Printer Friendly Version of this Page

The goal of the Transportation Enhancements (TE) Program is to provide the funding needed to support the development and implementation of a variety of non-traditional projects that highlight the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the transportation system.

The TE Program was established under the federal Intermodal Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, reauthorized through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in 1998, and was reauthorized again through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, efficient Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005. Under the TE Program, states are required to use at least 10 percent of their federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds for TE projects. The TE program makes funds available for eligible projects on a reimbursement basis; these funds are not administered as grants. All federal TE projects must meet the following three criteria:

• The project must have a relationship to surface transportation;
• The project must be dedicated to public use; and,
• The project must fit into at least one of the twelve activities listed below.

1. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities
2. Pedestrian and bicycle safety education
3. Acquisition of scenic or historic sites
4. Scenic or historic highway programs
5. Landscaping and scenic beautification
6. Historic Preservation
7. Rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities
8. Conversion of abandoned railway corridors to trails
9. Control and removal of outdoor advertising
10. Archaeological planning and research
11. Environmental mitigation
12. Transportation museums

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) TE Program builds on the federal program in two very important ways. First, DelDOT uses greater than 10 percent of its STP funds and adds a significant amount of state funds to support the Program. Second, although all projects funded under the Program must fall into one or more of the above-referenced activities, DelDOT will focus on projects that support local economic development efforts and increase the quality of Delawareans' lives

All county and municipal governments, other state agencies, and private non-profit organizations are eligible sponsors. DelDOT will arrange a meeting with all potential project sponsors on site to discuss project limits and constraints and to develop concepts and cost estimates.

Proposals for TE projects will be accepted continually and evaluated as quickly as possible. DelDOT will give all applicants a written answer. Any proposed project using federal funds will be shared with the relevant Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

DelDOT will determine whether a project will succeed best by having either DelDOT or the sponsor act as the administrator. We anticipate most will be the former. DelDOT-administered projects will require us to work closely with the sponsor to undertake every aspect of design, advertisement, construction and inspection. All DelDOT-administered projects, both within and outside of DelDOT's right-of-way (ROW), will proceed in accordance with the required plan format and standards. Sponsor-administered projects will require the sponsoring agency to carry out these activities on their own behalf, with oversight and assistance from DelDOT. All sponsor-administered projects, both inside and outside of DelDOT's ROW, must follow the sponsor's plan format and standards, and comply with all federal and state laws.

Individual TE projects may be funded up to $1,000,000. There is no limit on the number of projects for which a sponsor can submit proposals. However, DelDOT will strive to balance both geography and funding levels between the very best applications.

Although the Federal Highway Administration requires a 20 percent match for TE Funding eligibility, DelDOT will insure this over the course of the entire Program rather than on an individual project basis. By doing this, DelDOT can help a greater number of smaller applicants, as detailed below:

Eligible matching funds can come from several sources. All matching funds must be accurately committed and documented by DelDOT and the sponsor, before the project is awarded. Eligible match includes:

• Appraised value of private lane (donated ROW or property related to the project),
• Design services,
• Construction or construction inspection services,
• Materials,
• Private cash,
• Funds from other federal (not other US DOT funds) or state agencies, and
• Community Transportation Funds (CTF) provided that they are used on public property.

DelDOT welcomes all inquiries. We are available to answer questions, attend meetings, and assist potential project sponsors in developing project nominations. Please send inquiries to:

Jeff Niezgoda
Planning Supervisor
VOICE: (302) 760-2178
FAX: (302) 739-2251

Delaware Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 778
Dover, DE 19903