Program Update – November 14, 2012:

The recently enacted Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) includes a number of substantial changes to the transportation enhancement (TE) activities defined in Title 23. The activities are now termed “transportation alternatives,” (TAs).

Transportation Alternative Definitions in MAP-21

Under SAFETEA-LU, there were twelve eligible enhancement activities. Under MAP-21 there are nine eligible TAs. The overall theme of the revisions is to expand the eligibilities from strictly enhancing the transportation system to include planning, construction, and design related to compliance with existing federal regulations. Previously, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Guidance on Transportation Enhancement Activities prohibited the use of TE funds for “project elements or mitigation that normally would be required in a regular highway project.” This included project elements and costs associated with meeting the requirements of laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) of 1969, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. New regulatory guidance from FHWA will be required to clarify exactly how changes in the legal definitions will impact eligibility.

To qualify for funding all projects must fit into one of the following 9 federally designated categories. 

Eligible Activities:

1. Construction, planning, and design of facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act.
2. Safe routes for non drivers to access daily needs.
3. Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails.
4. Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas.
5. Community improvements, including
• Inventory, control, or removal of outdoor advertising
• Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities;
• Archaeological activities relating to impacts from implementation of transportation project eligible under this title.
6. Any Environmental mitigation activity.
• Address stormwater management, control, and water pollution prevention or abatement related to highway construction or due to highway runoff..; or
• Reduced vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or to restore and maintain connectivity among terrestrial or aquatic habitats.
7. The Recreation Trails Program under section 206.
8. Safe Routes to Schools under section 1404 of SAFETEA-LU.
9. Planning, designing, or constructing boulevards and other roadways largely in the right-of-way of former Interstate System routes or divided highways.

Complete processes are established for selection of projects.

The following links provide additional information:

• General Principles and Questions for Tranportation Enhancement Projects

• MAP-21 and its Effects on Transportation Enhancements

• National Transportation Enhancement Activities