The Transportation Enhancement Program provides funds for projects that enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and environmental aspects of transportation infrastructure. Primary project categories are Historic and Archaeological, Scenic and Environmental, and Bicycle and Pedestrian (eligible projects under each category). ODOT encourages adding enhancements to planned transportation projects rather than stand-alone-projects.

Eligible applicants are local governments outside the boundaries of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), unless the local is within a small MPO (population less than 200,000) that has joined the statewide program. In CY 2007, the eligible MPO regions are the counties of Allen, Belmont, Licking, and Washington. Citizen groups or other private organizations may sponsor a project by coordinating with and making application through the local government having jurisdiction over the transportation facility involved.

This Federal-aid reimbursement program provides up to 80% of eligible costs for construction only. Right-of-way acquisition costs are only allowable for specific qualifying activities (acquisition of historic sites, scenic easements, and abandoned railway corridors). Applicants must commit to a 20% cash match for construction, which must be currently available and readily accessible.