RICHMOND, May 19, 2006 – The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) this week approved $17.3 million in federal funding that will go toward enhancement projects such as bike trails, sidewalks, train station restorations and streetscaping and beautification projects that enhance communities. By federal law, these funds cannot be used for any other purpose.

The funding will go toward 89 new and ongoing projects across the state.

The projects are funded through the Transportation Enhancement Program. Funding is made possible through the federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). In accordance with SAFETEA-LU requirements, each state must set aside 10 percent of its federal Surface Transportation Program funds for enhancement projects.

The Transportation Enhancement Program was started in 1991 to promote unique and innovative projects using federal funds that are available through an application process administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

On the Internet:

For a complete list of enhancement projects, click here.

For more information on the Transportation Enhancement program, go to

http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/pr-enhancegrants.asp.

Page last modified: May 19, 2006