Michaud Recieves Recreational Trails Award

Press Release

Yesterday, Congressman Mike Michaud was recognized by the Coalition for Recreational Trails as a "Champion of the Recreational Trails Program" at its 14th Annual Recreational Trails Program Achievement Awards Ceremony.

The award was in recognition of Congressman Michaud's leadership and efforts to extend the Recreational Trails Program in the Fiscal Year 2013 Surface Transportation Bill.

"The Recreational Trails Program has played a critical role in improving trail systems for use by hikers, bikers, skiers and snowmobilers throughout Maine and around the country," said Michaud, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "In Maine, snowmobiling and other outdoor recreation is a vital part of our economy. I will continue to work toward the reauthorization of the Recreational Trail Program in order to continue strengthening Maine's trail system."

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. RTP is funded through the fuel taxes collected from non-highway users such as snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, ensuring that the individuals who pay those taxes also benefit from the program.

Michaud has been a longstanding advocate for the RTP and earlier this year, he co-lead a multi-member letter with Representative Thomas Petri of Wisconsin, in support of continuing RTP in the surface transportation reauthorization legislation. While the transportation reauthorization is still in conference committee, both the House and Senate passed bills include extensions of RTP.

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