Resources

National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) is an information service sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. TE Basics TE by State TE News Library Links NTEC maintains an up-to-date directory to help you find contact information for your State TE Manager and your State's FHWA liason.

The links on this page provide tools and resources culled from a wide variety of industry resources ranging from Federal agencies to local privately funding organizations all supporting the goals of Transportation Enhancement Activities.

Please note: Links to web sites outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT) are offered for your convenience in accessing related information. Linking to a web site does not constitute an endorsement by DOT or any of its employees. We will not intentionally link to or endorse any websites which offer commercial products or services. To view PDF files, you need the Acrobat® Reader®.

On this page:

• Federal Agency Links
  • Federal Highway Administration
  • Other Department of Transportation
  • Historic Preservation Agencies
  • U.S. Forest Service - Trail Resources
  • Other Federal Agencies
• Interagency Agreements
• State Resources
• TE Organizations
• TE Related Information Resources

Presentations:

• Federal Transportation Funds Benefit Recreation
  A narrative description (and presentation) of how FHWA programs can benefit recreational interests.
• Presentation: Historic Preservation and Transportation Enhancements
  National Preservation Conference, Pittsburgh PA - 1 November 2006

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Federal Agency Links

Federal Highway Administration

• Archaeology and Historic Preservation
  Provides guidance and technical assistance regarding Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, policy, procedures, and training on technical topics related to archeology and historic preservation.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
  Promotes bicycle and pedestrian transportation accessibility, use, and safety.
  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Guidance.
  • Publications: This webpage has resources for pedestrian and bicycle facility planning, design, construction, and operation; information on highway and street crossings; accessibility information; pedestrian and bicycle safety education; and pedestrian and bicycle best practices.

• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
  Funds transportation projects that reduce emissions in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas.

• Community Impact Assessment
  Addressing community concerns in transportation decisionmaking.

• Environmental Guidebook
  Links to FHWA, Federal Transit Administration, and other USDOT policies, procedures, and guidance related to the environment and transportation.

• Environmental Justice
  Avoiding negative impacts, ensuring benefits, and ensuring full and fair participation of all affected communities in transportation decisionmaking.

• Environmental Streamlining for Historic Preservation
  Examples and Programmatic Agreements to expedite the environmental review process, while protecting and enhancing the environment.

• Federal-aid Program Administration Guidance
  Guidance on Federal-aid Programs, Stewardship and Oversight, and reconstruction requirements.

• Federal-aid Program Contract Administration Guidance
  Guidance on contract administration issues including contract provisions, procedures, policies, and requirements.

• Federal Lands Highway Program
  Provides transportation engineering services for planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation of the highways and bridges providing access to federally owned lands.

• Highway Traffic Noise

• It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air
  A public education and partnership-building initiative to help regional, State, and community efforts to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

• National Scenic Byways Program
  Includes information about America's Byways, program history, contacts, logos, grants, and nominations.
  • Scenic Byways website for travelers

• Natural Environment
  Links to policy and resources on agricultural land, ecosystem management, water quality, wetlands, and wildlife protection and habitat connectivity, including critter crossings.

• Outdoor Advertising Control Policy
  History, overview, studies, and valuable insight into the Federal Outdoor Advertising Control Program.

• Real Estate Policy and The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act)
  Requirements and Guidance on Real Estate Acquisition and other Right-of-Way issues.
  • Acquisition: Acquiring Real Property for Federal and Federal-aid Programs and Projects

• Recreational Trails Program
  Provides information on recreational trails and trail funding.

• Roadside Vegetation Management
  The FHWA Roadside Vegetation Program serves as a technical resource for vegetation management.

• Section 4(f) Policy Paper - March 1, 2005

• TrailLink 2005 - Federal Highway Administration Presentation by Cynthia J. Burbank

Other Department of Transportation

• U.S. Department of Transportation Reform Proposal
  On July 29, 2008, the Secretary of Transportation announced a new framework to overhaul the way U.S. transportation decisions and investments are made.

• Federal Railroad Administration, Highway-Rail Crossing and Trespasser Division
  Provides information on safety near railroads.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Programs
  Educational outreach, enforcement, and legislation programs to reduce pedestrian and bicycle injuries and fatalities.

• The Bureau of Transportation Statistics
  Provides statistical information on transportation and a link to the National Transportation Library.

• U.S. Department of Transportation Accessibility Website
  The Department is committed to building a transportation system that provides access for all Americans.

• U.S. Department of Transportation Preserve America Website
  The Department promotes preservation and heritage tourism encouraged by the Preserve America program.

Historic Preservation Agencies

• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
  The mission of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is to promote the preservation, enhancement, and productive use of our Nation's historic resources, and advise the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy.

• Preserve America
  Preserve America is a White House initiative to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include: a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

• FHWA Archaeology and Historic Preservation
  Provides guidance and technical assistance regarding Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, policy, procedures, and training on technical topics related to archaeology and historic preservation. See also FHWA's Preserve America Memorandum.

• National Park Service Heritage Preservation Service
  Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service, helps our nation's citizens and communities identify, evaluate, protect and preserve historic properties for future generations of Americans. Matching Historic Preservation Fund grants to partners--States, Indian tribes, territories, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation--may be used for survey and planning (and some "bricks and mortar" preservation work).

• The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
  The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation are ten basic principls created to help preserve the distinctive character of a historic building and its site, while allowing for reasonable change to meet new needs.

U.S. Forest Service - Trails Resources

• Federal Surface Transportation Programs and Transportation Planning for Federal Land Management Agencies-A Guidebook
  The guidebook is designed to assist Federal land managers, staff, and partners in developing relationships and in maximizing participation in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) surface transportation programs.

• U.S. Forest Service National Trail Drawings and Specifications

• U.S. Forest Service, Trail Accessibility Guidelines

• U.S. Forest Service Trail Bridge Catalog [web only]: This website is intended to help land managers and engineers select trail bridge types, decks, rail systems, abutment systems, and materials.

• U.S. Forest Service, Grant Programs
  The Cooperative Forestry Staff, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, works with States, private landowners, and other partners to promote healthy forests and livable communities throughout the United States. Our programs and partnerships help private landowners and rural communities care for their forests, strengthen local economies, and maintain a high quality of life..

Other Federal Agencies

• U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board)
  Develops guidelines and standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act.
  • ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines
    Accessibility guidelines for buildings.
  • Public Rights-of-Way
    Recommends accessibility guidelines for sidewalks, street crossings, and intersections.
  • The Final Report of the Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas
    Proposes accessibility guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act for trails, outdoor recreation access routes, beach access routes, and picnic and camping facilities.

• Bureau of Land Management National Scenic and Historic Trails website

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
  A government wide compendium of Federal programs, projects, services, and activities.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Promoting health through physical activity.

• Environmental Protection Agency - Heat Island Effect
  Communities can take steps to lessen the impacts of heat islands through: installing cool or vegetated green roofs; planting trees and vegetation; and switching to cool paving materials.

• Institute of Museum and Library Services
  An independent grant-making agency of the Federal government to empower museums and libraries nationwide.

• National Endowment for the Arts
  Dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts.

• National Endowment for the Humanities
  An independent grant-making agency of the Federal government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.

• National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
  Provides technical assistance from the National Park Service, and has links to NPS funding programs.

• National Trails System
  A network of scenic, historic, and recreation trails created by the National Trails System Act of 1968. See map.

• Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, Whole Building Design Guide
  The Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) became effective on January 24, 2006.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Refuge Roads Program (Roads and Trails).

Interagency Agreements

• Executive Order 13195: Trails for America in the 21st Century
  To achieve the common goal of better establishing and operating America's national system of trails.

• The National Trails System Memorandum of Understanding (2006)
  • National Park Service, National Trails System. www.nps.gov/nts/

• Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Trails Training and Trails Resource Information Exchange (HTML / PDF 760 KB)
  • National Trails Training Partnership www.nttp.net

• Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Public Health and Recreation (HTML / PDF 54 KB)
  The Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Interior, Army, and Transportation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote uses and benefits of the Nation's public lands and water resources to enhance the physical and mental health and well being of all Americans, through sound nutrition, physical activity, and recreation in America's great outdoors. See Recreational Trails Program - Related Links for links to trail-related recreation resources.

State Resources

• National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse
  The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) is an information service sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. NTEC works to provide professionals, policy makers, and citizens with timely and accurate information necessary to make well-informed decisions about Transportation Enhancements (TE).

• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials: Historic Preservation
  Provides brief summaries of historic preservation issues and programs applicable to the transportation community.

• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials: Environmental Enhancements
  Provides an overview of a range of environmental enhancements programs related to transportation.

• U.S. Bicycle Route System
  The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is hosting a Task Force to develop a national interstate route system for bicycle routes, with input from States and national bicycle advocacy organizations. The Adventure Cycling Association provides staff support. The Task Force has developed a report and a draft corridor plan.

TE Organizations

• Civil War Preservation Trust
  Devoted to the preservation of endangered Civil War battlefields.

• Defenders of Wildlife Habitat and Highways Program
  Defenders supports efforts to reduce the impact of roads and highways on wildlife and habitat and to reduce future impacts by incorporating wildlife conservation into transportation planning.

• National Alliance of Highway Beautification Agencies
  Individuals interested in the study and development of practices and programs related to highway beautification.

• The Corps Network
  Unites youth corps to support youth development, community service, and environmental restoration goals.

• National Recreation and Park Association
  Advances parks, recreation, and environmental conservation efforts.

• National Trust for Historic Preservation
  The National Trust is the leader of the vigorous preservation movement that is saving the best of the country's past for the future.

• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
  Enriching America's communities and countryside by creating a nationwide network of public trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors.

• Scenic America
  Promotes scenic conservation to safeguard natural beauty and community character.

TE Related Information Resources and Links

• Adventure Cycling Association
  A not-for-profit organization dedicated to bicycle travel, offering programs for cyclists, including a national network of bicycle touring routes and organized trips.

• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Report: Taking the High Road
  This report chronicles the environmental and societal benefits that result from transportation with examples from across the country.

• American Society of Landscape Architects
  Promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship.

• American Trails Resource and Library page
  Hundreds of links and full-text publications.

• Bat Conservation International
  Teaches the value of bats to protect and conserve critical bat habitats, and to advance scientific knowledge through research.

• The Center for Craft, Creativity, and Design
  Book and exhibit on Creative Transportation Design.

• Conservation Corps and Transportation: Making the Connection
  This is a guide to transportation funding programs for service and conservation corps.

• Context-Sensitive Design Around the Country - Some Examples
  An e-Circular outlining examples of CSD projects which were presented at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board. Each project considers capacity and safety issues while addressing its physical and human environmental setting.

• Defenders of Wildlife Habitat and Highways Program
  Defenders supports efforts to reduce the impact of roads and highways on wildlife and habitat and to reduce future impacts by incorporating wildlife conservation into transportation planning.

• Equestrian Land Conservation Resource
  Dedicated to promoting access to and conservation of land for equestrian use.

• The Greenways Archive
  Collects publications pertaining to recreational and environmental green spaces.

• Historic Roads
  Dedicated to the Identification, Preservation, and Management of Historic Roads.

• International Dark-Sky Association
  Preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through quality outdoor lighting.

• ITS Technologies to Reduce Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities
  USDOT is exploring the feasibility of development and field-testing of pedestrian detection and warning systems and incorporation of these technologies into a comprehensive infrastructure and/or vehicle-based pedestrian detection and warning system.

• International Mountain Bicycling Association's Resources Guide
  Information on grants, liability, trail building, etc.

• Museum Links
  From the Institute of Museum and Library Services website.

• National Association of Reversionary Property Owners
  Advocate for property rights along railroad corridors.

• National Center on Accessibility
  A program of the Indiana University's Department of Recreation and Park Administration in cooperation with the National Park Service, Office on Accessibility.

• National Center for Bicycling and Walking (NCBW)
  Offers information support, training, consultation services, and resources to public agencies, non-governmental organizations, and advocates; maintains the Internet Support Center; and organizes the biennial ProWalk / ProBike Conference and other special meetings.

• National Center for Safe Routes to School
  Offers information on how to start and sustain a Safe Routes to School program, case studies of successful programs as well as many other resources for training and technical assistance. Established with funding from the US Department of Transportation and operated by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center.

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
  Provides information on a wide variety of engineering, encouragement, education, and enforcement topics. Established with funding from the US Department of Transportation and operated by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, in cooperation with the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.

National Trails Training Partnership - trail organizations and agencies working together to promote trail training and resources. www.nttp.net

• The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
  Provides information on a wide variety of engineering, encouragement, education, and enforcement topics. Established with funding from the US Department of Transportation and operated by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, in cooperation with the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.
  • Pedestrian information: www.walkinginfo.org
  • Bicycle information: www.bicyclinginfo.org

• Section 4(f) Interactive Training
  The Maryland State Highway Administration developed an interactive training program on the requirements of Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Section 4(f) is intended to preserve the beauty and integrity of publicly owned public parks and recreation areas, waterfowl and wildlife refuges, and historic sites considered to have national, State, or local significance.

• Scenic Byways
  FHWA sponsored website for travelers.

• Toolbox for the Great Outdoors (American Recreation Coalition)
  Information about programs available to provide high quality recreation experiences on public lands. The Toolbox is a partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Federal Highway Administration.

• Trail-Building Toolbox
  A comprehensive resource center to fit the needs of all involved in trail development, from first-time citizen advocates to more experienced planners and trail managers.

• Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse
  Provides technical assistance and information resources on all aspects of trail and greenway advocacy, acquisition, development, and management. The Clearinghouse is a joint project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and the Conservation Fund's American Greenways Program.

• Transportation Research Board Bicycle Transportation Committee
  This Committee is concerned with all aspects of bicycling and bicyclists and criteria for bicycle facilities to assure that the bicycle rider has safe, convenient, and efficient travel.

• Transportation Research Board Pedestrian Committee
  This Committee is concerned with research on pedestrians and pedestrian facilities that will provide safe, comfortable, and efficient walking environments along sidewalks, along and across roadways, and connecting to other modes of transportation.

• U.S. Green Building Council
  Promotes buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.

• U.S. Bicycle Route System
  The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is hosting a Task Force to develop a national interstate route system for bicycle routes, with input from States and national bicycle advocacy organizations. The Adventure Cycling Association provides staff support. The Task Force has developed a report and a draft corridor plan.

• Wildlife-Highway Crossing Mitigation Measures and Associated Costs/Benefits: a Toolbox for Montana Department of Transportation.