Background on the Enhancement Program

 The United States Congress develops and enacts surface transportation authorizing legislation. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) was enacted for the period 1991-1997. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) was enacted in 1998 as the successor legislation to ISTEA and authorizes the Federal surface transportation programs for highways, highway safety, and transit for the 6-year period 1998-2003. In 2004 it is anticipated that SAFETEA ("Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2004") will be enacted as a way to carry forward the work done under ISTEA and TEA- 21.

Within the Surface Transportation Program, or "STP", and after adjustments are made for administrative takedown, metropolitan planning and following deductions made for Operation Lifesaver, Rail-Highway Crossings, Highway Skill Training and On-the-Job Training/Supportive Services, there are 10% set-asides for Safety and for Transportation Enhancements. The remaining 80% of the STP funds are then dispersed in several sub-state distributions.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is responsible for administering the Enhancement provisions of federal law. This is accomplished through the FHWA Office of Human Environment and in the FHWA field offices in each state (the FHWA field office for North Carolina is located in Raleigh). Enhancement funds are made available annually to North Carolina and are administered by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.