Conservation through Beautification

TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS

Federal Transportation Enhancement Projects are projects that improve aesthetic resources or restore the ecological balance of the transportation system. These include scenic overlooks as well as the restoration of historic landscapes/landmarks. Transportation Enhancement funds, by law, cannot generally be used for the routine, incidental, or maintenance activities of highways or roadways. The reintroduction of native or endangered plants or trees is an example of allowable use of Transportation Enhancement funds. Also, many of the recent improvements to the state’s transportation system for bicyclists and pedestrians are funded through this program.

A portion of the state’s federal funds must be used for the enhancement of highways or they will be lost. Landscaping is part of the federally mandated "Highway Enhancement Program." Enhancement is not at the expense of the maintenance budget.