Governor Scott opts out of Recreational Trails Program but commits to full funding for Safe Routes to Schools and Recreational Trails

FDOT just released this press release announcing Governor Scott's decision to opt out of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), but FDOT is committing to full funding for both Safe Routes to Schools and Recreational Trails.  To date, no other Governor in the country has chosen to opt out of the RTP, which was allowed in the MAP-21 transportation legislation.  Thanks to everyone who wrote the Governor in support of fully funding these programs.  Stay tuned for further information about what all of this means!

Friday, August 31, 2012

John O’Brien, (850) 414-4573;                               John.O’Brien@dot.state.fl.us

FDOT Commits to Full Funding of
Safe Routes to Schools and Recreational Trails

Florida will use flexibility available in the federal MAP-21

legislation to balance transportation needs

Tallahassee – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will continue to fully fund Safe Routes to Schools and recreational trails in Florida thanks to the flexibility included in the new federal Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act (MAP-21) legislation.

Despite funding cuts in the Transportation Alternatives section of the bill, FDOT will commit to funding these two programs at prior year levels. The flexibility in MAP-21 allows the Department to address one of its top priorities: making Florida a safer state for bicyclists and pedestrians.

“We are redoubling our efforts to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians in Florida,” said FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad. “That’s why we are fully funding these important programs.”

In an effort to ensure Florida can maximize the use of its federal funds for projects that are ready to go and to ensure flexibility, Florida Governor Rick Scott today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to opt out of a funding provision in the MAP-21 legislation.

“This action should in no way be viewed as an indication that Florida does not support recreational trails,” said Secretary Prasad. “Florida offers a year-around opportunity for our residents and visitors to enjoy our great state as cyclists and pedestrians. We want to make their experiences as safe and enjoyable as possible.”

The Office of Greenways & Trails within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides statewide leadership and coordination in the establishment, expansion and promotion of the Florida Greenways and Trails System (FGTS). More than $24 million in grants have been awarded for Florida recreational trails in the past. FGTS will continue to administer the program using transportation funding.

A new category of federal transportation funding called Transportation Alternatives was created in MAP-21. Eligible uses for these funds include bicycling, pedestrian facilities and recreational trails which were previously funded by separate programs. While Florida’s total funding for Transportation Alternatives will be less than the combination of funding for the prior separately funded programs, FDOT will use the funding flexibility in MAP-21 to fully fund Safe Routes to Schools and recreational trails.

Details of the MAP-21 legislation and what it means for Florida will be explained in a two-part Webinar being conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation on September 5, 2012.  For more information, please go to MAP-21-FL.com.

www.dot.state.fl.us

Consistent, Predictable, Repeatable

Click here for the letter from Governor Scott to Secretary LaHood.

Click here to read article in 9/1 Florida Current

Click here to read 9/2 Orlando article.
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