Transportation Planning

Transportation Enhancements (TE) Program

Program Description

The DMATS Enhancements (TE) program was created to support projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience through improvements to the cultural, aesthetic, historic and environmental aspects of the transportation network.

Through eligible activities like bicycle and pedestrian accommodation, historic preservation, scenic or historic highway programs, control of outdoor advertising, and environmental mitigation of runoff pollution and provision of wildlife connectivity, the TE program provides support to the surface transportation system and the communities it serves.

Eligible Projects

• Facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists;
• Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites;
• Scenic or historic highway programs, including provision of tourist and welcome center facilities;
• Landscaping and other scenic beautification, including graffiti and litter removal;
• Historic preservation;
• Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities, including historic railroad facilities and canals;
• Preservation of abandoned railway corridors, including the conversion and use of those corridors for pedestrian or bicycle trails;
• Control and removal of outdoor advertising;
• Archaeological planning and research;
• Environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff, or reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity;
• Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists;
• Establishment of transportation museums;

 

Selection Process
The DMATS tech Committee oversees the program that provides funds to sponsors of transportation projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience. This committee reviews, scores, and recommends project applications requesting Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds. Their recommendations are given to the DMATS Policy Committee for approval. The committee consists of a rotating balance of local government and public works officials in the region.

The DMATS Tech committee follows the rules and regulations pertaining to the program as set forth in the Federal Highway Administration. However, some additional restrictions have been placed to make the program more efficient and maximize the federal dollars used for construction activities.

Sample DMATS Enhancement Application (hyperlink)

Outside resources

IA DOT Enhancement Program

National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse

 

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