Will Georgia opt out of federal funding for recreational trails?

Governors in states like Kentucky are pledging their support for recreational trails by committing to not turn down federal funding for these popular projects.

In 2011 the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) awarded $2.1 million in Recreational Trails Program grants. Atlantans will recognize the Silver Comet Trail on the list of projects funded.

Today People for Bikes listed Georgia as a state whose Governor may chose to opt out of the program. According to the FHWA, between 1993-2011 Georgia received over $22 million. That built a lot of trails in state parks and communities throughout the state. 

We need your help to prevent this.

Let the Governor know that the residents of his state want, even need, the recreational opportunities these trails provide. Whether you bike, hike, ride a horse, or participate in any one of a dozen activities that take place on paved and unpaved trails across the state, these projects benefit you and your community. 

• 47% of Americans say they would like to see more bike lanes, trails, and other bike facilities in their communities.
• Studies have shown that houses near bike paths retain more value than houses that are not.
• Bike and trail projects put lots of people to work. Bike projects often create more new jobs per million dollars invested than comparable highway projects
• According to a recent poll, 83 percent of Americans support maintaining or growing the federal funding that pays for sidewalks, bikeways, and bike paths.

Imagine for a moment the impact on Atlanta's bicycle community if the Silver Comet Trail had never been built.

Then take action by clicking "sign the pledge" to protect recreational trails in Atlanta and throughout the state.