--PRESS RELEASE--
2010 TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
The City/County Planning Department, working with the City of Billings and Yellowstone County, is soliciting requests for proposals for our community transportation enhancement program.
BACKGROUND
In 1991, the Federal government enacted the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). This legislation required that a total of 10% of the Surface Transportation Program be "set-aside" for enhancements. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has reached an agreement through the Montana League of Cities and Towns and the Montana Association of Counties, which allows local governments to identify and prioritize projects for these funds. This program was continued through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) and currently the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
ELIGIBLE PROJECT CATEGORIES
The following are eligible for funding under this program:
• Pedestrian and bicycle facilities
• Acquisition of scenic easements and historic or scenic sites
• Scenic or historic highway programs including provisions of tourist and welcome center facilities
• Landscaping and other scenic beautification
• Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings structures or facilities
• Establishment of transportation museums
• Historic preservation
• Archaeological planning and research
• Mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle- caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat conductivity
• Preservation of abandoned railway corridors
• Control and removal of outdoor advertising
• Provisions of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists
PROJECT SUBMITTAL
All project proposals will be submitted to the City/County Planning Department on the 4th Floor of the Billings Parmly Library at 510 North Broadway. The submittal deadline for the 2010 funding cycle is July 30, 2010. A CTEP project application can be picked up at the Planning Office or on line at www.mdt.mt.gov/business/ctep/. Please contact Lora Mattox or Scott Walker at the Planning Office for questions on submittal requirements or project eligibility. Phone 657-8246.
CTEP PRESS REL-10