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Transportation Enhancement Program
Click HERE for graphic. TRANSPORTATION Enhancement P R O G R A M The federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 offers exciting, new opportunities for activities that will enhance the nation's transportation system. Included in the act is the establishment of the Federal Transportation Enhancement Program, which offers broad opportunities and federal dollars to take unique and creative actions to integrate transportation into our communities and the natural environment. The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking groups and individuals interested in developing transportation enhancement projects in Virginia. If you have a project in mind, or if you have previously suggested a project which could qualify for this federal funding, please review this information and complete a copy of the enclosed application. The following information explains this program and the selection process VDOT is using. Please feel free to make as many copies of the blank application form as needed to describe each of your project candidates or to share the form with others who may wish to request additional transportation enhancement projects. 1 Virginia's Transportation Enhancement Program The federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 opens a new era in transportation legislation. With this Act, Congress has provided the states increased flexibility to manage their transportation programs. ISTEA gives all levels of government and the private sector the opportunity to work together to plan and develop intermodal transportation systems tailored to their specific needs. An intermodal transportation system is one in which various forms of transportation are integrated and interconnected. ISTEA also reflects a growing environmental awareness. One part of the Act directs funds toward specific types of transportation enhancements. This program provides a means of financing activities that go beyond the normal elements of a transportation improvement project. Transportation enhancement activities are funded under the Surface Transportation Program (STP) of ISTEA. Ten percent of each state's STP is set aside for enhancement. In Virginia, this amounts to about $7 million a year through 1996. By federal law, these funds must be used for transportation enhancements and for no other purpose. Transportation enhancement activities can be a stand-alone project or can be implemented as part of an on-going transportation project. In either case, it must relate to the intermodal transportation system in function, proximity or impact. For example, an independent bike path is a functional component of the intermodal transportation system. Removal of outdoor advertising in the view shed of a highway is justified in light of its proximity. Retrofitting an existing highway by creating a wetland to filter runoff from the highway would quality based on the impact of the highway in terms of water pollution. Transportation enhancement activities are activities or improvements which increase the value or worth of a project or make it more aesthetically pleasing. They should provide a "quality-of- life" benefit. A project is "enhanced" by doing something that is not a common practice. 2 Eligible Enhancement Categories Eligible transportation enhancement activities must fall into one or more of the following categories as defined by federal legislation: 1. Provision of Facilities for Bicycles and Pedestrians This category includes projects for bicyclists and pedestrians beyond or in addition to what is necessary for safe accommodation. This includes activities that enhance the transportation system through more aesthetic routing or design or improving existing facilities to make them more usable for pedestrians and bicyclists. Projects must relate to the transportation function; those that are solely recreational are not eligible for funding. Examples of projects include: acquisition, development and construction of separate bicycle and pedestrian facilities on or off road rights-of-way or in relation to transit facilities; widening curb lanes or re-striping to create wider curb lanes, paving shoulders and providing access to public transit; bicycle lockers at rad stations, bus depots, airports, recreation facilities; and bikeways or pedestrian paths which separate these modes of travel from the motorized transportation system. Activities are not eligible where they are conducted as an incidental part of new transportation projects to accommodate routine use by pedestrians and bicycles. This could include provision of sidewalks, wide curb lanes, required curb ramps and paved shoulders. 2. Acquisition of Scenic Easements and Scenic or Historic Sites This category may be applied to the purchase, donation, transfer or trade of lands which possess significant aesthetic, historic, natural, visual or open space values, including land and property listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Funds may be used for planning and transaction costs including appraisals, surveys, legal costs or purchase costs. Funds may only be used where the applicant agrees to enforce appropriate mechanisms to preserve the significant scenic and historic values. 3 Examples of projects include: acquisition of a scenic easement, scenic site or historic site that enhances the transportation experience as part of the transportation system; acquisition of a historic bridge, transportation terminal, land around a historic site adjacent to a scenic highway. 3. Scenic or Historic Highway Programs This category covers protection and enhancement of state or federally designated scenic or historic highways. Funds may be used only for projects that will protect and enhance the scenic, historic, cultural, natural and archaeological integrity and visitor appreciation of an existing highway and adjacent area, or for planning, design and development of new state scenic byway programs. Examples of projects include: interpretive plaques or restoration of historic fighting standards; historic aesthetic treatment on retaining walls and guardrails; aesthetically pleasing bridge rails for use on scenic highways or in areas of high visual sensitivity. Eligible projects do not include construction of safety rest areas, additional lanes or new scenic or historic highways. 4. Landscaping and Other Scenic Beautification This category includes landscape planning, design and construction projects which enhance the aesthetic or ecological resources along transportation corridors, points of access, and lands qualifying for other categories of transportation enhancement activities. Projects which enhance the aesthetic resources or beauty of a transportation project include planning, design and construction of scenic vistas and overlooks, restoration of historic landscapes and construction of landscapes which are compatible with their surroundings. Projects which enhance the ecological balance along a transportation corridor include p g, testing and planting for restoration or re-introduction of native plant communities and appropriate adaptive species, and the provision of interpretive information about the federal and state agency programs through which ecological resources are preserved. Examples of projects include: 'gateway' plantings to communities; landscaping transplants to 4 move trees outside of clear zones and into more attractive, safer locations; retrofitting existing noise barriers with landscaping; replacement of a utilitarian bridge with one of appropriate architectural qualities in a setting which calls for more than a utilitarian design; roadside ecological viewing areas; development of aesthetically pleasing bridge rails. Funds may not be used for routine, incidental or maintenance activities such as grass cutting, tree pruning and removal, soil stabilization, construction of noise barriers, drainage improvements or post-construction finish work such as replanting and re-seeding. No funds may be used to remove trees unless there is an approved site plan which calls for such removal on the grounds of scenic or ecological enhancement, or unless a tree is diseased or dead and certified by a qualified professional. 5. Historic Preservation Projects in this category should enhance the transportation system by improving the ability of the public to appreciate the historic significance of the project itself or the area to be served by the project. Projects must relate to the intermodal transportation system; those historical preservation projects which do not relate to the intermodal transportation system by functional proximity or impact are not eligible for funding. Funds may be used for the identification, evaluation, recordation, documentation, curation, acquisition, protection, rehabilitation, interpretation restoration and stabilization or any combination of the foregoing, of any historic district, site, building, structure, landscape or object (and any artifacts and records related to it) included in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, or a contributor to a National Register Historic District, or a local landmark or contributing resource within a local historic district, designated by a Certified Local Government. 6. Rehabilitation and Operation of Historic Transportation Buildings, Structures of Facilities including Historic Railroad Facilities and Canals Historic transportation buildings are buildings or structures associated with the operation, passenger and freight use, construction or maintenance of any 5 mode of transportation where such building is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or a contributor to a National Register Historic District, or a local landmark or contributing resource within a local historic district, designated by a certified local government. Structures and facilities include tunnels, bridges, trestles, embankments, rails or other guideway, non-operational rolling stock, canal viaducts, tow paths and locks, stations and other manmade transportation features integrally related to the operation, passenger and freight use, construction or maintenance of any mode of transportation. Rehabilitation means the process of returning the property to a state which makes possible a contemporary use while preserving the significant historic features of that property. Operation means the provision of access and service in a manner related to both the continuation of a contemporary transportation or non transportation use consistent with the historic character of the property and open to the general public on a not-for-profit basis. 7. Preservation of Abandoned Railway Corridors Including the Conversion and Use Thereof for Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails This category includes the planning, acquisition, rehabilitation and development of corridors for public uses including bicycle and pedestrian use It permits the development and rehabilitation of privately owned rail corridors open to the general public without charge. Rail corridors are those in which fixed rail tracks exist or have existed in the past. Abandoned railway corridors are those which have been authorized for abandonment by the Interstate Commerce Commission, or for which abandonment proceeding are pending before the ICC, or which have been rail banked under any applicable federal or state authority. 8. Control and Removal of Outdoor Advertising Expenditures made to remove existing signs, displays and devices must comply with a legal process that bases payment on an equitable appraisal. Priority shall be given to the removal of outdoor 6 advertising signs in conjunction with other transportation enhancement activities. 9. Archaeological Planning and Research This category includes, but is not limited to, research on sites eligible for transportation enhancement funds; experimental projects in archaeological site preservation and interpretation; to improve identification, evaluation and treatment of archaeological sites; problem-oriented synthesis using data derived from (though not limited to) transportation-related archaeological projects, development of national and regional research designs to guide future surveys; data recovery and synthetic research; and projects having similar purposes carried out in partnership with other federal, state, local and tribal government agencies and non- governmental organizations. Expenditures should be used for research or interpretation of sites associated with transportation facilities. This category is not for excavations. 10. Mitigation of Pollution due to Highway Run-off This category is limited to facilities and programs minimizing pollution from stormwater run-off from transportation facilities that are in addition to current requirements and procedures for such mitigation. Projects that demonstrate aesthetic and ecological methods for mitigation and that enhance recharge are encouraged. Project Funding Up to 80 percent of a transportation enhancement project can be financed with federal STP funds. A minimum of 20 percent must come from other public or private sources. No federal funds of any kind are allowable for the required match. All or part of the 20 percent local match may be an in-kind contribution of tangible property such as donations of land or materials if consistent with federal regulations. To the limit allowable under federal law, professional services that are related to the project and are documentable may qualify as an in-kind match, but volunteer labor will not qualify. The Commonwealth Transportation Board does not intend to consider allowing regular interstate, primary, secondary or urban allocations for the local share. Individual project awards will not exceed $1 million in federal funds. Applicants may apply for multi-year funding with a single application; however, each phase of the proposed project must be completed within 48 months of the time funds are made available for that phase. The application should not include requests for funds which will not be expended within the time limit. Multi-phase projects will require submission of applications for subsequent phases. Each proposed project phase should be able to stand upon its own merit, since additional funding is not guaranteed. Feasibility studies are not eligible. If funds are approved, they will be administered through the jurisdiction or agency endorsing the project. If the applicant decides not to complete a project, VDOT can request reimbursement for all expenditures. Jurisdictions or public agencies formally endorsing an enhancement project will be responsible for cost overruns. Applicants will be reimbursed for eligible costs after the project is satisfactorily completed or periodically based on the project's progress. 8 Project Submission Enhancement projects may be initiated by any group or individual, but prior to submission need to be formally endorsed by a local jurisdiction or public agency, after conducting a duly advertised public hearing. (A sample endorsement resolution is included in this booklet.) Projects that are within a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area require the endorsement of the appropriate MPO (see attached list of jurisdictions) prior to submittal. If an enhancement project is within Virginia Department of Transportation right of way, the department, upon request, may administer the project and may provide technical and planning assistance. If the project is not within VDOT right of way, the project may be administered by the jurisdiction or agency requesting the project. On all enhancement projects, all state and federal regulations and guidelines must be followed including environmental assessments, construction and procurement standards, reimbursement procedures and regulations, and obtaining of any necessary permits. Virginia Department of Transportation staff will be available to provide guidance in these areas. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the sponsoring jurisdiction or agency holds public hearings prior to project submission. To submit a project for consideration, please complete the enclosed application form, present it to the local jurisdiction or public agency (and MPO if necessary) for endorsement, and then submit seven copies of the application package to the Virginia Department of Transportation. If a public agency endorses an application, it must notify the jurisdiction in which the project is located and give the jurisdiction an opportunity to comment on the proposed project. 9 Project Selection Final selection of projects will be done by the Commonwealth Transportation Board working through its Environmental Committee. An outside committee will assist in the evaluation of projects. VDOT and Federal Highway Administration staff will screen projects based upon the following criteria. These criteria must be satisfied for the application to receive further consideration. - meets at least one enhancement category - connectivity to transportation facilities - public hearing held - MPO endorsement if necessary - endorsement by appropriate governmental jurisdiction or entity - local government comments if application by some other entity - maximum federal share no more than 80% - matching funds available - over and above normal transportation practice Projects which meet the screening criteria will be evaluated by the following: - number of federal enhancement categories - inclusion in a state, regional, or local plan - public/private venture-cooperation (multijurisdictional) - total project cost - matching funds in excess of minimum - demonstrable need, community improvement - originality - community support - public accessibility - compatibility with adjacent land use - visibility from a public right of way - environmental and ecological benefits - air quality benefit - historical criteria met - significant aesthetic value to be achieved - economic impact - effect on tourism 10 Other factors: - The project finalists chosen as a result of the above two sets of criteria would then be reviewed in light of "distribution" criteria or factors, such as geographical distribution and urban and rural representation. The above criteria are not listed in order of importance. Additional Information and Assistance For more information on this program, please contact our Enhancement Staff, at 1-800-44-ISTEA (1-800-444-7832), or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) for hearing- or speech impaired, 804-786-4410. In the Richmond area, please call (804) 786-0765. 11 Project Endorsement Resolution (SAMPLE) WHEREAS, in accordance with Commonwealth Transportation Board construction allocation procedures, it is necessary that a request by resolution be received from the local government or state agency in order that the Virginia Department of Transportation program an enhancement project in the (jurisdiction.) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the (local jurisdiction or state agency), requests the Commonwealth Transportation Board to establish a project for the improvement of (name/description of project). BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the (local government or state agency) hereby agrees to pay 20 percent of the total cost for planning and design, right of way, and construction of this project, and that, if the (jurisdiction or agency) subsequently elects to cancel this project, (the jurisdiction or agency) hereby agrees to reimburse the Virginia Department of Transportation for the total amount of the costs expended by the Department through the date the Department is notified of such cancellation. Adopted this_______ day of_______________,19 _____________________________, Virginia BY (CEO of jurisdiction/agency) ATTEST 12 Metropolitan Planning Organizations Proposed transportation enhancement projects that are within a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area require the endorsement of the appropriate MPO. Contact your local MPO to determine their involvement. Kingsport MEPO - (615) 229-9414 - Kingsport - Part of Scott County Bristol MPO - (703) 669-1226 - Bristol - Part of Washington County Richmond MPO - (804) 358-3684 - Richmond - Ashland - Part of Chesterfield County - Part of Goochland County - Part of Hanover County - Henrico County - Part of Powhatan County Hampton Roads MPO - (804) 420-8300 - Chesapeake - Hampton - Newport News - Norfolk Portsmouth - Poquoson - Suffolk - Virginia Beach - Williamsburg - James City County - York County - Part of Gloucester County - Part of Isle of Wight County Tri-Cities MEPO - (804) 861-1666 - Colonial Heights - Hopewell - Petersburg - Part of Chesterfield County 13 - Part of Dinwiddie County - Part of Prince George County Roanoke MPO - (703) 343-4417 - Roanoke - Salem - Vinton - Part of Botetourt County - Part of Roanoke County National Capitol Region Transportation Planning Board - (202) 962-3310 - Alexandria - Fairfax - Falls Church - Manassas - Manassas Park - Arlington County - Fairfax County - Loudoun County - Prince William County Charlotte/Albemarle MPO - (804) 972-1720 - Charlottesville - Part of Albemarle County Lynchburg MPO - (804) 845-3491 - Lynchburg - Part of Amherst County - Part of Bedford County - Part of Campbell County Danville MPO - (703) 638-3987 - Danville - Part of Pittsylvania County Fredericksburg MPO - (703) 373-2890 - Fredericksburg - Spotsylvania County - Stafford County 14 Application Form Instructions Please answer all questions on the attached Application Form. Attach any additional information you believe will more fully explain and support your proposed project or activity. It is preferred that the project benefits will be described in three or fewer pages. If additional pages are necessary, a one-page summary should be included. It is incumbent upon the applicant to ensure that the application is complete and accurate, and that it is delivered by the prescribed date. 1. APPLICANT - Name of the group or agency requesting the transportation enhancement activity or project. 2. RESPONSIBLE PERSON - Name, phone number and, if appropriate, title of the individual who is submitting and directing this project. 3. ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY - Identify your proposed type of project by circling all numbered categories which you believe are appropriate. Refer to the ten numbered project categories listed below. 1. Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles 2. Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites 3. Scenic or historic highway programs 4. Landscaping or other scenic beautification 5. Historic preservation 6. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals) 7. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use thereof for pedestrian or bicycle trails) 8. Control and removal of outdoor advertising 9. Archaeological planning and research 10. Mitigation of water pollution due to highway run-off 15 4. PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION - Fully describe the candidate project, including title, location and proposed activities for which federal reimbursement is requested. Describe existing conditions, the proposed facilities and the construction work or activities to be funded as part of the proposed project. You may use additional pages to describe your candidate project. If a site development plan is available, it should be attached to your request form. As a minimum, provide a map locating the project in relation to nearby highways, municipalities, or other landmarks (as appropriate). Please mark all attachments with the project name and location. 5. PRIOR NUMBER - If you are proposing more than one project, use a separate application form for each project and rank your candidates from the highest priority (#1) to the lowest priority. Reproduce as many copies of the blank form as you need. 6. HEARINGS/ENDORSEMENTS - A public hearing must be held by the appropriate body. The applicant should include a dated copy of the public hearing notice. If applicable, an endorsement by the Metropolitan Planning Organization must be obtained. The local jurisdiction or agency must pass a resolution similar to the sample appearing on page 12, including the required local commitment in the event the applicant fails to provide the necessary funding. The applicant is encouraged to include other statements of support that should be considered in the application process. 7. PROJECT SCHEDULE - Provide information on when you can begin the design and construction/if implementation phases of your project. It may be that the Board would not be able to approve full funding for the described project, but would consider funding a lesser amount. If this is the case and you are stiff interested, please describe this abbreviated viable project under Item 10 (BENEFITS). Planning and Design - is the detailed planning portion of the project in which plans (working drawings), specifications and required materials lists, and, if necessary, bid documents are prepared. Also, the project 16 feasibility should be determined. Funds will not be available for any work begun prior to authorization. Construction/Implementation - is the phase in which the intended product of the proposed project or activity is produced. It can either be physical construction or implementation of the project activities. 8. OWNERSHIP - Identify who will own the completed project. If ongoing maintenance and operation of the proposed project will be necessary, describe how and by whom this will be done. 9. PROJECT COSTS - Identify the full cost of all project phases for which federal participation is requested. Of this total, a maximum of 80 percent can be funded by the Federal Highway Administration. Twenty percent or more of the cost of the project must be provided from non-federal sources-either local, private, or state funding. Be specific in listing the sources for the non-federal funds being provided for the project. VDOT costs for preliminary engineering must be included in the total cost estimate. (This cost should average about $ 1,000 per project. Please contact the Enhancement Staff with any questions about these costs.) Project Cost Breakdown - In this section, fist the amount of federal funds which you are requesting for each phase (design, land acquisition, construction/implementation). In-Kind Match-If you are requesting to provide an in-kind contribution in lieu of funds for all or part of the non- federal funding, please full explain your proposal. The tangible in-kind match could include donations of land or some of the materials to be used or professional services related to the project that are documentable. 10. BENEFITS - This is your opportunity to discuss why your project should be added to Virginia's Transportation Enhancement Program. Explain the anticipated results, benefits, areawide or statewide contributions, and 17 new opportunities for innovation, diversity or creativity in integrating our transportation systems into the community or the surrounding environment. 11. SIGNATURE - This is the person who will be responsible for the management and implementation of your proposed project. You may wish to attach a resume or statement of the management experience and accomplishments of this individual, to further support your proposal. 12. MAILING ADDRESS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - You are invited to call our Enhancement Staff at 1-800-441STEA ( 1-800-444-7832), or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) for hearing- or speech-impaired, 804-786-4410 if you have any questions. In the Richmond area, please call (804) 786-0765. Send seven copies of your application package to the following address: Mr. Robert 0. Cassada Programming and Scheduling Division Virginia Department of Transportation 1401 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 The Virginia Department of Transportation will formally acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not received notification within two weeks, please contact Mr. Robert E. Teffetl. This will assure consideration of projects which may have been lost or misdirected. It is still incumbent upon the applicant to meet any established deadlines. Application Deadline January 31 is the normal deadline for sub of projects each year. Applications received after close of business on that date cannot be considered, and must be resubmitted for consideration the next year. 18 Commonwealth of Virginia TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT P R O G R A M APPLICATION FORM FOR CANDIDATE PROJECT 1 APPLICANT (Group, Agency, etc.) Name and Address: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 2. RESPONSIBLE PERSON/TITLE Telephone Number (____)_________ __________________________________________________ 3. ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY NUMBERS (See instructions. Circle all that apply): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION Project Title: ______________________________________________ Project Size (Size of Project/Acreage):______________________ Project Location Project Description (Include Streets, County and (attach site location map): Municipalities): ___________________________ __________________________ ___________________________ __________________________ ___________________________ __________________________ (add additional pages as needed) 5. PRIOPRITY NUMBER of this project is ______________ The total number of projects submitted ___________ 6. DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING _________________________ Attach copy of public notice. Have the local government bodies officially supported/endorsed this project? Yes_____ No_____ Attach documentation including resolution. Also document support from any other civic or public interest groups or organizations. Has the MPO officially endorsed the project? Yes___ No___ NA___ Attach documentation (if applicable). 7. PROJECT CONSTRUCTION/IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE (month and year) Begin Design ________________________ Begin Construction/Implementation ________________________ Estimate completion date of project __________________ 8. OWNERSHIP Who will own/maintain the completed project? ______________________________________________________________ 9. ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT Non-federal participation (applicant match) $________________ (minimum 20% of cost) Federal participation requested $_________________ Total project cost $_________________ Non-federal Funds Status List of Source(s) (confirmed/anticipated Amount ________________ ______________________ ________________ ________________ ______________________ ________________ ________________ ______________________ ________________ Project cost breakdown (sub-totals): Planning and Design $_________________________ Land Acquisition $_________________________ Utility Relocation $_________________________ Construction/Implementation $_________________________ Describe in detail any tangible in-kind match you propose for the match requirement. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 10. BENEFITS How does the candidate project support the eligible category and satisfy the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act definition for Transportation Enhancement Activities? Please address benefits and public use anticipated. Use additor 8« x 11 sheets if needed. 11. SIGNATURE (Responsible Person) _________________________________________Date_________________ MAILING ADDRESS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Please mail seven copies of your completed application package to the following address: Mr. Robert O. Cassada Programming and Scheduling Division Virginia Department of Transportation Richmond, Virginia 23219 Please mark all attachments with project name and location.
