NYMTC Regional Pedestrian Safety Study - New York Metropolitan ...

credibility for funding requests. It would also be the basis for asking developers to provide
either sidewalks or funds toward a sidewalk fund. The plan would allow for specific sidewalk
and other pedestrian projects including new sidewalks, repair and maintenance of existing
sidewalks, widening of sidewalks, and closing gaps in the pedestrian network. The plan should
be continually updated.
6.2 Funding Sources
While TEA-21 was in effect, a matrix of the federal funding sources in TEA-21 and their
suitability for specific types of bicycle and pedestrian projects was developed and posted on the
WalkingInfo web site (http://www.walkinginfo.org/pp/funding/gov/index.htm). Table 6.1 has
been adapted from that table. Although the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) has replaced TEA-21, most if not all of the programs are still active
and therefore the table is still relevant.
SAFETEA-LU states that pedestrian (and bicycle) improvements “shall be considered, where
appropriate, in conjunction with all new construction and reconstruction of transportation
facilities, except where bicycle and pedestrian use are not permitted.” (quoted in Zegeer et al.,
2006).
Federal Highway Administration
National Highway System: NHS funds can be used for pedestrian facilities along a national
highway corridor.
Surface Transportation Program (STP): Funds can be used for projects relating to intersections
that have disproportionately high accident rates, have high congestion, and the community has a
sidewalk plan. The broad eligibility requirements make this a particularly good source for
bicycle and pedestrian programs.
Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ): Funds can be used for pedestrian projects that can
demonstrate air quality benefits. CMAQ funds have been used regularly for pedestrian and
bicycle projects in the NYMTC region.
Transportation Enhancement Program: The purpose of Transportation Enhancement (TE)
activities is to benefit the traveling public and help communities to increase transportation
choices and access, enhance the built and natural environment, and provide a sense of place. The
first eligible activity for TE funds is the provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles and
the second eligible activity is the provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians
and bicyclists.
Recreational Trails: A total of $370 million is authorized nationwide through 2009 to continue
this program to develop and maintain trails for recreational purposes that include pedestrian,
equestrian, bicycling and non-motorized snow activities as well as off-road motorized vehicle
activities. New eligibilities include construction and maintenance equipment, real estate costs,
educational program costs, State administration costs, and assessment of trail conditions. In New
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