Local Funding Sources
There are many examples of local communities creating revenue streams to improve conditions for bicycling and walking . Three common approaches include : special bond issues ; dedications of a portion of local sales taxes or a voter-approved sales tax increase ; and use of the annual capital improvement budgets of Public Works and / or Parks agencies .
Local Businesses and Partnerships
There is increasing corporate and business involvement in trail and conservation projects . Employers recognize that creating places to bike and walk is one way to build community and attract a quality work force . Bicycling and outdoor recreation businesses often support local projects and programs . Partnership engenders a spirit of cooperation , civic pride and community participation . Name recognition for corporate partners could be accomplished through signage and naming rights .
For further details and tips for accessing the |
corporate and business community contact |
the Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse at the |
Rails-to-Trails |
Conservancy : |
1-877-GRNWAYS |
( 476-9297 ). |
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Bond Funds or Capital Improvement Programs ( CIP )
Other funding may come from bonding or CIP funds , either in conjunction with roadway transportation projects , as park development projects , or as stand alone trail or bicycle improvement projects . Bond or CIP election could be held to support the development of the bicycle and trail system . Trails can be implemented using bond funds alone or as the local match in grant applications . These funds are usually targeted for new facilities . Bonds can be used as the local match in applying for reimbursement grants offered by the Federal Highway Administration through TxDOT . Several bonding opportunities exist that include , Revenue Bonds , General Obligation Bonds and Special Assessment Bonds
Special Districts
Several kinds of special districts can help fund land Bikeway and walkway improvements , acquisition or maintenance . Special assessment districts are separate units of government that manage specific resources within defined boundaries . Districts vary in size , encompassing a single community or business district . They can be established by the local government or by voter initiative , depending on state laws and regulations . As self-financing legal entities , these districts have the ability to raise a predictable stream of money ( through taxes , user fees , or bonds ) directly from the people who benefit from the services — often parks and recreation . Special districts are helping protect and maintain parkland throughout the country .
Development and Impact Fees
Development fees can be used for park and trail development anywhere within the city . Impact fees can be used for sidewalks and street improvements for bicycling within the development area for which they were collected . These funds may also be used as the local match for projects when applying for reimbursement grants .
Taxes
Many communities have raised money through self-imposed increases in taxes . A number of taxes provide direct or indirect funding opportunities for local governments .
Property Tax or Real Estate Transfer Tax is a real estate tax on the sale of residential and commercial property to raise money for open space acquisition , including trail and sidewalk improvements . Cost can be imposed on sellers or purchasers of the property . Revenues are typically tied to the ups and downs of the real estate market . It has been utilized in a number of communities .
Another example is Gas Tax . Every state raises revenue for highway and transportation infrastructure through a state motor-vehicle fuel tax . Some states also raise funds through vehicle licensing fees . In many states , the laws governing how these funds can be spent would make
Appendix D : Funding Resources | D-13