The Power of grassroots advocacy

Parks & Recreation, Dec, 2003

When the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program for Fiscal Year 2004 was threatened by action of a House Appropriations subcommittee this summer, parks and recreation advocates stepped up like never before to educate their senators and representatives on the value of TE projects in their communities. When all was said and done, a remarkable victory was won on the House floor on Sept. 4. By a resounding vote of 327-90, an amendment that restored the guaranteed set-aside for TE project funding was approved.

A key to this surprising legislative victory was the grassroots, prairie-fire response that park and recreation supporters mounted against the House Appropriations Committee's calculated attempt to starve the TE program of funds. Hiking, bicycling and rails/ trails groups, community health organizations, and many others in a truly diverse coalition expressed their collective, support for the benefits of the TE program.

It is clear in retrospect that nearly every House of Representatives member heard from citizens and advocates in his or her district about how valuable and important the projects were to their district.

The community level support for the Transportation Enhancements program from park and recreation supporters was a key component to reversing the vote, and Capitol Hill took notice. NRPA has received thanks and commendation from many quarters. Here is a sampling:

   "This was a critical victory in Congress,
   and it happened because an incredible
   array of organizations recognize the
   importance of TE and came together to
   save it. NRPA was an important part of
   the effort, and parks and recreation
   advocates across the country helped
   make the difference."--Ken Rosenfeld,
   Advocacy Manager, Rails-to-Trails
   Conservancy

   "When Congress passed legislation 12
   years ago dedicating a modest part of
   the federal transportation budget to
   projects other than roads, the dramatic
   effect it would have on communities
   such as Indianapolis couldn't have been
   foreseen. The trails encourage exercise
   and physical fitness in a time when
   obesity is epidemic, and they offer safe,
   inexpensive transportation routes for
   those who choose to escape the congestion
   and pollution of local roads. But
   the system of trails is far from complete.
   We'll laced every penny of federal
   money--and much more--to keep such
   dreams alive."--From an editorial in the
   Indianapolis Business Journal, Vol. 24,
   No. 30

   "The parks, recreation and trails community
   truly came together on this
   issue and successfully mobilized to convince
   Congress to guarantee full funding
   for enhancements, the major source
   of funding for trails, walking and bicycling
   projects. The strong showing of
   public support affirmed the need flit
   dedicated TE funding to enhance the
   quality of life and show benefits for
   supporters of parks, recreation, trails
   and healthier communities nationwide."--Celina
   Montorfano, American
   Hiking Seemly