Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) Grants


     The Transportation Enhancement Program is similar to that of the past. As defined by the Federal Act, the eligible activities include:

1. Facilities for pedestrians or bicycles

2. Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites

3. Scenic or historic highway programs

4. Landscaping and other scenic beautification

5. Historic preservation

6. Rehabilitation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals)

7. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including conversion for use as bicycle or pedestrian trails)

8. Control and removal of outdoor advertising

9. Archaeological planning and research

10. Mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff

These activities are exclusive, meaning that only the ten activities are eligible. Your project may include other items, however, only these specific items are eligible, and only these specific items will be considered for funding.

Other requirements for eligibility are:

1. The project must have a direct and substantial link to the intermodal transportation system.

2. The project must be above and beyond the normal transportation activity.

3. The project must not be a required mitigation.

4. The project must be accomplished without an adverse effect on a cultural, historical, archeological or environmental resource.

5. The project must have a public, political sponsor.