The challenge is to maintain the vitality of these rural areas and small communities while preserving and protecting the natural, historic, scenic, and cultural environment, including productive rural working farmlands. Improvements in air and water quality not only have positive environmental benefits, but also recreational and economic benefits as well, particularly for those areas largely dependent upon tourism. The Department has a wide range of programs directed specifically toward protecting and enhancing communities and the natural environment affected by transportation. In addition, many of the other transportation programs listed elsewhere in this brochure have environmental components. These programs are significant in preserving our quality of life and protecting the environment.
Funding is to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
Eligible projects include those that will reduce transportation-related emissions, such as transit improvements, travel demand management strategies, traffic flow improvements, and public fleet conversions to cleaner fuels. Funding is based on a formula that considers population by county and the severity of air quality problems. Also, there is a one-half of one percent minimum for each state. The purpose is to fund transportation-related activities designed to strengthen cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the Nation's transportation system. The purpose is to promote the increased use and safety of bicycling and walking as transportation modes.