Frequently Asked Questions

1.What are eligible construction activities for the TE program?
All projects must be surface transportation related. Proposed projects must qualify at least on one of the 12 Activities of Enhancement Projects to be eligible for federal funding. (Please Note: Activity 3 projects will not be eligible in Arizona for funding.)

2.Who can apply?
Anyone can apply. However, interested applicants must be sponsored by a federal, state, tribal or local government.

3.How do I apply for a project?
The first step is to contact your local Metropolitan Planning Organization or Council of Government (MPO/COG) to discuss your project. The next step is to work with one MPO/COG in filling out the Project Application.

4.When are the due dates?
Each MPO/COG has their own due dates for applications, which are usually in the summer months. ADOT requires all applications to be submitted by the MPO/COGs in early September.

5.Is there a maximum project dollar amount? A minimum?
For projects that take place on the National Highway System or within ADOT right of way (also called state projects), the federal funding cap is $1.0 million per project. For projects not on the National Highway System or within ADOT right of way (called local projects), the federal aid cap is $500,000 per project.

To get an idea of funding amounts for previous TE projects, please visit Currently Funded Projects, which contain lists of funding amounts for awarded TE projects for the current funding cycle.

6.How often can I apply?
You can apply as often as you want. However, you need to check with the MPO/COGs regarding their application procedures.

7.Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, all applications must be prepared through the local MPO/COG.

8.Do I get the money up front?
No. The TE program is a reimbursement program. Project sponsors must pay all costs and then request reimbursement expenditures as specified in the Joint Project Agreement between ADOT and the funded sponsor.

9.Is there a cash match? What other out of pocket money?
All local projects require a minimum of 5.7% hard cash match. The sponsor must pay for their own environmental and project assessment work, which is not reimbursable. Also, if a part of the scope of work does not meet the criteria for TE projects, it is not reimbursable.

10.What is the difference between a state and a local project?
At least 75% of state projects occurs on the National Highway System or within ADOT right of way. A local project does not occur on the National Highway System or within ADOT right of way, but rather on local city, county, and tribal land.

11.Do I have to own the land the project is on?
No. A TE project can occur on private or government land. The sponsor will be responsible for the Right of Way Clearance process prior to bid advertisements.

12.Does the TE program pay for artwork, signage, lighting, parking, restrooms, utility undergrounding?
The TE program pays for artwork, lighting, parking, and utility undergrounding with the following conditions:

• Artwork must be an integral part of the project. Stand alone public art for it's own sake is not permitted.
• Stand-alone parking lots are not fundable. Parking areas are fundable if they are essential to the transportation facility, such as scenic overlook.
• Placing utilities underground is fundable only if it is ancillary to the project. The cost of utility work shall not exceed 25% of the federal share of the project.
• Rest rooms are not fundable except in welcome centers.

13.Can I use TE money for maintenance of the project after it is completed?
No. The sponsor is responsible for maintenance of the project area as it was designed.

14.Is there a timeline for project development?
Yes. The Project Timeline includes, among others, scoping, environmental clearance, final design, right of way and utility clearance. The process normally takes 36 months from the date of the TE annual workshop to bid-ready.

15.Can local government entities bid and administer their projects?
Yes, provided the entity has Certification Acceptance by ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). As of December 2007, there are 6 jurisdictions in Arizona that have certification: City of Phoenix, City of Tucson, Maricopa County, Pima County, City of Tempe, and City of Mesa. Other entities may request to self-bid and administer their projects by submitting a written request to the TE Section Manager. Requests will be judged on a case by case basis.

16.How do you deal with cost overruns?
The agency sponsoring the project is responsible for cost overruns.

17.If a project is cancelled for unforeseen reasons can I reapply later?
Yes. Funds from cancelled projects will be placed into the state or local funding category for future awards.

18.In our pathway project, can we use enhancement funds to construct a rest area with a playground, drinking fountain, picnic tables, and restrooms?
No. Such a facility would be a park for recreational use and not transportation related. However, the installation of drinking fountains, benches or decorative seat walls, landscaping, and gateway markers that enhance the aesthetic resources of the corridor would be eligible for funding provided your pathway project is eligible for TE funds. Then these facilities are eligible for funding as a subcomponent of your larger pathway project.