Developments in federal funding for trails illustrated both the urgency communities are feeling to provide safe walking and biking routes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s FY22 RAISE grants accounted for the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians, demonstrating exceptional demand for trails

Transportation Alternatives Spending Report Fiscal Years 1992–2021 August 2022. Prepared by Transportation Alternatives Data Exchange

RTC is urging all our supporters to once again weigh in with FHWA to say that trails matter, and that state DOTs should set goals and show if they are making progress toward a more sustainable transportation system by funding trails, walking and bicycling.

Last week, the federal officials released new guidance on the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside.

Depending on where you live, this time of year may mean the prolonged dregs of winter, early signs of Spring, or some variation on “mud season.” But for most of the country—regardless of climate or geography—it’s also the height of the state legislative season. Most states’ general assemblies are part-time, and generally convene in the early part of each calendar year. All but a handful of states are currently in session. So what does this mean for trails and active transportation funding in states?

This round of RAISE funding promises to be your best chance yet to secure $5 million to $25 million to build your trail and other active-transportation connections.

As we look ahead, we see opportunity and potential in the work and in the inspiration provided by the partners, friends and advocates with whom we share our collective vision.

A year of positive momentum. That’s how we'd describe 2021, which—despite many challenges and much uncertainty—still came with so much hope and progress for trails and those who made them happen.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced nearly $1 billion in RAISE grants this cycle, “that will improve infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, make us safer, advance equity, and combat climate change.”