National and Regional Greenways Act

National and Regional Greenways Act

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a grant program for states, localities, and tribes to support community greenway paths for walking, bicycling, and other motor vehicle alternatives.

DOT must designate eligible greenway paths that are considered regionally or nationally significant through a national greenway paths network; paths must cross multiple localities or states, reduce congestion, improve safety, benefit the environment, support communities, or meet other specified criteria. Eligible projects must support access to public parks, transportation, and other community needs.

Bill 117 HR 3566, also known as the National and Regional Greenways Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of promoting the development and preservation of greenways across the country. Greenways are linear corridors of open space that are often used for recreational purposes, such as hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

The bill seeks to establish a National Greenways Program within the Department of the Interior, which would provide funding and technical assistance to states and local governments for the creation and maintenance of greenways. It also aims to designate certain greenways as National Greenways, which would receive special recognition and protection.

Additionally, the bill proposes the establishment of a Regional Greenways Grant Program, which would provide funding to regional entities for the planning and development of greenways that cross state lines. This program would encourage collaboration and coordination between different jurisdictions to create interconnected greenway networks. Overall, the National and Regional Greenways Act is intended to promote the conservation of natural areas, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and enhance the quality of life for communities across the United States. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of green spaces in promoting physical and mental well-being, as well as in protecting the environment and wildlife habitats.