Why it Matters
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy maintained its 21-year streak of federal lobbying with consistent quarterly spending. The nonprofit’s steady approach contrasts with other advocacy groups that ramp up during legislative cycles. RTC combines deep institutional knowledge through veteran lobbyist Marianne Wesley Fowler with strategic external firm partnerships.
By the Numbers
Current Quarter: $75,588 in Q2 2025 lobbying expenditures for in-house advocacy
Historical Spending: $2,016,076 across 77 disclosures since 2004
External Support: Four additional firms engaged totaling $193,000 in 2024-2025
- Daschle Group LLC: $103,000 (Feb 2024-July 2025)
- Fiorentino Group LLC: $60,000 (Jan 2025-present)
- O’Keeffe Shahmoradi Strategies LLC: $30,000 (July 2025)
Lead Lobbyist: Fowler has 36+ years with RTC and manages their federal relations.
Broader Context
Congress faces surface transportation reauthorization decisions with the current law expiring. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act created new programs like the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). However, ATIIP received only $45 million of its $200 million authorized funding. Multiple congressional hearings have emphasized permitting reform and grant execution backlogs. Federal agencies have announced numerous RAISE grants for trail projects nationwide.
The Agenda
RTC lobbies on Transportation and Natural Resources issues. Specific focus areas include rail-trails policy, active transportation funding, and the Recreational Trails Program. The organization supports S.811 – RTP Full Funding Act and seeks full ATIIP appropriations. They advocate for trail network connectivity and multiuse trail development through federal programs.
Competitive Landscape
- PeopleForBikes spent $30,000 in Q2 2025 on bicycle infrastructure and RTP reauthorization.
- Motorcycle Industry Council supports S.811 with $40,000 in Q1 lobbying.
- Local entities like Great Rivers Greenway District and Union County, NJ seek federal trail funding.
- Representative Sam Graves introduced competing legislation requiring landowner compensation in rail-to-trail conversions.
Between The Lines
- Senator Shelley Moore Capito chairs EPW Committee surface transportation reauthorization efforts.
- The House T&I Member Day hearing saw multiple members advocate for trail priorities.
- H.R.4985 – Community Parks Revitalization Act explicitly includes railroad corridor conversions as eligible projects.
- Senators Markey and Van Hollen celebrate ATIIP awards while calling for increased funding.
The Bottom Line
RTC’s sustained lobbying presence reflects the organization’s mature advocacy strategy during a critical legislative period. Their spending levels indicate steady commitment rather than crisis response. Success will depend on securing ATIIP funding and favorable reauthorization language for trail programs.
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