ARKANSAS
TRANSPORTATION
ENHANCEMENT
PROGRAM
* FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2011 *
Eligible Transportation Enhancement Activities
General Project Guidelines
Project Application -- FFY 2011
Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
August 25, 2010
ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
April 2010
ELIGIBLE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA-LU) of 2005 lists twelve transportation enhancement activities as
eligible areas for enhancement projects. The Act requires that projects relate to surface
transportation. This relationship (particularly in activity categories 3, 5, 6 and 10) should
be addressed as part of the project description. The twelve categories are:
1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities: Includes construction of new or reconstructed
sidewalks, walkways, or curb ramps; wide paved shoulders for nonmotorized use, bike
lane striping, bike parking, and bus racks; construction or major rehabilitation of offroad shared use paths (nonmotorized transportation trails); trailside and trailhead
facilities for shared use paths; bridges and underpasses for pedestrians and bicyclists
and for trails for bicyclists and pedestrians in conjunction with a new transportation
project or independent of any other new construction work.
As part of a new roadway construction or reconstruction project, routine provisions
for bicyclists and pedestrians such as sidewalks, curb ramps, wide curb lanes, and
shoulders on rural roads, are not considered to be "enhancements". In addition,
expenditures for mitigation required by SAFETEA-LU and other Federal laws are not
eligible for funding under this category.
2. Safety and Educational Activities for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Includes
non-construction safety related activities to encourage safe walking and bicycling such
as pedestrian/bike safety training (cost of facilitators and classes are eligible items). It
may also include related training materials such as brochures, videotapes, and other
training aids, as well as rent for leased space. The project description must indicate a
specific period for participation.
The funded activities must be accessible to the general public or targeted to a broad
segment of the general public.
3. Acquisition of Scenic Easements and Historic Sites (including historic
battlefields): Includes the purchase, donation, transfer or trade of land which
possesses significant aesthetic, natural, visual or open space values, including
acquisition of lands and any property listed in or eligible for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places.
Funds may be used for planning and transaction costs including appraisals, surveys, or
legal costs only if the funded project also includes acquisition of the site or easement.
Also, the applicant must agree to enforce appropriate mechanisms to preserve the
significant scenic and historic values.
4. Scenic or Historic Highway Programs (including the provision of tourist and
welcome center facilities): Includes protection and enhancement of State or
Federally designated scenic or historic highways. For projects related to scenic or
historic highway programs such as construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing
areas; construction of visitor and welcome centers; designation signs and markers.
Funds may be used only for projects that will protect and enhance the scenic, historic,
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ELIGIBLE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES
cultural, natural, and archeological integrity and visitor appreciation of an existing
highway and adjacent area. Projects designed to protect and enhance the integrity of
existing designated highways and adjacent areas must be reviewed and endorsed by
professionals qualified to evaluate scenic, historic, cultural, natural, and archeological
values. Eligible projects may not include the construction of safety rest areas.
This category also includes the construction of new and/or the restoration of existing
tourist and welcome center facilities. The tourist or welcome center does not have to
be on a designated scenic or historic byway, but there must be a clear link to scenic or
historic sites. Funds cannot be used for statewide programs, marketing, or promotion
not related to the scenic or historic highway program. Funds cannot be used for
staffing, operating costs, or maintenance. Funds may not be used to simply repair and
restore what are clearly rest areas. The visitor or welcome center must be publicly
owned and open to the public.
5. Landscaping and Other Scenic Beautification: Includes landscape projects which
enhance the aesthetic or ecological resources along highways, other transportation
corridors, points of access, and lands in proximity to other transportation enhancement
projects. Funds may not be used for routine, incidental, or maintenance activities such
as grass cutting, tree pruning and removal, soil stabilization, construction of noise
barriers, drainage improvement, or for post-construction finish work such as
replanting and reseeding. Seeding and planting vegetation for erosion control or
screening purposes are not eligible landscaping enhancement projects.
Projects which enhance the attractiveness of a transportation facility include planning,
design and construction of scenic vistas and overlooks, restoration of historic
landscapes and construction of landscapes which are compatible with their
surroundings. Projects which enhance the ecological balance along a transportation
corridor include planning, testing and planting for restoration or reintroduction of
native plant communities and appropriate adaptive species. Activities associated with
interpreting sites and providing information about the programs though which
resources are preserved are also eligible for funds.
For this category only, no funds may be used to remove trees unless an approved site
plan calls for such removal on the grounds of scenic or ecological enhancement, or
unless a tree is diseased or dead as certified by a qualified professional.
6. Historic Preservation: Includes all aspects of historic preservation, including
identification, evaluation, documentation, curation, acquisition, protection,
management, rehabilitation, interpretation, restoration, and stabilization of any historic
district, site, structure, object or landscape, included in or eligible for inclusion on the
National Register of Historic Places. The objective of activities in this category is to
improve the ability of the public to appreciate the historic significance of the project
itself or the area to be served by the project.
Expenditures under this category are not eligible if they are required by Section 4(f) of
the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 U.S.C. Sec. 303) or Section 138 of
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ELIGIBLE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES
Title 23 U.S.C., or if they are used to avoid or mitigate the effect of a project on any
historic place pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 470(f) or its implementing regulations.
7. Rehabilitation and Operation of Historic Transportation Buildings, Structures,
or Facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals): Includes returning
the property to a state which makes possible a contemporary use while preserving the
significant historic features of that property, or providing access and service in a
manner related to both the continuation of a contemporary transportation or
non-transportation use consistent with the historic character of the property.
"Historic Transportation Buildings, Structures, or Facilities" refer to structures
associated with the operation, use, construction, or maintenance of any mode of
surface transportation, and listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places.
It also includes tunnels, bridges, trestles, embankments, rails or other guideway,
non-operational vehicles, canal viaducts, tow paths and locks, stations, and other
man-made transportation features related to the operation, use, construction, or
maintenance of any mode of surface transportation. Both freight and passenger
facilities are eligible.
(Due to restricted funds available for this program, no "operation" costs will be
considered for funding. All operation and maintenance costs are the responsibility of
the applicant.)
8. Preservation of Abandoned Railway Corridors (including the conversion and use
of corridors for pedestrian and bicycle trails): Includes the planning, acquisition,
rehabilitation, and development of corridors for public uses including bicycle and
pedestrian use.
"Rail Corridors" are transportation corridors in which rail tracks exist or have existed
in the past. "Abandoned railway corridors" are rail corridors which have been
authorized for abandonment by the Interstate Commerce Commission, or rail corridors
for which abandonment proceedings are pending before the Interstate Commerce
Commission, or rail corridors which have been set aside for future transportation use
(i.e. "rail banked") under any applicable federal or state authority.
9. Inventory, Control, and Removal of Outdoor Advertising: Includes the control
and removal of existing outdoor advertising signs, displays and devices. Enhancement
activities are in addition to the requirement to exercise "effective control" of outdoor
advertising under Section 131 of Title 23 U.S.C.
Expenditures made to remove existing signs, displays and devices shall be made
according to a legal process that bases payment on an equitable appraisal.
10. Archeological Planning and Research: Includes, but is not limited to, research on
sites eligible for transportation enhancement funds, experimental projects in
archeological site preservation and interpretation, planning to improve identification,
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ELIGIBLE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES
evaluation, and treatment of archeological sites, problem-oriented synthesis using data
derived from (though not limited to) transportation-related archeological projects,
development of national and regional research designs to guide future surveys, data
recovery and synthetic research, and projects having similar purposes.
Expenditures under this category may only be used for research and/or interpretation
of sites associated with transportation facilities.
Expenditures under this category are not eligible if they are required by Section 138 of
Title 23 U.S.C. and Section 303 of Title 49 U.S.C. in order to avoid or mitigate the
effect of a project on any historic place pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 470(f) or its
implementing regulations, or if they involve the requirements of the Archeological
Resources Protection Act and the Archeological Conservation Act. These include the
inventory of known resources in project areas, reconnaissance surveys where
resources are likely to occur, and an evaluation of the significance of individual sites
for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
11. Environmental Mitigation to Address Water Pollution Due to Highway Runoff
or to Reduce Vehicle-caused Wildlife Mortality While Maintaining Habitat
Connectivity: Includes facilities and programs minimizing pollution from storm
water run-off from transportation facilities that are in addition to current requirements
and procedures for such mitigation. Projects that demonstrate aesthetic and ecological
methods for mitigation and that enhance recharge are eligible.
Also included are facilities to reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality. This funding
is not limited to threatened and endangered species, but includes any wildlife mortality
directly caused by vehicles. The project description should include a statement of
purpose and need for funding. If a direct measure to reduce wildlife mortality at a
highway crossing area is determined to be unfeasible, it might be possible to provide
for the loss of wildlife by developing new habitat, improving the wildlife’s resources
to support additional population numbers.
12. Establishment of Transportation Museums: Includes the construction of
transportation museums. To be eligible, the museum must; (1) be not-for-profit
institution or government-entity; (2) be essentially educational in nature; (3) have a
formally stated mission; (4) present regularly scheduled programs and exhibits; (5)
have a formal and appropriate program of documentation, care, and use of collections
and/or tangible objects; and (6) have a formal and appropriate program of
presentations and maintenance of exhibits.
These funds may be used to construct new museums, add on a transportation wing to
an existing facility, convert an existing building for use as a transportation museum,
and to purchase artifacts necessary for the creation of the facility. Displays, segments
of buildings, or objects not directly related to transportation are not eligible for
funding.
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ARKANSAS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
GENERAL PROJECT GUIDELINES
 Applicants (Sponsors) must be Arkansas city or county governments, Arkansas
State agencies, or Federal agencies.
 Transportation Enhancements (TE) projects must fall into one of the twelve
eligible categories and must relate to surface transportation.
 Sponsors may submit a maximum of two applications. Sponsors submitting two
applications must prioritize the proposed projects.
 Only stand-alone projects will be considered. Additional project phasing may be
considered during future application periods.
 This is not a "grant" program. This is a federal reimbursement program.
Implementation of each work phase (right-of-way acquisition, utility adjustments, and
construction) must follow Federal guidelines. Periodic reimbursements with Federalaid will be made only after the work is complete and paid for by the Sponsor.
 Project design (preliminary engineering) and construction inspection and
certification (construction engineering) expenses are the responsibility of the
Sponsor, are not eligible for Federal-aid reimbursement, and may not be used as
part of the 20% cash match. This policy is intended to provide flexibility to the
applicant in selecting a consultant for project development and to speed the process of
advancing the project to implementation.
 Eligible project costs may range from $25,000 to $625,000 ($20,000-$500,000
federal funds). Because no additional Federal funding (above the amount requested
in the application) will be approved, the Sponsor should ensure that the amount
requested is adequate to cover project costs. Project overruns are the Sponsor’s
responsibility. Sponsors must provide a detailed preliminary cost estimate (see the
attached Sample Preliminary Cost Estimate). Sponsors may submit projects larger
than $625,000 but may not request more than $500,000 in Federal-aid funds.
 Federal funds available under the enhancement program may be used for a maximum
of 80% of eligible project costs up to the approved amount. A minimum of 20% of
eligible project costs is to be provided by the Sponsor. Sponsors may use Federal
funds as match as long as the federal source is not from the Department of
Transportation. In-kind (donated) labor and materials will not be allowed as part
of the Sponsor’s match.
 Work performed prior to receiving Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
authorization is ineligible for Federal-aid funding. Notice to proceed will be
provided to the Sponsor by the Department’s Deputy Director and Chief Engineer
upon receipt of FHWA authorization.
 Notification of project approval does not authorize the Sponsor to incur project
expenses. Project details must be discussed and a project agreement and Federal-aid
authorization approved prior to incurring reimbursable expenses.
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ARKANSAS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
GENERAL PROJECT GUIDELINES
 Acceptable plans and specifications must be provided by the Sponsor, right-ofway must be certified, and environmental handling must be completed within
one year of project approval. Matching funds must also be available at that time.
Projects should normally be let to contract within 18 months of initial approval.
Failure to meet deadlines will result in project cancellation.
 The Department administers the enhancement program and handles and/or reviews
environmental, right-of-way, and design documents. Administrative costs are added
to the Sponsor’s 20% cash match as a surcharge of 1% of the total project cost.
 In order for the Department to certify property ownership, the Sponsor should
demonstrate an interest in the property to be used for the project through Warranty
Deed, Joint Use Agreement, or Permanent Construction Easement.
 Property must be acquired in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and
Real Property Acquisitions Policies Act of 1970, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4601, et. seq.
and 49 CFR Part 23) (Uniform Act). These requirements must be met whether or not
Federal-aid TE funds are used in the property acquisition. In addition, construction
may not occur on property that has not been acquired in accordance with the Uniform
Act.
 All TE Projects are required, as a minimum, to comply with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
 A Professional Engineer and/or Licensed Architect must provide plans and
specifications for the project. Plans must be complete with enough detail to meet
Department standards for a Federal-aid project awarded through the competitive
bidding process. The plans and specifications must comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design standards, and all other applicable state
and Federal regulations, including Airport Clearance when necessary, for the type of
work involved. When necessary, Sponsors must coordinate and receive approval from
the railroad company(ies) for projects on or near railroad right-of-way.
 Project operation and maintenance are the responsibility of the Sponsor who
shall agree to adopt all necessary ordinances or resolutions and to take such legal steps
as may be required to fully implement and maintain the project. Failure to
adequately maintain the project may result in repayment of all Federal funds.
Periodic inspections by AHTD or FHWA may be conducted to assure adequate
maintenance.
 Projects involving historic properties must relate to surface transportation and
must be on, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places as determined
by the State Historic Preservation Office. Projects approved in this category will
require the execution of a Deed of Conservation Easement (provided by the Arkansas
Historic Preservation Program) for the property.
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ARKANSAS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
GENERAL PROJECT GUIDELINES
 Projects must comply with Federal laws and regulations governing environmental
processes, accessibility for persons with disabilities, Davis-Bacon Act requirements
regarding prevailing wage rates, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise consideration,
equal employment opportunity standards, and other applicable provisions.
 Project contractor must observe and keep fully informed of all Federal and State laws,
all local laws, ordinances, and regulations, and all orders and decrees of any body
having jurisdiction or authority which in any way affect the project.
 All projects must be open for use by the general public during normal business hours.
Normal business hours must be at least 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
 Approved funding may not be used to purchase furnishings which can be moved such
as desks, chairs, tables, file cabinets, or audio-visual equipment.
 Please submit only one original application (the Department will make copies as
necessary). Facsimiles will not be accepted. Please staple pages A-1 through A-4, the
project location map and the preliminary cost estimate together. Please do not
package the application in a folder or binder.
Questions concerning the Arkansas Transportation Enhancement Program (ATEP) should be
directed to Trey Foster at (501) 569-2261.
Completed applications for ATEP funding should be mailed to:
Arkansas Transportation Enhancement Program
Programs and Contracts Division
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
P. O. Box 2261
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-2261
or delivered to: Programs and Contracts Division, Room 502, 10324 Interstate 30
APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY,
AUGUST 25, 2010.
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PROJECT APPLICATION -- FFY 2011
ARKANSAS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Project Title:
Sponsor:
Address:
City:
Zip:
If submitting two applications, what priority is this? #
Project Location:
City:
County:
Project Cost:
NOTE: Sponsors are responsible for
all costs incurred for project design
(preliminary engineering) and
construction inspection and
certification (construction
engineering). These items are not
eligible for reimbursement.
Furnishings which can be moved
such as desks, chairs, tables, file
cabinets, and audio-visual
equipment are also not eligible for
reimbursement.
Right-of-Way/Utilities
$
Construction
$
TOTAL
$
Federal Funds Requested
(Maximum 80% of Total)
$
Sponsor's Cash Share:
Minimum 20% of Total
AHTD Administrative Cost
(1% of Total)
$
SPONSOR'S SHARE
$
$
Sponsor’s Contact:
Name:
Title:
Address:
Phone:
FAX:
City:
Zip:
Email:
Sponsor's Authorization and Certification: (To be completed by the chief elected
official of a City, the County Judge, or the CEO/CAO of the State or Federal Agency.)
Name:
Title:
Signature:
Date:
CERTIFICATION: By signing in the space provided, I do hereby certify that I will comply
with AHTD’s deadline for submittal of plans and specifications at an estimated cost within the
amount requested. Additionally, I certify that local matching funds are available for the project.
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PROJECT APPLICATION -- FFY 2011
ARKANSAS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Funding for enhancement projects is approved by the Arkansas State Highway Commission on
the basis of initial staff review, taking into consideration the information provided.
Responses should be limited to the space provided.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Describe the project in detail below. The description should not be lengthy; it should contain
short and concise statements. Attach an 8.5” x 11” map, suitable for facsimile transmission,
showing the project location. Also, attach a preliminary detailed cost estimate.
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PROJECT APPLICATION -- FFY 2011
ARKANSAS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
1. Which of the twelve enhancement categories are applicable to the proposed project?
(Circle the appropriate number of all that apply.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Safety and Educational Activities for Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Acquisition of Scenic Easements and Historic Sites (including historic battlefields)
Scenic or Historic Highway Programs (including the provision of tourist and welcome
center facilities)
5. Landscaping and Other Scenic Beautification
6. Historic Preservation
7. Rehabilitation and Operation of Historic Transportation Buildings, Structures, or
Facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals)
8. Preservation of Abandoned Railway Corridors (including the conversion and use of
corridors for pedestrian and bicycle trails)
9. Inventory, Control and Removal of Outdoor Advertising
10. Archeological Planning and Research
11. Environmental Mitigation to Address Water Pollution Due to Highway Runoff or to
Reduce Vehicle-caused Wildlife Mortality While Maintaining Habitat Connectivity
12. Establishment of Transportation Museums
2.
What is the source of funds to be used for the Sponsor’s cash match?
3. Who is the current owner of the property to be used for the project and will the project be
located on or near railroad property?
4. Will the project be located on State Highway right-of-way? If yes, is the local Highway
Department district office aware of the proposed project?
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PROJECT APPLICATION -- FFY 2011
ARKANSAS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
5. Who will own the project and who will be responsible for operation and/or maintenance
upon completion?
6. Who will develop plans, specifications, and cost estimate for construction of this project?
7. Are category 3 or 6 projects now on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places?
8. For enhancement categories 3, 5, 6 & 10, explain the project’s relationship to surface
transportation.
9. Will additional funds be necessary to complete the project or to make it a useful facility or
entity? List the source and amount of additional funds.
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ARKANSAS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
APPLICATION & APPROVAL PROCESS
GENERAL OVERVIEW
 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S PROGRAMS AND CONTRACTS
DIVISION BY 4:00 P.M. AUGUST 25, 2010.
 APPLICATIONS REVIEWED BY DEPARTMENT STAFF AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FORWARDED TO THE STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION.
 COMMISSION APPROVES PROJECTS FOR ENHANCEMENT FUNDING.
 SPONSOR NOTIFIED OF APPROVAL.
 RESOLUTION COMMITTING TO PROJECT FUNDING AND ITS MAINTENANCE, AND
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATE OFFICIAL TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH THE
DEPARTMENT IS PROVIDED BY SPONSOR.
 SPONSOR/DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE HELD TO DISCUSS PROJECT DETAILS AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
 AGREEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE SPONSOR
DETAILING THE AREAS OF PROJECT RESPONSIBILITY IS EXECUTED.
 SPONSOR’S ENGINEER/ARCHITECT DEVELOPS PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND COST
ESTIMATE.
 FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION TO EXPEND FEDERAL-AID
FUNDS ON THE PROJECT REQUESTED BY DEPARTMENT.
 ‘NOTICE TO PROCEED’ WITH PROJECT IS GIVEN TO THE SPONSOR UPON RECEIPT OF
FEDERAL-AID AUTHORIZATION.
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