Established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, the transportation enhancements program supports such community-based projects as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, scenic and historic highway programs, historic preservation, and the conversion of unused rail corridors to multi-use trails. Since 1992, this Transportation Department program has channeled $5.62 billion to states for projects to combat traffic congestion and deteriorating air quality by encouraging walking, bicycling, and trail creation.

In July 2003, the House Appropriations Committee voted to eliminate the requirement that states use 10 percent of surface transportation funds for transportation enhancements--roughly $620 million--from H.R. 2989, the 2004 Transportation and Treasury appropriations bill. During floor consideration of the bill, Representatives Thomas Petri (R-WI) and John Olver (D-MA) offered an amendment that reinstated the 10 percent allocation for transportation enhancements. On September 4, 2003, the House adopted the Petri-Olver amendment by a 327-90 vote (House roll call vote 469). YES is the pro-environment vote.