Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, hosted a walking conversation on the WOW Rail Trail in Laconia with local and state leaders to discuss his priorities for transportation and infrastructure investments, including his legislation to connect America's walking and biking paths.
Pappas was joined by Amy Lovisek, the Director of Recreation & Facilities at Laconia Parks & Recreation; Allen Beetle, the President of the WOW Rail Trail Board, and members of the WOW Rail Trail Board.
"Smart infrastructure connects Americans with the people and places most important to them, and the WOW Rail Trail in Laconia is a great example of the kind of active transportation projects that should be eligible for federal funding," said Congressman Pappas. "The trail boosts the local economy, enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, and protects our natural environment. As we work to move a comprehensive infrastructure bill through Congress, I'm committed to making sure we can dedicate federal resources to expanding the network of paths and rail trails that connect our communities."
The WOW Trail is a paved, 10 foot wide, multi-use rail-trail in the City of Laconia used by bikers, walkers, and runners. Built within the State of New Hampshire owned railroad right-of-way, alongside the active tracks currently leased to the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, the trail currently spans from Elm Street in Lakeport to downtown Laconia and then on to the Belmont town line where it meets with Belmont's Winnisquam Scenic Trail, creating 4.25 miles of continuous trail between Lakeport and Belmont's Osborne's Agway.
Earlier this month, Rep. Pappas re-introduced his bipartisan legislation, the Connecting America's Active Transportation System Act, which would provide $500 million in funding for a federal grant program to help build connected active-transportation routes including trails, sidewalks, and bikeways that support the health and economic growth of our communities.
This legislation will help provide the necessary resources and policy changes to deliver a 21st-century transportation system to the nation. This transformative approach to funding active transportation would meet growing demands from rural, suburban and urban communities across America for convenient, accessible, well-maintained biking and walking routes.
Original source can be found here.
