Once again Gov. Sam Brownback has opted out of a federal grant as a part of the Recreational Trails Program. Only two states have opted out, Kansas and Florida.
The funds matches local contributions with federal funding to build bike, walking and ATV trails. The fed’s said $1.3 million was to be spent on trails.
The funds come from taxes on fuel used by off-road activities such as ATVs, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, light trucks and SUVs.
State officials claim this doesn’t necessarily mean that Kansas will spend less on trails, although no spending decisions have been made.
The key word is necessarily.
Clearly, obesity is on the rise in the state . Having a pleasant and safe place to walk or ride a bike is critical to the health and well-being of a community.
In August, 51 national organizations and seven in-state groups, including the Kansas Horse Council, Kanza Rail Trails Conservancy, Kansas Recreation and Park Association and Kansas Trails Council, sent a letter to Gov. Sam Brownback urging him to continue the recreational trails program funding and oppose efforts to opt out.
Trails bring people to the area for recreation and encourage people to be healthy.
But opting out means recreational trails projects will have to compete with other alternative transportation projects such as safe routes to schools, road planning and scenic overlooks. Furthermore, opting out also means the state will not be able to spend the federal money on trail maintenance and that it will not contribute to administrative and educational programs that benefit all states,
It is another sad day for Kansans.
Between decimating funding for the arts, returning $31 million dollars in a healthcare grant,  opting out of trail funding, and an ill-considered tax plan, Gov. Brownback does not have the best interests of the state in mind.

Karen  La Pierre