A guide to federal-aid programs and projects

NHTSA · 1999 · ROSA P / United States. Federal Highway Administration

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Summary

This document, published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in May 1999, serves as a comprehensive reference guide for federal-aid highway funding programs and projects. It addresses the need for clear administrative information regarding the construction, reconstruction, and improvement of highways and bridges on eligible federal-aid routes. The guide was motivated by the enactment of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), which updated previous legislative frameworks, and aims to assist FHWA staff, state highway agencies, local governments, and private sector personnel in understanding the structure and eligibility of these funds. The document is organized into four distinct parts to categorize the various funding mechanisms. Part I details current programs and projects authorized under TEA-21, including core initiatives such as the National Highway System, Interstate Maintenance, the Surface Transportation Program, and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. Part II covers other active programs authorized by legislation prior to 1998 that remained active due to available funding. Part III describes program characteristics, which are activities or funding techniques—such as Advance Construction and Bond Financing—that can be applied within specific projects or programs. Part IV lists inactive programs and projects of historical interest, providing context for the evolution of federal-aid policies. The guide defines key terms, distinguishing between "programs" (categories of activities funded by Congress), "projects" (specific undertakings designated by Congress), and "program characteristics" (funding techniques). The content provides specific information sheets for each program, project, or characteristic, detailing fiscal information, statutory and regulatory references (primarily Title 23 of the United States Code and the Code of Federal Regulations), general eligibility criteria, and background information. It also includes contact information for relevant program offices and correlates appropriation codes with specific federal-aid activities. The guide explicitly states that it is not an official eligibility guide or policy document but rather a basic informational resource, advising readers to contact program offices for the latest official guidance. The significance of this guide lies in its role as a centralized resource for navigating the complex landscape of federal highway funding during the transition to TEA-21. By consolidating information on current, active, and historical programs, it facilitates better administration and understanding of federal-aid highway programs for stakeholders involved in transportation infrastructure development. It ensures that users can identify appropriate funding sources and understand the regulatory framework governing federal-aid highway projects, thereby supporting the efficient use of congressionally authorized funds for highway and bridge improvements.

Key finding

The document provides a structured overview of federal-aid highway funding programs, projects, and characteristics to assist administrators in understanding available resources and statutory requirements.

Methodology

review

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