October 2024 Newsletter
RTC’s TrailNation™ Collaborative is a multidisciplinary learning community for anyone interested in working in trail and active transportation. Join the email list.
Featured Trail Funding Program: Transportation Alternatives
RTC recently released the FY 2023 Transportation Alternatives Spending Report, which is an important tool for states, regions and active transportation professionals to understand and strengthen the program, thus improving the efficiency and impact of the investments made. In this report, we explore the history of Transportation Alternatives (TA) programs and examine how recent changes support state and local decision-makers and advocates in funding eligible projects.
Key Highlights:
- With TA funds increasing by an average of 70% over the five years of BIL, states have increased award size. As of FY 2023, the average federal project award was $1.41 million, up from $776,381 in FY 2021 and $421,219 nationwide in FY 2019.
- With larger awards, we are seeing more strategic projects that better advance key objectives of the Transportation Alternative program, such as connecting people to routine destinations.
- Restricting transfers has reduced the amount of funds lost, ensuring that more are used for their intended purpose.
As we continue to track the policy reforms we advocated for—including plugging the leaky bucket of transfers out of the program, match assistance and technical assistance opportunities for high-needs communities, and more opportunities for connectivity—we are observing that the second year of BIL implementation shows somewhat stronger performance by states in program implementation.
Hurricane Helene Resources
The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast has deeply impacted many of the communities that are home to our members, partners and critical trail systems. Our thoughts are with everyone who has suffered devastation from this storm.
RTC has pulled together an initial list of recovery resources—information on accessing urgent aid, how people can help right now, and resources to support economic recovery and infrastructure rebuilding, including trails that are vital to tourism and economic development in these communities.
Spotlight Your Work in Our Next Newsletter!
Submit your stories and innovations here—and we’ll plan to feature you to the Collaborative and possibly in our national publications!
Spotlight Virtual Event: Working with Railroads Series
Join us for our two-part Working with Railroads webinar series, where we will explore strategies for building productive partnerships and navigating the challenges of rail-trail acquisitions, such as managing appraisals, complex negotiations and railbanking. Whether you’re a trail developer or advocate, this series is an invaluable opportunity to gain practical insights from industry experts and RTC’s seasoned professionals. You’ll learn how to foster successful collaborations with railroads and ensure your rail-trail projects are set up for success.
Part 1: Productive Partnerships for Successful Projects
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 1-2 pm ET
Learn how to develop productive partnerships between local trail managers and railroads for successful rail-trail projects. Panelists include Damien D’Anna, Director of Real Estate Sales & Leasing at CSX Transportation Inc., and Tim Bartlett, Executive Director of Urbana, IL Park District.
Part 2: Expert Q&A Dialogue with Team RTC
Thursday, Nov. 21, 1-2 pm ET
Submit your questions and hear from our expert panel, including Andrea Ferster, RTC’s general counsel and a national authority on railbanking. This is your chance to ask the experts about railbanking and rail-trail acquisitions.
Register today to secure your spot for both sessions!
Explore RTC’s resources on railbanking and railroad partnerships in our Trail-Building Toolbox.
Upcoming TrailNation Collaborative Events
In response to your feedback, many of this year’s TrailNation Collaborative events will be focused on helping you access BIL funding. Our webinars and interactive online dialogues will provide opportunities to connect with other trail experts and advocates, all while giving you the tools and resources you need to take advantage of this critical moment. Mark your calendars for the virtual events coming up this year!
Unlocking Opportunity: The Role of America’s Trail Networks in Strengthening Communities
Join RTC and Next City to hear more about how trails are transforming local economies around the country.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 | Register With Next City
MassTrails Conference (Worcester, Mass.)
Join Team RTC to learn how we’re “Building a TrailNation in New England.”
Saturday, Oct. 26 | Learn More
26th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference (Marksville, La.)
Join Team RTC’s presentation on Building Recreation Trails to benefit Tribal Economies and Health
Monday, Oct. 28–Thursday, Oct. 31 | Register Here
Pedal Forward: Preparing Advocacy Plans for 2025 State Legislative Sessions
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | Register Here
Funding Opportunities
APPLY NOW: Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program
Deadline: Wednesday, Oct. 16
The Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) Program funds projects of national significance on Federal or Tribal lands, including construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation, including active transportation projects.
NOW OPEN: People for Bikes’ Bike Industry Community Grant
Letter of Interest due: Friday, Oct. 11
This grant prioritizes projects that improve community City Ratings scores by building connections in low-stress bikeway networks or improving access to recreational amenities.
NOW OPEN: Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program
Deadline: Thursday, Nov. 21
The EPA’s Community Change Grants fund environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges.
OPENING SOON: 2025 RAISE Grants
Expected deadline: Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Applications for the FY 2025 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program are expected to open in mid-November, with a Jan. 13, 2025, deadline.
Check out RTC’s RAISE Grant funding page to learn more about the program and explore our many resources available.
Get more information about funding sources for trails and active transportation on RTC’s Federal Funding Resources page.
Resources
Safe Routes to School: Nominations Open for 2025 Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the National Center for Safe Routes to School’s 2025 Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award. The deadline to submit your nominations is Dec. 15, 2024.
Environmental Protection Agency: Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Planning Assistance Program
The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning assistance program helps communities identify strategies to grow their outdoor recreation economy and revitalize their main streets. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 16, 2024.
Rails to Trails Conservancy Webinars From the Archive
Miss a recent webinar or online dialogue? You can find free access to all our recent RTC virtual events in the webinar archive or Resource Library on our website! This includes the newest addition to our TrailNation Playbook in Action series, Building Investment Strategies That Unlock Funding, which is designed to spark your imagination for vibrant and inclusive trail programming!
Other Events You Won’t Want to Miss!
AARP: Livable Communities Workshop: Designing for People of All Ages
Wednesday, Oct. 16–Thursday, Oct. 17 | Register
APBP: Moving from World Class Trails to Fully Connected Mobility Networks
Wednesday, Oct. 16 | Register
Birdability: Birdability Week 2024
Monday, Oct. 21-Sunday, Oct. 27 | Learn More
Main Street America: The Role of Government in Regenerating Civic Infrastructure
Wednesday, Oct. 24 | Register
Small Business Anti-Displacement Network: 2024 Virtual Summit on Community Ownership
Thursday, Nov. 14 | Register
PeopleForBikes: Fun and Effective Community Engagement Strategies
Monday, Nov. 18 | Register
APBP: Multibenefit Corridors: Designing Our Streets for Multisystem Benefits
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | Register
Tools for Collaborative Members
Get access to all the resources you need to create a vibrant trail network for your community—from funding opportunities to technical assistance.