All Austin's Bike Paths Should Be Funded Privately

Austin-American Statesman: Money for bike trails tied up in Congress

East Austin's fledgling system of bike and pedestrian trails received the promise of a $9 million boost Tuesday, but for now that potential federal grant remains something short of money in the bank.

Whose money, of course, is apparently irrelevant these days.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, engaged in a campaign to represent a redrawn district stretching from Travis County to the Rio Grande Valley, announced that the House version of the pending federal transportation funding bill contains a $9 million "earmark" he inserted for East Austin trails. That money would go primarily to build planned trails along Walnut Creek and Boggy Creek, make connections to the proposed Lance Armstrong Bikeway's eastern end near the Colorado River and close gaps in the county trail system in southeast Travis County.

"We have a very big, very aggressive bicycle plan for Austin," said Austin Mayor Will Wynn at a news conference to announce the possible federal help. "The tough part is how are we going to fund it and get there sooner rather than later. I promise you, a $9 million appropriation like this is a huge step."

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I don't want Austin to receive this money. I don't want local communities to get these fucking handouts from the feds who don't have the right to give it away because they didn't have the right to take it in the first place. This is enrichment of some at the expense of others.

Bike trails! Jesus Christ. I hate politicians.

Austin has a Bike Plan, didja know? I live in Sector A-2 and yet I derive no benefit from these and other routes because I don't own a bike. So through local taxes, others are forced to provide for others.

Posted by Drizzten at August 11, 2004 04:45 PM