Advocacy

Issue Brief: Transit to Trails Act

THE ISSUE

ASLA believes that multi-modal transportation systems should be safe, efficient, beautiful, ecologically sensitive, and convenient. These qualities enable streets and roadways to address climate change, support public health, and serve all people and modes of transportation. Landscape architects are trained and uniquely qualified to plan and design multi-modal transportation networks that provide users with cost efficient transportation options, while also addressing other community needs.

Background

All communities should be able to enjoy the physical, social, and mental health benefits of America’s public parks and outdoor spaces — regardless of where they live. Yet many underserved communities are unable to access our public lands due to limited transportation options. Creating safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options for underserved communities to access local, state, and national parks should be a high priority. Increased access to recreation opportunities such as biking, hiking, climbing, and fishing will help address public health challenges and other environmental injustices.

Landscape architects help communities by designing safe, accessible, integrated transportation networks for all users — regardless of age, income, ethnicity, ability, or mode of transportation. These multi-use transportation systems reduce reliance on single-use automotive transport. In turn, multi-use systems reduce traffic, remove barriers to movement, improve air quality, and promote active lifestyles.

Bill Summary

The Transit to Trails Act (H.R. 3092 / S. 1440) would establish a grant program to fund transportation planning projects that connect underserved communities to public lands, waters, parks, and monuments. The program would award individual grants in amounts between $25,000-$500,000. The program would be authorized for $10 million in its first and second years, $20 million in its third and fourth years, and $40 million in every following year.

In grant selection, priority would be given to applications that:
  • Demonstrate use of low- or no-emission vehicles;
  • Comply with applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
  • Establish projects in Environmental Justice communities;
  • Capitalize on existing established public-private partnerships; 
  • Provide free or discounted rates for low-income riders; and
  • Provide opportunities for youth engagement and low-income employment.
Recent Action

On May 4, 2023, S. 1440 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

On May 8, 2023, H.R. 3092 was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Sponsors
S. 1440, Senator Cory Booker (NJ), and cosponsors.

H.R. 3092, Representative Gomez (CA), and cosponsors.

Resources      

Senator Cory Booker (NJ) Press Release: Booker, Gomez Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Promote Equitable Access to Public Lands. May 04, 2023.

Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA) Press Release: Rep. Gomez and Senator Booker Introduce Bill to Promote Access to Public Lands and Green Spaces Through Public Transit. May 4, 2023.

Improving Transit Access to Parks and Trails, Planetizen, July 2023.

The Power of Parks to Strengthen Community, Trust for Public Land, May 2024

Federal Active Transportation Resources

ASLA Sustainable Transportation Guides for Regional, Neighborhood, and Street Scales

Geodesign—Integrating Technology into Trail Planning and Community Engagement - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

Related ASLA Policies

Environmental Justice

Heritage and Historic Sites

Livable Communities

National Parks

Public Lands

State, Regional, and Local Parks, and Trail Systems

Transportation Corridors and Facilities

Contact

Roxanne Blackwell, 
Esq., Hon. ASLA,
Director of Federal
Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@asla.org

Elizabeth Hebron,
Director of State
Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@asla.org

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