ISTEA grants fund Greenways projects

A Transportation Enhancement Activity (TEA) grant will now fund a second Indy Greenways development project.

TEA funding began in 1991 with the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) which provides states with federal grants for a variety of transportation projects. For the year 2000, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) awarded more than $15 million dollars in TEA grants. Indiana First Lady Judy O'Bannon began handing out the checks in ceremonies during early July.

In the photo at left, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and Indy Greenways Director Ray Irvin recently accepted an ISTEA grant check from INDOT Commissioner Cristine Klika and Judy O'Bannon to use to build Phases 4 and 5 of the Monon Rail-Trail. Previously, TEA funds were used for the construction of the Fall Creek Trail.

In all, INDOT filtered through 80 applications requesting $70 million. "The selection process for TEA awards is becoming increasingly competitive," Klika said. "As the program becomes better known, local communities increasingly seek TEA funding for qualified projects."

TEA projects may provide facilities for accommodating pedestrians and bicyclists, preserve historic structures, or enhance a street's landscaping and beautification. Projects may also involve acquisition of scenic easements and historic sites, preservation of abandoned railway corridors, and mitigation of highway runoff and groundwater resources. TEA funds may not be used for highway projects such as resurfacing or new road construction.

Indiana currently has $90 million worth of enhancement projects programmed and in various stages of development, not counting this year's awards. For more information, visit the Indiana Department of Transportation.