Petri Recognized by American Society of Landscape Architects for Work in Congress

Fond du Lac, WI—On October 14, U.S. Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) was honored by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for his work in Congress that has supported more than 15,000 landscape architects across the country.  Petri was honored at a ceremony in Madison, WI, and given an honorary membership in the Society by Pamela Linn Vice President of Communications with the ASLA and Jay Gehler, the ASLA Wisconsin Chapter President.

“I’ve always thought we should support programs that improve America’s roads and highways by enhancing the areas around them,” said Petri who led the effort to include Transportation Enhancements, Recreational Trails, and the Safe Routes to Schools programs in federal surface transportation law. 

“I look at our transportation system as a whole, a network of different modes that some use or value more or less than others depending on their lifestyle and where they live.  That’s why I’ve supported dedicated funding for alternative transportation, such as bike and pedestrian projects, as well as enhancements to our nation’s highways so it is a pleasant experience for all users no matter how you choose to move around the country.”

Facing intense opposition from Republican leadership in 2012, Petri offered an amendment at the Transportation Committee markup of an early House version of the surface transportation reauthorization that would restore dedicated funding for transportation enhancements, Recreational Trails, and Safe Routes to Schools — programs he championed throughout his career in Congress.  The amendment attracted bipartisan support and failed by only two votes in Committee.

In its nomination of Petri for honorary membership, ASLA writes that “Petri may be credited for single-handedly saving the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in the final surface transportation law.”

Former Madison Mayor and current Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation Dave Cieslewicz said in his nomination of Petri, “He has been especially supportive of efforts to champion safety for all road users despite intense pressure from House leadership to oppose basic safety funding for pedestrians and bicyclists… These measures demonstrate Representative Petri’s commitment to bicycling and transportation issues that are important to not only our organization, but also landscape architects and millions of Americans across the country.”

Steven Thompson, CEO of the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association, enthusiastically noted that “Representative Petri has an incredible track record of supporting community park and recreation services… I cannot think of another individual who deserves this honor more than Representative Petri!”