For Immediate Release
May 22, 2006
Contact: Jim Fisher, Hancock County Planning Commission

Maine Department of Transportation
Transportation Enhancement Program
Request for Proposals

Transportation Enhancement Program

Transportation Enhancements (TE) activities are federally funded, community-based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and environmental aspects of our transportation infrastructure. For example, projects can include creation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, streetscape improvements, refurbishment of historic transportation facilities, and other investments that enhance communities and access. The federal government provides funding for TE projects through our nation’s surface transportation legislation. A 20% state, local or private match is required.

MaineDOT is accepting applications for the Transportation Enhancement Program through July 1st, 2006. This is a competitive funding program. You can access the application at the following web address:

www.maine.gov/mdot/planning-process-programs/documents/2ENHapp0809.pdf (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Eligible Activities:

A. Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles.
B. Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists.
C. Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites including historic battlefields.
D. Scenic or historic highway programs including the provision of tourist and welcome center facilities.
E. Landscaping and other scenic beautification.
F. Historic preservation.
G. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or facilities including historic railroad facilities and canals.
H. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors including the conversion and use of the corridors for pedestrian or bicycle trails.
I. Inventory, control, and removal of outdoor advertising.
J. Archaeological planning and research.
K. Environmental mitigation
- i . to address water pollution due to highway runoff; or
- ii. reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity.
L. Establishment of transportation museums.

Visited www.enhancements.org/index.asp to learn more about Transportation Enhancement Program Goals. You will find detailed explanations for each of the eligible activities, information for preparing grants and more links to resources.

Local municipalities

Most pedestrian improvements such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signals are constructed in local villages or cities and are the responsibility of local municipalities. Thus, local municipalities should be the first source of funding for desired pedestrian improvements. For projects beyond the scope of a municipal budget, it is possible to seek the Federal funding administered through MaineDOT but these funds are very competitive. It is also possible that some communities can fund pedestrian improvements, particularly in downtown areas through the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG).

Please contact Jim Fisher at the Hancock County Planning Commission for assistance in project selection and proposal development.

Questions for the Maine Department of Transporation should be directed to:

Duane A. Scott, Transportation Enhancement Coordinator
Policy Development & Statewide Planning Bureau of Planning
Maine Department of Transportation
16 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0016
207-624-3309 (or 3300)
207-624-3301 FAX
207-287-3392 TTY
800-380-7822 Toll-free
duane.scott@maine.gov