Appendix E: Funding Sources
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FUNDING SOURCES
Listed below are selected funding sources available
for pedestrian projects. To find out more about each
funding source, contact the appropriate agency. Note
that these sources are subject to change.
n Federal Sources
n State Sources
n Local Sources
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan
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Appendix E: Funding Sources
Federal Sources
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
In 1991, Congress passed the International Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA, which expired
in 1997). This Act provided potential funding for
pedestrian improvements through a number of
different sources. The following information is from
Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions published by the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
National Highway System Funds
National Highway System Funds may be used to
construct pedestrian walkways on land adjacent to
any highway on the National Highway System
(other than the Interstate System). These facilities
must be principally for transportation rather than
recreation. These facilities must be located and
designed pursuant to an overall plan developed by
each metropolitan planning organization and state.
Surface Transportation Funds
Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds may
be used for either the construction of pedestrian
walkway facilities or non-construction projects (such
as brochures, public service announcements and
route maps) related to safe walking. These projects
must be located and designed pursuant to an overall
plan developed by each MPO and state.
Ten per cent of each state’s annual STP funds are
available only for Transportation Enhancement
Activities (TEAS). Of the 10 defined TEAS, two are
specifically bicycle- and pedestrian-related:
“provision of facilities for bicyclist and pedestrians"
and "preservation of abandoned railway corridors
(including the conversion and use thereof for
pedestrian or bicycle trails)”.
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Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Improvement Program Funds
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
Improvement Program Funds may be used for either
the construction of pedestrian walkway facilities or
non-construction projects (such as brochures, public
service announcements and route maps) related to
safe walking. These projects must be principally for
transportation rather than recreation. These
pedestrian projects must be located and designed
pursuant to an overall plan developed by each MPO
and state.
Federal Lands Highway Funds
Federal Lands Highway Funds may be used to
construct pedestrian walkway facilities in
conjunction with roads, highways and parkways at
the direction of the department charged with the
administration of such funds. These projects must
be principally for transportation rather than
recreation. These pedestrian projects must be located
and designed pursuant to an overall plan developed
by each MPO and state.
Scenic Byways Programs Funds
Scenic Byways Programs Funds may be used to
construct facilities for the use of walkers.
National Recreational Trails Fund
National Recreational Trails Fund money may be
used for a variety of recreational trails programs to
benefit walkers. Projects must be consistent with a
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan
Appendix E: Funding Sources
State Sources
required by the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Act. This Fund is administered by DEM with
MassHighway oversight.
Section 402 Funding
Pedestrian and bicyclist safety remain priority areas
for highway safety program funding. Title II, Section
3002 of the ISTEA addresses the state and highway
safety grant program funds. The priority status of
safety programs for pedestrians and bicyclists
expedites the approval process for these safety
efforts.
A program guideline has been developed to offer
states guidance in developing and managing a
statewide bicycle and pedestrian safety program.
National Park Service
The National Park Service also provides funding for
trail development and conservation through the
following programs:
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Land and Water Conservation Fund money can be
used for the acquisition, development or renovation
of park, recreation or conservation areas.
Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau
Funding from the Governor ’s Highway Safety
Bureau can be used for small-scale physical
improvements and for pedestrian safety programs.
Department of Environmental Management
The Department of Environmental Management
does not have money earmarked for walking
improvements; however, it can acquire and develop
abandoned rights-of-ways. DEM also funds walking
trail improvements through the National
Recreational Trails Fund.
MassHighway
MassHighway will fund walkways in conjunction
with other projects if community support exists and
if there is a demonstrated need for the project.
Projects should be geared primarily for pedestrian
transportation. Priority is given to those
communities that pay for engineering designs and
acquire all necessary permits beforehand.
Local Sources
The potential of raising money within your own
community should not be overlooked.
Mailing low-cost brochures to community residents
can be an effective part of a fund-raising plan.
Publicize fund-raisers in local newspapers and
through outdoor displays, suggesting how much has
been raised and how much is needed.
Another option is to “sell” lengths of path to
contributors. For instance, each contributor could
“buy” a path section for a $25.00 donation. Donors
names could be listed in the newspaper. When the
project is completed, the contributor list could be
placed at the start of the path.
If your community feels it has participated, it will
have a stronger sense of ownership. this will greatly
aid in the project’s long-term success.
For additional funding information, see the current
Massachusetts Highway Department State Aid Manual.
Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program
The National Parks Service offers expertise, skills and
resources to eligible communities through the Rivers
and Trails Conservation Assistance Program.
Examples of assistance include Corridor Studies,
Protection and Workshops.
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Appendix E: Funding Sources
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Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan