This past week Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) threatened to strip Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding from the transportation extension bill being considered by the Senate. This program represents less than 2 percent of all federal transportation spending and for 20 years has been the primary funding source for sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and trails. TE projects are some of the more visible infrastructure projects around our city; including Brown Street improvements, the 5th Street bridge, upcoming Route 35 underpass lighting & Wayne Ave enhancements.

From our many conversations with young people – we know how important multi-modal transportation options are to you. Decimating this small funding will reduce transportation options for Americans at a time when we badly need more.

While the extension was approved with TE funding on September 16th, the real battle is just 6 months away when the Senate will consider the long-term transportation bill. Sen. Coburn still has his eye on stripping funding for this critical program. We need to tell our Senators how important multi-modal transportation is to us. Contact Senator Portman and Senator Brown and tell them:

I urge you to oppose any move to eliminate the Transportation Enhancements (TE) funding. Living in walkable and bike-friendly communities is important to young, creative professionals. People like me are critical to Ohio’s economy and we want more transportation options, not less. I vote, but too many young people vote with their feet by leaving our region and state. When transportation funding is again considered by the Senate, I hope you’ll support TE funding so that we can continue to make our city more vibrant.