Local Assistance Division
Transportation Enhancement Program
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 expired Sept. 30, 2009. The program is currently funded through an extension of SAFETEA-LU. Congress and the federal administration are currently preparing transportation bills for consideration but to date, a new bill has not been passed.
The next application deadline is Nov. 1, 2011 – note the change from Dec. 1!
Note: All files are in Adobe PDF format 
unless noted.
Program Information
- 2011 project sponsor workshops
- Applying for Enhancement Funds (71 KB)
- Enhancement Program application (Word)
- Enhancement Program procedure manual
- Enhancement Program Procedure Manual with tracked changes
- CTB resolution adopting policy changes
- Project eligibility (revised 2009)
- Funding
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations
- Sample resolution (revised 2009)
- Enhancement quarterly progress report
Project Sponsor Workshop Presentations
- 2011 Sponsor workshop
- Plan Design
- Environmental Requirements
- Aspects of a Good Contract
- Reimbursement and Match
- DBE Goal Setting and Good Faith Efforts
Program Allocations
- 2011 selections (Fiscal Year 2012 allocations)
- 2010 selections (Fiscal Year 2011 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
Fax: 804-371-0847
E-mail: EnhancementProgram@VDOT.Virginia.gov
