How the BUILD America 250 Act could impact greenways and active transportation
By Niles Barnes, East Coast Greenway Alliance Deputy Director
As Congress begins debating the new federal transportation bill, which will set priorities and spending levels for the next five years, the East Coast Greenway Alliance is closely watching and actively engaging in the legislative process.
Like many of our partner advocates for trails and walking and biking, we have concerns over the proposed cuts and repeals in the latest proposal. The current policy, which expires in September 2026, included significant new funding sources, as well as expanded eligibility for existing programs, to pay for bicycle and pedestrian projects. This is a critical time to make our voices heard before the next five years of federal transportation policy is determined.
The proposed BUILD America 250 Act preserves several important active transportation programs, including Transportation Alternatives and Safe Streets and Roads for All. Those programs remain essential tools for communities working to improve safety, close trail gaps and expand transportation choices beyond driving. The programs are key to completing segments of the East Coast Greenway.
“Beneath those headline wins, the proposal signals a troubling shift away from federal leadership on climate, connectivity and active transportation infrastructure.”
But beneath those headline wins, the proposal signals a troubling shift away from federal leadership on climate, connectivity and active transportation infrastructure.
The bill would repeal the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), Carbon Reduction Program and Neighborhood Access and Equity Grants, three programs that help communities advance ambitious trail and greenway projects while addressing safety, emissions and mobility challenges at the same time. For organizations and local governments working to build connected networks like the East Coast Greenway, those losses would be significant.
We are also concerned that the bill could make it easier for states to shift Transportation Alternatives funding away from biking and walking projects altogether. In practice, that could weaken one of the country’s most important sources of funding for local trail and active transportation investments.
The current proposal indicates active transportation may still have a seat at the table, but it is increasingly being treated as optional rather than essential.
That stands in stark contrast to what communities across the country are demanding. From safer streets and healthier neighborhoods to climate resilience and economic development, greenways are proving their value every day. Communities are not asking whether they should invest in connected walking and biking infrastructure, they are asking how quickly they can build it.
The East Coast Greenway Alliance will continue working alongside local partners, advocates and elected leaders to make federal transportation policy reflect that reality. We know that connected greenways are not fringe projects or recreational luxuries. They are vital public infrastructure and the future of transportation should reflect that.
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