Transit to Trails Act of 2021

Transit to Trails Act of 2021

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the Transit to Trails Grant Program to award grants to certain governmental and private entities for projects that increase transportation access and mobility to public lands, inland and coastal waters, parkland, or monuments for critically underserved communities.

For example, DOT must (1) prioritize approving certain projects, such as projects that use low-or zero-emission vehicles and those that provide free or discounted rates for low-income riders; (2) develop transportation planning procedures for projects conducted under the program that are consistent with metropolitan and statewide planning processes; and (3) ensure that all new transportation connectors and routes developed under the program are accessible to people with disabilities.

The bill requires grant awards to be at least $25,000 and not more than $500,000.

Further, the bill requires publicized schedules and routes for transportation systems that are developed after the receipt of a grant under the program.

Bill 117 hr 2924, also known as the Transit to Trails Act of 2021, aims to increase access to outdoor recreational areas for urban and underserved communities by improving transportation options. The bill focuses on creating partnerships between public transportation agencies and federal land management agencies to provide better access to national parks, forests, and other public lands.

Specifically, the Transit to Trails Act of 2021 would establish a grant program to fund projects that improve transportation options to outdoor recreational areas. This could include expanding public transportation routes, creating shuttle services, or developing bike and pedestrian pathways. The goal is to make it easier for people living in urban areas, who may not have access to a car, to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of public lands.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of equity and inclusion in outdoor recreation by prioritizing projects that serve low-income communities and communities of color. By increasing access to public lands for all Americans, the Transit to Trails Act of 2021 seeks to promote health and wellness, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunities in underserved communities. Overall, the Transit to Trails Act of 2021 is a bipartisan effort to improve access to outdoor recreational areas for all Americans, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. By investing in transportation options to public lands, the bill aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor recreation system for future generations.