Dear Editor:

On behalf of Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc., I would like to stress the importance of the current transportation appropriations bill for bicycle and pedestrian transportation enhancements.

On November 1, the Senate will finalize the transportation appropriations bill, which sets funding levels for the fiscal year 2012.

There is a current proposal to amend this bill that would shift all current Transportation Enhancements funding to bridge repair.

This amendment, if approved, will be detrimental to the health and safety of those who live, work, play, and learn in our communities.

The Transportation Enhancements program represents less than two percent of federal transportation funds for projects that help alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety, get people active, and create more jobs per dollar than highway-only projects.

Last year, the states gave more than $530 million of bridge repair money back to the federal government. Continue reading →