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>From: Karen Nozik [mailto:rtcknozik@transact.org]
>Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 3:20 PM
>Subject: Policy Update March, 2000
>
>
>
>Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
>Policy Update   March, 2000
>
>
>In This Issue:
>
>* Senator Lott Presses for Gas-Tax Suspension
>* House Passes Private Property Rights Bill
>* Support Needed for the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
>* US DOT Secretary Slater Joins Forces with National Trail Leaders
>* Funds Pave Way For Rail-Trail From Pittsfield to Adams, MA
>* LA Bikeway In Trouble
>* PA Governor Ridge Proposes Money and Legislation to Combat Sprawl
>* STPP Report Analyzes Federal Transportation Spending in all 50 States
>* NTEC Report Summarizes Enhancements Spending
>* Rising Gas Prices Turns Challenge into Opportunity
>* Ride from Pittsburgh to DC
>* Job Openings
>* Calendar 2000
>
>Senator Lott Presses for Gas-Tax Suspension
>
>The Senate on Thursday approved a motion to proceed with Majority Leader
>Trent Lott's (R-MS) plan to repeal the 4.3-cents-a-gallon federal gas tax.
>The measure would also rescind what's left of the 18.4-cents-a-gallon
>federal tax for the rest of the year if gas prices hit $2 a gallon anytime
>between now and Dec. 31. Despite Senator Lott's eagerness to proceed, many
>Republicans have joined a solid Democrat opposition against the bill. In 
>the
>House, bipartisan members on the Transportation and Infrastructure 
>committee
>united behind Chairman Bud Shuster (R-PA) to counter what they see as a
>knee-jerk reaction to increased oil-prices, and what Transportation Ranking
>Member James Oberstar (D-MN) said... "won't make a dime's worth of
>difference at the pump."  Peter Basso, Assistant Secretary at the 
>Department
>of Transportation, testified against the plan, saying it would strip over
>$39 billion in revenue from the Highway Trust Fund between 2000 and 2005 if
>repealed. The 4.3-cent tax brings in $5.8 billion annually for highways,
>(including transportation enhancement activities such as trails, 
>bike-lanes,
>and pedestrian facilities), and another $1.4 billion for transit. In
>reaction to the House's staunch opposition, Senator Lott has said he would
>use the budget surplus to fund the Highway Trust Fund until Jan. 1, 2001.
>But critics charge that the surplus should be saved for deficit reduction.
>President Clinton said he expects Lott's plan to fail because he is not
>convinced the savings would be passed on to consumers and has called 
>instead
>for increased spending on energy efficiency programs.
>
>House Passes Private Property Rights Bill
>
>On March 16, the House of Representatives voted 226-182 to "expedite" the
>court appeal process for those contesting a local zoning decision. The
>Private Property Rights Implementation Act would allow such appeals to go
>directly to federal court instead of first being considered by state 
>courts.
>Championed by Republicans who usually favor local decision-making, H.R. 
>2372
>is nearly identical to an unsuccessful measure drafted last year by the
>National Association of Homebuilders. The bill is a bit of a misnomer in
>that it does not protect the property rights of ordinary citizens. Instead,
>it gives developers the right to short-circuit local and state procedures
>and take their opponents directly to federal court, promising an expensive
>and intimidating threat to local jurisdictions and supportive community
>groups struggling to match the resources of developers. Despite its victory
>in the House, the measure faces opposition from environmental and consumer
>groups as well as from the Clinton administration--which argues that it 
>will
>have a negative effect on public health, the environment, and quality of
>life by undermining the authority of local officials. According to Vice
>President Al Gore, the bill ignores the right of communities to decide what
>kind of development they want "by creating a threat of expensive litigation
>that would favor the wealthy developer over the common homeowner."
>
>
>
>Support Needed for the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
>
>Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) is circulating a letter to the Interior
>Appropriations Subcommittee, seeking a $12 million appropriation in FY 2001
>for the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
>(RTCA) program.  The RTCA helps citizens in all fifty states establish and
>protect trails, enhance waterways, and create urban conservation projects 
>by
>providing technical expertise and counsel to local conservation and
>recreation initiatives.  With this approach, the RTCA is able to serve
>hundreds of communities on a limited budget.  Despite the program's
>efficiency, the RTCA has had to turn away a large number of applicants
>because of limited funding.  Support is needed now to encourage your
>representative's sign-on. For more information, visit
>www.americanhiking.org.
>
>US DOT Secretary Slater Joins Forces with National Trail Leaders
>
>U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater, Maryland Governor Parris
>Glendening, and a representative from American Express Company met with
>leaders of the sixteen designated National Millennium Trails for a 
>technical
>assistance forum on March 23 in the historic port town of Annapolis,
>Maryland. Organized by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the forum provided the
>first opportunity  for all sixteen trail leaders to meet together as a
>national entity. Representing the collective cultural and historical
>features of the country, as well as the entire breadth and width of its
>topography, trail leaders flew in from as far away as Alaska (the Iditarod
>National HistoricTrail), Montana (Lewis & Clark Heritage Trail), and Utah
>(The Great Western Trail Association). Annapolis was chosen as the forum
>site in part because four of the sixteen national millennium trails, the
>Civil War Discovery Trail, East Coast Greenway, the Underground Railroad,
>and the American Discovery Trail, intersect there. American Express Company
>awarded $20,000 to each of the sixteen National Millennium Trails-- 
>$500,000
>in total, including $10,000 to a Millennium Legacy Trail in each of twelve
>states-- to be used for outreach programs, trail studies, strategic
>planning, trail infrastructure improvements, maintenance, or provide
>initiatives to attract new trail users. Harvey Golub, Chairman and CEO of
>American Express Company, said, "The trails and greenway movement is
>changing the American landscape, and we are honored to be included as a
>partner in this effort." To read more about the history and evolution of
>these incredible national treasures, visit: www.millenniumtrails.org.
>
>
>In State News...
>
>Funds Pave Way For Rail-Trail From Pittsfield to Adams, MA
>
>Two million in federal and state transportation money has been secured for
>the Ashuwillticook Trail, a multi-purpose greenway that will extend from
>Pittsfield to Adams in Massachusetts. The Mass. Highway Department will
>begin the process of converting 10.5 miles of rail bed into a paved trail
>with projections for at least half-completion by the fall of this year.
>Within a decade, advocates predict there could be at least fifty miles of
>trails running between the borders of Vermont and Connecticut. TEA-21
>secured $1.5 million and the state matched the award with $500,000 to pay
>for site preparation along the corridor which includes shoring up three
>tunnels, eight bridges and 22 culverts, and to pay for the first six miles
>of trail construction.
>
>LA Bikeway In Trouble
>
>The Exposition Boulevard Bikeway in congestion-capital Los Angeles is in
>trouble.  Last month the MTA Board voted to look into alternative uses for
>the right-of-way, despite the Bikeway's inclusion in the citywide greenway
>plan.  The Bikeway is programmed to receive millions of dollars in funding,
>and provides one of the only opportunities for a continuous east-west
>bicycle/pedestrian corridor connecting neighboring communities and several
>existing bikeways. Alternatives include using the right-of-way for an
>exclusive bus lane, or developing an extension of the Metro Blue Line to
>downtown Santa Monica.  In addition to its value as a bicycle/pedestrian
>facility, the proposed project provides great opportunities for community
>revitalization. Timing is critical now. To voice support for the Bikeway,
>contact Josh Hart at RTC's CA Field Office: jhart@transact.org.
>
>PA Governor Ridge Proposes Money and Legislation to Combat Sprawl
>
>Under pressure from municipal officials who say they do not have enough
>tools to combat sprawl, Governor Tom Ridge has proposed changes in
>Pennsylvania's land-use law and nearly $3 million in grants to help local
>governments better control development. Ridge called for amendments to the
>32-year-old land-use law that would give municipalities more protection
>against developers' lawsuits, known as curative amendment challenges, and
>more incentives to plan for  growth with neighboring municipalities. The
>Governor also supports a change in the law to allow for locally designated
>growth areas, a move generally opposed by developers, who say they drive up
>housing prices because they limit where development can occur. The U.S.
>Department of Agriculture recently said development consumed more than one
>million acres of Pennsylvania's cropland, forest and open space from
>1992-97. For more information, contact RTC's PA Field Office at:
>tsexton@transact.org.
>
>News You Can Use...
>
>STPP Report Analyzes Federal Transportation Spending in all 50 States
>
>A report released in March by the Surface Transportation Policy Project 
>says
>state spending of federal money on new roads and bridges increased by 21
>percent while transit spending dropped 19 percent since 1998. The report
>also says that while Congress has given states greater transportation
>spending flexibility, more than 90 percent of that "flexible" funding has
>gone to pay for traditional highway projects, with less than 7 percent 
>going
>to buses, trains, sidewalks or trails. President Clinton's recent proposal
>to spend $1.3 billion of an anticipated $3 billion gas tax surplus on
>congestion-reducing transportation projects has drawn significant fire in
>the House and Senate, where powerful committee members have vowed to kill
>it. The report, "Changing Direction: Federal Transportation Spending in the
>1990s," as well as state-by-state fact sheets, are available on the web at
>www.transact.org.
>
>NTEC Report Summarizes Enhancements Spending
>
>The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) completed its
>data collection of Transportation Enhancements funding from the states and
>is producing a fiscal year 1999 summary report. In addition, three useful
>technical briefs have been published.  The first brief reviews innovative
>financing procedures implemented by the states, the second focuses on
>creative and flexible state TE program management techniques, and the final
>technical brief documents examples of how to finance and fundraise for 
>trail
>projects. While the first two technical briefs provide examples of state
>innovations that benefit both TE project sponsors and state DOTs, the third
>brief provides important, hands-on information for the trail building
>community.  Get them off the NTEC web site in the "Resources" section at
>www.railtrails.org/ntec or contact Megan Betts at NTEC,
>rtcmegan@transact.org.
>
>More on NTEC
>
>The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) is now
>accepting project nominations for a new booklet on the social and economic
>benefits of Transportation Enhancements (TE) projects. NTEC is interested 
>in
>examples from all 12 categories, especially projects newly eligible under
>TEA-21. Nominations need to be completed projects, and must demonstrate
>either social or economic benefits, but not necessarily both. To nominate a
>project for inclusion in this booklet, visit www.railtrails.org/ntec or 
>call
>toll free 888-388-6832.
>
>
>Rising Gas Prices Turns Challenge into Opportunity
>
>Not everyone views rising prices at the pump a problem. Risa Wilkerson,
>Executive Director of Michigan's Governor's Council on Physical Fitness,
>Health, and Sports took advantage of the opportunity by creating a public
>service announcement promoting walking and biking over driving. "Do you 
>want
>to take a bite out of gas prices?" the radio ad asks.  "Consider this.  
>Only
>15% of us walk for trips less than 1 mile!  For trips less than 5 miles,
>only 1 out of 100 use a bike...It's not rocket science.  Get those legs
>moving, save money and feel fit.  This message brought to you by the 
>Fitness
>Council, your partner in walkable communities."  Contact: Risa Wilkerson,
>eceditor@voyager.net.
>
>Ride from Pittsburgh to DC
>
>Copies of "Linking Up," a guide to biking from Pittsburgh, PA to 
>Washington,
>DC are now available by visiting amazon.com. Proceeds benefit the Allegheny
>Trail Alliance.
>
>Job Openings
>
>The Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse, based in Washington, D.C., seeks a full 
>time
>research/writer to identify, collect and compile information on sprawl,
>smart growth and livable communities. Salary in the high twenties. Send
>resume to: allison@sprawlwatch.org.
>
>The League of American Bicyclists is seeking a Director of Government
>Relations to further its mission of making America bicycle-friendly. This 
>is
>a senior level position, reporting directly to the League's ED.  All
>applicants should have either substantial Hill or DOT experience, or
>experience working for a state or local bicycle advocacy organization.
>Interested persons should send a cover letter and resume to the League at
>1612 K St. NW, #401, Washington, D.C. 20006, or fax to 202 822-1334.
>
>Calendar 2000
>
>April 22: Earth Day 2000! Earth Day is quickly approaching.  The Washington
>D.C. Event on the Mall will be the flagship event for all of the Earth Day
>events around the world. This year the event focuses on energy efficiency
>and renewable energy sources to combat global warming, protect our health,
>create new jobs, protect habitat and wildlife, and ensure a secure,
>affordable energy future. Visit www.earthday.net for more information.
>
>April 30 - May 2: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Michigan Field Office is
>sponsoring Michigan's second statewide trails and greenways conference,
>Connecting Michigan 2000 at the Ashman Court Hotel in Midland, MI.  Several
>keynote speakers will be featured and many "how-to" workshops, such as
>providing trail interpretation, design guidelines for safety and
>conservation benefits, building community support, paying for your trails
>and others. Visit www.railtrails.org/MI or call (517)393-6022 for more
>information and registration forms.
>
>May 1-2: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Ohio Field Office presents a
>conference on Building Partnerships that Build Trails and Greenways.
>Governor Taft is one of the keynote speakers. For more information, contact
>the RTC Ohio Field Office, 65 E. Wilson Bridge Road, Suite 203, 
>Worthington,
>OH  43085, e-mail: rtcjim@transact.org.
>
>May 18-20: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Florida Field Office in
>partnership with the Office of Greenways & Trails, Pinellas County, & the
>National Park Service present the 2000 Florida Trails and Greenways
>Conference, Creating a New Landscape for Florida. The conference will be
>held at the Belleview Biltmore resort and spa in Clearwater, Florida.  For
>more information, contact RTC's Florida Field Office at (850) 942-2379 or
>e-mail: rtcflorida@transact.org.
>
>June 3: NATIONAL TRAILS DAY! American Hiking Society,
>www.americanhiking.org.
>
>June 18 -22: Amsterdam, Netherlands, Velo Mondial, 2000: The World Bicycle
>Conference. Bicycle advocates from around the world will gather around 5
>themes: transportation, land use planning, health, the economy, and the
>environment. www.velomondial2000.nl
>
>July 22 - 26: Pittsburgh, PA, National Conference on Transportation and
>Environment for the 21st Century. What are the major trends and 
>consequences
>affecting transportation and the environment? What are the key 
>environmental
>goals? How can transportation technologies and policies overcome negative
>consequences? Sponsored by TRB, FHWA, US EPA, and the PA DOT. E-mail:
>jshalkowski@mbakercorp.com.
>
>September 5 - 9: Philadelphia, PA, ProBike/ProWalk 2000 11th International
>Conference on Bicycling and Walking. The focus of this year's meeting will
>be on the actions needed to make communities and neighborhoods more
>bicycle-friendly and walkable. To submit an abstract, visit the 
>"Conference"
>section of The National Center for Bicycling and Walking's website,
>www.bikefed.org.
>
>September 20: California Trails Conference in Redding, CA before the
>National Trails Symposium.  For more information contact the RTC California
>Field Office at (415) 397-2220.
>
>Sep. 21 - 24: 15th National Trails Symposium - Trails and the American
>Spirit - 2000 and Beyond! Redding, CA, Held in Coordination with the 17th 
>CA
>Trails Conference. www.outdoorlink.com/amtrails.
>
>October 4 - 8: Rail-Volution, 2000, Denver, CO, Building Livable 
>Communities
>with Transit.  Contact Mary Simon, simon@trans.ci.portland.or.us.
>
>
>The RTC Policy Update is written and distributed by Karen Nozik, Director 
>of
>Policy Outreach at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. To be added or deleted from
>the distribution list, to send news or calendar postings, or to find out
>more about Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, e-mail: rtcknozik@transact.org.
>
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>Karen Nozik
>Director, Policy Outreach
>Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
>1100 17th Street NW, 10th Floor
>Washington, DC  20036
>rtcknozik@transact.org
>phone: 202-974-5121
>fax: 202-331-9680
>www.railtrails.org
>www.trailsandgreenways.org
>
>"Grain by grain a loaf, sand by sand a castle."
>
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