Money Matters

Funding sources in safetea-lu

Federal transportation law recognizes bicycling as a legitimate means of transportation. More than any other federal law, transportation law allows for more input from the State and local levels of government. This provides the opportunity for transportation advocates (bicycling advocates) to be more engaged in the process, and help shape the outcomes that will affect their communities and families.

The key to expanding our efforts to develop more bicycle friendly communities is to understand the availability of sources and how they can be used to advance the vision for your community.

In August of 2005 the federal surface transportation legislation (SAFETEA-LU) was reauthorized for five years. Some of the key funding provisions that can be used to enhance bicycle projects are listed below.

Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program CMAQ is for transportation projects that assist local areas meet applicable clean air standards. Four percent of CMAQ funds are spent on bike/ped projects.
CMAQ Funding Report

Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation
For the rehabilitation or replacement of bridges. Funds are available for use with bicycle/pedestrian projects.

Highway Safety Improvement Program
HSIP was previously funded by a set aside from STP, but is now a new core program intended to enhance existing safety efforts to reducing highway fatalities and injuries on public roads.

Transportation Enhancement Programs
TE is the largest source of funding for trails and other bicycle/pedestrian facilities. The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) can show you to to use TE funds to revitalize transportation in your community.
National Transportation Enhancements Clearing House

Recreational Trails
The Recreational Trails program provides funds to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. For a database of projects funded under the Recreational Trails program project database

Safe Routes to Schools
SRTS is a new program that will assist local communities in making bicycling and walking to school a safe choice. The program provides funding for infrastructure and education, while providing guidance and technical assistance through a national clearinghouse.

National Highway System
NHS is for both maintenance and expansion projects on the NHS network. Bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible.

Surface Transportation Program
STP is a flexible program that may be used by States and localities for projects on any federal-aid highway, bridge projects on any public road.

Transportation & Community & System Preservation
TCSP grants to States and local governments for planning, developing, and implementing strategies to integrate transportation, and community, and system preservation plans and practices. These grants may be used to reduce the impacts of transportation on the environment.

Complete FHWA Funding
Spending Summary Chart for Obligated Funds (money that has been reimbursed back to the states by FHWA)

Federal Appropriations: Why?

• Federal, state and local budget constraints
• Increased competition for federal grants
• Opportunity to explore additional funding sources
• Congress "earmarks" funding directly to organizations through the 13 appropriations bills it passes each year

Congress cannot spend money without authorization from the committees that have jurisdiction over the various policy areas, such as SAFETEA-LU.  However, the real power in Congress resides in the annual appropriations process.  Although appropriations committees cannot create new programs, they have considerable latitude in deciding where the money is spent within those existing programs. 

Through the appropriations process, Members can also specify that a specific sum of money be spent for a specific purpose (earmark) within a larger appropriations bill.  For example, a key congressional member was successful in adding $1 million more in the FY 2007 Transportation Appropriations Bill towards the Grand Teton Pathways project, bringing to $9 million the amount raised for this project in annual appropriations.

Although there has been much discussed in terms of lobbying reform and earmarks this legislative session, the truth is that is how federal funds are being distributed today.  The system that has emerged is one where institutional power, seniority, and political adeptness play a large part.  You'll need to work with your Member(s) to remind them of your needs and issues to have an impact on the process.

The Appropriations Timeline
House Appropriations Committee and Subcommittees
Senate Appropriation Committee and Subcommittees