Subject: BRBC: TEA-21 and Bike Summit
Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 9:55
PM
From: "Claudia Nix" <ClaudiaNix@LibertyBikes.com>
To: <brbc@topica.com>
Dear BRBC list server members,
An important issue is at hand nationally that will affect all bicyclists. The reauthorization of TEA-21, also known ICE TEA, or GREEN TEA. The initials stand for Transportation Enhancement Authorization. This bill has made it a requirement for transportation funds given to each state by the Federal Government, spend a small % of their money for improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit. Before this bill was enacted very little money was spent on these areas. Many good facilities have been built over the last 8 years. The improvements have been as small as drain grates that don't eat bicycle wheels to off the roadway bike trails and planners for pedestrians and bicyclists.
This is the year that the bill comes up again for reauthorization. Current funding for TEA-21 is about $32 billion a year. The administration's bill is reportedly calling for $27.5 billion a year. Congressmen Young and Oberstar (the Republican and Democratic leaders of the key House committee) last week called for $60 billion a year, funded by a 2 cent a year increase in gas taxes and other methods. Congressman Oberstar has been a chamipion for this cause. Bush has promised tax cuts. Most transportation-related interests want more money, whether it's for highways, transit, or other projects. If new money isn't available, there will likely be fierce pressure to do away with the enhancement program and other programs that are not building new roads.
This coming March a group called America Bikes will again hold their annual Bike Summit in Washington, DC. Last year I attended this summit and found it to be very stimulating. We learned how to talk to our local congressmen and women about our needs. Mike and I plan to attend this year. We have sent out a letter to all bike shops in North and South Carolina asking them to attend or to at least encourage someone from their area to attend. It is important that we have a large number of participants this year so we can make an impression on congress. Mike and I want to get at least 20 people from North Carolina alone to attend. We want to encourage any of you to join us in Washington. The dates are March 5-7th. If you want more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks,
Claudia Nix
Subject: RE: BRBC: TEA-21 and Bike Summit
Date: Thu, 09 Jan 2003 07:43:07 -0500
From: Woody and JoJo Keen <ascentdesc@citcom.net>
To: ClaudiaNix@LibertyBikes.com,
brbc@topica.com
Thanks Claudia for this info. For those of you who do not know, Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants are part of this TEA-21 funding package. North Carolina gets 1.2 million dollars a year for trail related projects from this package, and without it our trails would be in a world of hurt. There are many examples of projects that have benefited our local trails, perhaps too many to list. The top three projects that have been paid for by RTP funds are:
One thing we can all do even if we cannot make the trip to DC is contact your congressman and senators and urge them to support the Young and Oberstar bill calling for increased funding for the TEA bill. This bill will likely end up being called TEA-23.
Woody
© Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Inc. 2004