the RTP has provided funding to states to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails, allowing millions of Americans and their families to enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and four-wheel driving.

“Our nation has unparalleled natural beauty that provides year-round opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Rep. Welch. “The coronavirus pandemic has only increased Americans’ interest in getting outside to appreciate the recreational opportunities throughout the country. ”

“The Recreational Trails Program has created countless opportunities for motorized recreation and human-powered experiences,” said Rep. Curtis. “This bill will ensure that future generations get to visit the great outdoors, while supporting local economies and jobs, especially throughout rural areas.”

“America’s large recreational trails community is grateful for the national leadership of U.S. Representatives Welch, Curtis and others to continue a great success story over the last 30 years – the Recreational Trails Program (RTP),” said Marianne Fowler and Derrick Crandall, co-chairs of the Coalition for Recreational Trails. “Every major trail organization supports expansion of RTP using federal fuel taxes generated through nonhighway recreational activities to deliver healthy, safe, diverse, and exciting trail opportunities and to empower a partnership of federal land managers, state and local park and recreation agencies and trail enthusiasts.  The serendipity is that the RTP is also proving to be a potent economic stimulus, supplying a vital base for the nation’s nearly-$800 billion annual outdoor recreation industry.”

The bill will more than double RTP funding to at least $250 million. The program is modeled after the Highway Trust Fund and is funded through taxes paid on gasoline used to fuel snowmobiles, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles that do not use highways. The program is currently funded at $84 million annually, less than is collected in taxes on fuel used by these vehicles.

The Recreational Trails Full Funding Act of 2021:

Requires the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to estimate the amount of gas taxes paid by non-highway recreational users. Estimates suggest that those users pay more than $270 million each year.

Increases RTP funding to $250 million or the mandated new FHWA estimate, whichever is higher.

Increases the transparency of the projects funded.