Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding is intended to provide a reasonable level of enhancement. Guidelines are presented for the following site components:
Artwork Guidelines
The TE Program permits use of funding for functional or integrative art, such as artistic benches or pavement designs that complement and enhance a surface transportation-related project.
TE funding also can be used to design and construct supporting structures for artwork, such as concrete footings, support brackets and walls, based on Federal Highway Administration guidelines. Art on walls must be approved by the ADOT District Engineer and the TE/Scenic Roads Section.
The TE Program does not permit the use of funding for stand-alone public art that is "art for its own sake."
Applicants are encouraged to consult with and incorporate artists into the early phases of project design to assess opportunities for public art. Artwork designed by an artist may be incorporated in the construction Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) documents for construction by the contractor. This aspect of the policy represents two approaches: artwork fabrication offsite and artists as designers.
Artwork may be constructed offsite to specification for a specific location to be installed either by the local jurisdiction's contractor or by ADOT's contractor. All ADOT construction standards must be met.
Additional or specific art elements must be funded through local sources. The elements that integrate into ADOT construction must be included in the original construction documents.
Art must comply with federal guidelines if federal funds are used to pay for an artist's design work. In general, the guidelines mandate an open selection process for the artist.
Sign Guidelines
TE funds can be used to pay for permanent welcome, gateway, and interpretive signs when accompanied with other project elements that serve a surface transportation-related function.
TE funds can also be used to pay for stand-alone interpretive signing projects if the project is on a state-designated Parkway, Historic or Scenic road (see ADOT Scenic Roads). Such projects should be endorsed by the appropriate Corridor Management Plan (CMP) Advisory Committee.
Lighting Guidelines
The intent of lighting is solely to provide safety and security for pedestrians and bicyclists. Applicants need to consider lighting for pedestrians and bicyclists on all projects. Project lighting in eligible historic properties and districts is subject to review by the State Historic Preservation Office.
Plant Guidelines
Trees will be limited to 15-gallon containers or less in size (except if local ordinances require a larger tree size). Shrubs and cacti will be limited to 5-gallon containers or less in size. Donated plant materials cannot be installed by the construction contractor. Donated plant materials can be installed only upon completion of the construction contract.
Landscaping Width Guidelines
Landscaping along sidewalks and pathways is intended to provide shade. It is not intended to create a recreational site. The maximum total landscaping width should not exceed 50 feet.
Turf Guidelines
The use of turf should be limited to urbanized areas, such as central business districts or areas in which turf is an element of the project's historic character.
Turf cannot exceed 25 percent of the landscaped area except in streetcape projects. A streetscape consists of the visible components within a street (or part of a street), including the private land between facing buildings, and the form of buildings, treatment of setbacks, fencing, existing trees, landscaping, driveway and street layout and surfaces, utility services, and site furnishings such as benches, lighting, signs, and barriers.
Tourist and Welcome Center Guidelines
Tourist and Welcome Centers are fundable if they are located on or within two miles of a state-designated Parkway, Historic or Scenic road (see ADOT Scenic Roads).
The facility must relate to the scenic, historic, cultural, archaeological, recreational, or natural qualities that contribute to the highway's designation as a scenic road. They may not be established as general tourist information centers or rest areas.
TE funds cannot be used for marketing or promotion not related to the scenic roads program; staffing, operating costs, or maintenance; or to purchase items such as racks for advertising, or brochures for local or national businesses.
The facility must be publicly owned and open to the public free of charge. Information must be made available 24 hours a day. Placing some interpretive panels outside the facility is recommended to meet this requirement. If a Corridor Management Plan Advisory Committee exists for the route, it shall govern the development of all interpretive material. A total of 60 percent of the floor space and wall space in the "Welcome Center" shall be utilized for interpretive material following the preceding guidance. The remainder of the space can be used for operating facilities.
Parking Guidelines
Stand-alone parking lots are not fundable. Parking areas are fundable only when they are essential to the use of the transportation facility, such as with a scenic overview, visitors center, or rails-to-trails project.
Guidelines for Undergrounding Utilities
The cost of placing utilities underground is fundable only if it is ancillary to a project component that is eligible for reimbursement. The cost of placing the utilities underground shall not exceed 25 percent of the overall federal share of the project cost.
