Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) introduced the Parks to People Active Transportation Act, a bill which would dramatically expand federal funding for greenway path projects. Greenways are shared-use corridors that connect communities and expand access to parks, jobs, and transit. Greenway paths help connect communities to natural spaces and parks, and the bill would specifically work to create equity in access to recreation and the outdoors. The bill is co-led by Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06).
“Opportunity depends on access. I introduced this bill because something as simple as access to a greenway trail is what separates many in our neighborhoods from good-paying jobs, quality education, healthier living conditions, and convenient transit. That’s why I’m creating a path forward,” said Rep. McIver. “This investment will bridge the gap, building infrastructure to expand economic opportunity and make families safer and healthier as they enjoy walking, biking, jogging, and so much more in the great outdoors.”
“In Georgia, our parks and trails are vital connections between people, opportunity, and community,” said Rep. McBath. “From the Atlanta Beltline to the Chattahoochee RiverLands, we’ve seen how greenways and multimodal trails can expand access to the outdoors and strengthen neighborhoods. The Parks to People Active Transportation Act builds on proven successes like these by creating federal funding to help communities across the country plan and build greenways, especially in rural and underserved areas. By investing in active transportation nationwide, we can support local economies and create safer, more connected places for people to live and thrive.”
“Communities thrive when people can safely access parks and green spaces, yet for millions of Americans, unsafe conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians remains a major barrier. Trust for Public Land is proud to endorse the Parks to People Active Transportation Act, which leverages the power of trails and greenways to safely connect people not only to parks, but also to everyday destinations like schools, jobs, and local businesses. This legislation recognizes that active transportation is an essential part of a safer and better-connected national transportation system,” said Reed Perry, Director of Federal Relations, Trust for Public Land.
“Outdoor Alliance thanks Congresswoman McIver for introducing the Parks to People Active Transportation Act. For outdoor recreationists, safe and connected greenway paths can be a fun and efficient front door to public lands, parks, and waterways, as well as a fantastic recreation resource in themselves. This bill will expand access to human-powered outdoor recreation while improving safety, connectivity, and quality of life in communities across the country,” said Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations, Outdoor Alliance.
“Greenways are integral green infrastructure for our communities. They connect neighborhoods, offer much-needed open space, and reduce flooding. New Jersey LCV is proud to stand with Rep. McIver in advancing The Parks to People Active Transportation Act to provide permanent, federal funding for these often overlooked community gems,” said Allison McLeod, Interim Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.
“Greenways across the country—like the Circuit Trails network in the southern New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia region—not only connect communities through safe, sustainable transportation options, but also preserve natural landscapes and promote access to nature for everyone. Federal investment in greenways is as important as ever, and the Parks to People Active Transportation Act will ensure these infrastructure projects get the support they deserve,” said Alison Mitchell, executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
“Through our work expanding trail and active mobility options across New Jersey, we see how essential greenways are for helping people reach work, school, and simply get around their communities safely and affordably. Right now, the transportation network is hostile to anyone outside of a car. Greenways change that by giving people safe, convenient, and free ways to move, while preserving green space and supporting healthier living conditions, especially in areas facing environmental challenges. The Parks for People Act could provide the funding communities need to begin building the connected greenway networks, such as The Greenway, a practical investment in healthier families, stronger communities, and a future where everyone can travel with dignity,” said Tiffany R. Robinson, Trails and Active Mobility Director, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition.
“The Parks to People Active Transportation Act is exactly the kind of policy our nation needs to get federal funding flowing to these critical projects—from the Maine-to-Florida East Coast Greenway to similar efforts in Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles, and beyond. We are grateful for Rep. McIver's leadership in building a path forward by dedicating federal support for transformational greenway planning, design, and construction toward a healthy, sustainable, and thriving future,” said Dennis Markatos-Soriano, East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director.
“Greenways offer substantial benefits for Americans and our communities. They provide access to jobs and services, improve public health, expand recreational opportunities, and strengthen local economies. PeopleForBikes commends U.S. Congresswomen McIver and McBath for introducing this important legislation that will create safe, connected places to ride and allow more people to experience the joy of riding a bike in cities big and small,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes.
“Greenways are more than just recreational trails, they are essential transportation corridors that connect people to jobs, schools, parks, and transit. For too many low-income communities and communities of color, safe places to walk and bike and safe routes to reach opportunity have been historically underfunded or overlooked. The Parks to People Active Transportation Act helps correct that imbalance by prioritizing investments that close network gaps, reduce disparities in traffic injuries and fatalities, and expand access to clean, affordable transportation. This bill is about building infrastructure that advances safety, health, and economic opportunity for all,” said Renae Reynolds, Executive Director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
“As a longtime advocate for the protection of our natural landscapes and connecting people with nature, Openlands is proud to support the Parks to People Active Transportation Act. Greenways are more than just paths; they are protected corridors that link our communities and natural areas, providing people of all ages with safe and accessible places to recreate. This legislation would directly support generational investments in projects like the Lake County Greenway in Northeastern Illinois, demonstrating how dedicated federal funding could transform underutilized corridors into natural assets that clean our air, protect our water, and provide essential pathways for both people and wildlife alike,” said Chris Kessler, Director of Policy, Openlands.
"The Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association (WPCCA) is proud to endorse Congresswoman McIver’s Parks to People Active Transportation Act. Representing roughly 150,000 residents in the Woodbridge and Potomac Districts, our organization has seen firsthand how federal support transforms local vision into reality. From our role in building the 3,300-foot Neabsco Creek Boardwalk to our ongoing advocacy for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, we know that these major projects often rely on committed partners in Washington to cross the finish line. Congresswoman McIver’s legislation reflects a practical understanding of the hurdles facing local communities. By establishing a National Greenway Paths Network and dedicating $300 million annually, the Parks to People Active Transportation Act recognizes trails as the essential infrastructure they are. We especially appreciate the focus on closing network gaps and expanding access in underserved areas. These priorities matter directly to families in Prince William County, and I commend Congresswoman McIver for advancing a proposal that will help us deliver better mobility and economic opportunity," said Brian Landrum, Chairman, Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association.
The Parks to People Active Transportation Act would:
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Create a $300 million fund under USDOT supporting greenway projects and authorize millions in planning and design grant funding.
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Require reports to Congress on disbursements, best practices for implementation, and common barriers to delivery.
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Incentivize projects in rural and disadvantaged communities by waiving cost-sharing requirements.
The bill is endorsed by: The Trust for Public Land, American Trails, Clean Air Council, Outdoor Alliance, East Coast Greenway Alliance, Openlands, PeopleforBikes, League of American Bicyclists, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Mountains To Sound Greenway Trust, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Parks & Trails New York, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, Detroit Greenways Coalition, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, Weequahic Park Association, New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway Alliance, MountainTrue, Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, Eastrail Partners, Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association, and the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire.
Full text of the Parks to People Active Transportation Act can be found here.
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