Major Win for Recreation with RTP Funding

FHWA To Provide Waivers for Build America Buy America Requirements for RTP Funding

Bakersfield, CA | August 16, 2023 - Coalition of Motorized Groups Applaud Today’s Decision by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to Provide Waivers for the Build America Buy America Requirements of Recreational Trail Program (RTP) Funding.

A broad coalition of motorized groups, including the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), United Snowmobile Alliance, United 4-Wheel Drive Association and One Voice applaud today’s decision by the FHWA to provide waivers for Build America Buy America requirements. The determination was made in response to several requests for the issuance of waivers as part of the administration of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by this coalition after Build America Buy America requirements were greatly expanded under the Federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2021 legislation. RTP funding has historically funded critical recreational infrastructure, such as winter trail grooming equipment, skid-steers and mini excavators, providing resources to volunteers and youth corps members for resources that are critical to partners maintaining all forms recreational opportunities throughout the country. 

“This is a big win for all forms of outdoor recreation, both motorized and non-motorized, as the RTP funds benefit all types of recreational users. The RTP programs provide critical economic support for local communities, and these contributions would have been put at risk if the funding could not be used for on-the-ground, shovel ready projects” says Fred  Wiley, President and CEO of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), “With the issuance of these waivers, partners will now be able to obtain the equipment they need, rather than what is allowed to be purchased, and RTP funds will be quickly allocated for these projects”. 

RTP Funds are a formulated rebate of federal fuel taxes from the use of Off-Highway Vehicles off-road. These funds are applied for and are used to maintain and develop all types of recreation areas throughout the U.S. These waivers will now allow small, grassroots OHV groups, along with local, state and federal partners to protect and maintain motorized recreation. 

A full copy of this decision is available here; 2023-17602.pdf (govinfo.gov)

Read the full Press Release HERE

For more information on Recreational Trails Project (RTP) | For more information on Build America Buy America

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