The PA Environmental Council Wednesday wrote to U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey urging him to discontinue efforts to eliminate the federal Transportation Alternatives Program which helps fund trail development projects in Pennsylvania and other states.  The text of the letter follows--

Dear Senator Toomey:

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is very concerned to learn of your amendment proposing the elimination of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) from the MAP-21 federal transportation bill. Loss of TAP would dramatically hinder community development, job creation, and health and recreational benefits in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has long been a leader in recognizing the value of trails and alternative transportation. Governor Ridge’s 1998 appointment of the Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership Commission demonstrated the Commonwealth’s investment in trails and greenways 16 years ago, long before Pennsylvanians fully understood the economic and many other benefits of trails.

TAP and its predecessors have benefitted the Commonwealth and its residents tremendously. Look no further than the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), part of the Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. trail corridor that draws visitors from around the globe.

In 2013, over $50 million in direct spending was attributed to GAP trail users. Towns along the GAP have experienced small business openings and expansions, increased tax revenues, and added employment opportunities.

Transportation Enhancement funds helped to complete the GAP, a trail in which the total public and private investment is returned to the regional economy every two years ($50 million direct spending annually).

PEC views the GAP’s tremendous impact on the Commonwealth as a fraction of what is possible and what is already happening as a result of trail development. PEC leads two trail coalitions statewide: The Circuit in greater Philadelphia and the Power of 32+ Regional Trail Network in western PA.

Both efforts extend into surrounding states (New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia), aiming to complete trails, improve alternative transportation infrastructure, and drive economic development.

We recently met with members of your staff to share information on the Power of 32+ effort, and our $5.7 million TIGER request. As part of the TIGER process, we received support from Senators (Robert) Casey (PA), Manchin, and Rockefeller, as well as U.S. Representative Tim Murphy (PA) and U.S Representative Glen Thompson (PA).

The support shown by these Senators and Representatives is matched by regional coalitions of government, private, and non-profit entities working to enhance the Commonwealth through trails and greenways.

We urge you to reconsider the value of trails and TAP funds that are leveraged for the good of the Commonwealth, and withdraw your proposed amendment.

Sincerely,

Davitt B. Woodwell

President & CEO

Pennsylvania Environmental Council

7/7/2014