Congress Proposes Expanded Funding for Greenways

New bill would create competitive federal program to boost walking and biking infrastructure

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:05am

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A new bill in Congress, co-led by U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-New Jersey) and U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Georgia), would significantly expand federal funding for greenways - defined as "hard-surfaced or wheelchair-accessible facilities built for active transportation." The legislation would provide $300 million in funding and prioritize projects that reduce traffic, improve access to jobs, and lower emissions.

Why it matters

Advocates have long argued that walking and biking paths are essential transportation infrastructure, as they can provide reliable alternatives to driving and help reduce congestion. However, building greenways often requires federal support, especially when crossing multiple jurisdictions. This new bill aims to address gaps in the country's piecemeal greenway network through a competitive grant program.

The details

The "Parks to People Active Transportation Act" would fund a variety of greenway projects, with preference given to those that close gaps in existing multimodal networks or cross state lines. The bill also includes $5 million for planning and design grants to help communities take initial steps. While previous federal infrastructure laws have included some funding for active transportation, this new bill would provide significantly more resources at a national scale.

  • The bill was recently introduced in Congress by U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-New Jersey) and U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Georgia).
  • The last major federal infrastructure law, passed in 2021, created a smaller $44.5 million grant program for greenways.

The players

U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver

A Democratic representative from New Jersey who co-led the introduction of the new greenways funding bill in Congress.

U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath

A Democratic representative from Georgia who co-led the introduction of the new greenways funding bill in Congress.

Kevin Mills

The vice president of policy at Rails to Trails Conservancy, an advocacy group supporting the new greenways legislation.

Dennis Markatos-Soriano

The executive director of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, an organization that supports greenway projects across the eastern United States.

Sean Duffy

The former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary under President Trump, who inaccurately claimed that bike lanes universally increase traffic congestion.

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What they’re saying

“Connectivity is key to maximizing the potential of the country's active transportation infrastructure in all types of communities--rural, suburban and urban. As debate on the next federal transportation law moves forward, protecting and enhancing dedicated sources of funding to accelerate progress on active transportation networks is a priority.”

— Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy, Rails to Trails Conservancy (Streetsblog)

“The Parks to People Active Transportation Act is exactly the kind of policy our nation needs to get federal funding flowing to these critical projects — from the Maine-to-Florida East Coast Greenway to similar efforts in Detroit, Denver, Los Angeles, and beyond. We are grateful for Rep. McIver's leadership in building a path forward by dedicating federal support for transformational greenway planning, design, and construction toward a healthy, sustainable, and thriving future.”

— Dennis Markatos-Soriano, Executive Director, East Coast Greenway Alliance (Streetsblog)

What’s next

The new greenways funding bill will need to navigate the legislative process in Congress, where it may face opposition from lawmakers skeptical of infrastructure that does not prioritize cars.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation represents a significant federal investment in walking and biking infrastructure, which advocates argue are essential components of a modern, multimodal transportation system. If passed, the bill could inspire and catalyze other investments in greenways and active transportation across the country.