Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act:

A Legacy for Users

A Summary of Highway Provisions

Federal Highway Administration

Office of Legislation and Intergovernmental Affairs

Program Analysis Team

August 25, 2005

Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act:

A Legacy for Users

# Overview

# On August 10, 2005, the President signed into law the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). With guaranteed funding for highways, highway safety, and public transportation totaling \$244.1 billion, SAFETEA-LU represents the largest surface transportation investment in our Nation's history. The two landmark bills that brought surface transportation into the 21^st^ century---the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st^ Century (TEA-21)---shaped the highway program to meet the Nation's changing transportation needs. SAFETEA-LU builds on this firm foundation, supplying the funds and refining the programmatic framework for investments needed to maintain and grow our vital transportation infrastructure. 

SAFETEA-LU addresses the many challenges facing our transportation
system today -- challenges such as improving safety, reducing traffic
congestion, improving efficiency in freight movement, increasing
intermodal connectivity, and protecting the environment -- as well as
laying the groundwork for addressing future challenges. SAFETEA-LU
promotes more efficient and effective Federal surface transportation
programs by focusing on transportation issues of national significance,
while giving State and local transportation decision makers more
flexibility for solving transportation problems in their communities. 

SAFETEA-LU continues a strong fundamental core formula program emphasis
coupled with targeted investment, featuring:

*Safety* -- SAFETEA-LU establishes a new core Highway Safety Improvement
Program that is structured and funded to make significant progress in
reducing highway fatalities. It creates a positive agenda for increased
safety on our highways by almost doubling the funds for infrastructure
safety and requiring strategic highway safety planning, focusing on
results. Other programs target specific areas of concern, such as work
zones, older drivers, and pedestrians, including children walking to
school, further reflect SAFETEA-LU's focus on safety.

*Equity* --The new Equity Bonus Program has three features -- one tied
to Highway Trust Fund contributions and two that are independent. First,
building on TEA-21's Minimum Guarantee concept, the Equity Bonus program
ensures that each State's return on its share of contributions to the
Highway Trust Fund (in the form of gas and other highway taxes) is at
least 90.5 percent in 2005 building toward a minimum 92 percent relative
rate of return by 2008. In addition, every State is guaranteed a
specified rate of growth over its average annual TEA-21 funding level,
regardless of its Trust Fund contributions. Selected States are
guaranteed a share of apportionments and High Priority Projects not less
than the State's average annual share under TEA-21.

*Innovative finance* -- SAFETEA-LU makes it easier and more attractive
for the private sector to participate in highway infrastructure
projects, bringing new ideas and resources to the table. Innovative
changes such as eligibility for private activity bonds, additional
flexibility to use tolling to finance infrastructure improvements, and
broader TIFIA and SIB loan policies, will all stimulate needed private
investment.

*Congestion Relief \--*Tackling one of the most difficult transportation
issues facing us today -- congestion -- SAFETEA-LU gives States more
flexibility to use road pricing to manage congestion, and promotes
real-time traffic management in all States to help improve
transportation security and provide better information to travelers and
emergency responders.

# *Mobility & Productivity --* SAFETEA-LU provides a substantial investment in core Federal-aid programs, as well as programs to improve interregional and international transportation, address regional needs, and fund critical high-cost transportation infrastructure projects of national and regional significance. Improved freight transportation is addressed in a number of planning, financing, and infrastructure improvement provisions throughout the Act.

# 

# *Efficiency --* The Highways for LIFE pilot program in SAFETEA-LU will advance longer-lasting highways using innovative technologies and practices to speed up the construction of efficient and safe highways and bridges. 

*Environmental Stewardship* -- SAFETEA-LU retains and increases funding
for environmental programs of TEA-21, and adds new programs focused on
the environment, including a pilot program for nonmotorized
transportation and Safe Routes to School. SAFETEA-LU also includes
significant new environmental requirements for the Statewide and
Metropolitan Planning process.

*Environmental Streamlining* -- SAFETEA-LU incorporates changes aimed at
improving and streamlining the environmental process for transportation
projects. These changes, however, come with some additional steps and
requirements on transportation agencies. The provisions include a new
environmental review process for highways, transit, and multimodal
projects, with increased authority for transportation agencies, but also
increased responsibilities (e.g., a new category of "participating
agencies" and notice and comment related to defining project purpose and
need and determining the alternatives). A 180-day statute of limitations
is added for litigation, but it is pegged to publication of
environmental actions in the Federal Register, which will require
additional notices. Limited changes are made to Section 4(f). There are
several delegations of authority to States, including delegation of
Categorical Exclusions for all states, as well as a 5-state delegation
of the USDOT environmental review authority under NEPA and other
environmental laws. The air quality conformity process is improved with
changes in the frequency of conformity determinations and conformity
horizons.

# Investment

**Authorizations and Guaranteed Spending Levels**

SAFETEA-LU continues the TEA-21 concept of guaranteed funding, keyed to
Highway Trust Fund (Highway Account) receipts. In essence, the
guaranteed amount is a floor \-- it defines the [least]{.underline}
amount of the authorizations that may be spent. Federal-aid Highway
program (FAHP) authorizations in SAFETEA-LU total \$193.1 billion (net
of an \$8.5 billion rescission scheduled for September 30, 2009). Adding
in the \$100 million per year authorized in title 23 for Emergency
Relief, authorizations for the FAHP total \$193.6 billion. Within total
authorizations, the amount guaranteed for the FAHP is estimated to be
\$193.2 billion.

If overall discretionary budget caps were in place (not so at the time
of enactment of SAFETEA-LU), highway and highway safety programs would
be protected by a "firewall" from having to compete with other
discretionary programs for room within those caps. The highway category
firewall is established based on assumptions about future receipts to
the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund. Beginning with FY 2007,
when newer projections of receipts and actual receipts become available,
the highway category firewall is adjusted accordingly. To smooth out the
effects of any adjustments, the calculated adjustment will be split over
two years. When the firewall is adjusted, equal adjustments are made to
highway contract authority (called Revenue Aligned Budget Authority) and
the Federal-aid highway obligation limitation.

#### 

**Revenue Aligned Budget Authority (RABA)**

Beginning in FY 2007, authorizations for Federal-aid highway and highway
safety construction programs funded from the Highway Account of the
Highway Trust Fund and the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program
(MCSAP) will be adjusted whenever the highway firewall amount is
adjusted to reflect changed estimates of Highway Account receipts. The
additional authorizations are called RABA because they serve to align
budget authority with the revised revenue. The adjustments to
authorizations will be made in the same amounts and in the same years as
the adjustments to the firewalls

If the adjustment is an increase, a portion of the increase in
authorizations is reserved for the Federal-aid highway and highway
safety construction programs allocated by the Secretary of
Transportation---programs that are not apportioned by statutory
formula---and for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. The
remainder of the increased funding is distributed to the States
proportional to their shares of Federal-aid highway and highway safety
construction apportionments from the Highway Account. If the RABA is
positive for 2007, the first call on the additional funds will be to
increase States' return on contributions to the Highway Account of the
Highway Trust Fund to 92%. A negative adjustment (reduction) is
possible, but only if, as of October 1 of that year, the balance in the
Highway Account is less than \$6 billion. \[1105\]

# Administrative Expense

Unlike prior years, administrative expenses associated with the
Federal-aid highway program and the Appalachian Development Highway
System are provided as a separate authorization in SAFETEA-LU, not as a
takedown from apportioned programs. \[1103\]

**Obligation Ceiling**

SAFETEA-LU establishes an annual obligation limitation, for the purpose
of limiting highway spending each year. The highway obligation
limitation applies to all programs within the overall Federal-aid
highway program except Emergency Relief, \$639 million per year of the
Equity Bonus, and funds for certain projects in legislation before 1998.
A portion of each year's limitation is reserved, or set aside, for
administrative expenses and certain allocated programs, with the balance
of the limitation being distributed to the States. Limitation set aside
each year for certain programs---High Priority (demonstration) Projects,
the Appalachian Development Highway System, Projects of National and
Regional Significance, National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement
program, Transportation Improvements, designated bridge projects, and
\$2 billion of the Equity Bonus---does not expire if not used by the end
of the fiscal year, but instead is carried over into future years. The
portion of the limitation set aside for research and technology programs
may also be carried over, but only for three years. \[1102\]

**Equity Bonus**

Federal-aid highway funds for individual programs are apportioned by
formula using factors relevant to the particular program. After those
computations are made, additional funds are distributed to ensure that
each State receives an amount based on equity considerations. In
SAFETEA-LU, this provision is called the Equity Bonus (replaces TEA-21's
Minimum Guarantee) and ensures that each State will be guaranteed a
minimum rate of return on its share of contributions to the Highway
Account of the Highway Trust Fund, and a minimum increase relative to
the average dollar amount of apportionments under TEA-21, and that
certain States will maintain the share of total apportionments they each
received during TEA-21. An open-ended authorization is provided,
ensuring that there will be sufficient funds to meet the objectives of
the Equity Bonus.

*Relative rate of return*. Each State's share of apportionments from the
Interstate Maintenance (IM), National Highway System (NHS), Bridge,
Surface Transportation (STP), Highway Safety Improvement (HSIP),
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ), Metropolitan
Planning, Appalachian Development Highway System, Recreational Trails,
Safe Routes to School, Rail-Highway Grade Crossing, Coordinated Border
Infrastructure programs, the Equity Bonus itself, along with High
Priority Projects will be at least a specified percentage of that
State's share of contributions to the Highway Account of the Highway
Trust Fund. The specified percentage, referred to as a *relative rate of
return*, is 90.5% for 2005 and 2006, 91.5% for 2007, and 92% for 2008
and 2009.

States with certain characteristics (e.g., low population density or
total population, low median household income, high Interstate fatality
rate, high indexed state motor fuel rate) are guaranteed a share of
apportionments and High Priority Projects not less than the State's
average annual share under TEA-21. In any given year, no State is to
receive less than a specified percentage (117% for 2005, 118% for 2006,
119% for 2007, 120% for 2008, and 121% for 2009) of its average annual
apportionments and High Priority Projects under TEA-21.

*Administration of funds*. All but \$2.639 billion annually of Equity
Bonus funding is programmatically distributed among certain
programs---Interstate Maintenance, National Highway System, Bridge,
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement, Surface
Transportation Program, and Highway Safety Improvement Program. Amounts
programmatically distributed to the programs take on the eligibilities
of those programs. The remaining \$2.639 billion has the same
eligibilities as STP funds, but is not subject to set-asides or
suballocations. Of this remainder, \$639,000,000 is exempt from the
obligation limitation and \$2 billion receives special no year
limitation. \[1104, 1102\]

##### Tolling 

##### SAFETEA-LU provides States with increased flexibility to use tolling, not only to manage congestion, but to finance infrastructure improvements as well. Following are programs available to States to toll on a pilot or demonstration basis \-- 

-   Under the new **Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program**,
    the Secretary may permit a State or compact of States to collect
    tolls on an Interstate highway, bridge, or tunnel for the purpose of
    constructing Interstate highways. This program is limited to 3
    projects in total (nationwide), and prohibits a participating State
    from entering into an agreement with a private person which would
    prevent the State from improving adjacent public roads to
    accommodate diverted traffic.

-   The **Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Toll Pilot
    Program** was established in TEA-21 to allow up to 3 Interstate
    tolling projects for the purpose of reconstructing or rehabilitating
    Interstate highway corridors that could not be adequately maintained
    or improved without the collection of tolls. SAFETEA-LU makes no
    revisions to the program, therefore it continues without change, as
    it was authorized for "a term to be determined by the Secretary, but
    not less than 10 years." \[PL 105-178, 1216(b)\]

-   The **Value Pricing Pilot Program** is continued, funded at \$59
    million through 2009, to support the costs of implementing up to 15
    variable pricing pilot programs nationwide to manage congestion and
    benefit air quality, energy use, and efficiency. A new set-aside
    totaling \$12 million through 2009 must be used for projects not
    involving highway tolls.

-   The new **Express Lanes Demonstration Program** will allow a total
    of 15 demonstration projects through 2009 to permit tolling to
    manage high levels of congestion, reduce emissions in a
    nonattainment or maintenance area, or finance added Interstate lanes
    for the purpose of reducing congestion. A State, public authority,
    or public or private entity designated by a State may apply.
    Eligible toll facilities include existing toll facilities, existing
    HOV facilities, and a newly created toll lane. Tolls charged on HOV
    facilities under this program must use pricing that varies according
    to time of day or level of traffic; for non-HOV, variable pricing is
    optional. Automatic toll collection is required, and the Secretary
    must promulgate a final rule specifying requirements, standards, or
    performance specifications to ensure interoperability within 180
    days.

# Innovative Finance 

To help close the gap between highway infrastructure investment needs
and resources available from traditional sources, SAFETEA-LU includes
the following provisions which, in addition to tolling options discussed
above, will enhance innovative financing and encourage private sector
investment \--

-   **Private Activity Bonds** \-- To provide the opportunity for new
    sources of investment capital to finance our nation\'s
    transportation infrastructure system, SAFETEA-LU expands bonding
    authority for private activity bonds by adding highway facilities
    and surface freight transfer facilities to a list of other
    activities eligible for exempt facility bonds. Qualified projects,
    which must already be receiving Federal assistance, include surface
    transportation projects eligible under Title 23, international
    bridge or tunnel projects for which an international entity
    authorized under Federal or State law is responsible, and facilities
    for the transfer of freight from truck to rail or rail to truck
    (including any temporary storage facilities related to the
    transfers). These bonds are not subject to the general annual volume
    cap for private activity bonds for State agencies and other issuers,
    but are subject to a separate National cap of \$15 billion.
    \[11143\]

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-   **Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA)
    \--** The TIFIA program provides Federal credit assistance to
    nationally or regionally significant surface transportation
    projects, including highway, transit and rail. This program was
    established in TEA-21 to fill market gaps and leverage substantial
    private co-investment by providing projects with supplemental or
    subordinate debt. SAFETEA-LU authorizes a total of \$610 million
    through 2009 to pay the subsidy cost (similar to a commercial bank's
    loan reserve requirement) of supporting Federal credit under TIFIA.
    To encourage broader use of TIFIA financing, the threshold required
    for total project cost is lowered to \$50 million (\$15 million for
    ITS projects), and eligibility is expanded to include public freight
    rail facilities or private facilities providing public benefit for
    highway users, intermodal freight transfer facilities, access to
    such freight facilities and service improvements to such facilities
    including capital investment for intelligent transportation systems
    (ITS). \[1601\]

-   **State Infrastructure Banks (SIBS) \--** SAFETEA-LU establishes a
    new SIB program which allows **all** States, Puerto Rico, the
    District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and
    the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to enter into
    cooperative agreements with the Secretary to establish
    infrastructure revolving funds eligible to be capitalized with
    Federal transportation funds authorized for fiscal years 2005-2009.
    This program gives States the capacity to increase the efficiency of
    their transportation investment and significantly leverage Federal
    resources by attracting non-Federal public and private investment.
    \[1602\]

**Highway Trust Fund**

**Operation of the Highway Trust Fund**

The Highway Trust Fund (HTF) is the source of funding for most of the
programs in the Act. The HTF is composed of the Highway Account, which
funds highway and intermodal programs, and the Mass Transit Account.
Federal motor fuel taxes are the major source of income into the HTF.

During the time that SAFETEA-LU was being developed, a number of changes
impacting the Highway Trust Fund were adopted in the American Jobs
Creation Act of 2004. This Act replaced the reduced tax rates that
applied to gasohol with a credit paid from the General Fund of the
Treasury and ended the retention of a portion of the tax on gasohol by
the General Fund. These actions, coupled with a number of provisions to
reduce tax evasion, provided increased tax revenues to the Highway Trust
Fund.

SAFETEA-LU extends the imposition of the highway-user taxes, generally
at the rates that were in place when the legislation was enacted,
through September 30, 2011. Provisions for full or partial exemption
from highway‑user taxes were also extended. Additionally, provision for
deposit of almost all of the highway‑user taxes into the HTF is extended
through September 30, 2011.

Federal law regulates not only the imposition of the taxes, but also
their deposit into and expenditure from the HTF. For the Highway
Account, authority to expend from the HTF for programs under the Act and
previous authorization acts is provided through September 29, 2009
generally and through September 30, 2009 for administrative
expenditures. For the Mass Transit Account, expenditures are authorized
through September 30, 2009. After these dates, expenditures may be made
only to liquidate obligations made before that date.

Highway Tax Compliance

Traditionally, the highway programs of the Federal government and most
States depend on highway‑user tax receipts as the principal source of
funding. SAFETEA-LU continues the Highway Use Tax Evasion program,
funded at \$127.1 million through 2009, to reduce motor fuel tax
evasion. Funds may be used for inter-governmental enforcement efforts,
including research and training, and for efforts of the Internal Revenue
Service, including the development, operation, and maintenance of
databases to support tax compliance efforts. No funding is allocated
directly to the States, although States are permitted to use ¼ of 1
percent of their Surface Transportation Program funding for fuel tax
evasion activities. Eligible activities are expanded to include efforts
to address State-Indian tribe motor fuel tax issues and tax evasion
issues associated with foreign imported fuel. A new memorandum of
understanding with the Internal Revenue Service relating to the
development and maintenance of electronic databases to support excise
tax fuel reporting is required. \[1115\]

# Improving Safety

SAFETEA-LU raises the stature of the highway safety program by
establishing highway safety improvement as a core program, tied to
strategic safety planning and performance. Despite reductions in the
rate and actual number of fatalities in 2004, there were still more than
42,000 deaths on the Nation's highways. SAFETEA-LU devotes additional
resources and supports innovative approaches to reducing highway
fatalities and injuries.

**Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)**

The highway safety improvement program is established as a core program,
separately funded for the first time, with flexibility provided to allow
States to target funds to their most critical safety needs. A total of
\$5.1 billion is provided for 2006-2009. Of this amount, \$880 million
is set aside for a separate distribution for the Railway-Highway
Crossing program, with the remainder to be distributed by formula based
on each State's lane miles, vehicle miles traveled, and number of
fatalities; \$90 million is to be set aside annually for construction
and operational improvements on high-risk rural roads. The HSIP requires
States to develop and implement a strategic highway safety plan and
submit annual reports to the Secretary that describe at least 5% of
their most hazardous locations, progress in implementing highway safety
improvement projects, and their effectiveness in reducing fatalities and
injuries.

*State Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSP).* SHSPs will be used in the
Highway Safety Improvement Program to identify and analyze highway
safety problems and opportunities, include projects or strategies to
address them, and evaluate the accuracy of data and the priority of
proposed improvements. The SHSP must be based on accurate and timely
safety data, consultation with safety stakeholders, and
performance-based goals that address infrastructure and behavioral
safety problems on all public roads. States are also required to develop
an evaluation process to assess results and use the information to set
priorities for highway safety improvements. The Governor or a
responsible State agency approves the plan. States that do not develop a
strategic plan by October 1, 2007, will be locked in at their FY 2007
HSIP apportionment level pending development of a plan. States with
SHSPs have additional flexibility to use up to 10% of their HSIP funds
for behavioral and other safety projects if they meet rail grade
crossing and infrastructure safety needs as defined in their SHSPs.

\[1401\]

### Safe Routes to School

This new program will enable and encourage primary and secondary school
children to walk and bicycle to school. Both infrastructure-related and
behavioral projects will be geared toward providing a safe, appealing
environment for walking and biking that will improve the quality of our
children's lives and support national health objectives by reducing
traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools.
\[1404\]

### Work Zone Safety 

A number of provisions to address the safety of motorists, pedestrians,
and highway construction workers in highway construction work zones are
included. A new grant program, funded at \$5 million per year beginning
in 2006, will fund work zone safety training, and the National Work Zone
Safety Information Clearinghouse is funded. In addition, for all
Federal-aid projects, proper temporary traffic control devices must be
installed and maintained in the work zone. Workers must wear
high-visibility garments. \[1110,1402,1409,1410\]

**Other Safety Issues**

Other provisions address specific safety issues, including bicycle and
pedestrian safety, improved traffic signs and pavement markings targeted
to older drivers and pedestrians, and a study of the safety of toll
collectors at toll facilities is authorized. Issues of concern to
motorcyclists are to be addressed through the establishment of a
Motorcyclist Advisory Council, and a motorcycle crash causation study.
\[1403, 1405,1411,1914, 5511\]

# Congestion Relief

One of the biggest transportation challenges facing us today is
congestion. It is pervasive, affecting mobility and productivity, the
environment, and our quality of life. Congestion has clearly grown \--
it now affects more trips, more hours of the day and more of the
transportation system. Fundamental in SAFETEA-LU are provisions aimed at
reducing congestion, which will in turn save time and fuel, decrease
vehicle emissions, lower transportation costs, allow more predictable
and consistent travel times, and provide safer highways. While virtually
all efforts to improve our highway infrastructure will have an impact on
congestion, the following programs are designed primarily for the
purpose of managing traffic to reduce congestion:

**Real-Time System Management Information Program**

Under this new program, the Secretary will establish a real-time system
management information program to provide, in all States, the capability
to monitor, in real-time, the traffic and travel conditions of the major
highways of the U.S. and to share that information to improve the
security of the transportation system, address congestion problems,
support improved response to weather events and surface transportation
incidents, and facilitate national and regional highway traveler
information. Data exchange formats, to be established by the Secretary
within 2 years, will ensure that data may readily be exchanged with Sate
and local governments and the traveling public. States may use NHS, STP,
and CMAQ funds for planning and deployment of real-time monitoring
elements. States will be able to use their State Planning and Research
funds for planning of real-time monitoring elements. \[1201,5205\]

### Road Pricing 

SAFETEA-LU gives States more options for using road pricing to manage
congestion. The Value Pricing Pilot program is continued, and a new
Express Lanes Demonstration Program is authorized. Other tolling
programs are primarily for the purpose of financing highway construction
and reconstruction, but will help with congestion reduction as well.
These include the new Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot and the
continued Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Toll
Pilot. \[1604\]

*For a more detailed description of all tolling programs, see the
Innovative Financing section.*

### High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes 

SAFETEA-LU enhances and clarifies provisions governing the use and
operation of HOV lanes. States are required to establish occupancy
requirements for HOV lanes, with mandatory exemption for motorcycles and
bicycles unless it creates a safety hazard, and optional exemptions for
public transportation vehicles, low-emission and energy-efficient
vehicles, and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) vehicles (otherwise-ineligible
vehicles willing to pay a toll to use the facility). States are required
to monitor, assess, and report on the operation of the facility to
ensure that it does not become seriously degraded. \[1121\]

# Maximizing Mobility 

#### **Financial stewardship and oversight**

SAFETEA-LU provides greater emphasis on financial integrity, project
delivery, and major project oversight. Annual reviews are required of
State DOT financial management systems, minimum standards for estimating
project costs are to be developed, and annual reviews of State project
delivery systems are to be conducted. The \$1 billion threshold defining
major projects is lowered to \$500million, and major projects are
required to have project management plans in addition to the previously
required finance plans. Finance plans are also required for projects
exceeding \$100 million in total cost. These new provisions will
strengthen oversight of projects and increase the accountability of the
States' in the project delivery process. \[1904\]

National Highway System (NHS)

The National Highway System is a 163,000-mile system of significant
rural and urban roads serving major population centers, international
border crossings, intermodal transportation facilities, and major travel
destinations. It includes the Interstate System, other urban and rural
principal arterials, highways that provide motor vehicle access between
the NHS and major intermodal transportation facilities, the defense
strategic highway network, and strategic highway network connectors.

The NHS program is funded at \$30.5 billion through 2009. The formula to
distribute funding is continued, based on lane-miles of principal
arterials (excluding Interstate), vehicle-miles traveled on those
arterials, diesel fuel used on the State's highways, and per capita
principal arterial lane-miles. The Act expands eligibility of NHS
funding to include environmental restoration and pollution abatement to
minimize the impact of transportation projects, control of noxious weeds
and aquatic noxious weeds, and establishment of native species. \[6006\]

**Interstate Maintenance (IM)**

The 46,000 mile Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and
Defense Highways retains a separate identity within the NHS. The IM
program, established under ISTEA to provide for the on-going work
necessary to preserve and improve Interstate highways, is retained.
Authorizations totaling \$25.2 billion are provided through 2009, and
will continue to be distributed by formula based on each State's
lane-miles of Interstate routes open to traffic, vehicle-miles traveled
on those routes, and contributions to the Highway Account of the Highway
Trust Fund attributable to commercial vehicles. A total of \$500 million
of authorized funds is available at the discretion of the Secretary for
high-cost, ready-to-go IM projects.

Surface Transportation Program (STP)

The STP provides flexible funding that may be used by States and
localities for projects on any Federal-aid highway, including the NHS,
bridge projects on any public road, transit capital projects, and public
bus terminals and facilities. The Act expands STP eligibilities to
include advanced truck stop electrification systems, high accident/high
congestion intersections, and environmental restoration and pollution
abatement, control of noxious weeds and aquatic noxious weeds, and
establishment of native species. A total of \$32.5 billion in STP funds
is authorized through 2009. Funds will continue to be distributed among
the States based on lane-miles of Federal-aid highways, total
vehicle-miles traveled on those Federal-aid highways, and estimated
contributions to the Highway Account of the HTF. \[1113,6006\]

Each State must set aside a portion of their STP funds (10 percent or
the amount set aside in 2005, whichever is greater) for transportation
enhancements activities. The set-aside of 10 percent previously required
for safety construction activities (i.e., hazard elimination and
rail-highway crossing improvements) is eliminated beginning in 2006, as
these activities are funded separately under the new Highway Safety
Improvement Program. \[1113\]

### 

### Bridge Program

The Bridge program is broadened in scope to include systematic
preventative maintenance, and freed from the requirement that bridges
must be considered "significantly important." A total of \$21.6 billion
is authorized for this program through 2009 to enable States to improve
the condition of their eligible highway bridges over waterways, other
topographical barriers, other highways and railroads. The requirement
that each State spend at least 15% of its bridge apportionment for
bridges on public roads that are not Federal-aid highways (off-system
bridges) is retained, but the 35% cap is removed. The discretionary
bridge program is funded only through 2005; beginning in 2006, \$100
million is to be set aside annually to fund designated projects.
\[1114\]

Federal Lands Highways Program (FLHP)

The Federal Lands Highways program authorizations thru 2009 total \$4.5
billion for Indian Reservation Roads (IRR), Park Roads and Parkways,
Public Lands Highways (discretionary and Forest Highways), and Refuge
Roads programs. FLHP funds can be used for transportation planning,
research, engineering, and construction of highways, roads, parkways and
transit facilities within public lands, national parks, and Indian
reservations. In addition, FLHP funds can be used as the State/local
match for most types of Federal-aid highway funded projects. New
eligible uses of Public Lands Highways funds include up to \$20 million
per year for maintenance of Forest Highways, \$1 million per year for
signage identifying public hunting and fishing access, and \$10 million
by the Secretary of Agriculture to facilitate the passage of aquatic
species beneath roads in the National Forest System.

SAFETEA-LU provides significant changes in the IRR program. IRR funding
may be provided via a funding agreement in accordance with the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a requesting Indian
tribal government(s) that has satisfactorily demonstrated financial
stability and financial management to the Secretary. IRR funds shall
only be expended on projects identified in a transportation improvement
program approved by the Secretary. The Secretary, in cooperation with
the Secretary of the Interior, is required to complete a comprehensive
national inventory of transportation facilities that are eligible for
assistance under the IRR program within 2 years of enactment of
SAFETEA-LU. Up to 25% of a tribe's IRR program funds may now be used for
the purpose of IRR system maintenance as defined in 25CFR170, although
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will retain primary responsibility
for IRR maintenance programs through DOI appropriations. Funding for the
BIA's program management and oversight expenses is provided, although
this amount now includes BIA project-related administrative expenses. An
Indian tribe may enter into a road maintenance agreement with a State to
assume the responsibilities of the State for roads in and providing
access to Indian reservations. A new position in DOT is established for
a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Tribal Government Affairs. A total of
\$70 million is authorized separately (no longer a set-aside) through
2009 for projects to replace structurally deficient or functionally
obsolete IRR bridges. \[1119\]

### Emergency Relief

The Emergency Relief (ER) program assists State and local governments
with the expense of repairing serious damage to Federal-aid highways and
roads on Federal Lands resulting from natural disasters or catastrophic
failures. In addition to the permanent authorization of \$100 million
annually, SAFETEA-LU authorizes such sums as may be necessary to be made
available by appropriation from the General Fund to supplement the
permanent authorization in years when Emergency Relief allocations
exceed \$100 million. \[1112\]

### Regional Programs

SAFETEA-LU provides funding to improve transportation and economic
development of the following geographic regions:

-   *Appalachia* -- the **Appalachian Development Highway System
    Program** continues funding for the construction of the Appalachian
    corridor highways in 13 States to promote economic development and
    to establish a State-Federal framework to meet the needs of the
    region. \[1116\]

-   *Delta* -- the **Delta Region Transportation Development Program**
    provides a total of \$40 million over 5 years for multistate highway
    planning, development, and construction projects in the 8-State
    Delta region. In addition, the Secretary must enter into an
    agreement with the Delta Regional Authority within 180 days to
    conduct a comprehensive study of transportation assets and needs for
    all modes of transportation in the region; \$1 million is provided
    from the HTF to fund the study which is due 2 years after agreement
    is entered. \[1308,1923\]

-   *Denali* \-- the new **Denali Access System Program** in SAFETEA-LU
    provides \$60 million from the HTF through 2009 to fund planning,
    design, engineering, and construction for highways and other surface
    transportation infrastructure priorities for the region, as
    determined by an advisory committee to be established within 3
    months by the Denali Commission. \[1960\]

### Corridors, Borders, and Ports 

SAFETEA-LU provides funding totaling over \$2.8 billion to fund
transportation projects of national interest to improve transportation
at international borders, ports of entry, and in trade corridors.

-   A new **Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program** provides \$833
    million in funding, to be distributed by formula, to expedite safe
    and efficient vehicle and cargo movement at or across the land
    border between the U.S. and Canada and the land border between the
    U.S. and Mexico. \[1303\]

-   The **Freight Intermodal Distribution Pilot Program** provides \$30
    million through 2009 for grants to facilitate intermodal freight
    transportation initiatives at the State and local level to relieve
    congestion and improve safety, and to provide capital funding to
    address infrastructure and freight distribution needs at inland
    ports and intermodal freight facilities. The Act names 6 projects,
    funded at \$5 million each. For each year through 2009, each of the
    6 designated projects is to receive 20% of it's funding (\$1 million
    each). \[1306\]

-   To further promote economic growth and international or
    interregional trade, the **National Corridor Infrastructure
    Improvement Program** provides \$1.948 billion in discretionary
    funding for construction of designated highway projects in corridors
    of national significance. \[1302\]

-   For projects in **High-Priority Corridors on the National Highway
    System,** an authorization for such sums as may be necessary from
    the General Fund is provided (requires subsequent legislation).
    \[1304\]

### Projects of National and Regional Significance

New in SAFETEA-LU is a program to fund transportation infrastructure
projects that have relevance and produce benefits on a national or
regional level. Benefits could include improving economic productivity,
facilitating international trade, relieving congestion, and improving
safety. Approximately \$1.8 billion from the HTF is provided through
2009 for designated projects. \[1301\]

### Projects 

In addition to projects identified in programs mentioned above and other
project designations found throughout the Act, most are found in High
Priority Projects \[1701,1702,1703\] and Transportation Improvements
\[1934\]. While Transportation Improvements projects may seem similar to
High Priority Projects, financial characteristics vary. No broad
description can be made to characterize features such as distribution
and availability of funds, obligation limitation, etc.

# Improving Efficiency 

######### 

# A number of SAFETEA-LU provisions are aimed at improving efficiency in highway program and project delivery. From better planning and coordination to improved materials, contracting and construction, these provisions will support efforts to more efficiently advance a safer and more effective highway program, and strengthen stewardship and oversight.

######### 

######### Transportation Planning 

In SAFETEA-LU, metropolitan and statewide transportation planning
processes are continued, but changes are made in the planning process
for surface transportation; some of these changes add flexibility and
efficiency, while others add new consultation and environmental planning
requirements. Safety and security are identified as separate items to be
considered in both metropolitan and statewide planning processes.
Consultation requirements for States and MPOs are significantly
expanded. Requirements are added for plans to address environmental
mitigation, improved performance, mutimodal capacity, and enhancement
activities; tribal, bicycle, pedestrian, and disabled interests are to
be represented.

*Metropolitan Planning* -- The policy for the metropolitan planning
process is to promote consistency between transportation improvements
and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns.
The transportation improvement program (TIP) is to be updated at least
every 4 years. The set-aside for Metropolitan Planning is increased to
1.25%, and a 30-day time limit for States to reimburse Metropolitan
Planning Organizations is imposed. The long-range transportation plan
and the TIP are to remain separate documents. \[1107,6001\]

*Statewide Transportation Planning* -- The statewide planning process is
to be coordinated with metropolitan planning and statewide trade and
economic development planning activities. Two or more States may enter
into planning agreements or compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual
assistance. The statewide plan should include measures to ensure the
preservation and most efficient use of the existing system. The State
transportation improvement program (STIP) is to be updated at least
every 4 years. \[6001\]

### Highways for LIFE Pilot Program 

To foster the use of new technologies and more efficient ways of
building highways, this pilot program calls for the Secretary to provide
leadership and incentives to demonstrate and promote state-of-the-art
technologies, elevated performance standards, and new business practices
in the highway construction process that result in improved safety,
faster construction, reduced congestion from construction, and improved
quality and user satisfaction. A total of \$75 million is authorized
through 2009 for incentive grants, to fund up to 20% but not more than
\$5 million of the total cost of a qualifying project. A maximum of 15
projects may receive incentive funds in a given fiscal year, but the
goal is to approve and provide funds to at least 1 project in each State
by 2009. A State may also use up to 10% of its IM, NHS, STP, and CMAQ
funds for these projects; up to 100% Federal share is allowed. \[1502\]

### Environmental Streamlining 

SAFETEA-LU includes a number of changes aimed at streamlining the
environmental review process, albeit with additional steps and
responsibilities for transportation agencies.

-   *Environmental review process.* . A new environmental review process
    is established for highways, transit, and multimodal projects. A new
    category of "participating agencies" is added, to allow more state,
    local, and tribal agencies a formal role and rights in the
    environmental process. After providing an opportunity for public and
    interagency involvement, DOT will define the project's purpose and
    need, and establish a plan for coordinating public and agency
    participation. As early as practicable in the process, DOT is to
    provide an opportunity for a range of alternatives to be considered
    for a project. If any issue that could delay the process cannot be
    resolved within 30 days, DOT must notify Congress. A 180-day statute
    of limitations for lawsuits challenging Federal agency approvals is
    provided, but it will require a new step of publishing environmental
    decisions in the Federal Register.. \[6002\]

-   *State assumption of responsibilities.* After entering into a
    Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretary, each State may
    assume responsibility for categorical exclusions, with FHWA in a
    programmatic monitoring role.. Another provision calls for the
    Secretary to establish a categorical exclusion, to the extent
    appropriate, for activities that support the deployment of
    intelligent transportation infrastructure and systems. \[6004,6010\]

SAFETEA-LU establishes a project delivery pilot program for 5 States
(specified as Alaska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and California), allowing
them to apply to USDOT to assume all USDOT environmental
responsibilities under NEPA and other environmental laws (excluding the
Clean Air Act and transportation planning requirements). This delegation
authority is limited to highway projects, and it could be for specific
projects within a State or a programmatic delegation. \[6005\]

A pilot program is established under which, during the first 3 years
after enactment, the Secretary may allow up to 5 States to assume
environmental responsibilities \[including NEPA and 4(f)\] for
Recreational Trails and Transportation Enhancement projects. \[6003\]

-   *Section 4(f)*. Section 4(f) of the DOT Act prohibits projects on
    publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl
    refuges , or historic sites unless there is no feasible and prudent
    alternative and all possible mitigation is used. SAFETEA-LU includes
    tightly circumscribed changes in 4(f). Under SAFETEA-LU, the
    Secretary has some flexibility to allow an exemption from 4(f)
    requirements if a program or project will have a "de minimis" impact
    on the area -- i.e., there are no adverse effects of the project and
    the relevant State Historic Preservation Officer or other official
    with jurisdiction over a property concurs. The Secretary is to
    conduct a study evaluating the impact of the "de minimis" finding,
    and report to Congress no earlier than 4 years after enactment. The
    Interstate System is exempted from being treated as an historic
    resource under Section 4(f), unless the Secretary determines that
    individual elements possess national or exceptional historic
    significance and should receive protection. The Secretary is to
    conduct a rulemaking to clarify the 4(f) standard of "prudent and
    feasible" for alternatives. \[6007, 6009\]

### Design-Build

To encourage more projects to use design-build contracting, SAFETEA-LU
eliminates the \$50 million floor on the size of eligible contracts.
Also, the Secretary must issue revised regulations that will allow
transportation agencies to proceed with certain actions prior to receipt
of final NEPA approval. This change will encourage public-private
partnerships by allowing private sector partners to be involved in the
project definition process. \[1503\]

### Air Quality Conformity and Planning Process

Modifications intended to provide greater flexibility in transportation
planning and air quality conformity, without reducing protection for air
quality, include establishing a 4-year cycle for conformity
determinations (unless the MPO revises the transportation plan TIP more
frequently) and allowing conformity findings to be based on a 10-year
horizon under certain circumstances. \[6011\]

# 

# Environmental Stewardship

#### **Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ)**

The CMAQ program, continued in SAFETEA-LU at a total funding level of
\$8.6 billion through 2009, provides a flexible funding source to State
and local governments for transportation projects and programs to help
meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. Funding is available for
areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(nonattainment areas) as well as former nonattainment areas that are now
in compliance (maintenance areas). The formula for distribution of
funds, which considers an area's population by county and the severity
of its ozone and carbon monoxide problems within the nonattainment or
maintenance area, with greater weight given to areas that are both
carbon monoxide and ozone nonattainment/maintenance areas, is continued.
SAFETEA-LU requires the Secretary to evaluate and assess the
effectiveness of a representative sample of CMAQ projects, and maintain
a database. \[1808\]

#### **Recreational Trails**

A total of \$370 million is provided through 2009 to continue this
program to develop and maintain trails for recreational purposes that
include pedestrian, equestrian, bicycling and non-motorized snow
activities as well as off-road motorized vehicle activities. New
eligibilities are provided, including construction and maintenance
equipment, real estate costs, educational program costs, State
administration costs, and assessment of trail conditions. \[1109\]

### Transportation Enhancements 

Transportation enhancement activities continue to be funded through a
setaside of 10%, or the amount set aside in FY 2005, whichever is
greater, from STP funds. \[1113\]

**Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Program (TCSP)**

The TCSP is intended to address the relationships among transportation,
community, and system preservation plans and practices and identify
private sector-based initiatives to improve those relationships. State
and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and
tribal governments are eligible for discretionary grants, authorized at
\$270 million through 2009, to carry out eligible projects to integrate
transportation, community, and system preservation plans and practices.
Funds must be equitably distributed to a diversity of populations and
geographic regions. A local match is required in accordance with section
120(b) of title 23, United States Code. Related is a new Community
Enhancement study, funded at \$2 million from TCSP funds, which will
examine the impact of well-designed transportation projects on
communities. \[1117,1925\]

### Scenic Byways 

SAFETEA-LU authorizes a total of \$175 million through 2009 for
technical assistance and grants to States and Indian tribes to develop
scenic byways programs, and to implement projects on highways of
outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and
archaeological qualities designated as National Scenic Byways,
All-American Roads, America's Byways, State scenic or Indian tribe
scenic byways. Additional authority totaling \$13.5 million is provided
to fund technical support and educational activities provided by the
America's Byways Resource Center. \[1802,1803\]

#### **National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation**

Covered bridges eligible for listing on the National Register of
Historic Places are eligible for rehabilitation, repair or preservation
under this program. A total of \$40 million in discretionary funds is
authorized through 2009. \[1804\]

### Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot 

SAFETEA-LU establishes a new program, authorized at a total of \$100
million through 2009, to fund pilot projects to construct a network of
nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities in 4 designated
communities is. The purpose is to demonstrate the extent to which
walking and bicycling can represent a major portion of the
transportation solution in certain communities. \[1807\]

**Other Environmental Provisions**

The Secretary is to conduct a *Wildlife Vehicle Collision Reduction
Study* of methods to reduce collisions between motor vehicles and
wildlife, and report to Congress within 2 years on causes, impacts, and
solutions. A manual of best practices is due 1 year after report to
Congress. The Secretary is required to develop a training course for
transportation professionals. \[1119\]

**Research and Studies**

SAFETEA-LU authorizes a total of \$2.271 billion for Title V programs
through 2009, including Surface Transportation Research, Training and
Education, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, University
Transportation Research, ITS Research, ITS Deployment (2005 only) and
the Transportation Technology Innovation and Demonstration Program (such
sums as may be necessary from the General Fund). \[5101\] In contrast to
TEA-21's programmatic flexibility for research, SAFETEA-LU directs all
research funds to designated projects and initiatives. Obligations are
limited to \$411 million per year for 2005-2009. \[5102\]

Following is a description of the highway elements of Title V research.

### [Surface Transportation Research Program]{.underline}

SAFETEA-LU establishes new principles and practices for Federal surface
transportation research activities, to include all activities leading to
technology development and transfer, as well as the introduction of new
and innovative ideas, practices, and approaches, through such mechanisms
as field applications, education and training, and technical support.

The surface transportation research program addresses fundamental,
long-term highway research aimed at significant research gaps, emerging
issues with national implications, and research related to policy and
planning. All research activities are to include a component of
performance measurement and evaluation, should be outcome-based, and
must be consistent with the research and technology development
strategic plan. To best utilize available resources, the Secretary may
cooperate with a State and an appropriate agency on a pooled-fund basis,
and may directly initiate contracts and agreements to conduct joint
transportation R&T efforts.

Some specific features include strengthening and expanding the
*operations element* in research, including provisions addressing
transportation system management and operations, operational
methodologies to reduce congestion, transportation security, and asset
management. A set-aside of \$14 million per year for 2005-2009 is
authorized for the *exploratory advanced research* program to address
longer-term, higher-risk research, including highway infrastructure
materials, health effects, safety, environment, data acquisition, and
operational performance. The *long-term pavement performance* program,
funded by a set-aside of \$10.12 million per year for 2005-2009, is
continued; a set-aside of \$2.5 million per year will continue the
*seismic research* program, with revised provisions for coordination
with other agencies. The due date for the *Infrastructure Investment
Needs Report* is set at July 31, 2006, and every two years thereafter,
and the report must include any information necessary for comparison
with conditions and measures in previous reports. The *Turner-Fairbank
Highway Research Center* is authorized, and a new set-aside of \$12.5
million per year is established for 2006-2009 to fund *biobased
research* of national importance. \[5201\]

# Long-Term Bridge Research

The *Innovative Bridge Research and Deployment Program is continued*,
with a new set-aside for high performance concrete bridge technology
R&D. In addition, several new initiatives to address bridge life and
performance include \-- *Long-term Bridge Performance*, *High Performing
Steel Bridge Research and Technology Transfer*, and *Steel Bridge
Testing*. \[5202\]

# Technology Deployment

SAFETEA-LU continues and expands efforts to accelerate the adoption of
innovative technologies by the surface transportation community. Two new
programs established are the *Innovative Pavement Research and
Deployment* program, with a set-aside for research to improve NHS
pavements, and the *Safety Innovation Deployment* program. Several
demonstration projects and studies are authorized. \[5203\]

# International Highway Transportation Outreach 

This program is continued, funded at \$300,000 per year for 2005-2009
from Surface Transportation Research funds, and a new annual report to
Congress is required. \[5206\]

**Surface Transportation-Environmental Cooperative Research Program
(STEP)**

SAFETEA-LU establishes the STEP program, and sets aside \$16.9 million
per year through 2009 to fund it. The program may be administered
directly by USDOT or by the National Academy of Sciences. Research
objectives are revised to reflect research strategic planning and
stakeholder involvement. \[5207\]

**Transportation Research and Development Strategic Planning**

The Secretary is directed to develop a 5-year research and development
strategic plan within 1 year of enactment, to be reviewed by the
National Research Council, and report to Congress annually on R&D
spending. \[5208\]

**National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program**

An advisory committee is to be selected to develop a national research
agenda for this program, funded at \$3.75 million per year for 2006-2009
from Surface Transportation Research funds. \[5209\]

**Future Strategic Highway Research Program**

The Secretary, in consultation with the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), is to establish and carry
out this research program through the National Research Council (NRC).
Program priorities are to be based on NRC Special Report 260, and funds
totaling \$205 million through 2009 from Surface Transportation Research
funds are authorized. \[5210\]

Other research initiatives funded from Surface Transportation Research
funds include:

-   *Transportation Safety Information Management System Project
    (TSIMS)\--*To better collect, integrate, manage, and disseminate
    safety data, SAFETEA-LU provides \$2 million total for software
    development. \[5501\]

-   *Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions Research\--*
    SAFETEA-LU funds two research initiatives at a total of \$36 million
    through 2009 to assist States in addressing surface transportation
    congestion problems. \[5502\]

-   *Advanced Travel Forecasting Procedures Program (TRANSIMS) -*-
    \$10.5 million in total through 2009 is authorized to continue
    deployment of this system. \[5512\]

-   A host of research grants are authorized, including thermal imaging,
    transportation injury, technology transfer, Appalachian region
    inland ports, automobile accident injury, rural transportation,
    hydrogen-powered transportation, cold region and rural
    transportation, advanced vehicle technology, asphalt research,
    renewable transportation fuels. \[5513\]

# [Training and Education]{.underline} 

The National Highway Institute (NHI) is continued, funded at \$9.6
million per year for 2005- 2009, and course offerings are to be updated
in the areas of asset management and the application of emerging
technologies. The *Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)* is
continued at a total of \$11.1 million per year for 2005- 2009, and the
*Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowships* are continued at \$2.2
million per year for 2005-2009. New training and education initiatives
include \-- *Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education*
program, funded at \$1.25 million for 2006-2009, the *Transportation
Education Development Pilot* program, funded at \$1.875 million per year
for 2006-2009, and a *Transportation Scholarship Opportunities Program*
which provides authority for the establishment of scholarship and
mentoring programs. Another new provision allows States to obligate IM,
NHS, STP, CMAQ, and Bridge funds for training and other educational
activities at 100% Federal share. To disseminate the results of the
Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions initiative, an annual
set-aside of \$750,000 from Training and Education funds is authorized
for 2006-2009. \[5204\]

**Freight Planning Capacity Building**

SAFETEA-LU authorizes a new program for research, training, and
education to support enhancements in freight transportation planning,
funded at \$875,000 per year for 2006-2009 from Training and Education
funds. \[5204\]

**[Studies]{.underline}**

To prepare for meeting future transportation infrastructure and
financing needs, SAFETEA-LU authorizes a number of studies, including
\--

**Future of Surface Transportation System Study** *\--* The Secretary of
Transportation will conduct a study of current condition and future
needs of the surface transportation system and develop a conceptual plan
with alternatives to ensure that the surface transportation system will
continue to serve the Nation's needs. \[1909\]

**Road User Fees Study**---A total of \$12.5 million is authorized to
fund a long-term field test of an approach to assessing highway use fees
based on actual mileage driven by a specific vehicle on specific types
of highways by use of an onboard computer. The study is to be performed
by the Public Policy Center of the University of Iowa. \[1919\]

**National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission**
-- The Commission is to complete a study on Highway Trust Fund revenues
and the impacts of these revenues for future highway and transit needs.
Among the considerations will be alternative approaches to generating
revenues for the HTF. The Commission will develop a report recommending
policies to achieve revenues for the HTF that will meet future needs.
\[11142\]