Government paves the way
THE transportation bill President Bush signed last week provides an estimated $4 billion in federal funds to expand bike and foot paths in California and other states.
Although most of the money will pay for roads and bridges, dog walkers, cyclists and trail runners may see some pet projects realized.
In Southern California, $460,000 could be used to extend the 5-mile-long Los Angeles River bikeway farther into the San Fernando Valley, according to Sen. Barbara Boxer’s staff.
Other California projects that could receive funds include existing San Francisco Bay Area paths and new access along the San Diego River and the New River in Calexico.
Cycling advocates say funding is $1 billion more in this highway bill than the one seven years ago.
“In a time when the federal budget is severely strained and most programs have been cut or flat-funded, our gain is especially significant,” says Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong Coalition, a group of suppliers and retailers.
-- Emmett Berg
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