Huffman and Pappas Introduce Expanded Active Transportation Systems Bill

The Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act provides $500 million for Nationwide Network of Safe Walking and Biking Routes

May 04, 2021

Washington, D.C.- Today, Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act. Their legislation provides $500 million annually in funding for a federal grant program to help build connected active-transportation routes including trails, sidewalks, and bikeways that support the health and economic growth of our communities. 

This legislation will help provide the necessary resources and policy changes to deliver a 21st century transportation system to the nation. This transformative approach to funding active transportation would meet growing demands from rural, suburban and urban communities across America for convenient, accessible, well-maintained biking and walking routes. 

“To meet the challenge of climate change, while continuing to connect people to where they want to go, we need to think differently about our infrastructure and provide people with more, and better, transportation options,” said Rep. Huffman. “Our quality of life, economy and environment depend on it. This bill invests in transportation infrastructure that gives folks the option to travel using convenient, climate-friendly options nationwide.”

“Smart infrastructure connects Americans with the people and places most important to them," said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation will expand our active transportation networks, providing additional ways to knit communities together, support recreation, and respect our environment. It also makes good economic sense as these strategic investments in infrastructure throughout the state will bolster local economies and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. I look forward to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to fund active transportation networks that will improve connections and support healthy, vibrant communities.” 

“America’s next federal transportation bill must address significant challenges to our economy, climate, health and safety,” said Kevin Mills, vice president of policy for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. “The Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act provides dedicated, focused funding necessary to do this effectively by investing in seamless routes that will enable more people to walk and bike for their daily routines, which is what it will take to reduce carbon emissions and generate new jobs. Connecting the country’s 40,000 miles of multiuse trails, as well as bikeways and sidewalks, will leverage existing assets to quickly create equitable, safe, convenient walking and biking routes that get people where they need to go. Congressman Pappas and the bill co-sponsors are providing a critical missing link in creating a transportation system that works for everyone, whether or not they drive a car.” 

This legislation is supported by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails.

Press Contact

Contact: Susan Curran
susan.curran@mail.house.gov
(202) 603-326