Trails usage has increased, especially during the last year. For years, PennDOT has been supportive in leveraging funding to improve trails. We have worked with DCNR, as a collaborative state partner, our MPOs and RPOs, stakeholders and local grass root partners to improve Pennsylvania's networks of trails. Our overview will highlight our programs, funding sources, and our coordination efforts with other agencies, as well as our outreach to the community to enhance and support Pennsylvania's beautiful trails, parks, and byways. PennDOT has several programs in place to maintain, improve and expand our trails. Our TA Set-Aside Program provides funding for projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on-and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, and environmental mitigation, trails that serve a transportation purpose, and safe routes to school projects. Our Recreational Trails Program supports DCNR's goal to have a trail within 10 minutes of every Pennsylvania citizen. We work with DCNR to provide grants to support the enhancement and expansion of non-motorized and motorized trails to meet this goal. Our Byways Program designates Pennsylvania Byways at the request of local communities seeking to highlight roadways with cultural, historical, recreational, archaeological, scenic, and natural qualities. We will highlight a big success Byway story – Erie’s - Great Lake Seaway Trail.
