Protect Vital Bicycle Funding Programs - Demand Proportionality in Rescissions!

(9/18/10) The jobs bill passed by Congress last week contains a $2.2 billion rescission of transportation funds from state Departments of Transportation. In many states, the DOT will likely target bike funding programs for the money to send back to the federal government – unless local advocates speak up and make sure that doesn’t happen. States must report which program funds are affected by August 25th - so action is needed this week!

Unlike previous rescissions there is no proportionality requirement calling for equal distribution of funding program cuts. Instead, the law gives the States maximum flexibility to choose the unobligated balances of funds to be rescinded.

Many programs that fund bicycle projects are threatened by these rescissions including. The amount each state has to rescind is up to $200 million for the largest states. These programs are often unfairly targets for cuts or rescissions, and in some cases have been completely gutted.

Take action now! Please contact your Governor and ask that rescissions be done equitably across programs, and that those that traditionally fund bicycling projects not be unfairly targeted.

Dear Governor,

Last week, Congress passed a jobs bill that gives funds to states to help them avert teacher layoffs. To help pay for the bill and avoid deficit spending, Congress included a $2.2 billion rescission of surface transportation funds. Our state transportation agency must now decide which of their unobligated transportation dollars to return back to the federal government. We ask that you require these rescissions be made proportionally across all eligible programs and not be used to gut those that have traditionally gone towards non-motorized transportation projects including Transportation Enhancements (TE), Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

Previous rounds of rescissions have been accompanied by a proportionality clause within Section 1132(a) of Energy Independence Security Act of 2007. This ensured fair cuts to eligible programs. However, since this was not part of transportation legislation, that clause does not apply for these cuts. I ask that you require our transportation agency to honor Section 1132(a) of the EISA when determining rescissions to be made from our state’s transportation programs.

Bicycle commuting has increased over 43% since 2001. This increase in bicycling is helping to address congestion, air quality, overall public health, improving transportation options and is increasing the quality of life for residents of our great state. These programs help make bicycling safe and accessible to everyone in our state. Please ensure this positive trend continues. Thank you for your consideration.