Santa Clara River Trail Final Master Plan - Development Services ...

Chapter 7: Project Implementation Plan
Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Program (TCSP)
Implementation grants under the TCSP Program provide financial resources to States, metropolitan
planning organizations, local governments and tribal governments to enact activities that address
transportation efficiency, while meeting community preservation and environmental goals. Policy and
program examples include spending policies that direct funds to high-growth regions; urban growth
boundaries to guide metropolitan expansion; and “green corridor” programs that provide access to
highway corridors in areas targeted for efficient and compact development.
Transportation Enhancements (TE)
Potential Transportation Enhancement projects are approved by the VCTC and submitted to the
California Transportation Commission (CTC) for inclusion in the State Transportation Improvement
Program (STIP). This program is funded by a set-aside of Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds.
Ten percent of STP funds are designated for Transportation Enhancement Activities (TEAs), which
include “provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles, provision of safety and educational activities
for pedestrians and bicyclists,” and the “preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the
conversion and use thereof for pedestrian and bicycle trails.” (23 USC Section 190 (a) (35)). The
reauthorization of the Federal transportation bill will determine funding availability for 2012 and later.
TE funding can be used to build projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, and to build bicycle
and pedestrian facilities. Facility development can include both development of new facilities as well as
modifications of existing facilities. Bicycle facilities must be transportation-oriented (not solely for
recreational purposes), can be located within or outside of the highway rights-of-way and could include
riding or walking surfaces and related amenities. Eligible projects under the safety category include nonconstruction
safety-related activities, such as safety and educational activities. Projects must be
accessible to the general public or targeted to a broad segment of the general public.
Potential Federal Sources
Partnership for Sustainable Communities
Though not a formal agency, the Partnership for Sustainable Communities is a joint project of the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
and the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). One goal of the project is to expand transportation
options that improve air quality and public health, which has already resulted in several new grant
opportunities, including Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER I, TIGER
II) grants. Oxnard should track Partnership communications and be prepared to respond proactively to
announcements of new grant programs.
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