Get documents about "Guide to TE
Document Sample
A G U I D E T O T R A N S P O R T A T I O N E N H A N C E M E N T S
Enhancing
America’s Communities
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 1
Contents
ntents
Enhancing America’s Communities ............................................................................. 1
Meeting Federal Requirements for Eligibility ................................................................ 2
12 Transportation Enhancements Activities ................................................................. 3
Learning Your Way Around State Transportation Agencies .......................................... 5
Typical Project Development Process ........................................................................... 8
Cas St
21 Cas e St u d i e s
Putting the TE Program Into Action ......................................................................... 10
Silver Comet Trail ..................................................................................................... 10
La Posada Hotel ......................................................................................................... 12
Keystone Ancient Forest Preserve ............................................................................... 13
Mispillion River Greenway ......................................................................................... 14
Vestey Center ............................................................................................................. 15
Great Allegheny Passage ............................................................................................. 16
Rock Island Railroad Depot ....................................................................................... 18
Sentenac Canyon and Cienega ................................................................................... 19
Bicycle Education Enhancement Program .................................................................. 20
Mineral Belt Trail ...................................................................................................... 21
Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory ............................................................................... 22
Ionia County Road—Stream Crossing Inventory ....................................................... 23
James D. Pfluger, FAIA Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge ........................................................ 24
Oklahoma’s Billboard Control and Removal Program ................................................ 25
Virginia Civil War Trails ............................................................................................. 26
The Halifax Road & Hope Plantation ......................................................................... 27
B&O Railroad Station ............................................................................................... 28
Gervais Streetscape ..................................................................................................... 29
North Carolina Transportation Museum ................................................................... 30
Centerville Townscape ............................................................................................... 31
PHOTO CREDITS
Greenway Trail .......................................................................................................... 32
Cover: (left to right, top to bottom) Ben Schroeder
Saddletree Factory, Historic Madison, Inc.; Inside Back Cover: TE Glossary and Web Resources
Mispillion River Greenway, Delaware DOT;
Ionia County Road-Stream Crossing, Ionia County
Road Commission; Rock Island Railroad Depot,
Darren Whitley; Gervais Streetscape, South
Carolina DOT. Ack nowle dgements
ements
dgement
p.2: Colorado DOT; p.4: Ionia County Road
Commission; p.5: Delaware DOT; p.6: Darren
Whitley; p.8: City of Oakland, Maryland; Acknowledgements: Bethaney Bacher, editor; Liz Parr, Hugh Morris, and Brian Yourish,
p.10-11: Georgia DOT; p.12: La Posada Hotel; contributors; additional content provided by the contacts listed for each case study.
p.13: Oklahoma DOT; p.14: Delaware DOT;
p.15: Superior Community Corporation; p.16-17: Christie Carpenter and Karen Stewart, copy editors; Barbara Richey, designer. Thanks also
Zachary Henderson, Allegheny Trail Alliance; to Harold Peaks and Danyell Diggs of the Federal Highway Administration for their
p.18: Steve Heckman, City of Liberal, Kansas; guidance.
p.19: California State Parks; p.20: School District
of Philadelphia; p.21: Colorado DOT; p.22-23:
Historic Madison, Inc.; p.23: Ionia County Road This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Highway Administration under
Commission; p.24: Esperanza White of White
Photographic Services; p.26: Virginia Civil War
cooperative agreement No. DTFH61-02-X-00055. Any opinions, findings, and conclu-
Trails, Inc.; p.27: Historic Hope Foundation, Inc.; sions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do
p.28: City of Oakland, Maryland; p.29: South not necessarily ref lect the view of the Federal Highway Administration.
Carolina DOT; p.30-31: North Carolina
Transportation Museum; p.31: City of Centerville,
Iowa; p.32: City of Maryville, Tennessee. November 2002
Enhancing
America’s Communities
I
n 1991, the United States Congress environmental stewardship and streamlining, road map for navigating your way through
created Transportation Enhancements and mobility. The TE activities are an im- the TE process. It will guide you through
(TE) through the Intermodal Surface portant element in FHWA’s strategy in all many of the challenges you may encounter.
Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). of these areas. It starts with tips for meeting major require-
The concept was simple: Transportation Transportation Enhancements projects ments of the federal provision, continues
spending should focus on more than just also ref lect the focus of the FHWA in en- with a discussion of state program character-
roads. The country needed to invest in a couraging states to create projects that are istics and different approaches towards
more balanced, multi-modal approach to sensitive to the land-use context where they project application and management, and
mobility and accessibility. The TE activities are built. TE funds are available to develop follows with an explanation of how to get a
allow communities to develop projects that a variety of project types and the usual small project on the ground, from start to finish.
improve the quality of a community and scale of these projects means that they fit The 21 case studies provide examples of
enhance the travel experience for people well into large, small, rural and urban com- planning, managing and financing eligible
traveling by all modes. TE has provided munities. projects. They also illustrate the economic
funding awards to more than 10,000 projects Transportation Enhancements projects and community benefits realized through
nationwide, helping communities protect create more choices for travel by providing investment in the projects. FHWA spon-
scenic vistas, create bike paths, develop funding for sidewalks, bike lanes and the sored this publication to help you recognize
walkable downtowns and protect the envi- conversion of abandoned railroad rights-of- the challenges, benefits, and opportunities
ronment. way to trails. Communities may also use the that TE projects have brought to local
To help communities attain social, program to revitalize local and regional communities.
cultural, aesthetic and environmental goals, economies by restoring historic buildings,
every state must reserve at least 10 percent renovating streetscapes or providing trans-
of its Surface Transportation Program funds portation museums and visitor centers.
for designated Transportation Enhancements Many use the program to acquire, restore Benefits
activities. Under ISTEA, Congress made and preserve scenic or historic areas. The
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS:
$2.8 billion in TE funds available to states program is also used to aid in environmental
through the Federal Highway Administra- stewardship and safety efforts by providing ➺ support context-sensitive
solutions to transportation
tion (FHWA). In 1998, with the Transpor- wildlife crossings and ensuring cleaner water
problems,
tation Equity Act for the 21st Century with the treatment of stormwater run-off
➺ foster safety, accessibility and
(TEA-21), Congress reaffirmed its commit- from roadways. As the number of TE
environmental preservation,
ment to enhancing communities by provid- projects continues to increase, it is clear that
➺ boost local economies,
ing an additional $3.6 billion through 2003. leaders, citizens and local governments want
TEA-21 also broadened the types of projects more from their transportation systems. ➺ improve the transportation
experience by strengthening
eligible for the use of TE funds. In 1991 implementing the newly
multi-modal systems,
Communities derive a range of benefits introduced TE activities presented a challenge
➺ increase partnerships between
from TE projects including economic stim- to federal, state and local partners. State state and local agencies, and
ulation, to improved transportation and programs have evolved since then and there
➺ strengthen the public role in
community improvements. These types of is more information sharing among state local and state transportation
benefits support the Federal Highway practitioners. planning.
Administration’s stated priority areas: safety, This guide, in its second edition, is a
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 1
projects become project sponsors and work
with TE coordinators through the appro- To beeligiblefor
federal aid, a projectmust:
priate state and federal transportation agencies
until projects are completed. About 15 cents
of every dollar spent on gasoline taxes f lows ➺ be one of the 12 designated TE
into the Highway Trust Fund (see Figure 1, activities, and
The Lifecycle of an Enhancements Dollar). ➺ relate to surface transportation.
The Highway Trust Fund also receives
PAGE 31 revenue from diesel fuel, gasohol and truck
user taxes. Money from this fund goes to the
states as “federal aid” for highway programs.
LINKING FEDERAL FUNDS TO One of these programs is the Surface Trans- to work closely with project sponsors—
COMMUNITY GOALS portation Program, which allows states to often local governments working with
Through 2003, the federal government will use highway funds for bicycle, pedestrian and citizens’ groups who want to build TE
provide approximately $620 million in TE transit projects. projects. The challenges of balancing roles
funds to state transportation agencies each To strengthen and encourage partner- among federal, state and local partners are
year. These agencies are required to set aside ships between state and regional agencies and very real. Yet as the case studies show, the
these funds for TE activities. In all 50 states, increase the public role in transportation opportunities for community enhancement
TE programs rely on communities and planning, Congress deliberately left the are tremendous and the benefits significant.
local governments to propose projects that details of TE programs to the states. FHWA,
improve local quality of life. Citizens should the agency responsible for interpreting
help generate ideas and opportunities for the TEA-21, has issued guidance that applies to Meeting Federal Requirements
use of these funds. State transportation TE. Since the program was created in 1991 for Eligibility
agencies select from these proposals accord- there has been experimentation, information To sponsor a TE project in
ing to local, regional and state planning and exchange and learning. The federal govern- your community, you must
funding priorities. Applicants for selected ment has strongly encouraged state agencies know the federal and state
rules for using federal-aid
funds. The federal government provides
states with interpretive guidance and ensures
their compliance with all relevant federal
FIGURE 1
laws. A list of resources is provided on the
inside back cover that may help you learn
the rules.
As with other federal-aid funding, the
federal government typically reimburses 80
percent of project costs. The project spon-
sor—a state, a local government or a non-
governmental organization—pays the
balance. A TE project must provide public
access. It may be a “stand-alone” project,
such as the Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory
in Indiana (p. 22), or it may be an addition
to a larger statewide project such as the
Virginia Civil War Trails (p. 26). TE funds
are available for all phases of TE projects:
planning, design, property acquisition,
preliminary engineering, construction and
management. Preference for funding various
phases can vary from state to state. TE funds
may not be used for routine maintenance or
standard environmental mitigation.
2 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
12 Transportation
Enhancements
Activities
T he following list of the 12 Transportation Enhancements activities includes project examples that illustrate each activity. This list is
not comprehensive. Although the federal government provides guidance and ensures compliance, states are responsible for selecting
projects. Contact your state TE coordinator to discuss specific eligibility practices in your state. For contact information, visit the Web site
www.enhancements.org.
1
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Landscaping and Scenic Beautification Control and Removal of Outdoor
New or reconstructed sidewalks, walkways,
curb ramps, bike lane striping, wide paved
shoulders, bike parking, bus racks, off-road
trails, bike and pedestrian bridges and
underpasses.
5
Improvements such as street furniture,
lighting, public art; landscaping along
streets, historic highways, trails, interstates,
waterfronts and gateways.
Advertising
9
Billboard inventories or removal of illegal
and nonconforming billboards.
Archaeological Planning and Research
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and
2
Education Activities
Programs designed to encourage walking
and bicycling by providing potential users
Historic Preservation
6
Preservation of buildings and facades in
historic districts; restoration and reuse of
historic buildings for transportation-related
purposes; access improvements to historic
10
Research, preservation planning and inter-
pretation; developing interpretive signs,
exhibits and guides; inventories and surveys.
Environmental Mitigation of Runoff
with education and safety instruction
through classes, pamphlets and signage.
sites and buildings.
Rehabilitation and Operation of
11
Pollution and Provision of Wildlife
Connectivity
Runoff pollution studies, soil erosion
Acquisition of Scenic or Historic
3
Easements and Sites
Acquisition of scenic land easements, vistas
and landscapes; purchase of buildings in
7
Historic Transportation Buildings,
Structures or Facilities
Restoration of railroad depots, bus stations
and lighthouses; rehabilitation of rail
controls, detention and sediment basins,
river clean-ups and wildlife crossings.
Establishment of Transportation
historic districts or historic properties;
preservation of farmland.
trestles, tunnels and bridges.
Conversion of Abandoned Railway
Museums
12
Construction of transportation museums,
including the conversion of railroad
Scenic or Historic Highway Programs
Including Tourist and Welcome
Centers
4
Construction of turnouts, overlooks,
visitor centers, viewing areas, designation
signs and markers.
8
Corridors to Trails
Acquiring railroad rights-of-way; planning,
designing and constructing multi-use trails;
developing rail-with-trail projects; purchas-
ing unused railroad property for reuse.
stations or historic properties to museums
with transportation themes and exhibits or
the purchase of transportation-related
artifacts.
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 3
PAGE 23 surface transportation. For example, a his-
toric hotel that is adjacent to a particular
highway facility may not be eligible for TE
funds simply because of its location. Other
factors related to this specific case would
have to be taken into consideration and a
relationship to surface transportation estab-
RELATING YOUR PROJECT TO lished. Conversely, a historic structure
TRANSPORTATION should not be disqualified from consider-
Developing TE projects with a strong ation because it is not adjacent to a particular
relationship to transportation is essential. The federal-aid highway.
provision in TEA-21 reads, “transportation Additional discussion, beyond proxim-
enhancement activities means, with respect ity, is needed in the TE project proposal to
MATCHING YOUR PROJECT WITH
to any project or the area served by the establish the relationship to surface transpor-
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS
project, any of the following activities if such tation. If you have questions about eligibil-
ACTIVITIES
activity relates to surface transportation.” ity, discuss them with your state TE coordi-
Start your TE process by
(See page 3 for summarized definitions and nator. Where additional questions arise,
matching your project with at
examples of eligible activities.) A proposed closer coordination with the FHWA divi-
least one of the 12 Transpor-
TE project must demonstrate a relationship sion office in your state may be helpful.
tation Enhancements activities
to surface transportation. This relationship Your project does not have to provide a
specified in TEA-21. Develop TE projects
must be clearly stated and supported in the past or current transportation function to
that serve community needs and have sound
project application. qualify as an eligible TE activity. For ex-
planning goals. Design projects that are
The law also refers to a transportation ample, a scenic or historic site may have a
sensitive to the context into which they will
project or the area served by a transportation relationship to transportation but may not
be placed. Projects often combine multiple
project. If a highway project is involved, the function as a transportation facility. The
transportation enhancements activities,
TE activity may have a direct relationship to function of the proposed facility can be a
strengthen local partnerships through fund-
that project. For example, if the pollution factor, but the absence of that factor should
raising, support multiple objectives and
caused by stormwater runoff from an existing not automatically preclude consideration for
increase local and regional transportation
highway contaminates an adjacent water possible funding.
access.
resource, and a TE application includes a The case studies will provide a better
The Transportation Enhancements
proposal to mitigate the pollution, then a idea of the many ways TE activities relate to
projects described in this publication illus-
clear relationship to the surface transportation surface transportation.
trate these multiple goals. For example,
system exists.
Pennsylvania’s Great Allegheny Passage
Given the nature of the list of eligible
project (p. 16) obtained $24 million in public
activities, a proposed TE activity does not
and private funds, in addition to the TE
have to be associated with a specific highway
funds, through state and local partnerships.
project to be eligible for funding. Case study
The Senetac Canyon and Cienega acquisition
examples which illustrate this point include
(p. 19) preserves a scenic viewshed of a state
the rehabilitation of historic train structures
designated scenic highway in California
such as the Rock Island Depot (p. 18), the Contacts
while protecting an important wetland
provision of a bicycle or pedestrian path YOUR STATE TE COORDINATOR
habitat. The restored La Posada Hotel in is responsible for providing guidance
such as the Greenway Trail (p. 32) or the
Winslow, Arizona (p. 12) is preserving a part on the specific policies and procedures
establishment of a transportation museum,
of transportation history while revitalizing for your state.
such as the North Carolina Transportation
its surrounding community. THE FHWA DIVISION OFFICE in your
Museum (p. 30). In other words, the phrase state is responsible for administering the
“with respect to any project” may be helpful TE provisions of federal law and
in establishing a transportation relationship, providing guidance to the state
coordinators.
but is not the only way to establish that
TO FIND CONTACT INFORMATION
relationship. for TE coordinators in your state visit
Proximity to a highway facility alone is www.enhancements.org.
not sufficient to establish a relationship to
4 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
SETTING YOUR SIGHTS ABOVE AND under TEA-21 allow states to:
BEYOND ✤ use federal funding partners to provide
Transportation Enhancements the non-federal match,
funds may not be used for ✤ accept in-kind donations of materials,
maintenance, routine highway services and private cash for the non-
improvements or required federal match,
environmental mitigation. Ask your state TE ✤ calculate the non-federal match by a
coordinator if there are special or additional project, multiple projects or the entire
laws or criteria in your state. As the case TE program, or
studies illustrate, TE requires creativity and ✤ fund 100 percent of a project’s cost. PAGE 14
innovation in planning, design and partner- TEA-21 also encourages states to enter
ship development. Look to the case studies into contracts or cooperative agreements
for ideas of how states have gone above and with youth conservation corps programs to
beyond the requirements. The Ionia participate in TE projects. This allows the STATE TE PROGRAMS: VARIATIONS
County Road-Stream Crossing Inventory TE program to meet more community ON A THEME
in Michigan (p. 23) involved partnerships needs by encouraging job training for youth From state to state there are several consis-
among eight entities. In Colorado, sponsors and young adults. tent TE program features. Every state has a
of the Mineral Belt Trail (p. 21) reclaimed a These innovations serve as reminders unique funding level for TE through 2003,
Superfund sight. South Carolina’s Gervais that federal aid is becoming more f lexible at based on a formula set in TEA-21. Each
Streetscape project (p. 29) shows a commu- both state and federal levels. Talk with your state has a TE coordinator who administers
nity planning for what “could be” rather TE coordinator if you want to use these the program with oversight by a FHWA
than limiting itself to “what is.” options. States employ these streamlined division staff person. Most state transporta-
cost-sharing techniques at their discretion; tion agencies require a public entity with
TE IS A FEDERAL-AID perhaps state staff would be willing to try taxing authority to sponsor or endorse an
REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM something new for your project. applicant’s project. In all states, any phase of
The TE program is a federal-aid reimburse- a project that uses TE funds must comply
ment program, not a grant program. with all state and federal requirements for
Generally, the federal government pays 80 arning
L e ar ning Your Wa y Around ound
Aroun developing and contracting transportation
percent of a TE project cost. That amount S t a te T ranspo r t a t i o n
anspo projects. Beyond these aspects, state ap-
is called the federal award. The project spon- encicie
A gencie s proaches to programs vary. It is important to
sor usually pays the balance; that amount is Though the federal statute describes eligible know exactly how your state TE program
called the non-federal match. Usually, the categories for the TE program with interpre- operates.
project sponsor pays the associated project tive guidance from FHWA, state transporta- Your first step should be to understand
costs and submits a reimbursement request tion agencies have most of the responsibility your state program practices regarding eligi-
to the state transportation agency, which for TE. Each state devises its own application bility. Some states combine the 12 categories
submits it to FHWA. Reimbursable project and selection process, establishes selection of activities into fewer eligible groups such
costs vary from state to state but usually criteria, and adopts methods to streamline as nonmotorized transportation, scenic
include: the development and management of beautification, historic preservation and
✤ project feasibility, planning and projects. While no two TE state programs environmental mitigation. Other states
engineering plans, are exactly alike, each state program has include additional provisions or criteria that
✤ environmental reviews, seven characteristics you will want to be may limit funding of certain categories and
✤ land acquisition, and familiar with: eligibility, selection criteria, projects.
✤ construction. selection cycle, advisory committees, project Most states use selection criteria as
Under TEA-21, Congress allows inno- implementation, innovative financing and decision-making tools. Some states screen
vative financing of TE projects, which are streamlined project development. These for minimum or maximum award amounts
exceptions to standard federal-aid require- features will help you comprehend the per project or per sponsor during a given
ments. With the advance payment option, particulars of TE in your state. Refer to the funding cycle. Many states prefer or require a
states may establish a process with FHWA to case studies for more elaboration on these non-federal “overmatch” of more than 20
obtain payment in advance rather than characteristics. Use them to discuss the percent. Other states provide the 20 percent
reimburse project sponsors after they have details of TE in your state with your state non-federal match but also use additional
paid the contractors. Other innovations coordinator. local funds; this was the case for the James D.
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 5
Many states also involve their metropolitan work and shorten a project timeline. Refer
Your project has a planning organizations and rural districts in to pages 8 and 9 and the case studies for
better chance if it: the selection process, and a handful of states more information about relevant laws and
delegate the selection process to a regional streamlining measures.
➺ exceeds non-federal require- advisory committee.
ments, States also vary widely on project DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL TE
➺ demonstrates strong local implementation. Costs or phases reimburs- APPLICATION
support, Now that you understand
able in one state may not be in another.
➺ combines Transportation Also, some states will fund only certain more about federal require-
Enhancements activities, ments and the basic character-
phases such as construction, or they will
➺ demonstrates compatibility with not fund some phases, such as preliminary istics of state programs, you
existing plans, are ready to think in more detail about how
design, or reimburse particular costs such as
➺ meets a need or provides a utility relocation. Innovative financing is to fund a project in your community. Keep
benefit, and in mind that applying for TE funds is a
another TE feature you should understand.
➺ sets a realistic schedule and cost Many states allow other agencies to contrib- competitive process. Learn as much as pos-
estimate, including contingencies. sible about your state program to smooth
ute to the non-federal match and also will
accept private in-kind donations. The your way around any potential obstacles. It
North Carolina Transportation Museum is recommended that you: clearly link your
Pfluger Bridge (p. 24) in Austin, Texas. To case study (p. 30) illustrates how an in-kind project to surface transportation, set and
ensure projects contribute to local priorities donation of land and structures from the achieve fundraising goals for your non-
and are feasible, states may use formal factors Southern Railway Company made the federal match, make your project consistent
to score or rank applications. States also have project possible. with local plans, and promote your project
different selection cycles. Some evaluate TE All states develop projects in compli- to garner public and political support. As
projects continuously, while others review ance with federal laws intended to protect you move ahead, meet with key contacts in
and select projects quarterly, annually or human and natural resources. FHWA offers your local government. Solicit their advice
biennially. streamlined project development, or f lex- and support to guide your project through
Most states have advisory committees ibility, in some of the review requirements. the regional planning process. Expect the
with varying duties, composition and ap- Many states use at least one or two of these application process to take six to twelve
pointments. Governors or state agencies streamlining measures. Most states process months.
may appoint advisors. Some advisors repre- TE projects in a manner that avoids the
MAKING THE TRANSPORTATION
sent non-governmental organizations or a more rigorous environmental impact reviews.
LINK
variety of state agencies. Your chances of Some states streamline project management
Your TE application should present evidence
success as an applicant are improved if you requirements. The Bicycle Education and
showing how your project improves culture,
are knowledgeable about the advisory com- Enhancement Program (p. 20) in Philadel-
aesthetics, the environment, the quality of
mittee in your state. phia, Pennsylvania, and the Vestey Center
life, and how it will enhance the surface
Advisory committee duties run the project (p. 15) in Superior, Nebraska, are
transportation system. By describing these
gamut from reviewing and evaluating examples of state transportation agencies
benefits, you will help transportation planners
project applications, to setting policy and letting local governments manage their own
recognize what your community values.
giving final approval for selected projects. TE projects. Streamlining can simplify paper-
Maps and data are useful tools. Depict how
your project enhances access to the local and
regional transportation networks. Map your
project site as a destination, if applicable, and
relate it to other area destinations. Use
relevant data to demonstrate potential ben-
efits. Cite projections of population, tourism
activity or growth indicators. Support the
value of conservation and preservation
projects with resource inventories for the
project area. Cite comparable before and after
studies or collect data to show the benefit of
PAGE 18 nonmotorized travel.
6 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
REQUESTING PROJECT FUNDS standards required in your state, and covers
Be prepared to finance at least 20 percent of
your project cost, but realize that states have
the cost of compliance. Estimates based on
engineering and planning efforts may be
Checklist
considerable latitude. Consider the total more reliable. for putting it all together
annual state budget for TE. Note your TEA-21 gives states the option to
Be sure to include all elements of the
state’s non-federal match requirements. allow the value of non-monetary contribu- application the state requests.
Double check all the financing and cost tions to be used toward the non-federal ✔ Provide a clear statement
sharing innovations that your state uses. match. FHWA guidance explains that eli- demonstrating the transportation
These measures may affect your project gible contributions that can be considered link.
scope, cost and local match requirement, toward the value of the non-federal match ✔ Describe each TE activity.
which also affect your fundraising strategy. If include professional services, local and state ✔ Define a scope of work and
necessary, divide a large project into smaller government services, materials, land and the include preliminary studies, and
phases, as with the ongoing Greenway Trail cost of preliminary engineering. The guid- land acquisition or construction
project (p. 32) in Tennessee. ance also explains that the value of project ✔ Include a workplan with a
Be sure your cost estimate accounts for expenditures can contribute toward the timeline.
contingencies, reflects inf lation during the non-federal match. Where the project ex- ✔ Include a budget for the scope
time to complete it, incorporates design penditures are incurred prior to project of work.
approval, the value of the contribution may ✔ Identify the source of the
be considered toward the non-federal match. matching funds with a letter
verifying their availability.
RELATING YOUR PROJECT TO ✔ Explain how the community
Questions EXISTING PLANS would benefit from the project.
Here are some useful questions to ask Because all federal transporta- ✔ Include letters of support,
your state TE coordinator. tion funds administered by minutes from public meetings
?
Dial 1-888-388-NTEC or visit and newspaper clips about the
FHWA f low through state
www.enhancements.org for contact project.
information. agencies, the state selects most
✔ If available, include photographs
TE projects, usually in competition with
➺ How well does my project fit of the site, preliminary
one or more of the TE activi- other proposed TE projects. Learn how sketches or plans.
ties? your region and state staff and advisors
✔ Include a plan for
➺ Does this project relate to the evaluate proposals: You must address their project maintenance.
surface transportation system?
➺ Do you have a copy of the
application guidelines?
criteria to be successful. Review your state
TE program guidelines carefully and refer to
your state’s transportation planning docu-
✓
➺ What are the deadlines? ments. These documents are the 20-year
➺ Do you offer any TE workshops Long-Range Plan (LRP) for transportation PROMOTING YOUR PROJECT TO
or seminars? and the State Transportation Improvement RALLY SUPPORT
➺ What is the total state budget Plan (STIP). If your proposed project is in The broader the support you develop
available for the next TE funding an urban area, you may also refer to the among professionals, elected officials and
cycle? Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) residents, the more likely your proposed
➺ Does our state use any of the prepared by the regional metropolitan plan- project will be successful. Seek the early
innovative financing measures? ning organization. These documents provide involvement and endorsement of your
➺ Do you have a copy of the the local context and priorities that your metropolitan planning organization or
regional and state transporta- project must support. Priorities may include equivalent. Conduct and document public
tion improvement plans? whether a project reduces the number of meetings with area residents. Inform the
➺ Does our state have an miles people travel in motorized vehicles, media of your project and invite them to
advisory committee? encourages compact land development or your site and to public events. Obtain as
➺ Who are the members? increases community livability. More basic many letters of support as possible from both
➺ Do you have examples of concerns may include whether a project local and statewide groups, elected officials
successful TE applications from provides for a long-term maintenance com- and advisory boards. Find out who decides
previous cycles?
mitment, has obtained right-of-way clearance the final project approval and inform them
and ensures alternative funding options. about your project. You may wish to use all
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 7
Typical Project
Development
Process
TE PROJECTS HAVE SEVERAL STAGES that require time, effort and coordination.
Depending on your project, these steps may be simple or complex and take more
or less time. Transportation Enhancements, like other federal-aid projects, must
PAGE 28 comply with laws developed to protect human, environmental and cultural resources.
FHWA has developed streamlining measures to simplify these requirements, given
the small-scale, environment-friendly and community-based nature of TE projects.
Familiarize yourself with federal streamlining measures and encourage your state to
promotions as an opportunity to raise use as many measures as possible in developing your TE project. This section
additional contributions for the non-federal outlines major milestones of project development (see Figure 2). Bullets show
match. when and what streamlining measures may be used to simplify the process. This is
a typical example and specific procedures will vary from state to state and from
WORKING AS A PROJECT SPONSOR project to project. While you can obtain a comprehensive packet of all FHWA
TO IMPLEMENT YOUR PROJECT guidance and streamlining information from NTEC, it is essential that you discuss
When the state approves a project, the specifics, including expected duration for each step, with your state TE coordinator.
sponsor becomes responsible for implement-
ing it. Completing a project involves work-
1. Confirm project parameters. Once the manager may be a consultant or a
ing very closely with your state and federal
the state has approved your project for local or state government employee.
TE coordinators. Count on at least a year or
funding, you will discuss a project 4. Obtain environmental clearance. If
two of work, plus a considerable effort on agreement with state personnel. The you plan to spend TE funds on construc-
your part. Educating yourself and commu- project budget and application — the tion, the project may face several
nicating effectively with agency professionals basis for the project agreement — reflect environmental reviews. The level of
really pays off, as it is essential to understand the total level of federal funding. At review depends on the environmental
the details of state and federal procedures. If this time you may refine the scope of impacts and the streamlining measures
you find information confusing, ask your work, plan to select a consultant, and your agency uses. Project sponsors are
discuss compliance provisions. This is responsible for initiating the reviews
TE coordinator for help. The more you
also the right time to request successful and supplying information to appropri-
know about project development the less examples of procurement and bid
likely you are to lose time, momentum or ate agencies. Agencies may approve
documents and to identify and discuss your checklist and documentation, or
funding. all the measures to streamline project they may visit the site, conduct tests or
Sponsors must work with their state development your state allows. request more documentation.
agencies to ensure that their project meets 2. Sign an agreement. You establish a Environmental clearances may include:
applicable requirements for environmental formal working relationship with your
and historical protection, acquiring rights- state agency when you sign a memo- ➺ Nationwide Programmatic Agreement.
randum of understanding or agreement. This agreement helps agencies and
of-way and procurement. Sponsors must
As the sponsor, you agree to develop sponsors expedite impact reviews and
obtain specific permits, certifications and processing to satisfy Historic Preserva-
the project as described in the scope of
clearances to prove their project is in compli- tion Act Section 106 requirements.
work according to state and federal
ance. The sponsor must also arrange to pay
regulations and procedures. Find out ➺ Applying Section 4(f). This guidance
all costs at the start, or agree to use advance how your state gives authorization(s) lets states determine whether or not
payments. Exactly who does what work will to proceed. rigorous reviews required in Section 4(f)
vary from state to state and project to provisions apply to TE projects.
3. Choose a project manager. This
project, and may be negotiated between the person often coordinates the agency, ➺ NEPA Requirements. TE projects that
state DOTs and sponsors. sponsor(s) and consultants and facili- do not have significant environmental
tates the process to clarify a project’s impacts are “categorically excluded”
feasibility, costs, compliance and from federally mandated environmental
contracting. Depending on the state, review.
8 A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
5. Plan and design the project. The process ➺ Applying Davis-Bacon minimum-wage FIGURE 2
of completing an environmental document requirements. For TE projects costing less
will affect the project design. The sponsor than $2,000 or not linked to federal-aid
may assess resource impacts, hold public right-of-way, states may bypass prevailing
meetings on project planning and design, wage payments. This allows agencies to
and ensure the final design plan complies use staff, volunteers or youth conservation
with state and federal codes. corps.
6. Obtain clearance of rights-of-way. TE 9. Select a contractor. After you have
projects must provide public access, and received bids, ask your TE coordinator for
sponsors must hold the rights to the real agreement to award the contract, then
estate for the project by deed, lease, sign a contract. The sponsor may perform
easement, license, agreement or resolu- this work or contract it out. Some states
tion. The right-of-way process may include encourage or even require contractors to
the purchase of land or right-of-way and be on a state list of “pre-qualified”
utility clearance. If you plan to acquire the consultants who understand federal-aid
property, you must not make an offer to requirements.
the property owner until after you have 10. Invoice completed work and receive
received your environmental clearance and reimbursement. During all phases, the
conducted a federally-approved appraisal. sponsor must keep detailed records to
Considerations for property acquisition: claim reimbursement. In some states, the
➺ Voluntary transactions under the agency provides front-end financing for a
Uniform Act. If the property owner is project, including the sponsor’s non-federal
willing to sell, the purchase of property match. Typically, as contractors complete
can be simplified. work and submit the bills, the state agency
reimburses at the percentage stated in the
➺ Organizations exempt from Uniform Act agreement.
requirements. Conservation organizations
may use simplified requirements if they Advance payment may be an option. If
obtain environmental clearance before your state establishes a process with FHWA,
making an offer to purchase a property or it can secure payment in advance rather
do not act on behalf of the state. than reimburse you after you have paid
the non-federal match. Expect the state to
7. Submit paperwork for design, procure- limit funds to amounts needed for prompt
ment, bid and construction. Guidelines for payment and to follow a payment schedule.
construction and non-construction projects
may differ. Assemble and submit your 11. Obtain construction certificate. Your
environmental clearance, final plans, last invoice and report should include a
permits, design certification and appropriate certification to verify the project has been
clearances. Although standards vary from constructed as designed and approved
state to state, you will need the agency’s according to state and federal guidelines
approval before you break ground. In and requirements. This certification should
follow construction but occur before the
general, agencies cannot increase sponsor
final invoices are processed.
funding, so your cost estimates must be
accurate. Think about lower-cost alterna- 12. Record-keeping and audit. The audit
tives and include these as “bid alternates.” requirements depend on the total federal
funding. Be sure to keep good records,
8. Invite bids for projects. Procedures for
identifying the source and application of
procurement and bid invitations may vary
project funds. Only direct project costs are
with the project scope, cost and the state.
eligible. The state may require the sponsor
If all your bids come in high, you may
organization’s financial statements and
have to re-bid.
may request a certified independent audit.
Bid considerations include:
13. Celebrate your project. Publicly thank
➺ Contracting and bidding under the all the decision makers for their support.
Common Rule. If TE projects are outside Ribbon-cutting ceremonies with the media
the highway right-of-way, states may skip present can help foster continued support
federal requirements for competitive for your project. Give elected officials the
bidding and use state procurement opportunity to bask in the publicity of a
practices. popular community project.
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT 9
Putting the TE Program
Into Action
“I n my career as a city council Transportation Enhancements projects The projects selected were those that
have enabled numerous communities to distinguished themselves through demon-
member, mayor, Member of
realize the economic and social benefits that strated benefits to the community. These
Congress, businessperson, Secretary result from their efforts and investment. projects create a representative picture of
of Commerce, and now Secretary of Transportation Enhancements allow the TE activities. They demonstrate projects
Transportation, I have time and governments to support communities that from all 12 TE activities from urban, subur-
want to preserve their best qualities and ban, and rural settings across the nation.
again seen the power of transportation These case studies are highly representa-
grow in keeping with their values. The
improve the economic condition of following case studies illustrate many of the tive – individually and as a whole – of
neighborhoods and communities best TE projects around the nation and Transportation Enhancements. These
highlight their economic and community stories are meant to inspire you to build
of all backgrounds.”
benefits. The case studies were selected from projects that enhance communities and the
— Norman Y. Mineta, U.S. over 50 nominations, all innovative and experience of traveling in the United States.
Secretary of Transportation. worthy contenders.
PRESERVATION OF ABANDONED RAILWAY CORRIDORS
Silver Comet Trail
Silver Comet
COBB, PAULDING AND POLK COUNTIES, GEORGIA
T he Silver Comet Trail, one of the most popular spots in northwest Georgia
for outdoor recreation and bicycle commuting, sprouted from an abandoned
rail corridor between Atlanta and the Alabama state line. In the early 1990s, a group
of private citizens and nonprofit organizations, including the PATH Foundation
and the Georgia Rails to Trails Society, spearheaded the development of the trail,
working with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources and the three counties adjacent to the
trail: Cobb, Paulding and Polk.
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
The railroad corridor, now occupied by the rail-trail, was built by the
Seaboard Railroad between 1897 and 1903. The rail line was used for
freight transport until 1947 when the shiny Silver Comet passenger train
was introduced. For over 20 years the Silver Comet raced up and down
the corridor carrying passengers and mail from Boston to Birmingham.
The Seaboard Railroad discontinued its Silver Comet service in 1969,
marking the end of luxury rail service to many southern cities.
10 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
In 1992, GDOT purchased the 57-mile tion. Bike shops have also opened in protecting the natural environment while
corridor from CSX for $5.8 million. There Paulding for trail users interested in purchas- providing residents and visitors with a safe
are currently 38 continuous miles of open ing bikes and accessories. Visitors from all over and accessible facility for recreation and non-
trail from Smyrna to Rockmart and an Georgia, other states and countries are signing motorized transportation.
additional 20 miles in the planning and the guest registers at these trailside businesses.
construction phases. When complete, the The trail and its associated businesses FUNDING
Silver Comet will travel through three are attracting a growing number of visitors Total Project Cost: $13,500,000
counties in Georgia to the Alabama state line to the town of Rockmart. Just one year after Federal TE: $9,359,000
and connect with the Chief Ladiga Trail in the Silver Comet began bringing trail users Non-federal Match: $4,141,000
Cleburne County, Alabama. Transportation directly to its downtown, Mayor Curtis
Lewis was quoted in the May 6, 2002, edition CONTACTS
Enhancements (TE) funds have played a key
role in the development and construction of of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as saying, Ed McBrayer, PATH Foundation,
the rail-trail. “In the last 12 months, we’ve had more 404-875-7284, info@pathfoundation.org,
The presence of the trail has encouraged tourists than in the last 30 years. Before www.pathfoundation.org
an increasing number of commuters to bike there wasn’t anything to bring them here.”
David Jackson, Cobb County Department
to and from work, reducing the number of In addition, residential developers are
recognizing the value of the Silver Comet of Transportation, 770-528-1660,
automobiles on congested roadways and
Trail as an attraction for prospective home– www.cobbdot.org
improving Atlanta’s air quality. Michael
Clapp, one of the commuters on the Silver owners. For example, a community of 322
Ronda Britt, Georgia Department of
Comet Trail, said, “I have been using the homes is being constructed adjacent to the
Transportation, 404-657-6914,
Silver Comet to commute to work for over trail in Dallas, Georgia. The developer also
ronda.britt@dot.state.ga.us
two years now. It’s an excellent way to plans to construct a community trail that
commute without having to mix with will connect to the Silver Comet Trail.
traffic.” Located in an area previously lacking
recreation, bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY the Silver Comet Trail has energized and
BENEFITS united communities along its length. On
The Silver Comet Trail has brought new life weekdays the trail is used for bicycle com-
to the economies of Cobb, Paulding and muting, and each weekend the trail comes
Polk Counties. New businesses are opening alive with recreational users. The renewed
and connector trails have been constructed sense of community that has developed from
in subdivisions and local downtown areas the trail’s construction is revitalizing neigh-
providing direct access to the trail. Bike borhoods, renewing pride in the community
shops, such as the Silver Comet Depot, have and helping residents get acquainted with
opened in Cobb and Polk Counties offering their neighbors. By preserving this aban-
bike or inline skate rentals for trail explora- doned rail corridor, the Silver Comet Trail is
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 11
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Po ada Hotel
L a Po s ada Ho tel
WINSLOW, ARIZONA
T he Santa Fe Railroad and the Fred
Harvey Company played a key role in
developing the American southwest. The
the National Trust for
Historic Preservation
placed La Posada on its
railroad encouraged travel while the Fred list of endangered
Harvey Company made the traveling historic buildings
experience more pleasurable by providing where it came to the
affordable quality meals at the legendary attention preservation-
Harvey Houses. La Posada, one of several minded individuals. A
Harvey Houses located along the Santa Fe combination of Trans-
rail line, first opened its doors in 1930. It was portation Enhance-
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
designed by renowned architect Mary Colter ments (TE) funds and other innovative
BENEFITS
to replicate a sprawling 1860s Spanish castle financing was used to purchase the hotel
Downtown Winslow, like many Route 66
with 70 guest rooms, three dining rooms, and restore its vast public spaces to their
towns, effectively shut down when it was
and grand open public spaces. The hotel, original grandeur. The 1997 restoration and
bypassed by Interstate 40 in the 1970s. All
owned by the Santa Fe Railroad, had its reopening of La Posada revived Winslow,
local commerce shifted to new mini-malls at
own depot and played host to a myriad of serving as a catalyst for preservation and
the freeway off-ramps. There was little or no
famous personalities including John Wayne, reinvestment in the community.
business downtown and many buildings lay
Clark Gable, Dorothy Lamour, Albert
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE empty. In the five years since La Posada was
Einstein and Charles Lindbergh. Located
TRANSPORTATION purchased, nearly every building in the
between the Santa Fe Railroad and Route
Winslow, a railroad town from its begin- downtown commercial core has been
66, Winslow, Arizona’s La Posada was an
ning, was named after a former president of purchased, restored, or is currently undergo-
oasis at the crossroads of rail and automobile
the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. Freight ing renovation. With La Posada as the
travel.
trains still thunder through Winslow several catalyst, the city of Winslow established a
In 1957, after years of declining rail
times a day and Amtrak provides service to Historic Preservation Commission to write
travel, the Santa Fe Railroad closed La
La Posada’s depot, just like the Santa Fe and implement the city’s first preservation
Posada. The museum-quality furnishings
Railroad during the hotel’s golden age. As ordinance. The Chamber of Commerce and
were auctioned off and the buildings were
part of the purchase agreement, BNSF Visitor Center, which moved closer to the
gutted and transformed into offices for the
Railway, Santa Fe Railroad’s successor, pays freeway along with everything else, is in the
Santa Fe Railroad. By the late 1980s increas-
property utilities for the hotel in lieu of rent process of moving back downtown—
ing maintenance costs prompted the Santa
for office space. In addition, the hotel is unthinkable five years ago.
Fe Railroad to announce their intent to sell
accessible to Winslow’s Lindbergh airport, The restoration and reopening of La
La Posada. The dedicated work of area
Route 66, Interstate 40 and State Route 87. Posada has created more than 40 new jobs
preservationists to save the historic railroad
making the hotel Winslow’s largest new
hotel attracted the attention of the national
employer in the last ten years. The hotel and
historic preservation community. In 1994,
restaurant will contribute $10,000 in bed
12 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
ACQUISITION OF SCENIC OR HISTORIC EASEMENTS AND SITES
taxes to be used for community enhance-
ment, $100,000 in payroll taxes and
$200,000 in sales taxes this year, representing
a 30 percent increase over last year. Allan cient Fo
stone Anci
K eystone Ancient Forest
Affeldt, President of La Posada Hotel, LLC,
estimates that the hotel will have $2 million
in 2002 sales, resulting in a local fiscal impact
erv
P re s erve
of more than $5 million. The hotel restora- SAND SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA
tion project is running on schedule and is
nearly 60 percent completed. Future plans
include refurbishing more guest rooms and
opening a museum (within the hotel) in
honor of La Posada architect Mary Colter,
T he Keystone Ancient Forest Preserve
is a 1,170-acre woodland site located 15
miles west of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Okla-
pioneers of westward expansion as they
journeyed to the historic crossing of the
Arkansas River.
Harvey Houses, and the Santa Fe Railroad. homa Department of Transportation
Building on the success of La Posada, secured Transportation Enhancements (TE) COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC
the “Standin’ On the Corner” park was funds to purchase this unique natural area BENEFITS
built in 1999 in downtown Winslow, near that provides a spectacular vista for travelers The acquisition of the Keystone Ancient
the intersection of Route 66. The park on US Highway 412. The city of Sand Forest Preserve and the preservation of its
interprets the Jackson Browne and Glenn Springs, which now holds the deed to the ancient hardwood forest will provide recre-
Frey song “Take It Easy,” featuring a two- property, is contracting with The Nature ational and educational opportunities to the
story mural and life-sized bronze statue of a Conservancy to operate and maintain the communities surrounding the site. Several
1970s era man dressed in cowboy attire preserve as a natural universities, includ-
standing on the corner with a guitar at his area. Site develop- ing Oklahoma State
feet. Thousands of visitors come to ment is currently in University and the
Winslow every year to stand on the famous the planning stages. University of
corner and attend one of the festivals held in In addition to Arkansas, have
the park. its scenic qualities, already visited and
La Posada has given Winslow a re- the preserve is a learned from this
newed sense of pride in its railroad past as significant ecological “living classroom.”
well as a new gathering place. The hotel is site. It hosts an Proposed develop-
open to the public, who may take self- unparalleled concen- ment, which will be
guided tours or stop at the hotel’s restau- tration of ancient red operated and
rant. La Posada is host to weddings, city cedar trees and the world’s oldest known maintained by The Nature Conservancy,
meetings, the high school prom, regional post oak tree. Trees of both varieties are includes an interpretive center and a public
conferences, antique and art shows, and even estimated to be more than 400 years old. hiking trail meant to attract visitors to the
car shows. The “Last Great Railroad Hotel” Tree ring chronologies developed from the area. The ultimate goal of the Keystone
is one example of how Transportation ancient post oaks on the site have assisted Ancient Forest Preserve scenic acquisition is
Enhancements funded projects can help climatologists in estimating the climatic to ensure long-term visibility of biological
preserve a region’s transportation past while record of the past four centuries. One of the systems on the site while providing a scenic
serving as a catalyst for a community’s longest and most climatically sensitive post backdrop to the traveling public on US
revival. oak chronologies ever developed was derived Highway 412.
from this site. The preserve is also home to
FUNDING the state’s largest known bald eagle roost. FUNDING
Total Project Cost: $5,000,000 Total Project Cost: $2,500,000
Federal TE: $1,000,000 RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE Federal TE: $2,000,000
TRANSPORTATION Non-federal Match: $500,000
Non-federal Match: $4,000,000
The Keystone Ancient Forest Preserve
CONTACT provides a scenic backdrop for the 7 million CONTACT
Allan Affeldt, La Posada Hotel, LLC, motorists who travel US Highway 412 each Richard Andrews, Oklahoma Department
year. The preserve offers motorists the same of Transportation, 405-521-2452,
928-289-4366, www.laposada.org
striking views of forested bluffs and rugged randrews@odot.org
ravines that were enjoyed by travelers and
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT 13
PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES
lio
spilli Ri Gr enw
M ispillion River Gre enway Greenway and the growing downtown
business district have attracted the attention
of housing developers and national retail
MILFORD, DELAWARE businesses. “Transportation Enhancements
funding from the Delaware Department of
Transportation played a major role in
T he transportation and economic
history of Milford, Delaware, is tied to
its location on the Mispillion River. In the
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION
Prior to the Greenway, pedestrian travel
Milford’s revitalization efforts,” Carmean
concludes. “If there is anywhere that owes
its existence to government funding, it’s our
1770s Milford was home to a well-known within the downtown district was nearly
new downtown.”
and thriving ship building industry. By the impossible. As a result, one of the primary
The Greenway project’s riverside
1920s declining timber resources and the objectives of the city’s revitalization plan was
location necessitated the careful coordina-
increased use of rail for the transport of to increase opportunities for bicycle and
tion between city, state and federal agencies.
freight forced Milford’s key industry to pedestrian travel with the construction of
Because all partners were involved from the
close. pedestrian bridges and the greenway trail.
onset of the project, there were very few
In 1995, the city of Milford and its The Mispillion River Greenway links both
delays in the permitting, planning and
Department of Parks and Recreation received sides of the river and allows easy access to
construction process. The project has
the first of several Transportation Enhance- and from downtown office buildings, cafes,
improved important ecological habitat
ments (TE) awards for the construction of a parks and residential areas.
including the river fishery.
multi-phased riverfront bicycle and pedestrian As a former resident of Milford, Gover-
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
trail. Today, the one-mile long Mispillion nor Ruth Ann Minner has been a strong
BENEFITS
River Greenway includes a 150-foot pedes- proponent of the greenway project saying,
“Ten years ago downtown Milford and the
trian and fishing bridge, brick-paved sidewalks “This project is the perfect example of how
Mispillion River could only be called an
and period lighting. The Greenway is protections of greenways and public access
eyesore,” says City Manager Richard
revitalizing Milford as it draws residents out to natural open space do not need to be
Carmean. Downtown was host to vacant
of their cars and onto the trail, providing mutually exclusive goals. The Mispillion
storefronts and a polluted river. The advent
new transportation options for downtown River Greenway bicycle and pedestrian
of TE inspired a concerned group of citizens
travel while encouraging reinvestment in the projects incorporates both goals…while also
to work with the city to develop a total
business district. encouraging Delaware residents to maintain
downtown revitaliza-
tion plan. Several TE healthy lifestyles and use alternative forms of
awards, used towards transportation.”
the construction of
FUNDING
the greenway and
Total Project Cost: $1,542,298
downtown streetscape
Federal TE: $1,296,496
projects, make the city
a scenic, mobility- Non-federal Match: $245,802
friendly and pleasant
CONTACT
place to live, work and
Gary L. Emory, Milford Parks & Recreation
visit.
Department, 302-422-1104
The Greenway
and related streetscape Richard Carmean, City of Milford,
projects have inspired 302-422-6616, www.cityofmilford.com
downtown reinvestment. According to
the Chamber of Commerce, Milford has
demonstrated a net gain in new businesses
with annual retail sales figures exceeding
$200 million over the last ten years. More
than 250 people now work in downtown
CTI
C O N S T R U CT I O N offices, stores and restaurants. The
14 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Vestey Center
stey Center
SUPERIOR, NEBRASKA
T hanks to an innovative financing
package including Transportation
Enhancements (TE) funds, the historic Nuckolls County Senior Services Program.
Leslie Hotel in Superior, Nebraska, was The Vestey Center also serves as a
restored for use as a community center with trolley station for tours of the Superior
senior citizen housing, a technology educa- Downtown Historic District, listed on the
tion center and transportation center. Now National Register of Historic Places.
called the Vestey Center, the former hotel
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY successfully blend the needs for historic
plays a valuable role in the lives of the
BENEFITS preservation with steady community and
community’s older residents by providing
The Vestey Center, along with its collabo- economic development growth; (the) Vestey
vital social and transportation services.
rating agencies, provides vital services, Center expanded housing and services for
TE funds were used to restore the
housing, noon meals, senior programs and Superior’s elderly residents, while preserving
former hotel’s lobby, Terrazzo f loors,
exercise groups for the older residents of the integrity of the historic Leslie Hotel.”
staircases, doors, woodwork, walls and light
Superior. The Vestey Center is within Communities across the nation can look to
fixtures. Funding from the U.S. Department
walking distance of a wide variety of stores in the Vestey Center project as a successful
of Housing and Urban Development
the historic business district, allowing mobile model for the preservation of a city’s historic
Community Development Block Grant
seniors the opportunity to shop on their past while meeting the transportation needs
program and the U.S. Department of
own. Superior has discovered that combin- of its older residents.
Agriculture Farmers Home Administration
provided for further restoration, including ing housing with retail enhances economic
development. FUNDING
the preservation of exterior art deco features
The three-story Vestey Center includes Total Project Cost: $1,045,000
and the conversion of the second and third
14 apartments for seniors on fixed incomes. Federal TE: $112,395
f loors to affordable elderly housing.
Senior housing is also available in a neigh- Non-federal Match: $932,605
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE boring building. The Nuckolls County
Senior Services Program, which operates out CONTACTS
TRANSPORTATION
Historically used as a regional bus depot, the of the Vestey Center, runs the Noon Meals Sylvia Crilly, Superior Community
Vestey Center continues to serve as a trans- and Meals-on-Wheels programs. The Noon Corporation, 402-879-4095
portation center for the city’s seniors, who Meals program is offered seven days a week
Kelly Seifried, Nuckolls County Senior
represent approximately 30 percent of and currently provides more than 1,500
Services, 402-879-4679
Superior’s population. Many seniors depend meals each month. In addition, the Vestey
on the countywide elderly transportation Center rents office space to a local insurance
service, Handi-bus, for travel to and from agency and will also provide space for the
the Vestey Center for the Senior Noon planned Superior Technology Education
Meals program, social activities, and shop- Center. When completed, the Technology
ping trips. The Handi-bus also takes seniors Education Center will offer computer classes
to medical appointments in Hastings, to the community at large.
Nebraska, 60 miles away. In addition to The success of the Vestey Center has
providing transportation services for the encouraged other community projects
residents of the Vestey Center, the Handi- including planned renovations to the city
bus also provides transportation for seniors auditorium, construction of a new library
still living on their own. These services are and the technology education center.
provided thanks to the cooperation of the Governor Mike Johanns remarks, “Superior
Superior Community Corporation and the has demonstrated how communities can
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT 15
PRESERVATION OF ABANDONED RAILWAY CORRIDORS
All heny Pa age
G re at Alle g heny Pass age Allegheny Passage, a project similar in scale
to an interstate highway project. A public-
private partnership between the Pennsylvania
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, TO CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND Department of Transportation (PENNDOT)
and the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA), a
W ith 100 continuous miles of trail
open in Pennsylvania from
McKeesport to Meyersdale and an additional
The Great Allegheny Passage allows
hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and
people with disabilities the opportunity to
coalition of seven trail organizations in
Southwestern Pennsylvania and Western
Maryland, manages this comprehensive
20 miles scattered throughout the Pittsburgh discover the region’s spectacular river gorges, project and has significantly contributed to
area, the Great Allegheny Passage is the mountain vistas and sweeping cityscapes. its success.
longest multi-purpose rail-trail in the East. The trail leads travelers through the Allegh- PENNDOT’s progressive thinking,
When the project is completed in 2005, the eny Mountains making use of refurbished combined with more than $17 million in
rail-trail will offer a total of 150 miles of railroad bridges and tunnels on their journey Transportation Enhancements (TE) awards,
non-motorized, nearly level trail between along waterways, unique rock formations facilitated the development of the former
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, and wildlife areas. railroad corridors into the current rail-trail
Maryland, with a 52-mile spur to Pittsburgh system. ATA President Linda Boxx reports,
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE
International Airport. At Cumberland, the TRANSPORTATION “When we needed complicated sections of
Great Allegheny Passage will link with the The tremendous support of elected officials, trail completed the TE money was critical.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, creating state and federal agencies, hundreds of Without it, the full trail network just would
a 300-mile off-road route between Pittsburgh volunteers and thousands of trail users has not happen.” The Great Allegheny Passage,
and Washington, D.C. been crucial to the development of the Great a destination unto itself, is also viewed as a
16 A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
for the pilot program are Meyersdale,
McDonald and West Newton.
Clearly, the Great Allegheny Passage
has positively affected the economies of the
communities it passes through. Pittsburgh
Mayor Tom Murphy is already noticing the
affect of the trail on surrounding communi-
ties. After riding most of the trail network,
he remarked, “I was able to see first hand the
benefit that this project brings to communi-
ties along the way.” U.S. Congressman John
P. Murtha (PA – 12th District) expounds on
the trail’s benefits, “The trail is already
attracting a lot of people, and we’re just
starting to market it. It’s a major asset
for our region, not only because of
the tourist dollars it’s attracting
but also because it’s a key
piece of our economic
rebuilding efforts.” Whether it
is a realtor advertising properties in
major transportation corridor for the residents residents to become entrepreneurs. In 1998, close proximity to the Great Allegheny
of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland four new trail-oriented businesses opened in Passage Hiking and Biking Trail, a local
and the District of Columbia. Boston, including bike rentals, restaurants, a restaurant installing bike racks for the conve-
bed-and-breakfast and a novelty shop. nience of its patrons, or a community-
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY In Conf luence, one of the project’s first sponsored event centered around the trail,
BENEFITS
trailhead towns, the trail has encouraged the the trail network preserves a valuable trans–
According to a 1998 ATA economic-impact
development of several new businesses portation corridor while providing a wealth
study, the direct economic impact of the
including three new restaurants, two new of benefits to communities along its way.
Great Allegheny Passage exceeded $14
bed-and-breakfasts and a bicycle rental
million a year – even though the trail was
program at the local video store. In addition, FUNDING
only half finished at that time. The study,
several homes have been purchased and Total Project Cost: $41,944,244
based on surveys of trail users and local
renovated by trail users, some as primary Federal TE: $17,579,578
businesses, recorded more than 350,000
residences and others as vacation homes. As Non-federal Match: $24,364,666
visitor trips on the trail each year with users
a result, real estate values in Conf luence are
spending $12.01 to $15.33 per person per
increasing. CONTACTS
trip. The study also estimated that trail users
The ATA is providing additional Brett Hollern, Allegheny Trail Alliance,
spent between $5.4 and $14.1 million near
assistance to communities along the trail by 814-445-1544, hollernb@co.somerset.pa.us
six trailheads. In addition, annual expendi-
developing the Trail Towns program, an
tures on bicycles and related equipment, Allegheny Trail Alliance,1-888-ATA-BIKE,
economic redevelopment program similar to
attributable to the trail over the prior two www.atatrail.org
years, were between $8.9 and $12.2 million. the Main Street USA program. Trail Towns
The study suggests a total, direct annualized supports bicycle and pedestrian projects in an Dan Accurti, Pennsylvania Department of
impact of $14.3 to $26.5 million. effort to encourage trail tourism. A $50,000 Transportation, 717-783-2258,
The rail corridors that once carried grant from the Pennsylvania Department of daccurt@dot.state.pa.us
freight are now carrying thousands of rail- Conservation and Natural Resources will
trail users through the cities and towns of help fund the program. Trail Towns awards
Southwestern Pennsylvania. In the Allegh- matching grants to towns for crosswalks and
eny County town of Boston, the high other small bicycle and pedestrian improve-
volume of trail users encouraged some local ments. The three towns currently selected
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 17
REHABILITATION AND OPERATION OF HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION BUILDINGS
Ro ck Island Railro ad Depo t
ailro Depo
Is and Railr
LIBERAL, KANSAS
“A ll Aboard” is the call from the past
that echoes through the recently
restored Rock Island Railroad Depot
constructed. The use of this style of archi-
tecture, found traditionally in buildings of
the western United States, symbolizes the
complex in Liberal, Kansas. This was not the railroad’s role in opening up the West to
case in the late 1980s when the Southern cultural exchange and travel.
Pacific Railroad, owner of the buildings,
hauled a bulldozer into town to start demo- RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
lition of the complex. Enthusiastic support- TRANSPORTATION
BENEFITS
ers of the Rock Island Railroad Depot Passenger rail service through Liberal began
Liberal combined the use of Transportation
halted the demolition. The city, with the to decline in the 1930s and passenger service
Enhancements (TE) funds for the depot
help the community, raised money and was halted following World War II . The rail
renovation with community business and
secured state and federal funds to purchase line has remained in continuous use for
housing grants in an effort to revitalize the
and rehabilitate the facilities. Today, two freight service since that time. The restora-
city. Recognized as a high-performance
former railroad buildings house offices, tion of the Rock Island Railroad Depot
community by the Kansas Department of
meeting rooms, a small museum and a helps preserve an important era in transpor-
Commerce and Housing, Liberal received a
restaurant. tation history while continuing to serve as
1998 Community Achievement Award. The
During the later part of the nineteenth a focal point and gathering place for the
award acknowledges the revitalization efforts
century, the Rock Island Railroad provided community.
in Liberal as an “outstanding example of
transportation services to Kansas City economic and community development in
and points west. After a fire destroyed BEFORE the state.”
Liberal’s first depot in 1910, two The Rock Island Railroad Depot
Spanish mission style buildings were complex also received the 2002 Award of
Excellence from the Kansas Preservation
Alliance and has become the cornerstone of
the downtown business district in Liberal.
The city of Liberal development offices
AFT ER
AFTER
were the first to occupy space in the depot
building in 1998. The Liberal Chamber of
Commerce moved in soon after. The depot
has public meeting rooms decorated to
evoke nostalgia for rail travel. One of the
rooms serves as a mini-museum and is lined
with railroad memorabilia, old photographs
of railroad events from the past, as well as
before-and-after pictures of the depot
restoration project.
The renovation of the second building
was completed in the fall of 2001. A local
coffee house opened on the lower level and
brought a much-needed restaurant to the
downtown business district. Since opening,
the restaurant has enjoyed brisk business and
has already expanded its space. The city
18 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
ACQUISITION OF SCENIC OR HISTORIC EASEMENTS AND SITES
leased the remaining section of the complex
to the Veteran’s Administration in July Sentenac and through Anza-Borrego Desert State
Park, one of the largest contiguous state
2002. This service has been of great benefit
to western Kansas; previously all veterans
had to travel either to Wichita or Amarillo,
Cany and
Canyo n and parks in the nation.
The land acquisition protects impor-
tant wetland and riparian habitat adjacent
Texas, to see a physician. This service has
attracted more visitors to Liberal through
eneg
C ieneg a to State Route 78 and County Road S-2
and preserves the scenic viewshed of a state-
the reuse of these treasured transportation designated scenic highway and areas of
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
facilities. historic and prehistoric cultural signifi-
The Depot Heritage Foundation, a cance. The property also facilitates pedes-
community advocacy group, was formed to
facilitate community efforts to pursue the
renovation of the complex for active use.
I n 1993, when a large parcel of land
contiguous to the Anza-Borrego Desert
State Park in San Diego County, Califor-
trian and equestrian access to the Pacific
Crest National Scenic Trail.
The Depot Heritage Foundation, with the nia, was offered for sale, a group of deter- ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
agreement of the city of Liberal, sought and BENEFITS
mined conservationists sprang into action.
received TE funds from the Kansas Depart- The Anza-Borrego Desert Park is an
Due to the heroic efforts of park officials
ment of Transportation. The group was also extremely popular visitor destination in San
and enthusiastic supporters including the
active in securing an additional $530,000 Diego County, and economic benefits to
Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF), a
through fundraising efforts and assisting the the surrounding community are derived
private land trust dedicated to acquiring
city in soliciting tenants for the space. One from more than 800,000 annual visitors.
lands for the park, the scenic 884-acre
of the fundraising efforts included the sale The acquisition of the Sentenac property
Senetec Canyon and Cienega property was
of artist Steve Heckman’s rendition of the protected the primary entrance to the park
acquired with Transportation Enhance-
depot in the 1930s. More than 200 signed from inappropriate land development and
ments (TE) funding in 1995. The property,
prints were sold for $200 each and funds were preserved its pristine character. It also pro-
a conf luence of desert and wetland, boasts a
donated to the project. The community’s tected the land from the degradation it was
rare freshwater wetland and riparian habitat
efforts serve as a shining example of how a suffering from cattle grazing, the spread of
and more than 55 species of birds including
strong community advocacy group can non-native vegetation and controlled burns.
a federally-listed endangered species, the
bring a large renovation project to fruition. The community benefits from the
least Bell’s vireo.
preservation of the resource and access
FUNDING RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE provided to this unique landscape. Thus,
Total Project Cost: $3,100,000 TRANSPORTATION the Sentenac Canyon and Cienga project
Federal TE: $2,325,000 The Sentenac Canyon and Cienega prop- preserves a travel corridor of the past while
Non-federal Match: $775,000 erty is located at Scissors Crossing, the maintaining a valuable scenic vista for
intersection of two major transportation current-day travelers.
CONTACT corridors: State Route 78 and County
Road S-2. County Road S-2 is part of the FUNDING
Lori Hood, City of Liberal, 620-626-0156,
Great Southern Overland Stage Route, a Total Project Cost: $1,120,000
handone@ptsi.net
historic transportation corridor dating to Federal TE: $1,000,000
the 1840s. Both roads are major routes to Non-federal Match: $120,000
CONTACTS
Howard Reynolds, Caltrans,
916-654-2477,
howard_reynolds@dot.ca.gov
Anza-Borrego Foundation,
760-767-0446, info@theabf.org
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT 19
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
Bic ycle Edu cat ion
Bic Edu
Enhanc Pr
Enhancement Prog ram
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
I n response to growing numbers of
students biking to school, the Philadel-
phia School District, in partnership with the
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION
BEEP is providing facilities, knowledge,
Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley and training and experience to allow Philadel-
the Philadelphia Department of Streets, is phia school children to choose bicycling as
using Transportation Enhancements (TE) a means of transportation for their current
funding for the Bicycle Education Enhance- and future commutes. Students are being
ment Program (BEEP) at middle schools educated about the options available to
school attendance records were invited to
and high schools in the district. them as bicyclists, such as integrating bike
participate in the program. They traveled to
The BEEP program consists of three trips with transit, learning life-long skills for
a local bicycle shop where they learned to
components: installing bike racks and bicycling as well as transportation.
assemble their own bikes with the assistance
distributing safety pamphlets, helmets and of professional mechanics. Participants then
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
locks; developing an integrated bicycle planned their riding routes with their new
BENEFITS
education curriculum as part of the existing bikes.
Bicycling is an economically efficient mode
physical education program; and establishing By investing TE funds in youth-
of transportation, well suited to inner-city
a program providing mini-grants for after- oriented bicycle education programs, the
and lower-income travelers. The knowledge
school bicycle clubs. Philadelphia School District is making a
and skills imparted by BEEP enable partici-
pants to bike safely to school and to part- long term investment in the future of the
time jobs that may have otherwise been out community and how its residents travel.
of reach. The health and fitness benefits of
FUNDING
bicycling are an added bonus for everyone.
Total Project Cost: $530,000
There are 150,000 students in the
Federal TE: $424,000
Philadelphia School District responsible for
their own transportation to school. Bicycle Non-federal Match: $106,000
travel provides students school transporta-
CONTACT
tion plus the mobility and freedom to
Marjorie Wuestner, School District of
explore communities and become involved
Philadelphia, 215-299-8906
in their neighborhoods. BEEP participants
are gaining valuable skills for in-
creasing personal safety, traffic safety
and bicycle maintenance that will
enhance their experiences within
the community.
One of the BEEP mini-grant
recipients, Elverson Middle School,
started an after-school training
program. With additional
fundraising, the after-school pro-
gram was able to provide bicycles,
locks, and safety f lags for students
involved. Students with the best
20 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
PRESERVATION OF ABANDONED RAILWAY CORRIDORS
ineral Be
M ineral Belt Trail community, the rail-trail’s transportation
benefits are considerable, particularly to
children who can now safely walk or bike to
LEADVILLE, COLORADO school on the trail rather than on area roads.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
A t an elevation of 10,400 feet above sea
level, the Mineral Belt Trail (MBT) is
one of the highest paved rail-trails in the
use, sanctioned by the EPA, as an impervious
cap over the old railroad corridor.
BENEFITS
Until recent years mining was the economic
backbone for Leadville. The 1999 closure of
country. The MBT was a challenge to RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE the Asarco Mine was a devastating blow to
developers because it is located within a TRANSPORTATION Leadville’s economy and community spirit.
Superfund site, a national historic district, a The MBT follows old railroad grades, some Realizing the need to redefine their commu-
mining district with overlapping claims and dating to 1884, once used to transport gold, nity, Leadville residents rallied around the
an area of high topographic relief—all of this silver and other minerals from area mines. idea of the trail, focusing on the town’s
in a small community with limited financial The rail-trail also follows abandoned sections natural beauty, recreational opportunities
resources. of the Denver & Rio Grand and Colorado and historic mining areas. The MBT draws
In July 2000, seven years after the trail’s Midland railroad corridors, which were tourists to the area year-round, boosting
groundbreaking, Leadville officially opened largely responsible for opening the central the economic viability of this former mining
the Mineral Belt Trail, a 12.5-mile rail-trail Rocky Mountains to settlement. area. In the months following the trail’s
through the town. The successful comple- Today, the Mineral Belt Trail passes opening, Leadville reported a 19 percent
tion of the trail was the result of strong through the historic town of Leadville increase in sales tax revenues. Owners of
partnerships between Union Pacific Railroad linking three public schools, recreation areas, restaurants and lodging facilities report that
Company, Colorado State Parks, Colorado the public library, Colorado Mountain they are serving customers who have come
Department of Transportation, U.S. Envi- College, the National Mining Museum, into town specifically to ride the trail. The
ronmental Protection Agency (EPA), Asarco the hospital and medical center and several MBT has helped Leadville prevent an
Mine, the town of Leadville, Lake County churches. Transportation Enhancements economic recession by contributing to the
and private landowners. (TE) funds were used for trail construction town’s revitalization efforts and successful
Interesting features of the trail include and the installation of a new bicycle and development as a recreation and tourism
the safe and legal access it provides to historic pedestrian bridge over a busy roadway. destination.
mining areas, panoramic views of Colorado’s With connections to so many places in the
FUNDING
three highest peaks (including Mount Elbert,
the state’s highest mountain) and the trail’s Total Project Cost: $2,570,000
Federal TE: $194,000
Non-federal Match: $2,376,000
CONTACT
Greater Leadville Area Chamber of
Commerce, 1-800-933-3901,
leadville@sni.net, www.leadvilleusa.com
David Miller, Colorado Department of
Transportation, 970-248-7216,
david.c.miller@dot.state.co.us
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 21
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Schro add
Sad
B en Schroe der Sadd le t re e
tor
acto
Factor y
MADISON, INDIANA
BEFORE
T he Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory
in Madison, Indiana, serves as a rare,
detailed reminder of a traditional craft
the Ben Schroeder
Saddletree Factory
began in 1996 when
industry in America. Saddletrees, the internal Historic Madison, Inc.,
framework of a saddle, were constructed at received a Transporta-
the factory from 1878 to 1972. Demand for tion Enhancements
the wooden saddletrees grew in the mid-to- (TE) award for historic
late 1800s with the California Gold Rush, preservation.
the Civil War, and the settling of America’s AFTER
western territories. Saddles played a key role in RELATIONSHIP TO
American transportation history, supporting SURFACE TRANSPORTATION Well preserved shipping records and
early travelers on their horseback journeys Before saddletrees became Madison’s manu- account books, catalogs, sales f lyers and price
across town and country. facturing mainstay, the town was known for lists from as early as 1879 tell the story of
The factory’s 1972 closure marked the its boat-building industry along the Ohio Schroeder saddletree sales: who bought
end of the nation’s oldest continually oper- and Mississippi River systems. Madison’s them, how many and what kinds. These
ated family-owned saddletree factory. The saddletree makers had access to one of the documents, written in English, Spanish and
following year, Historic Madison, Inc., world’s most extensive river transportation Portuguese, show how Schroeder saddletrees
acquired the factory and all its contents with networks and the state’s first railroad line. were marketed throughout the country and
plans to reopen the facility as a museum and The town’s proximity to thriving saddle the world. By 1879, the Schroeder Factory
interpretive center. Preventive maintenance makers in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, produced and sold between 8,000 and 10,000
measures were taken throughout the 1970s Kentucky, gave its saddletree makers a saddletrees a year. Saddletrees were shipped
and 1980s while various funding options marked advantage over the earlier saddletree from Madison to Canada, Cuba and many
were pursued. The actual restoration, manufacturing hubs in the eastern states. South American countries. Well-established
rehabilitation and interpretation of transportation networks on land and water
helped deliver saddles to more remote areas
where travel still depended on “horsepower.”
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
BENEFITS
The Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory
enhances Madison’s rich historical district
with its unique snapshot of a traditional
manufacturing facility. The factory and its
contents were left undisturbed from the day
the facility closed. Maintaining this context
was critical to the restoration of the buildings
and the interpretation of artifacts. Commu-
nity support and public participation were
key factors in the completion of the factory
restoration project. Volunteers and interns
cleaned, moved, and inventoried 15 to 20
C. 1880s tons of artifacts, designed exhibits, gave
22 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION OF HIGHWAY RUNOFF
public presentations, conducted an oral
history project and inventoried the Schroeder Io nia County Ro ad-St re am
ounty
Count Road-S
archival collection. The Schroeder home,
located on the factory grounds, has also
been restored and serves as an interpretive
Cro St
Crossing St udy
center with artifact displays, offices and gift IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN
shop.
Several hundred visitors, including
school groups and heritage preservation
tours from across the country, have toured R oad-stream crossing features
contribute varying amounts of
sediment and non-point source pollutants
the living history museum since its May
2002 opening. A tourism market study to rivers and streams. In an effort to combat
projects future annual visitation at 10,000 to the inf lux of these types of pollutants, the
20,000, corresponding admission revenues Michigan Department of Transportation
would be from $20,000 to $60,000 annually. (MDOT) used federal Transportation
In addition, the Madison Area Convention Enhancements (TE) funds to support
and Visitors Bureau anticipates visitors to planning studies that inventory road-stream
necessary to accommodate road widening
the museum will add $1 million to the local crossings in several locations throughout
and/or increased drainage capacity. This will
economy annually. the state. These studies are used to prioritize
help avoid water pollution problems that may
All told, the restoration of the Ben funding for additional efforts to mitigate
otherwise result from changes in land use.
Schroeder Saddletree Factory benefits the city pollution from highway runoff.
of Madison as a reminder of its unique role One such inventory was the Ionia ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
in transportation history while enhancing County Road Commission’s planning BENEFITS
the cultural and economic health of the inventory of all bridge and culvert road- The information from the inventory has
community. stream crossings in the county. The study decreased the Ionia County Road
was intended as a preventative measure to Commission’s response times to potential
FUNDING highlight potential problem locations and pollution runoff problems related to road-
Total Project Cost: $1,166,000 increase reaction times in resolving water stream crossings. This equates to cost
Federal TE: $932,800 impairment issues. Field crews from a local savings on travel and equipment disburse-
Non-federal Match: $233,200 university collected site data from more ments for repairs and maintenance. The
than 700 locations. The sites were ranked Ionia County Road Commission approxi-
CONTACT and the data was entered into a Geographic mated the study saved $1 million in future
John Staicer, Historic Madison, Inc., Information System (GIS) that included costs.
812-265-3426, saddle@seidata.com, information on soils, land use, drains, The community has benefited by
www.historicmadisoninc.com school districts and road ratings. The establishing communication and coopera-
project was the cooperative effort of several tion with diverse county and statewide
county agencies, MDOT, and Grand Valley agencies for the exchange of digital infor-
State University. mation. This information sharing will aid
in the event of a community emergency
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE
and in the efforts to plan for the prevention
TRANSPORTATION
of such events.
The planning inventory has increased
safety and protected watercourses from FUNDING
highway pollutants throughout Ionia Total Project Cost: $51,958
County. It also enabled the county to TE Funding: $32,481
develop strategies for addressing water quality
Non-federal Match: $19,477
problems and the maintenance and replace-
ment of structures based on wear or age. CONTACTS
Additionally, the inventory helped Ionia Wayne Schoonover, Ionia County Road
County plan the infrastructure alterations Commission, 616-527-1700
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT 23
PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES
James D. P f luger, FAIA,
er, AIA,
ames D. Pf luger FAIA
Pe d estr ian/Bic ycle Bridge
strian/Bic Bridge
AUSTIN, TEXAS
T he section of Colorado River through
downtown Austin, Texas, known
locally as Town Lake, is a hot spot for the
FAIA, Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge officially
opened in June 2001 and provides a com-
munity gathering place and a facility for
city’s steadily growing population of runners, recreation and transportation.
walkers, and bicyclists. For more than 50
years, the elegant and historic Lamar Boule- RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE
vard Bridge provided passage for these users TRANSPORTATION
— and a high volume of cars — across Town In Austin, walking, running and bicycling
Lake. But when heavy traffic and narrow, are practical alternatives to commuting by
often treacherous pedestrian walkways car. The city’s 191 parks and more than 70 ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
resulted in two fatal pedestrian/car accidents, miles of hike-and-bike trails, includes the BENEFITS
the city of Austin resolved to improve the Pf luger Bridge. These facilities have played a Partnerships and public involvement were
bridge crossing for all residents and applied role in Austin’s soaring population, which crucial to the planning process and cost-
for Transportation Enhancements (TE) has increased 40 percent in the last 10 years. effectiveness of the project. The design team
funding in 1993. “This crossing (the Pf luger Bridge) compli- developed an innovative partnering ap-
After several years of study the city ments our Austin lifestyle and creates both a proach having engineers, architects, federal
determined that it was not possible to pre- recreational and commuter path over Town and state agencies, as well as Austin citizens,
serve the Lamar Boulevard Bridge’s historic Lake,” explains Mayor Kirk Watson. The contribute to the project’s vision. Citizen
qualities and safely accommodate pedestrians new 700-foot-long bridge is fully accessible design ideas and concerns about aesthetics
and vehicular traffic. Instead, TE funds, to people with disabilities, helps relieve traffic were incorporated in the bridge design. The
along with local bonds, were used to build a congestion and offers a safe travel alternative successful result is a new transportation
new pedestrian and bicycle bridge adjacent to for Austin visitors and residents traveling by facility and an elegant new landmark. The
the existing bridge. The James D. Pf luger, foot, wheelchair, stroller or bicycle. techniques used to bring together the wide
24 A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
CONTROL AND REMOVAL OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
range of stakeholders were novel for a mu-
nicipal transportation project in Texas, but Oklahoma Bill b o ard
Oklahom Bill ard
necessary to meet the tight schedule, bud-
gets and project goals. The design team came
up with a final product that made use of
emov
ntr and Remo
Control and Removal
conventional materials in an innovative and
cost-effective manner reducing project costs
P rogram
nearly $500,000. Community service pro-
STATEWIDE
grams donated landscaping materials and
labor to further reduce project cost.
The bridge and connecting trail system
are expected to help spur the city’s economic
growth by providing easy access to busi-
H alf of the nation’s state Depart-
ments of Transportation (DOTs)
have utilized Transportation Enhance-
nesses on both sides of Town Lake. Planned ments (TE) funds for projects that have
trail extensions will reach the site of a pro- aided in the control and removal of out-
posed multi-use public activity center and a door advertising. The efforts of the Okla-
new shopping area. Better pedestrian and homa DOT serve as a stellar example of highways throughout the state, thereby
bicyclist access to these sites will encourage putting TE funds to work in this area. improving the scenic enjoyment of the
economic development without increasing Oklahoma has committed $1 million in traveling public and enhancing the travel
automobile traffic and congestion. TE funds to develop the Billboard Con- experience along the highways of
The city hosted a celebration in June trol and Removal Program to assist in the Oklahoma.
2001 to officially recognize the opening of regulation and enforcement of Oklahoma’s
the James D. Pf luger, FAIA, Pedestrian/ Highway Beautification Act, a law in- ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
Bicycle Bridge. The bridge was completed tended to preserve the scenic character of BENEFITS
on schedule and within budget with few trail federal-aid highways. Oklahoma has used There are approximately 4,300 permitted
closures, traffic disruptions or adverse envi- the innovative financing option introduced billboard structures along Oklahoma’s
ronmental impacts. The completed bridge in TEA-21 to fund 100 percent of the highways. The use of consultants to
serves thousands of people every day and project’s costs. develop and maintain the billboard data-
fulfills community needs for recreation, In order to better plan and prioritize base is a cost-effective way to plan and
safety, transportation and public gathering. billboard permitting and removal efforts, comply with the Highway Beautification
the Oklahoma DOT prepared a compre- Act. The inventory also helps ensure that
FUNDING
hensive inventory of permitted and non- the revenues from permitting fees are
Total Project Cost: $9,570,252 received by the state.
permitted billboards throughout the state.
Federal TE: $953,252 As part of the program, consultants were It is the intent that the public will
Non-federal Match: $8,617,000 hired to create an outdoor advertising have access to the database via the internet,
inventory database that serves as a planning thereby helping to regulate outdoor adver-
CONTACT
tool for the DOT. Consultants also tising in communities. Removing outdoor
Kalpana Sutaria, Austin Public Works advertising has restored value to properties
manage the documentation and permit-
Department, 512-974-7225, ting of billboards in the state. The DOT and improved community livability.
kalpana.sutaria@ci.austin.tx.us uses law firms when necessary to aid in
FUNDING
enforcement with nonconforming and
Total Project Cost: $1,000,000
illegal billboards.
Federal TE: $1,000,000
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE Non-federal Match: $0
TRANSPORTATION
The Oklahoma DOT’s Billboard Control CONTACT
and Removal Program has resulted in the Richard Andrews, Oklahoma Department
removal of several thousand noncon- of Transportation, 405-521-2454,
forming and illegal signs along federal-aid randrews@odot.org
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT 25
SCENIC OR HISTORIC HIGHWAY PROGRAMS, INCLUDING TOURIST AND WELCOME CENTERS
irg Ci
V irg inia Civ il War Trails
STATEWIDE
V irginia’s statewide Civil War site preser-
vation initiative began in 1993 as a
local effort to mark the route of General
maps and radio transmissions describing local
Civil War events.
The popularity of the Virginia Civil
War Trails has helped build community
pride and support for local historic preserva-
Robert E. Lee’s retreat from Petersburg to RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE tion efforts. More than 190 sites featured on
Appomattox, Virginia. The nonprofit TRANSPORTATION the trail had never been interpreted before
Virginia Civil War Trails, Inc., works with Mitch Bowman, Virginia Civil War Trails, becoming a part of the Virginia Civil War
local governments, historians and tourism Inc., describes a trail as “an interpreted, Trails. Bowman adds, “TE funding played a
agencies to develop and maintain Civil War chronological progression along a historic key role in the development of this program,
driving tours across the state. Today, there road trace.” Appropriately, the Virginia Civil providing the funds needed to get the ball
are six driving trails collectively known as War Trails make use of existing roadways, rolling and put the infrastructure in place.
Virginia Civil War Trails. A series of Trans- following the original routes used in Civil The program is successful today because of
portation Enhancements (TE) awards have War campaigns in the northern, central, TE funding and the partnerships it encour-
been used to help link and interpret 299 tidewater, southern and valley/mountain ages.” The Virginia Civil War Trails project
Civil War landmarks and historic buildings in regions of Virginia. Portions of the driving is an excellent example of how a state can use
84 cities and counties throughout Virginia. tours are also designated as Virginia Scenic transportation funds to help communities
TE-funded components include historical Byways. preserve and interpret their past through
markers, roadside pull-offs, the acquisition of Several historic sites in the driving tours heritage tourism.
historic Civil War sites, detailed brochures, also relate to rail and river transportation, as
all available methods of surface transporta- FUNDING
tion were used to transport supplies Total Project Cost: $2,762,790
to Civil War troops. Virginia Civil Federal TE: $2,210,232
War Trails also include bicycle and Non-federal Match: $552,558
pedestrian facilities through historic
town centers and state and national CONTACT
battlefield parks. Mitch Bowman, Virginia Civil War Trails,
Inc., 804-783-7423, hmb7@erols.com,
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
www.civilwartrails.org
BENEFITS
The Virginia Civil War Trails have
become one of the nation’s premier
heritage tourism destinations, gener-
ating new economic activity in all
regions of the state, particularly in
rural areas. Eighty percent of the trails
are located in rural settings, attracting
tourists to previously unvisited areas.
Traffic counters and visitor center
questionnaires suggest that over
80,000 people explore the Virginia
Civil War Trails each year. On average,
a visitor spends $66 per person per
day, amounting to more than $5.2
million each year.
26 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PLANNING AND RESEARCH
alifa
Halif Ro
T he Halifa x Ro ad
Planta
Hop e Pl antat ion &
Archaeological Investigation
WINDSOR, NORTH CAROLINA
T he Hope Plantation (circa 1803) in
Bertie County, North Carolina, was
the site of a Transportation Enhancements
(TE) funded archeological investigation to
determine the inf luence of transportation on
the slave community in the late eighteenth
and early nineteenth centuries. The investi- the creation and modification of the eigh- Community involvement was an inte-
gation sought to document the road net- teenth century road network in Bertie gral part of the archaeological investigations.
work, locate plantation slave quarters and County. Court documents from the period Junior high school students from Bertie
gain insight into the operation of a plantation indicate that Zedekiah (and later his son, County worked with professional archae-
during this period of American history. David) served on committees responsible for ologists in the documentation and recovery
Hope Plantation, listed on the National altering and maintaining local roads. It is of significant artifacts and structural features
Register of Historic Places, was the home of likely that Zedekiah exerted his entrepre- related to late eighteenth and early nine-
David Stone, Governor of North Carolina, neurial skills by seeking and obtaining per- teenth century life at Hope Plantation. The
between 1808 and 1810. mission from the Bertie County Courts to information derived from the investigations
both rework the road running through his will enhance the interpretation of the plan-
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE property and adapt his residence to serve as a tation and formulate a history curriculum
TRANSPORTATION public house for travelers. Court records also with the Bertie County school system.
The archeological investigation at the Hope reveal that David Stone’s slaves (and prob- Historic investigations, such as this one
Plantation provided important historic ably Zedekiah Stone’s slaves) labored on the at the Hope Plantation, provide opportuni-
insight into the development and evolution public roads. ties to document and understand our past,
of the early transportation networks in the thereby strengthening the foundations upon
United States. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY which our present-day communities are
During the middle and late eighteenth BENEFITS built.
century, the plantation property was situated Approximately 10,000 people visit the
at an important crossroads of the east-west Hope Plantation every year to participate in FUNDING
Halifax Road and a north-south roadway. numerous educational programs, catch a Total Project Cost: $55,000
The property owner, Zedekiah Stone, glimpse of life in the past and garner a greater Federal TE: $44,000
Governor David Stone’s father, influenced appreciation for American heritage. The Non-federal Match: $11,000
archaeological investigations have increased
attendance by the general public and by CONTACT
school groups. The Hope Plantation has Lisa Briley, Historic Hope Foundation, Inc.,
strengthened the regional economy and is 252-794-3140, www.hopeplantation.org
part of the Historic Albemarle Region’s
driving tour. The Historic Hope Founda-
tion, Inc., estimates that for every dollar
spent at Hope, nine more dollars are circu-
lated into the regional economy (gas, meals,
lodging).
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S 27
REHABILITATION AND OPERATION OF HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION BUILDINGS
ailro St
Railr
B&O Railroad St at ion
OAKLAND, MARYLAND
T he small city of Oakland, Maryland, is
home to one of the most distinguished
historic train depots in the country. The
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION
The rail line servicing the B&O Railroad
Queen Anne style B&O Railroad Station Station provided passenger rail service to
was built in 1884 with ornate molded brick- Oakland for nearly 100 years and contin-
work, a circular tower and slate fish-scale ues to be used for freight transport. Seasonal downtown business area. There are more
shingles. The station was left to weather the train tours also use the rail line bringing 400 businesses interested in downtown locations
elements when regular passenger stops were to 600 visitors into Oakland each year. than there is space available. Nearly one
discontinued in 1971. Realizing the station’s Mayor McCain reports, “Tourist visits to quarter of the businesses have received grants
potential benefits, Mayor Asa McCain and Oakland have increased 25 percent since to improve their facades—others have made
local community groups raised funds to April 2001,” with “more chartered bus use of historic preservation tax credits. The
purchase the building from the CSX Rail- groups visiting each year.” Oakland Historical Society has refurbished a
road. As the recipient of a 1998 Transporta- nearby building for use as a museum, while a
tion Enhancements (TE) award for the ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY seasonal farmer’s market is operated on the
rehabilitation of the station, Oakland quickly BENEFITS grounds of a nearby historic estate. A former
returned the station to its original glory. There has been a great deal of economic car dealership is being converted into a small
Today, the restored depot serves as the center- activity in Oakland since the station’s business/artisan incubator. Oakland has also
piece of the city’s downtown district, having October 2000 rededication. With the help had recent requests to annex properties into
stimulated significant economic benefits and of the state and national Main Street pro- the incorporated city limits.
restored the community’s sense of pride. grams, Oakland has successfully revitalized its Oakland’s growing business community
has also attracted national franchises. Many
people feared the franchises would bring
doom to downtown Oakland, but the
healthy business district supported by the
Greater Oakland Business Association and
28 A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
LANDSCAPING AND SCENIC BEAUTIFICATION
the Main Street program is intact and still
growing. In fact, six businesses have indicated ervais St ape
G ervais St re et s cape
record sales months. The state of Maryland
recognized Oakland’s accomplishments in COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
September 2002 with a Smart Growth
Award in the category of Redevelopment
and Revitalization.
As the principal component in W hen US 1, the first major north-
south route of the United States
highway system, passes in front of the
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION
TE funding helped transform the transpor-
Oakland’s revitalization, the restored station
state capitol building in Columbia, South tation corridor through Columbia into a
is the crown jewel of the city. Guided tours
Carolina, it becomes Gervais Street. In 1984 pedestrian-friendly facility that enhances the
are offered on weekends; during the week the
National Geographic magazine published an travel experience for all. The restructured
station hosts various community meetings.
article on the visual blight associated with street improves access and a dedicated left-
With assistance from preservation and com-
commercial development along the length turn lane means greater pedestrian safety.
munity development resources, Oakland
of the US 1 corridor, including a photo- Transit service is now available in the
built a community park and pavilion just
graph of Gervais Street. At that time mixed-use central business district.
outside the station. The landscaped park
attracts nearly 500 residents to the local Gervais Street was a rundown commercial
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
summer concert series; in the winter, the district with vacant storefronts, abandoned
BENEFITS
community gathers for the lighting of the buildings and few pedestrian amenities.
The corridor has seen significant invest-
holiday tree located in front of the train In the decade that followed, local
ment by both the private and public sectors.
station. Period lighting and brick sidewalks officials developed plans to convert Gervais
Private sector investment includes commer-
enhance the depot and the downtown’s Street from an eyesore into a landmark
cial and residential development, a new
historic qualities. boulevard. Private reinvestment in the
hotel and restoration of an old four-story
A three-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail corridor began to appear in the early 1990s.
car dealership that is now used as a restau-
links the depot with two low-income com- A 1995 Transportation Enhancements (TE)
rant, residences and office space. Public
munities, thus including everyone in the award, used to rehabilitate the corridor, has
investment in the corridor includes a new
city’s revitalization. Mayor McCain adds, encouraged further investment. TE funds
convention center, a children’s museum,
“The station restoration combined with the paid for the construction of a median,
and a sports arena. It is estimated that more
pedestrian improvements have had a positive landscaping, new sidewalks, burial of utility
than $200 million in private and public
impact on the whole community, building lines, installation of street furniture and
investment was made in the area between
self-esteem and community pride.” The period lighting.
1997 and 2000. The rehabilitated travel
Oakland B&O Railroad Station project corridor has revitalized the
demonstrates that TE funding can have a TODAY community, from increased
significant impact on a community of any economic development to a
size, encouraging a wide range of community safer travel corridor for bicyclists,
benefits while preserving its historic trans- pedestrians and automobiles.
portation past.
FUNDING
FUNDING Total Project Cost: $5,305,600
Total Project Cost: $1,311,147 Federal TE: $4,244,480
Federal TE: $653,763 Non-federal Match: $1,061,120
Non-federal Match: $657,384
CONTACT
CONTACT
Asa McCain, City of Oakland, John Gardner, South Carolina Department
301-334-2691, www.oaklandmd.com of Transportation, 803-737-1444,
gardnerjf@dot.state.sc.us
1984
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT 29
ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MUSEUMS
Nor t h Carolina
Caro will add classrooms, meeting space and a
theater, plus increase exhibit space to better
anspo use
Mus
Transpo r t at ion Muse um showcase transportation development in
North Carolina.
SPENCER, NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
BENEFITS
In April 2000, Michael A. Kanters, Ph.D.,
W hile the days of steam locomotives
have passed, they are remembered at
the North Carolina Transportation Museum
more than 50 acres and several historic
structures to the people of North Carolina.
Project funding was secured from the
of the North Carolina State University
completed an economic impact assessment
highlighting the positive impacts of the
(NCTM) in Spencer, North Carolina. The Department of Transportation, the Depart- North Carolina Transportation Museum
museum is located on the former site of ment of Cultural Resources, the state legis- on the surrounding community. The
Southern Railway Company’s largest steam lature and private citizens and corporations. assessment indicated that the NCTM had
locomotive servicing facility, Spencer Shops. More than $5 million in Transportation generated 132 jobs, including museum staff
The NCTM celebrates and interprets the Enhancements (TE) funding was used to and those working in service industries
history of all forms of transportation. Ex- restore and transform the 1924 Roundhouse, such as hotels and restaurants within the
hibits include locomotives, twentieth cen- now the centerpiece of the NCTM, into community. Further, with more than
tury automobiles and other transportation exhibit space and workshop areas where 100,000 annual visitors (including 20,000
related artifacts. Restored steam and diesel visitors watch craftsmen restore the school children), the museum operations
locomotives pull museum guests in train museum’s railroad collections. The 37-bay contribute $2.4 million in annual income,
coaches on a 25-minute tour of the former Roundhouse served as Southern Railway $3.3 million in annual retail spending, and
Spencer Shops. The museum is one of the Company’s largest steam engine repair facility $2.5 million in service purchase activity in
most visited attractions in the Rowan for more than two decades. The Round- Rowan County each year. While the
County, providing a rare glimpse of transpor- house, also a National Historic Landmark, is museum itself offers positive impacts to the
tation history as well as a wealth of benefits the country’s largest surviving railroad county, the assessment suggests, “… as a
to the community. structure of its kind. An additional $6 million component in a historic destination package,
in TE funds is being used to rehabilitate the the museum can (further) accelerate Rowan
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE NCTM’s largest train repair building, the County’s revitalization and economic
TRANSPORTATION Back Shop building. The Back Shop facility growth.”
The Southern Railway Company opened
the Spencer Shops in 1896. Located roughly
halfway between Washington, D.C., and
Atlanta, Georgia, the service center was
easily accessible to trains traveling through-
out the southeastern states. In its heyday,
the Spencer Shops employed more than
3,000 people, providing jobs for almost all
the workers of Spencer and East Spencer as
well as hundreds more from nearby Salisbury.
The mid-century arrival of the diesel loco-
motive reduced the need for the Shops and
led to its virtual closure by 1960 in favor of
Linwood Yards, a new, more modern facility
across the Yadkin River.
Preservationists, legislators and volun-
teers, keen to protect the historic nature of
the site, played a central role in the establish-
ment of the transportation museum. South-
ern Railway supported the effort by donating
30 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
LANDSCAPING AND SCENIC BEAUTIFICATION
Centerv ille Tow nscape
entervill nscape
CENTERVILLE, IOWA
I n 1995, the city of Centerville, Iowa,
embarked on a project to revitalize its
center of business, government, and com-
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
BENEFITS
The economic stimulus of this project has
merce for a region serving approximately been substantial for the town. Since the
50,000 people. The entire town square, the Centerville Townscape project was set in
Many of the original volunteers at the
Appanoose County Courthouse, and 121 motion, eight storeowners have revitalized
NCTM were former Southern Railway
buildings on the perimeter of the square are their storefronts, five new businesses have
Company employees or decedents of former
listed on the National Register of Historic moved in and three existing businesses have
employees, thus providing the community
Places. expanded.
with a sense of pride and connectivity to its
The Centerville Townscape project The town square serves as the venue
past. The North Carolina Transportation
was implemented in four phases and in- for many of the town’s community events,
Museum demonstrates how historic sites
cluded the replacement of sidewalks and including Pancake Day, an annual event
and historic preservation projects can offer
streetlights around the perimeter of the celebrated in Centerville for the last 50
communities economic benefits through
square. Transportation Enhancements years. Since the completion of the
visitor purchases and new jobs created, and
(TE) funds were used to plant trees, install townscape project, the event has seen
social benefits by restoring landmarks and
benches and construct increased revenues and
community pride. Transportation Enhance-
planters. The project now draws 30,000
ments funds have helped Spencer preserve
was widely supported visitors — up from
and benefit from its industrial history, pre-
by the community and 20,000 several years ago.
serving a legacy of learning for generations
received additional Community
of North Carolinians.
funding from the city members take pride in
of Centerville, local their townscape project.
FUNDING
merchants, private Not only have local
Total Project Cost: $11,111,930
donations and a Trees merchants contributed
Federal TE: $5,864,000
Forever grant. to the revitalization
Non-federal Match: $5,247,930
efforts, but individuals
RELATIONSHIP TO have also donated their
CONTACTS
SURFACE time to replace old
North Carolina Transportation Museum,
TRANSPORTATION shrubbery with new
877-628-6386, nctrans@vnet.net, The town square serves flowerbeds at public
www.nctrans.org as the gateway to the buildings around the
town and is an integral square. Centerville has
Kelly Alexander, North Carolina Transpor-
part of the pedestrian and vehicular circula- demonstrated what a community can
tation Museum Foundation, 877-628-6386,
tion. Prior to implementation of the accomplish when it unites with a vision for
Kelly.Alexander@ncmail.net
Centerville Townscape project, the square the future.
Elizabeth Smith, North Carolina Depart- was not considered pedestrian friendly.
ment of Cultural Resources, 877-628-6386, There were no clearly defined walkways, no FUNDING
encumbrances to slow vehicular traffic, and Total Project Cost: $84,889
Elizabeth.Smith@ncmail.net
many of the sidewalks were in a state of Federal TE: $67,911
disrepair. The townscape project has ad- Non-federal Match: $16,978
dressed all of these issues, making the area
more inviting and increasing safety for CONTACT
people who traverse the square on foot. Pat Peyton, City of Centerville,
641-856-0660, patp@iowasocean.com
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
GUIDE TRAN SPOR
ANSPO ENHANCEMEN
CEMENT 31
PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES
enw
G re enway Trail
MARYVILLE TO ALCOA, TENNESSEE
L ocated in the scenic foothills of the
Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee,
the twin cities of Maryville and Alcoa are
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
BENEFITS
The Greenway Trail has helped instill a
attracting an increasing number of visitors, strong sense of community pride. When
new residents and employers with the visitors arrive, the trail is one of the places branch of the Greenway. Both cities have
picturesque Greenway Trail. The cities have that residents make a point of showing while submitted applications for additional TE
received more than $1 million in Transpor- touring the area. In addition, property values trail funding, including connections to a
tation Enhancements (TE) funding for the have increased and are valued highest close low-income community in Alcoa. The
construction of the popular trail system. to the trail. community has expressed a clear interest in
The eight-mile Greenway Trail is a safe, viable The trail has encouraged major corpo- linking neighborhoods to the greenway and
method of travel between neighborhoods, rations to relocate to Maryville. After con- establishing safer routes to schools and
schools, businesses and retail areas. sidering several cities, Ruby Tuesday, Inc. recreation areas.
moved its Restaurant Support Center to a The trail has had many positive effects
RELATIONSHIP TO SURFACE site adjacent to the trail. Chairman and on the citizens of Maryville and Alcoa. It
TRANSPORTATION CEO Samuel E. Beall, III, stated, “I was provides safe travel routes and opportunities
What began as a plan for a recreational trail very impressed with the beauty of the park, for recreation and exercise. Dr. Mike Dalton,
between the cities of Maryville and Alcoa which helps provide a sense of community Director of Maryville City Schools, reports,
has evolved into an integral transportation to this area, as well as the many benefits it “The schools all use this trail system as a
system providing residents with a heart- provides to our more than 300 employees.” part of their physical education programs,
healthy alternative for travel to work, school, In recognition of the many health, teaching walking and jogging skills that can
recreation areas, shops and restaurants. The educational, and travel benefits the Greenway provide lifelong health benefits.” In addition,
Greenway Trail, dotted with benches and Trail offers, Blount Memorial Hospital, the trail has become a natural classroom for
historical markers, follows a route around Alcoa, Inc., and other businesses have con- study units on nature and ecology. Dr.
frequent rock outcroppings and across tributed more than $300,000 worth of funds Dalton suggests, “This interaction with the
wooden footbridges over Pistol Creek. and easements to enhance the trail. natural environment provides a stronger
Additional trail connections run adjacent to Mayor Steve West and his family, avid learning environment and leads to the
places of worship, a new library, the county supporters of the trail system, donated development of adults who will lead efforts
courthouse and downtown senior housing $300,000 towards the construction of an to maintain a healthy environment for the
developments. outdoor theater encircled by the trail system; future.”
many attendees use the trail for transporta-
tion to events. The theater hosts local school FUNDING
groups, dance studios and theater groups, as Total Project Cost: $2,979,020
well as nationally know recording Federal TE: $1,681,000
artists. The Theater in the Park and Non-federal Match: $1,298,020
the Greenway Trail also host the
Foothills Fall Festival. Approximately CONTACTS
140,000 people attend the annual Tom Weitnauer, City of Maryville,
event, enjoying activities, arts and 865-981-1332, tweitnau@ci.maryville.tn.us
crafts booths and food vendors that
line the trail. Chris Hamby, City of Alcoa, 865-380-4730,
Support for the Greenway Trail chamby@ci.alcoa.tn.us
system has remained strong. Citizens
have requested more trails and
increased connections to the main
32 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
Gl ary
T E Glo ss ary We b
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 National Environmental Policy Act
ourc
Resources
(ADA) — Federal law that requires acces- (NEPA) — Federal law that requires every
sible public transportation services for persons federal agency to prepare a detailed report Federal Highway Administration
with disabilities. ADA also pertains to facili- evaluating environmental impacts and alter- For information on the Transportation
ties along highways, trails, sidewalks and natives to a proposed action. Enhancements program, including definitions
other public settings. of allowable activities, federal guidance and
National Historic Preservation Act of project eligibility guidelines.
Brooks Act — Legislation that requires 1966 (NHPA), Section 106 — This section www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te.htm
engineering and design consultant contracts requires federal agencies to consider the
funded with federal funds to use qualification- potential effects of a project on a property National Transportation Enhancements
based selection procedures which disallow that is listed in, or eligible for, the National Clearinghouse
price as a factor in the selection process. Register of Historic Places. For information on the Transportation
Enhancements program, including contact
Categorical Exclusion (CE) — A technical Right-of-Way (ROW) — A linear corridor information for state and federal TE program
exclusion for projects that do not result in of land such as used for transportation or managers, state bicycle and pedestrian coordi-
significant environmental effects; such other facilities such as highways, roads, nators, state historic preservation officers and
projects are not required to prepare environ- streets, railroads, trails, light-rail and utilities. recreational trails program managers. Over 50
mental assessments or environmental impact publications available for download or e-mail
Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of
statements. order including the quarterly TE newsletter
Transportation Act — Section 4(f)
Davis-Bacon Act — Federal law that resources consist of publicly owned parks, Connections. www.enhancements.org
requires the minimum prevailing wage to be recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl National Association of Service and
paid to all workers on federal-aid highway refuges, and national, state or local historic Conservation Corps
projects that exceed $2,000. This require- sites. Section 4(f) land cannot be used for Federal TE guidance stresses the use of youth
ment does not apply to certain Transporta- U.S. DOT-funded projects unless it is deter- conservation corps in the development of TE
tion Enhancements projects. mined that no feasible and prudent alterna- projects. This web site will connect you with
tive exists. Corps in your area. www.nascc.org
Eligibility — The criteria established by the
FHWA by which a project qualifies for Soft Match — The value of activities outside Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Transportation Enhancements funding. In the project scope but directly related to the For information on the preservation of unused
determining eligibility, the FHWA has stipu- project which are credited toward the non- railroad corridors and their conversion to
lated that a project must be one or more of federal share of a project. trails. The site includes links to downloadable
the twelve Transportation Enhancements reports and various technical assistance briefs.
Sponsor — One or more individuals, part-
activities, and be related to surface transpor- www.railtrails.org
nerships, associations, private corporations
tation. States may have additional eligibility
or public authorities recommending a par- National Trust for Historic Preservation
requirements.
ticular project and committed to its develop- For information on various aspects of the
Federal Share — The portion of the ment, implementation, construction, main- historic preservation work that pertains to the
project cost funded by the federal govern- tenance, management and financing. In most use of TE funds. www.nthp.org
ment. These federal funds are normally states, a Transportation Enhancements
matched with state and/or local government project sponsor must be a public entity with Scenic America
funds. The federal share is 80 percent for tax-bearing authority. For information pertaining to scenic easements
most projects. and billboard removal. www.scenic.org
Surface Transportation — All elements of
In-Kind Contributions — Allowable the intermodal transportation system includ- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information
(chargeable) costs of a project contributed by ing water transport. TE funds cannot be used Center
other government entities or private parties, for military or aviation related projects. Provides information about pedestrian and
and including donations of cash, real prop- bicycle issues, including health and safety,
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real engineering, advocacy, education, enforcement,
erty, materials and (voluntary) contribution
Property Acquisition Policies Act of access and mobility. www.pedbikeinfo.org
of professional services and labor.
1970, as Amended — Federal law that
Matching Funding (Non-federal Fund- provides procedural and other requirements
ing Share) — The percentage of non-federal in the acquisition of real property and pro-
funds required for almost all TEA-21 pro- vides for relocation payments and advisory
grams on a project-by-project basis to match assistance in the relocation of persons and
a federal contribution. The standard ratio is businesses impacted by federal or federally-
a 20 percent match from state and local assisted projects.
sources.
U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW HEPN-50
Washington, D.C. 20590
202-366-6724
www.fhwa.dot.gov
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION
ENHANCEMENTS CLEARINGHOUSE
1100 Seventeenth Street, NW, 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036
1-888-388-NTEC
www.enhancements.org
RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY
1100 Seventeenth Street, NW, 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-331-9696
www.railtrails.org
4 GUIDE ANSPO
TRAN SPOR CEMENT
ENHANCEMEN
A GUID E T O TR AN SPO R TAT I O N ENHAN CEMEN T S
Related docs
