Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What are Transportation Enhancements (TE)? What is the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse? How much money does the federal government make available for TE projects? Where do TE funds come from? What is the matching requirement? Who can apply for the funds? How do I apply for the funds? What types of projects qualify for TE funds? What types of projects are most commonly funded?
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What are Transportation Enhancements (TE)? ▲TOP Transportation Enhancements (TE) projects are federally subsidized, community-based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and environmental aspects of our transportation infrastructure. For example, Transportation Enhancements can include safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities, scenic routes, beautification, and other investments that increase recreation opportunity and access. The federal government provides funding TE projects through our nation’s surface transportation bill. Related documents: TE Basics, Guide to Transportation Enhancements, pg. 1, Brochure: A Quick Guide to Transportation EnhancementsWhat is the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse? ▲TOP The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) is an information service sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. It works to provide professionals, policy makers, and citizens with timely and accurate information necessary to make well-informed decisions about Transportation Enhancements. NTEC provides documents and technical assistance regarding TE to the public free of charge; maintains databases of TE project information, project examples, and program contacts; tracks federal funding of TE projects; publishes a quarterly newsletter on TE; and facilitates communication between TE professionals. Related documents: About NTEC, NTEC BrochureHow much money does the federal government make available for TE projects? ▲TOP The federal government has made a total of $6.58 billion dollars available for the TE program since its creation with the passage of ISTEA, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Over the 6-year life of ISTEA (1991-1997), $2.8 billion was made available, and an additional $3.78 billion more over the life of its successor, TEA-21 (1998-2003). Related documents: Summary of Nationwide Spending FY 2005Where do TE funds come from? ▲TOP The federal funds for Transportation Enhancements come from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), a repository for the receipts from the federal excise tax on gasoline. Related documents: TE Basics: Funding, FHWA: Financing Federal Aid HighwaysWhat is the matching requirement? ▲TOP Generally, the federal government pays up to 80 percent of the cost for a Transportation Enhancement project. The non-federal match is generally 20 percent of the cost, though some states have different matching requirements. In states with substantial federal land holdings, the federal share may be higher. In some cases, the non-federal match may be calculated on a project, multiple-project, or program-wide basis. Related documents: TE Basics: Funding, FHWA: Financing Federal Aid HighwaysWho can apply for TE funds? ▲TOP The project sponsor for a TE project is usually an organization with the authority to tax. That could include state, county, city and municipal governing bodies. Oftentimes, nonprofit organizations or community groups that wish to sponsor a TE project will submit an application in partnership with a local government. Some states allow organizations not associated with a taxing authority to apply independently. Related documents: TE Basics: Applying, State TE ProfilesHow do I apply for the funds? ▲TOP Every state has a department of transportation (DOT) responsible for administering TE funds. Each state DOT has a TE contact person responsible for overseeing TE projects as well as a contact person from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) division office. The state DOT receives applications for the TE funds and selects projects, usually in conjunction with an advisory board. Anyone applying for TE funds should begin by consulting with their State TE Contact as the application process varies by state. Related documents: TE Basics: Applying , State TE Profiles , A Guide to Transportation Enhancements , pg. 6-8What types of projects can qualify for TE funds? ▲TOP In order to qualify for TE funds, a project needs to relate to surface transportation and be one of the 12 eligible TE activities. Related documents: TE Basics: EligibilityWhat types of projects are most commonly funded? ▲TOP Each state Department of Transportation (DOT) is able to set its own funding priorities for TE projects. For example, one state may give preference to historic preservation projects while another state prefers to fund trail projects. Overall, bicycle and pedestrian projects have been the most commonly funded project type since the TE program began. Nationwide, over half (54 percent) of TE funds were spent on bicycle and pedestrian facilities, combined with rail-trails, between fiscal year 1992 and fiscal year 2003. Scenic beautification projects received 17 percent of available funds and historic preservation and preservation of historic transportation facilities together received the third largest share at 16.6 percent. Related documents: Summary of Nationwide Spending FY 2005 |
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[FHWA TE Web Site]
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Contact NTEC at 1-888-388-NTEC (6832), Fax: 202-223-9257
2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20037-1213
NTEC@ENHANCEMENTS.ORG
Contact NTEC at 1-888-388-NTEC (6832), Fax: 202-223-9257
2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20037-1213
NTEC@ENHANCEMENTS.ORG