Local Assistance Division

Transportation Enhancement Program

• Transportation Enhancement Program policy change FAQ
• Transportation Enhancement proposed policy changes 

Overview

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 was the beginning of a new era in federal transportation legislation. With this act, Congress introduced the Transportation Enhancement Program, which required each state to set aside 10 percent of its Surface Transportation Program funds for transportation enhancement projects.

This program offered broad opportunities and federal funding for creative projects that integrated transportation into our communities and environment. The legislation designated 12 activities meant to improve non-motorized transportation, enhance the public’s traveling experience, revitalize communities, and improve the quality of life. 

These federal funds cannot be used for traditional highway projects or roadway improvements. They are for activities that go above and beyond common transportation practice.

This program continued with enactment of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in 1998 and the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005. 

SAFETEA-LU builds on the initiatives established by ISTEA and TEA-21. This legislation stresses mobility and protection of the environment, community preservation, sustainability and livability. Transportation Enhancement projects provide opportunities to improve the transportation experience in local communities.    

SAFETEA-LU is due to expire Sept. 30, 2009. An extension of SAFETEA-LU, or a new transportation bill or other provision that extends the program, will be required before the allocation of funds for Fiscal Year 2010 and beyond.

PDFs 

Program Information

• Enhancement Program procedure manual
• 2009 Enhancement procedure manual with tracked changes
• Project eligibility (revised 2009)
• Funding
• Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• Sample resolution (revised 2009)
• Public workshop schedule
  

Applicant Information

Applications for Fiscal Year 2010 funding are due Dec. 1, 2009. 

Send five copies of the completed application to Michael Estes, P. E., VDOT Local Assistance Division, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond VA 23219.  All applications must be postmarked no later than Dec. 1, 2009.

• How to apply (revised 2009)
• Fiscal Year 2010-11 application (revised 2009)
(Word)

Program Allocations

• Stimulus funding (ARRA)
• 2009 selections (Fiscal Year 2010 allocations)
• 2008 selections (Fiscal Year 2009 allocations)
• 2007 selections (Fiscal Year 2008 allocations)
• 2006 selections (Fiscal Year 2007 allocations)

Contact Us:

Virginia Department of Transportation
Local Assistance Division
1401 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219

Toll-free: 800-444-7832 (TTY/TTD users call 711)
Fax:  804-371-0847

E-mail: EnhancementProgram@VDOT.Virginia.gov