USAC sets payouts for local associations

USA Cycling recognized two new Local Associations (LA) Wednesday as well as announced payouts for its existing LAs. The organization also added two new LAs including New Mexico Bicycle Racing Association and a yet-to-be-named group out of Indiana and Kentucky, bringing the total number to 33. In addition, the Alabama Cycling Association, which was originally part of the Alabama/Georgia Bicycle Racing Association, is now recognized as its own LA.

Every year, USA Cycling reinvests a portion of its membership dollars into each Local Association. These investments are allocated and prioritized by each Local Association to support racing-specific programs within their areas. Based on 2007 license sales, USA Cycling will have distributed nearly US$1.4 million in direct funding to its Local Associations since the program's inception five years ago with $335,815 in payouts related to 2007.

In the program's inaugural year, USA Cycling paid out $197,615. Since then, the funding of Local Associations has grown along with nationwide interest and participation in competitive cycling. In 2004, USA Cycling paid out $201,548 followed by investments of $304,161 in 2005 and $320,900 in 2006.

In 2007, the Northern California/Nevada Cycling Association again earned the most from USA Cycling's Rebate Program, qualifying for $36,095 in direct funding from the national governing body. The Southern California/Nevada Cycling Association earned $33,300 while the New England Bicycle Racing Association ($31,920), the Texas Bicycle Racing Association ($20,275) and the Washington State Bicycle Association ($17,370) rounded out the top-five.