Media Contact: John Lisle at (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is now accepting applications for the Transportation Enhancement Program. Approximately $2 million in funding is available citywide for non-traditional projects that are linked to the District’s transportation system. Applications will be accepted through August 7, 2009, and the projects selected will be announced in the fall.

Each transportation enhancement project must (1) relate to surface transportation and (2) meet at least one of twelve eligible activities geared towards bicycle and pedestrian facilities, scenic highway programs, historic preservation, railway corridor improvements as well as rights-of-way acquisitions. Additionally, the projects must be consistent with the mission, policies and plans of District agencies (e.g. DDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans, the Office of Planning's Comprehensive Plan).

Online applications, details about the twelve eligible activities and further submittal information can be found online at ddot.dc.gov under Transportation Enhancement Projects.

Funding for the projects is provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The aim of the program is to "strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the Nation's intermodal transportation system."