Federal Transportation Funds Benefit Recreation
Federal Highway Administration Programs Benefit Trails
- Who is FHWA?
- FHWA Funds for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Projects and Trails
- Key Programs for Trail Projects
- Federal Lands Highways Program
- Federal-Aid Highway Program Funds for Trails
- Transportation Enhancements
- Transportation Enhancements: 12 Eligible Activities
- Transportation Enhancements
- How does TE project funding work?
- Some TE Concerns
- National Scenic Byways Program
- Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
- RTP Eligible Projects
- RTP Partnerships
- Who can sponsor an RTP project?
- How does RTP project funding work?
- How do I get funds for my project?
- Federal Highway Program Update
- RTP and TE Benefits
- For more information
Who is FHWA?
- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the US Department of Transportation, provides expertise, resources, and information to improve the nation's highway system and its intermodal connections.
- The Federal-Aid Highway Program provides financial assistance to the States to construct and improve the National Highway System, other roads, bridges, and trails.
- The Federal Lands Highway Program provides access to and within national forests and parks, Indian reservations, and other public lands by preparing plans, letting contracts, supervising construction, and inspecting bridges.
- FHWA conducts and manages a comprehensive research, development, and technology program.
FHWA Funds for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Projects and Trails
- Pedestrian and bicycle projects are eligible for every major Federal-aid funding category.
- The Federal Surface Transportation Program is the largest single funding source for shared use paths, trails, and related projects in the United States:
- $400 million/year for pedestrian and bicycle related facilities; rose to $564 million in FY 2007, and $541 million in FY 2008.
- Recreational trails funding rises from $60 million in FY 2005 to $85 million in FY 2009.
- Pedestrian Safety is one of FHWA's "Vital Few" priority areas.
See:
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/bipedfund.htm
- Transportation Enhancement Funding: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/app_resc_ob.htm
- Safe Routes to School Program Funding: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/fy09projection.htm
- Recreational Trails Program Funding: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/recfunds.htm
Key Programs for Trail Projects
- Federal Lands Highways Program
- Surface Transportation Program
- Transportation Enhancement Activities
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
- National Scenic Byways Program
- Recreational Trails Program
- Safe Routes to School
- TE and RTP can support Youth Corps
Federal Lands Highways Program
- Provides access to and within Federal lands.
- Project decisions made by the Federal land management agencies in coordination with local governments.
- Trails are eligible for funding; agencies have put higher priority on highway access and safety projects.
- Emphasis on pedestrian safety.
- See http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/index.htm.
Federal-Aid Highway Program Funds for Trails
- Surface Transportation Program (STP), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), and Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
- Broad range of eligible projects: from highway construction to pedestrian and bicycle projects and transportation trails.
- SRTS projects are eligible within about 2 miles of elementary and middle schools, and may include trails.
- CMAQ projects must benefit air quality; may be used as STP in States with no nonattainment areas.
- Pedestrian/bicycle/trail projects using STP or CMAQ funds may be located anywhere. While 23 U.S.C 133(c) requires most STP projects to be located within Federal-aid highway rights-of-way, it exempts bicycle and pedestrian projects and safety projects from the highway requirement. The Secretary of Transportation issued an exemption for Transportation Enhancements projects.
- See STP Legislation at http://frwebgate5.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/TEXTgate.cgi?WAISdocID=723943137692+0+1+0&WAISaction=retrieve.
- See TE Exception at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/gmemo_request.htm.
- Pedestrian/bicycle/trail projects using HSIP or SRTS funds also can be located anywhere:
- HSIP: 23 U.S.C. 148(d)(1)(A)
- SRTS: SAFETEA-LU §1404(f)(1)(B)
Transportation Enhancement Activities
- Transportation Enhancement (TE) activities expand transportation choices and enhance the transportation experience through 12 eligible TE activities related to surface transportation.
- Funding: 10% of STP (including Equity Bonus attributed to STP): $800 million per year (2005-2009).
Surface Transportation
Surface transportation means all elements of the intermodal transportation system, exclusive of aviation. For the purposes of TE eligibility, surface transportation includes water as surface transportation and includes as eligible activities related features such as canals, lighthouses, and docks or piers connecting to ferry operations, as long as the proposed enhancement otherwise meets the basic eligibility criteria.
Funds: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/app_resc_ob.htm
Surface transportation means all elements of the intermodal transportation system, exclusive of aviation. For the purposes of TE eligibility, surface transportation includes water as surface transportation and includes as eligible activities related features such as canals, lighthouses, and docks or piers connecting to ferry operations, as long as the proposed enhancement otherwise meets the basic eligibility criteria.
Funds: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/app_resc_ob.htm
Transportation Enhancement Activities. 12 Eligible Categories
- Pedestrian and bicycle facilities
- Pedestrian and bicycle safety and education
- Scenic or historic easements and sites
- Scenic or historic highway programs
- Landscaping and scenic beautification
- Historic preservation
- Historic transportation buildings, structures, or facilities
- Rail-trail conversions
- Inventory, control, and removal of outdoor advertising
- Archaeological planning and research
- Mitigate highway water pollution and wildlife mortality
- Transportation museums
See more details at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/teas.htm.
Transportation Enhancement Activities
- Administered by State DOTs. Each State has its own project selection process.
- States requirements may be stricter than the Federal requirements.
- States are encouraged to use Youth Corps.
- Contact your State TE Manager.
- See www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te and www.enhancements.org.
- The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse provides technical assistance for TE: www.enhancements.org.
- FHWA and the Corps Network will develop a publication in 2008 to help States and Youth Corps work better together.
How does TE project funding work?
- Project sponsors apply to their State DOT.
- Project sizes vary in each State: some have minimum and/or maximum amounts.
- Reimbursable cost share program (not up-front except for case-by-case working capital basis):
- 23 U.S.C. 132 allows up-front transfers to Federal agencies.
- 23 U.S.C. 133(e)(3) has an advance payment option.
- In general: 80% Federal share / sliding scale, with some flexibility (23 U.S.C. 133(e)(5)(C)).
States must keep the aggregate non-Federal not less than their share under 23 U.S.C. 120(b) (80%/sliding scale).
- States may allow funds from Federal agencies to match TE funds, but this conflicts with a requirement for States to meet their programmatic Federal share.
- States may allow a programmatic match.
- States may allow individual projects up to a 100% Federal share.
- See http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/1999guidance.htm#summa.
Some TE Issues
- TE projects must relate to surface transportation.
- TE has been attacked for diverting the Highway Trust Fund for nonhighway purposes.
- TE trail projects must meet accessibility requirements.
- Nothing in Federal law or regulation requires trails to be paved.
- Nothing in Federal law or regulation prohibits equestrian use.
- FHWA developed a Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Nonmotorized Trails.
- Project sponsors must include various interest groups in the project development process: equestrians and other trail users, historic preservation advocates, etc.
- USDOT encourages States to use Youth Corps on TE projects, but few States use them.
- Although TE projects must relate to surface transportation, nothing in Federal law prohibits TE funded trails from allowing recreational use. The restriction in 23 U.S.C. 217(i) only applies only bicycle projects, not to other uses.
- A House of Representatives proposal in Summer 2003 to eliminate TE funds failed: 327-90. A Senate proposal to cut TE funds in May 17, 2005 failed 84-16.
- Accessible trails must have a firm and stable surface, but this does not necessarily require paving. It is also possible to have dual tracks: one accessible (firm and stable) track, and one soft surface track.
- The project development process requires open public involvement for all possible stakeholders. Equestrians, mountain bicyclists, snowmobilers, historic preservation advocates, and others have a right to participate in any trail or highway project development process.
- See Equestrian and Other Nonmotorized Use on Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/allow_uses.htm. States may have more restrictive requirements. Project sponsors can limit uses based on safety considerations.
- FHWA developed a Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Nonmotorized Trails and Pedestrian Walkways under 23 U.S.C. §217. See www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/framework.htm.
- FHWA encourages States to use Youth Corps on TE projects. See www.enhancements.org/connections/Vol9no2.pdf for examples. FHWA and the Corps Network are developing a publication in 2008 to encourage States and Youth Corps to work better together.
National Scenic Byways Program
- Designates All American Roads and National Scenic Byways: America's BywaysTM
- Discretionary program rises from $26.5 m in FY 2005 to $43.5 m in FY 2009.
- Funds for designated byways.
- Program info, see
www.bywaysonline.org - Traveler info, see
www.byways.org
Eligible Scenic Byways Projects
- Plan, design, develop State byway program.
- Corridor management plans.
- Safety improvements to byways.
- Enhance recreation access.
- Protect scenic, historic, recreation, cultural, natural, archaeological resources adjacent to a scenic byway.
- Develop and provide tourist information.
- Develop and implement a marketing program.
Recreational Trails Program
- Funds to develop and maintain recreational trails for all trail uses.
- Only FHWA program to support routine maintenance.
- Rises from $60 m in FY 2005 to $85 m in FY 2009.
- Funds distributed by formula to States: see www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/recfunds.htm.
- Represents a portion of the Federal motor fuel excise tax paid by OHV users.
- States solicit and select projects for funding.
- States are encouraged to use Youth Corps.
- See www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails.
RTP Eligible Projects
- Maintain and restore existing trails (and bridges).
- Develop and rehabilitate trailside and trailhead facilities.
- Purchase and lease trail construction and maintenance equipment.
- Construct new trails (limits on Federal lands).
- Acquire easements or property for trails (willing seller only: Condemnation is prohibited).
- Trail assessments for accessibility and maintenance.
- Trail safety and environmental protection education.
- State administrative costs.
RTP Partnerships
- Each State has a State Trail Committee to assist with the program.
- Committees represent both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail users.
- The committees help trail groups cooperate and communicate with each other.
- Partnerships lead to better projects, and better maintained trails.
Through the RTP, FHWA has worked with:
- Federal Interagency Council on Trails.
- National Trails Training Partnership to develop trail training: www.NTTP.net.
- Federal Interagency trail training course.
- National Trails Day - first Saturday of June: see www.americanhiking.org/ntd.aspx.
- National Scenic and Historic Trails.
- US Forest Service Technology and Development Centers to provide trail publications to the public: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/index.htm.
- National conferences for trail organizations.
- US Access Board, US Forest Service, and others to develop trail accessibility guidelines: see www.access-board.gov/outdoor/outdoor-rec-rpt.htm and www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility/.
- OHV, Mountain Bike, and Equestrian groups to develop trail design and management manuals.
- Snowmobile and OHV safety and ethics information.
- Coalition for Recreational Trails for the RTP Database: www.funoutdoors.info/rtphome.html.
Many trail related publications are available at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/publications.htm.
American Trails has an extensive resources library at http://www.americantrails.org/resources/index.html.
American Trails has an extensive resources library at http://www.americantrails.org/resources/index.html.
Who can sponsor an RTP project?
- Federal agencies (restrictions in a few States)
- Tribal government agencies
- State agencies
- Local agencies: county, city, town, township, borough, school, water/sewer district, etc.
- Nonprofit organizations (many States)
- For profit organizations (a few States)
- Project sponsors are encouraged to use qualified youth conservation or service corps
How does RTP project funding work?
- Project sponsors apply to their State.
- Project sizes vary in each State: some have minimum and/or maximum amounts.
- Reimbursable cost share program (not up-front except for case-by-case working capital basis). 23 U.S.C. 132 allows up-front transfers to Federal agencies.
- In general: 80% Federal share / sliding scale.
- Flexibilities for Federal agency project sponsors.
- RTP may match / be matched by other Federal funds.
RTP Federal share:
- In general: 80% Federal share / sliding scale.
- Federal project sponsors may provide an additional Federal share up to 95% Federal.
- Funds from Federal programs can match RTP funds.
- RTP Funds may match other Federal funds.
- States may allow a programmatic match.
- See Draft RTP Federal Share and Matching Requirements under SAFETEA-LU - 12/21/05
How do I get funds for my project?
- Contact your State RTP or TE Administrator: see www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/rtpstate.htm or www.enhancements.org.
- Develop a workable, realistic project.
- Get public support.
- Develop funding sources and donations.
- Consider youth corps involvement
- Youth Corps: seek out project sponsors.
- Develop a good design: consider the trail setting, community benefits, user needs, accessibility.
- Consider potential problems:
- Environmental impacts: wetlands, endangered species, archaeological impacts, etc.
- Permits
- Public opposition: liability, property rights, safety, environmental impact.
- Complete the project application completely.
- If approved, get to work!
- Submit an invoice if you want to get paid!
Complete the project application completely. However, please remember that project reviewers have limited time available to review your application. Provide the essential information necessary to determine if your project is eligible and beneficial. But please don't include information that is not relevant or necessary. Do not include:
- Historical anecdotes that don't directly relate to the project.
- Copies of supplemental reports that are not necessary to support the application.
- Costs and proposals for items that are not eligible or relevant: this may result in rejecting your entire project.
- Please don't start letter writing campaigns in support of the application. A few select letters of support may be helpful from key elected officials or high ranking decisionmakers--if required in the application process. But spam-style letter writing campaigns that don't provide useful information for the reviewer may only aggravate the reviewers.
- Once approved, get to work. States will rescind funds from projects that don't move forward, because funds expire if not used.
- You must submit an invoice if you want to get paid.
- You must not charge for ineligible items.
- When the project is complete, make sure the State initiates project close out procedures.
Federal Highway Program Update
The Federal Surface Transportation Program must be reauthorized (or extended) in FY 2009. FHWA is considering input.
- Secretary of Transportation's Reform Proposal: www.fightgridlocknow.gov.
- National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission: www.transportationfortomorrow.org.
- Chair of House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee: http://transportation.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=721.
- State DOTs; Highway Users; Transit; Rail
- Federal Land Management Agencies
- Other Interests: air quality, bicyclists, climate change, ecosystems, environment, freight, trails, wildlife...
Some transportation interests and links:
- Secretary of Transportation's Reform Proposal: www.fightgridlocknow.gov.
- National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission: www.transportationfortomorrow.org.
- Chair of House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee: http://transportation.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=721.
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (represents State DOTs): www.transportation.org.
- Federal Land Management Agencies
- Active Transportation: www.railtrails.org/whatwedo/trailadvocacy/2010Campaign.html
- American Highway Users Allliance: www.highways.org
- American Public Transportation Association: www.apta.com
- Air Quality
- Bicyclists: Bike Belong: www.bikesbelong.org
- Climate Change
- Ecosystems
- Pedestrians: www.americawalks.org
- Safe Routes to School: National Center for Safe Routes to School: www.saferoutesinfo.org
- Safe Routes to School National Partnership: www.saferoutespartnership.org
- Surface Transportation Policy Partnership: www.transact.org
- Trails. Summary of input from trail-related conferences: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/stam2007/reauth_summ.htm prepared for September 2007 State Trail Administrators Meeting; occasionally updated.
- Wildlife: Defenders of Wildlife: www.defenders.org/programs_and_policy/habitat_conservation/habitat_and_highways/index.php
For more information:
- State RTP Administrator contacts: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/rtpstate.htm.
- State TE Manager contacts: www.enhancements.org.
National RTP and TE oversight:
Christopher Douwes
Trails and Enhancements Program Manager
christopher.douwes@dot.gov
202-366-5013; fax 202-366-3409
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