TEA-21 Provides More Money for Landscape Enhancements Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Pedestrian walkways and bicycle trails like the Mississippi Mile Parkway are given a boost in TEA-21 with a stronger role in the planning process, and greater care in planning and design of projects.

Last June, President Clinton signed the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) into law. This much-publicized bill replaced the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, and consequently provides for a significant increase in funding for enhancements. Just looking at the guaranteed amounts for TEA-21, the transportation enhancements program is looking at an increase of almost 20% over the ISTEA program-- an increase that will surely please Landscape Architects and planners. 25% of that new funding is transferable to other programs, based on the amount a state received in FY97.

Further definition was given to the category of scenic or historic highway programs, to provide for the development of tourist and welcome centers. The mitigation of highway runoff category was expanded to include projects that reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality, while maintaining habitat connectivity for threatened or endangered species.

TEA-21 also establishes a new transit enhancements program. The program calls for transit agencies in urbanized areas with populations over 200,000 to use one percent of their Urban Area Formula Fund for transit enhancement activities. This set-aside could amount to up to $50 million annually, which is then divided among 125 urban areas.

Eligible transit enhancement activities include: landscape and scenic beautification; historic preservation, rehabilitation and operation of historic mass transportation buildings and facilities; bus shelters; pedestrian access and walkways; bicycle areas; transit connections to parks; signage and enhanced transit access for persons wit disabilities.

TEA-21 states that "bicyclists and pedestrians shall be given due consideration in the comprehensive transportation plans developed by each metropolitan planning organization and state. Bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways shall be considered, where appropriate, in conjunction with all new construction and reconstruction of transportation facilities."

Photo provided courtesy of GMCVA.