[Mrfnews] 07NR07 - Grant Deadline Approaching

[mrfnews at mrf.org]

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice-President of Government Relations
jeff at mrf.org (e-mail)

Grant Deadline Approaching

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) alerts you to the approaching
deadline for this year's federal motorcycle safety grants.  The official
deadline for any state to apply for funds in 2008 is August 1, 2007. 
Thanks in large part to the efforts of the MRF and numerous State
Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations (SMROs), as well as concerned
motorcyclists nationwide, SAFETEA-LU or Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (PL109-59)
directed the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) through its National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set aside $25 million to
be spent through fiscal year 2009 for motorcycle safety initiatives. The
same procedure as last year stands for states to apply for the funds.

The Governor's Highway Safety Representative in your state must sign the
official application before it can be sent to Washington DC for approval. 
Once approved, the money will be dispersed from DC back to your Governor's
Highway Safety Representative.  It's then up the state to determine how
the money is best spent and, if appropriate, to turn some of it over to a
non-profit or not-for-profit organization in that state.

Last year 44 states received grants of at least $100 thousand each,
totaling almost $6 million in grant money across the country, with no
matching funds required.  This marks the first time in history that the
federal government has made funds available specifically for motorcycle
rider education and awareness campaigns.  According to the law any State
that qualifies will receive at least $100 thousand. This is largely, if
not entirely, the result of years of lobbying by the MRF and the SMROs.

In order to be eligible for the funds, states must meet one of six
criteria the first year and two criteria the second and subsequent years.
The six criteria are as follows:

1. The state must have a motorcycle rider training program.

2. The state must have a motorcycle awareness program.

3. The state must have a reduction in fatalities involving motorcycles.

4. The state must have an effective impaired driving program.

5. The state must have a reduction in fatalities and accidents involving
impaired motorcyclists.

6. Use of fees collected by the state from motorcyclists for motorcycle
programs must be used for motorcycle programs.

Many states had a large amount of success with this program this year. The
MRF encourages you to stay in contact your state officials overseeing the
administration of this important grant program in order to ensure the best
use of these limited funds.  Naturally, if you have any questions
regarding the grant program or the application process, you can call the
MRF office and we'll be happy to help guide you.


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(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction
permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated
in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists' rights
organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists'
rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC,
the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted
exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early
1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause
of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists' rights organizations and the
very founders of the American riders' rights movement among its leading
members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and
regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public
awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists' rights
organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional
and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as
well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.