PUBLIC ART

Maryland Transportation Enhancement Program

Maryland Transportation Enhancement Program Applications are being accepted annually from the first business day in January to the close of the first business day in March.

TEP OVERVIEW from the SHA TEP guidelines:
As part of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Surface Transportation Program (STP), the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) is a reimbursable, federal aid funding program for transportation related, community projects designed to strengthen the intermodal transportation system. The TEP supports communities in developing projects that improve the quality of life for their citizens and enhance the travel experience for people traveling by all modes. It fosters more choices for travel by providing funding for projects that enhance the cultural, aesthetic, historic, and environmental aspects of the intermodal transportation system. The program can assist in funding projects that create bicycle facilities, restore historic buildings, preserve abandoned railway corridors for pedestrian trails, mitigate highway runoff, acquire scenic viewsheds, create transportation museums, preserve scenic or historic highways, and other transportation related enhancements.

Imagine the vital part art might play in the quality and aesthetic value of transportation projects. Trails might include benches or way-finding signs designed by artists. Bridges might be enhanced with integrated sculpture relating to the community’s history. Scenic view areas landscape and hardscape might be designed and created by artists.
Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA ) administers the TEP for Maryland. SHA encourages and promotes the development of TEP projects, as well as provides some project support services. The Maryland Public Art Commission, administered by the Maryland State Arts Council, will review proposed projects for aesthetic value. The commission encourages TEP public art projects and the incorporation of public art to planned TEP projects. 

For full details and guidelines check the SHA/TEP website or contact Jessica Silwick.

Download the TEP Public Art Policy
Download the TEP application guidelines from the Maryland State Highway Administrations web site.

Examples of TEP projects include but are not limited to projects that create bicycle facilities, restore historic buildings, preserve abandoned railway corridors for pedestrian trails, mitigate highway runoff, acquire scenic view sheds, create transportation museums, preserve scenic or historic highways, and other transportation related enhancements.

Contact: Elizabeth Gallauresi, Program Manager, 410-767-6544