Advocacy for Connectivity Funding
Maine’s Eastern Trail | Photo courtesy Eastern Trail Alliance
RTC advocates for transformative policies that increase funding for connecting trail and active transportation networks across the country, while creating accountability for the state and federal goals on issues like climate, equity and safety. The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is an outcome of this advocacy, providing dedicated funding for the planning and construction of safe and connected active-transportation networks and long-distance spine trails. This new program was authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and RTC, Congressional champions and partners across the country are continuing to advocate for full program funding in the FY 2025 federal budget and beyond.
Advocating for Fiscal Year 2025 ATIIP Funding
While ATIIP was created as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it is subject to the annual congressional appropriations process. To date, $45 million has been invested in this new federal grant program. To meet the vast unmet demand and ensure that communities can depend on consistent funding, it is critical that the program be funded at $200 million in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 25), the amount authorized or the program fin the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding is necessary to safely meet the mobility needs of millions of Americans in rural, suburban and urban communities who do not drive. Fully funding the program at $200 million is an important threshold to begin meeting growing demand for safer and more accessible routes for people to walk and bike.
Rails to Trails Conservancy, our partners and Congressional champions are currently advocating to USDOT and both chambers of Congress for FY 25 program funding. We will continue to make the case for the program to key decisionmakers ultimately responsible for the development of the next federal budget with a goal to fully fund the program.
Read our FY 25 budget request letters to USDOT and Congress here.
Current Funding Cycle: Showing Demand
Applications are now open for the first ever funding round of the ATIIP. This unique program, administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), strategically invests in projects that connect active transportation networks and spines, accelerating local and regional plans to create safe and convenient walking and biking routes to everyday destinations, and to fill gaps in trails between communities. Learn more about ATIIP and apply now.
Applications are due by Monday, July 17, 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Applicants must submit their applications through Grants.gov. RTC encourages you to take advantage of this unique funding opportunity to connect trail and active transportation networks in your region and show demand to help grow the program in the future.
Act Now
In The News
- The Associated Press (AP) released an article that speaks to the significance of the program and RTC’s influence in its development. Click here to read.
- New Data Showcases Demand for Funding to Connect Trail and Active Transportation Networks
- White House Budget Increases Active Transportation Connectivity Funding
If you’re interested in learning more about how you and your organization can help or have any questions, please email advocacy@railstotrails.org.