Transportation Enhancement Funding Projects The District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) is accepting applications from May 5 through August 1, 2008 for Transportation Enhancement projects. These projects, funded through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), aim to "strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the Nation's Intermodal transportation system." These funds support non-traditional projects that are linked to the transportation system. Requests which fall outside of this program may be referred to other Capital Budget programs for possible implementation. Questions can be sent by email to Colleen Hawkinson, Citywide Transportation Planner. Criteria (as establish by SAFETEA-LU) To Apply Timeline Contracting Helpful Websites Criteria Each transportation enhancement project must (A) relate to surface transportation AND (B) meet at least one of the twelve eligible activities listed below (23 U.S.C. 101(a)(35)). Additionally, the project must be consistent with agency plans, missions, etc. (e.g. DDOT's Vision Plan, DDOT's bicycle plan, Office of Planning's Comprehensive plan, etc.).   Surface Transportation Surface transportation includes all elements of the intermodal transportation system, exclusive of aviation. Twelve Eligible Activities a description of each activity is found below. Please note that although the project has to meet at least one of the twelve activities listed below, meeting one (or even more) of the activities does not guarantee its approval   Bicycle and pedestrian facilities Construction of sidewalks, walkways or curb ramps; as well as bike lane striping, wide paved shoulders, bike parking and bus racks; off-road trails; bike and pedestrian bridges and underpasses. Bicycle and pedestrian safety and educational activities Support of campaigns that promote safety awareness; safety training activities and classes; training materials. Acquisition of scenic or historic easements or sites Acquisition of scenic lands or easements and the purchase of historic properties or buildings in historic districts, including historic battlefields. Scenic or historic highway programs including tourist and welcome centers Construction of turnouts and overlooks, visitor centers and viewing areas as well as designation signs and markers may be eligible for funding. Landscaping and scenic beautification Improvements such as street furniture, lighting, public art and landscaping along travel corridors. Historic preservation Preservation of buildings and facades in historic districts; restoration of historic buildings for transportation-related purposes; access improvements to historic sites. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities Restoration of railroad depots, bus stations and lighthouses; rehabilitation of rail trestles, tunnels, bridges and canals. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use of the corridors for pedestrian or bicycle trails) Acquisition of railroad rights-of-way; planning, design and construction of multi- use trails and rail-with-trail projects. Inventory, control and removal of outdoor advertising Billboard inventories and removal of illegal and nonconforming billboards. Archaeological planning and research Research, preservation planning and interpretation; developing interpretive signs, exhibits and guides; inventories and surveys. Environmental Mitigation of runoff pollution and provision of wildlife connectivity Runoff pollution studies; soil erosion controls; detention and sediment basins; river clean-ups; wildlife underpasses. Establishment of transportation museums Conversion of railroad stations or historic properties into museums with transportation themes; construction of new museums; purchase of exhibit materials. To Apply DDOT prefers that you complete your application online, however, applicants will not be penalized for mailing applications. If mailing, please forward SEVEN copies of the completed package to the following address: To print and mail applications: Transportation Enhancement Project Application Form* Colleen S. Hawkinson 2000 14th Street, NW 7th Floor Washington, DC 20010 To submit an application electronically, please fill out this online web form. Timeline May 5 – August 3, 2008 Application will be accepted August Panel review of applications September NEW Applicants will present project to evaluation panel ‡ Panel will meet to evaluate all applications submitted by deadline Early October Notification to applicants ‡ Applicants will be contacted in August to schedule a presentation date. Contracting It is important to note that Transportation Enhancement Funds are not grants. Transportation Enhancement projects will either be done in-house, by DDOT or by a contractor retained through established District of Columbia procurement processes. Helpful Websites National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse An information service sponsored by DOT's Federal Highway Administration and Rails to Trails Conservancy. The website provides detailed information on the Transportation Enhancement program. Federal Highway Administration The Federal Highway Administration's website provides an overview, guidance and resource information. * This document is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF Reader or Learn More About PDFs.