The current version of the Federal Transportation reauthorization bill is crafted to reduce federal spending on transportation projects over a two-year period.  The bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) is currently in the Senate Banking Committee.  Among many changes that bill will produce, the non-motorized transportation project funding is one of the more significant.  The proposed bill would affect non-motorized transportation funding in three ways:
1. Cause bicycle and pedestrian projects to compete with an increasing number of activities eligible for CMAQ funds. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities may pale in magnitude when compared with road projects, but are critical to citizens who are unable, cannot afford or choose not to drive an automobile. It is difficult for these facilities to compete for the same funds available to highway projects.
2. Allow states to “opt out” of bicycle and pedestrian safety funding. Decisions this important should involve local decisions makers in the transportation planning and development process.
3. Reduce the availability of funds for non-motorized transportation projects with the elimination of funding for Safe Routes to Schools and Recreational Trail Program. Without a dedicated funding source for construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, Billings would not enjoy the good system it has today, or the great system it could complete in the future.

An amendment to this bill, sponsored by Senator Bill Cardin (D-Md), would address those issues that would significantly impact Billings' non-motorized transportation system by restricting funding for these types of projects.  Cardin's amendment would1) eliminate eligibility of road projects from the same funding source available to bicycle and pedestrian project; 2) require states to suballocate funding to MPOs like Billings and to solicit applications from local governments for remaining funds; and 3) increase levels of funding for non-motorized transportation projects currently proposed under MAP-21.

Staff is requesting that the Council support Cardin's amendment and send Senators Baucus and Tester a letter requesting their support.

Council may choose to support Senator Cardin's amendment to MAP-21 and send letters to the U.S. Senators or not choose to support the amendment.

There will be no financial impact to approving the letters to Senator's Baucus and Tester requesting support of Senator Cardin's amendment to MAP-21.

Staff reccomends that Council approve the letters to Senators Baucus and Tester requesting support of Senator Cardin's amendment to MAP-21.