Enhancement Program
The SPATS Transportation Enhancement Committee was formed in 1995 to assist in the allocation of “enhancement” funding first allocated by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act of 1991 (ISTEA). ISTEA mandated that a portion of an area’s federal transportation be reserved for non-traditional projects that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the transportation system. Enhancement projects could include provision of pedestrian and bicycle facilities as well as landscaping and scenic beautification.
The committee membership has evolved over time to include groups involved in alternate transportation, historic preservation, land preservation, beautification, business, education, running, and cycling.