Missouri Bicycle News

MoBikeFed, along with most bicycle advocacy organizations across the country, has been involved in the effort to restore the funding for Transportation Enhancements in the federal transportation re-authorization. The funding was cut by a House subcommittee.

Transportation Enhancements help fund most bicycle- and pedestrian-specific plans and projects across the country--everything from "Share the Road" signs, to state and regional bicycle coordinator positions, to bike lanes, bridge access projects, dangerous drain grate replacement projects, creation and implementation of state, regional, and municipal bicycle plans and bicycle-friendly roadway specifications, bike lanes, sidewalks on major streets, and bike paths.

Here is the latest development in the fight to retain Enhancements funding, from BikeLeague News:

On July 24, 2003, the House Appropriations Committee failed to pass an amendment offered by Congressman John Olver (D-MA) to fully restore enhancements funding by a vote of 29-33. While this is a setback, it is not a complete loss. The vote was closer than we expected and sets the stage for a battle on the House floor when Congress returns from its August recess.

Thanks to all of those who have made calls and sent messages to Congress! They are making a difference. The League of American Bicyclists will continue to keep you in the loop on our next steps. We will really need to triple our efforts and amplify our voices to be successful when Congress returns. This issue is not over! It will be an uphill battle, but one that we can and will win in September! Stay tuned… If you have any questions, please write mele@bikeleague.org.

The KCStar carried an Associated Press article on this issue today.

To find out what you can do to help, visit MoBikeFed Advocacy Alerts. permanent link to article: "Vote to restore Enhancements fails in House Appropriations Committee"
posted by Brent Hugh at 7/25/2003 05:40:05 PM |comment on this article