Transportation contributes to numerous programs and projects aimed at enhancing the environment. Primary among these programs is the Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program, created under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Passed in 1991. the law provided a new focus on transportation, which offered communities new funding opportunities to help expand transportation choices, such as safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities, scenic routes, beautification, and other investments that increase recreation opportunity and access.

ISTEA stipulated that 10 percent of federal funds distributed to states through the Surface Transportation Program be dedicated to transportation "enhancements.” TE projects are also eligible under all Surface Transportation Program funds. In 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for 21st Century (TEA-21) reaffirmed this commitment to enhancing communities by providing an additional $3.8 billion in TE funds through the Surface Transportation Program. This represented a 40 percent increase in funding through 2003, averaging about $630 million per year.

In August 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) was enacted. Under SAFETEA-LU, the amount set aside for TE was 10 percent of the State's STP apportionment for 2005 (after application of the setaside for the State Planning and Research program). After 2005, the TE setaside are 10 percent or the amount set aside for TE in the state in 2005, whichever is greater.

SAFETEA-LU included changes in the definition of the TE activities.

According to FHWA guidance, SAFETEA-LU amended the list of activities eligible for TE funds as follows:

• The list was formatted to clearly identify the 12 TE eligible activities.
• Activity C added including historic battlefields to clarify existing eligibility. Because historic battlefields already were eligible, there is no additional guidance.
• Activity H replaced "thereof" with "of the corridors" [did not change eligibility].
• Activity I inserted Inventory before Control and Removal of Outdoor Advertising to clarify existing eligibility.

The following activities are now listed as eligible for TE funds:

1. Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles.
2. Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites (including historic battlefields).
4. Scenic or historic highway programs (including the provision of tourist and welcome center facilities).
5. Landscaping and other scenic beautification.
6. Historic preservation.
7. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals).
8. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use of the corridors for pedestrian or bicycle trails).
9. Inventory, control, and removal of outdoor advertising.
10. Archaeological planning and research.
11. Environmental mitigation
    1. to address water pollution due to highway runoff; or
    2. reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity.
12. Establishment of transportation museums.

TE funds also may be used for workforce development, training, and education under 23 U.S.C. 504(e), provided the activity specifically benefits eligible TE activities.

For more information, link to FHWA Guidance on Transportation Enhancement Activities.

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For more information on Transportation Enhancements, please see the FHWA TE website and the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse.

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Other national programs contributing to environmental enhancements include:

• Scenic Byways Program
• Recreational Trails Program
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs
  

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