Transportation

Developing New Partnerships
Public land managers should know about a variety of resources that can help accomplish their missions. Young people are eager to work, and funding is available to get projects underway. To connect stewardship needs with the right workforce, The Corps Network encourages Corps to follow these key guiding principles:

• Federal transportation funding can be applied to natural resource and recreation projects.
• Every State has programs in place to make funds available to appropriate projects.
• America’s service and conservation corps are trained and ready to do the work.

The Transportation Connection
Funding for America’s surface transportation system is available primarily from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The mission of FHWA is “Enhancing Mobility through Innovation, Leadership, and Public Service.”

FHWA provides expertise, resources, and information to improve the nation’s highway system and its intermodal connections. The Federal-Aid Highway Program provides financial assistance to the States to construct and improve the National Highway System, other roads, bridges, and trails. The Federal Lands Highway Program provides access to and within, national forests and parks, Indian reservations, and other public lands by preparing plans, letting contracts, supervising construction, and inspecting bridges. FHWA conducts and manages a comprehensive research, development, and technology program. Two important funding programs for public lands work are:

• Recreational Trails Program (trails, related facilities, and trail-related environmental work)
• Transportation Enhancement Activities (bicycle and pedestrian facilities, safety and environmental improvements, scenic and historic highway programs, landscaping, historic preservation, and environmental mitigation)

Why Service and Conservation Corps?
Corps are State and local programs engaging primarily youth and young adults (ages 16-25) in service. Corpsmembers receive training and mentoring from adult leaders, a modest stipend, and opportunities for education and career preparation. By partnering with resource and recreation providers, these young people have a chance to do important work for our public lands. Many agencies see another important benefit: nurturing a pool of potential employees who are able to step into jobs with both training and enthusiasm.

Learn More!
Guide for Project Sponsors 
Resources  
Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Utah  
Montana Conservation Corps  
Continental Divide Trail 
Arizona Trails Maintenance Program  
Nevada Conservation Corps
Alaska Transportation Programs  
Vermont Youth Conservation Corps  
Maine Conservation Corps  
California Conservation Corps  
American Youth Works, Texas  

For a full, interactive, online guide to Corps and transportation, visit Conservation Corps and Transportation: Making the Connection. The guide is also available in pdf form.