23 U.S.C. § 149 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 1: FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS / Section 149: Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program
Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish and implement a congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program in accordance with this section.

(b) Eligible Projects.—Except as provided in subsections (d) and (m)(1)(B)(ii), a State may obligate funds apportioned to it under section 104(b)(4) for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program only for a transportation project or program if the project or program is for an area in the State that is or was designated as a nonattainment area for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)) and classified pursuant to section 181(a), 186(a), 188(a), or 188(b) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7511(a), 7512(a), 7513(a), or 7513(b)) or is or was designated as a nonattainment area under such section 107(d) after December 31, 1997, or is required to prepare, and file with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, maintenance plans under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) and—

(1)(A)(i) if the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator determines, on the basis of information published by the Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to section 108(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Air Act (other than clause (xvi)) that the project or program is likely to contribute to—

(I) the attainment of a national ambient air quality standard in the designated nonattainment area; or

(II) the maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard in a maintenance area; and

(ii) a high level of effectiveness in reducing air pollution, in cases of projects or programs where sufficient information is available in the database established pursuant to subsection (h) to determine the relative effectiveness of such projects or programs; or,

(B) in any case in which such information is not available, if the Secretary, after such consultation, determines that the project or program is part of a program, method, or strategy described in such section 108(f)(1)(A);

(2) if the project or program is included in a State implementation plan that has been approved pursuant to the Clean Air Act and the project will have air quality benefits;

(3) the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, determines that the project or program is likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard, whether through reductions in vehicle miles traveled, fuel consumption, or through other factors;

(4) to establish or operate a traffic monitoring, management, and control facility or program, including advanced truck stop electrification systems, if the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, determines that the facility or program is likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance in the area of a national ambient air quality standard;

(5) if the program or project improves traffic flow, including projects to improve signalization, construct high occupancy vehicle lanes, improve intersections, add turning lanes, improve transportation systems management and operations that mitigate congestion and improve air quality, and implement intelligent transportation system strategies and such other projects that are eligible for assistance under this section on the day before the date of enactment of this paragraph, including programs or projects to improve incident and emergency response or improve mobility, such as through real-time traffic, transit, and multimodal traveler information;

(6) if the project or program involves the purchase of integrated, interoperable emergency communications equipment;

(7) if the project or program shifts traffic demand to nonpeak hours or other transportation modes, increases vehicle occupancy rates, or otherwise reduces demand for roads through such means as telecommuting, ridesharing, carsharing, shared micromobility (including bikesharing and shared scooter systems), alternative work hours, and pricing;

(8) if the project or program is for—

(A) the purchase of diesel replacements or retrofits that are—

(i) verified technologies (as defined in section 791 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16131)) for motor vehicles (as defined in section 216 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7550)); or

(ii) verified technologies (as defined in section 791 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16131)) for non-road vehicles and non-road engines (as defined in section 216 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7550)) that are used in construction projects or port-related freight operations that are—

(I) located in nonattainment or maintenance areas for ozone, PM10, or PM2.5 (as defined under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.)); and

(II) funded, in whole or in part, under this title or chapter 53 of title 49;

(B) the conduct of outreach activities that are designed to provide information and technical assistance to the owners and operators of diesel equipment and vehicles regarding the purchase and installation of diesel replacements or retrofits; or

(C) the purchase of medium- or heavy-duty zero emission vehicles and related charging equipment;

(9) if the project or program is for the installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment;

(10) if the project is for the modernization or rehabilitation of a lock and dam that—

(A) is functionally connected to the Federal-aid highway system; and

(B) the Secretary determines is likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard; or

(11) if the project is on a marine highway corridor, connector, or crossing designated by the Secretary under section 55601(c) of title 46 (including an inland waterway corridor, connector, or crossing) that—

(A) is functionally connected to the Federal-aid highway system; and

(B) the Secretary determines is likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard.

(c) Special Rules.—

(1) Projects for pm–10 nonattainment areas.—A State may obligate funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(4) for a project or program for an area that is nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide, or both, and for PM–10 resulting from transportation activities, without regard to any limitation of the Department of Transportation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard such project or program addresses.

(2) Electric vehicle and natural gas vehicle infrastructure.—A State may obligate funds apportioned under section 104(b)(4) for a project or program to establish electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations for the use of battery powered or natural gas fueled trucks or other motor vehicles at any location in the State (giving priority to corridors designated under section 151) except that such stations may not be established or supported where commercial establishments serving motor vehicle users are prohibited by section 111 of title 23, United States Code.

(3) HOV facilities.—No funds may be provided under this section for a project which will result in the construction of new capacity available to single occupant vehicles unless the project consists of a high occupancy vehicle facility available to single occupant vehicles only at other than peak travel times.

(4) Locks and dams; marine highways.—For each fiscal year, a State may not obligate more than 10 percent of the funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(4) for projects described in paragraphs (10) and (11) of subsection (b).

(d) States Flexibility.—

(1) States without a nonattainment area.—If a State does not have, and never has had, a nonattainment area designated under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the State may use funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(4) for any project in the State that—

(A) would otherwise be eligible under subsection (b) as if the project were carried out in a nonattainment or maintenance area; or

(B) is eligible under the surface transportation block grant program under section 133.

(2) States with a nonattainment area.—

(A) In general.—If a State has a nonattainment area or maintenance area and received funds in fiscal year 2009 under section 104(b)(2)(D), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP–21, above the amount of funds that the State would have received based on the nonattainment and maintenance area population of the State under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 104(b)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP–21, the State may use for any project that would otherwise be eligible under subsection (b) if the project were carried out in a nonattainment or maintenance area or is eligible under the surface transportation block grant program under section 133 an amount of funds apportioned to such State under section 104(b)(4) that is equal to the product obtained by multiplying—

(i) the amount apportioned to such State under section 104(b)(4) (excluding the amount of funds reserved under subsection (k)(1)); by

(ii) the ratio calculated under subparagraph (B).

(B) Ratio.—For purposes of this paragraph, the ratio shall be calculated as the proportion that—

(i) the amount for fiscal year 2009 such State was permitted by section 149(c)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP–21, to obligate in any area of the State for projects eligible under section 133, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP–21; bears to

(ii) the total apportionment to such State for fiscal year 2009 under section 104(b)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP–21.

(3) Changes in designation.—If a new nonattainment area is designated or a previously designated nonattainment area is redesignated as an attainment area in a State under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the Secretary shall modify, in a manner consistent with the approach that was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of MAP–21, the amount such State is permitted to obligate in any area of the State for projects eligible under section 133.

(e) Applicability of Planning Requirements.—Programming and expenditure of funds for projects under this section shall be consistent with the requirements of sections 134 and 135 of this title.

(f) Partnerships With Nongovernmental Entities.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this title and in accordance with this subsection, a metropolitan planning organization, State transportation department, or other project sponsor may enter into an agreement with any public, private, or nonprofit entity to cooperatively implement any project carried out under this section.

(2) Forms of participation by entities.—Participation by an entity under paragraph (1) may consist of—

(A) ownership or operation of any land, facility, vehicle, or other physical asset associated with the project;

(B) cost sharing of any project expense;

(C) carrying out of administration, construction management, project management, project operation, or any other management or operational duty associated with the project; and

(D) any other form of participation approved by the Secretary.

(3) Allocation to entities.—A State may allocate funds apportioned under section 104(b)(4) to an entity described in paragraph (1).

(4) Alternative fuel projects.—In the case of a project that will provide for the use of alternative fuels by privately owned vehicles or vehicle fleets, activities eligible for funding under this subsection—

(A) may include the costs of vehicle refueling infrastructure, including infrastructure that would support the development, production, and use of emerging technologies that reduce emissions of air pollutants from motor vehicles and nonroad vehicles and nonroad engines used in construction projects or port-related freight operations, and other capital investments associated with the project;

(B) shall include only the incremental cost of an alternative fueled vehicle, as compared to a conventionally fueled vehicle, that would otherwise be borne by a private party; and

(C) shall apply other governmental financial purchase contributions in the calculation of net incremental cost.

(5) Prohibition on federal participation with respect to required activities.—A Federal participation payment under this subsection may not be made to an entity to fund an obligation imposed under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) or any other Federal law.

(g) Cost-Effective Emission Reduction Guidance.—

(1) Definitions.—In this subsection, the following definitions apply:

(A) Administrator.—The term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

(B) Diesel replacement or retrofit.—The term "diesel replacement or retrofit" means a replacement or retrofit, repowering, rebuilding, after treatment, or other technology, as determined by the Administrator.

(2) Emission reduction guidance.—The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary, shall publish a list of diesel replacement or retrofit technologies and supporting technical information for—

(A) diesel emission reduction technologies certified or verified by the Administrator, the California Air Resources Board, or any other entity recognized by the Administrator for the same purpose;

(B) diesel emission reduction technologies identified by the Administrator as having an application and approvable test plan for verification by the Administrator or the California Air Resources Board that is submitted not later than 18 months of the date of enactment of this subsection;

(C) available information regarding the emission reduction effectiveness and cost effectiveness of technologies identified in this paragraph, taking into consideration air quality and health effects.

(3) Priority consideration.—States and metropolitan planning organizations shall give priority in areas designated as nonattainment or maintenance for PM2.5 under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) in distributing funds received for congestion mitigation and air quality projects and programs from apportionments under section 104(b)(4) to projects that are proven to reduce PM2.5, including diesel replacements or retrofits.

(4) No effect on authority or restrictions.—Nothing in this subsection modifies or otherwise affects any authority or restriction established under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) or any other law (other than provisions of this title relating to congestion mitigation and air quality).

(h) Interagency Consultation.—The Secretary shall encourage States and metropolitan planning organizations to consult with State and local air quality agencies in nonattainment and maintenance areas on the estimated emission reductions from proposed congestion mitigation and air quality improvement programs and projects.

(i) Evaluation and Assessment of Projects.—

(1) Database.—

(A) In general.—Using appropriate assessments of projects funded under the congestion mitigation and air quality program and results from other research, the Secretary shall maintain and disseminate a cumulative database describing the impacts of the projects, including specific information about each project, such as the project name, location, sponsor, cost, and, to the extent already measured by the project sponsor, cost-effectiveness, based on reductions in congestion and emissions.

(B) Availability.—The database shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the Secretary in electronically accessible format and means, such as the Internet, for public review.

(2) Cost effectiveness.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall evaluate projects on a periodic basis and develop a table or other similar medium that illustrates the cost-effectiveness of a range of project types eligible for funding under this section as to how the projects mitigate congestion and improve air quality.

(B) Contents.—The table described in subparagraph (A) shall show measures of cost-effectiveness, such as dollars per ton of emissions reduced, and assess those measures over a variety of timeframes to capture impacts on the planning timeframes outlined in section 134.

(C) Use of table.—States and metropolitan planning organizations shall consider the information in the table when selecting projects or developing performance plans under subsection (l).

(j) Optional Programmatic Eligibility.—

(1) In general.—At the discretion of a metropolitan planning organization, a technical assessment of a selected program of projects may be conducted through modeling or other means to demonstrate the emissions reduction projection required under this section.

(2) Applicability.—If an assessment described in paragraph (1) successfully demonstrates an emissions reduction, all projects included in such assessment shall be eligible for obligation under this section without further demonstration of emissions reduction of individual projects included in such assessment.

(k) Priority for Use of Funds in PM2.5 Areas.—

(1) In general.—For any State that has a nonattainment or maintenance area for fine particulate matter, an amount equal to 25 percent of the funds apportioned to each State under section 104(b)(4) for a nonattainment or maintenance area that are based all or in part on the weighted population of such area in fine particulate matter nonattainment shall be obligated to projects that—

(A) reduce such fine particulate matter emissions in such area, including diesel replacements or retrofits; and

(B) to the extent practicable, prioritize benefits to disadvantaged communities or low-income populations living in, or immediately adjacent to, such area.

(2) Construction equipment and vehicles.—In order to meet the requirements of paragraph (1), a State or metropolitan planning organization may elect to obligate funds to install diesel emission control technology on nonroad diesel equipment or on-road diesel equipment that is operated on a highway construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area.

(3) PM2.5 nonattainment and maintenance in low population density states.—

(A) Exception.—In any State with a population density of 80 or fewer persons per square mile of land area, based on the most recent decennial census, the requirements under subsection (g)(3) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall not apply to a nonattainment or maintenance area in the State if—

(i) the nonattainment or maintenance area does not have projects that are part of the emissions analysis of a metropolitan transportation plan or transportation improvement program; and

(ii) regional motor vehicle emissions are an insignificant contributor to the air quality problem for PM2.5 in the nonattainment or maintenance area.

(B) Calculation.—If subparagraph (A) applies to a nonattainment or maintenance area in a State, the percentage of the PM2.5 set-aside under paragraph (1) shall be reduced for that State proportionately based on the weighted population of the area in fine particulate matter nonattainment.

(4) Port-related equipment and vehicles.—To meet the requirements under paragraph (1), a State or metropolitan planning organization may elect to obligate funds to the most cost-effective projects to reduce emissions from port-related landside nonroad or on-road equipment that is operated within the boundaries of a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area.

(l) Performance Plan.—

(1) In general.—Each metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area (as defined in section 134) with a population over 1,000,000 people representing a nonattainment or maintenance area shall develop a performance plan that—

(A) includes an area baseline level for traffic congestion and on-road mobile source emissions for which the area is in nonattainment or maintenance;

(B) describes progress made in achieving the air quality and traffic congestion performance targets described in section 150(d); and

(C) includes a description of projects identified for funding under this section and how such projects will contribute to achieving emission and traffic congestion reduction targets.

(2) Updated plans.—Performance plans shall be updated biennially and include a separate report that assesses the progress of the program of projects under the previous plan in achieving the air quality and traffic congestion targets of the previous plan.

(3) Assistance to metropolitan planning organizations.—

(A) In general.—On the request of a metropolitan planning organization, the Secretary may assist the metropolitan planning organization tracking progress made in minority or low-income populations as part of a performance plan under this subsection.

(B) Savings provision.—Nothing in this paragraph provides the Secretary the authority—

(i) to change the performance measures under section 150(c)(5) or the performance targets established under section 134(h)(2) or 150(d); or

(ii) to establish any other Federal requirement.

(m) Operating Assistance.—

(1) In general.—A State may obligate funds apportioned under section 104(b)(4) in an area of the State that is otherwise eligible for obligations of such funds for operating costs—

(A) under chapter 53 of title 49; or

(B) on—

(i) a system for which CMAQ funding was eligible, made available, obligated, or expended in fiscal year 2012; or

(ii) a State-supported Amtrak route with a valid cost-sharing agreement under section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (49 U.S.C. 24101 note; Public Law 110–432) and no current nonattainment areas under subsection (d).

(2) No time limitation.—Operating assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall have no imposed time limitation if the operating assistance is for—

(A) a route described in subparagraph (B) of that paragraph; or

(B) a transit system that is located in—

(i) a non-urbanized area; or

(ii) an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or fewer.

(Added Pub. L. 93–87, title I, §142(a), Aug. 13, 1973, 87 Stat. 272; amended Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1008(a), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1932; Pub. L. 102–388, title III, §380, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1562; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §319(a)(1), (b), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 588, 589; Pub. L. 104–88, title IV, §405(a)(2), (b), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 956, 957; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1110(a)–(d)(1), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 142, 143; Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1808(a)–(f), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1461–1463; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §1113(a), (b), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 460; Pub. L. 113–76, div. L, title I, §125, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 587; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §§1109(c)(5), 1114, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1343, 1348; Pub. L. 115–141, div. L, title IV, §421, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1045; Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11115, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 480.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Clean Air Act, referred to in subsecs. (b), (d)(1), (3), (f)(5), and (g)(3), (4), is act July 14, 1955, ch. 360, 69 Stat. 322, which is classified generally to chapter 85 (§7401 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Section 108(f)(1)(A) of the Act is classified to section 7408(f)(1)(A) of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7401 of Title 42 and Tables.

The date of enactment of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (b)(5), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 105–178, which was approved June 9, 1998.

Sections 104(b)(2), 133, and 149(c)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP–21, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), mean section 104(b)(2) of this title, section 133 of this title, and subsec. (c)(2) of this section, respectively, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of Pub. L. 112–141, which amended section 104 generally, made numerous amendments to section 133, and redesignated subsec. (c) of this section as (d) and struck it out. The date of enactment of the MAP–21 is deemed to be Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a), (b) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment notes under section 101 of this title.

The day before the date of enactment of MAP–21, referred to in subsec. (d)(3), means the day before the date of enactment of Pub. L. 112–141. See note above.

The date of enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (g)(2)(B), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 109–59, which was approved Aug. 10, 2005.

Section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (m), is section 209 of div. B of Pub. L. 110–432, which is set out as a note under section 24101 of Title 49, Transportation.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(1)(A), substituted "subsections (d) and (m)(1)(B)(ii)" for "subsection (d)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(1)(B), inserted "shared micromobility (including bikesharing and shared scooter systems)," after "carsharing,".

Subsec. (b)(8)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(1)(C)(i)(I), inserted "replacements or" before "retrofits" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(8)(A)(i). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(1)(C)(i)(II), added cl. (i) and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows: "for motor vehicles (as defined in section 216 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7550)); or".

Subsec. (b)(8)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(1)(C)(ii), inserted "replacements or" before "retrofits".

Subsec. (b)(8)(C). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(1)(C)(i)(III), (iii), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(10), (11). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(1)(D), (E), added pars. (10) and (11).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(2), added par. (4).

Subsec. (f)(4)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(3), inserted "and nonroad vehicles and nonroad engines used in construction projects or port-related freight operations" after "motor vehicles".

Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(4)(A), in heading, inserted "replacement or" before "retrofit" and, in text, substituted "The term 'diesel replacement or retrofit' means" for "The term 'diesel retrofit' means" and inserted "or retrofit" after "replacement".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(4)(B), inserted "replacement or" before "retrofit" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(4)(C), inserted "replacements or" before "retrofits".

Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(5), substituted "that—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "that reduce such fine particulate matter emissions in such area, including diesel retrofits."

Subsec. (l)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(6), added par. (3).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 117–58, §11115(7), added subsec. (m) and struck out former subsec. (m). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A State may obligate funds apportioned under section 104(b)(4) in an area of such State that is otherwise eligible for obligations of such funds for operating costs under chapter 53 of title 49 or on a system for which CMAQ funding was made available, obligated or expended in fiscal year 2012, or on a State-Supported Amtrak route with a valid cost-sharing agreement under section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 and no current nonattainment areas under subsection (d), and shall have no imposed time limitation."

2018—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 115–141 inserted "or on a State-Supported Amtrak route with a valid cost-sharing agreement under section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 and no current nonattainment areas under subsection (d)," after "2012,".

2015—Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(i)(I). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(1)(A), inserted "in the designated nonattainment area" after "air quality standard".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(1)(B), inserted "or maintenance" after "likely to contribute to the attainment".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(1)(C), substituted "attainment or maintenance in the area of" for "attainment of".

Subsec. (b)(8)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(1)(E)(i)(I), inserted "or port-related freight operations" after "construction projects" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(8)(A)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(1)(E)(i)(II), inserted "or chapter 53 of title 49" after "this title".

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(1)(D), (E)(ii), (F), added par. (9).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(2), inserted "(giving priority to corridors designated under section 151)" after "at any location in the State".

Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(3)(A), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "is eligible under the surface transportation program under section 133."

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(3)(B)(i)(I), inserted "would otherwise be eligible under subsection (b) if the project were carried out in a nonattainment or maintenance area or" after "may use for any project that" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 114–94, §1109(c)(5), substituted "surface transportation block grant program" for "surface transportation program" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(3)(B)(i)(II), substituted "subsection (k)(1)" for "paragraph (l)".

Subsec. (d)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(3)(B)(ii), substituted "MAP–21" for "MAP–21t".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(3)(C), inserted ", in a manner consistent with the approach that was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of MAP–21," after "the Secretary shall modify".

Subsec. (g)(2)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(4), substituted "not later than" for "not later that".

Subsec. (k)(3), (4). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(5), added pars. (3) and (4).

Subsec. (l)(1)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(6), inserted "air quality and traffic congestion" before "performance targets".

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 114–94, §1114(7), substituted "section 104(b)(4)" for "section 104(b)(2)".

2014—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 113–76 substituted "for which CMAQ funding was made available, obligated or expended in fiscal year 2012, and shall have no imposed time limitation" for "that was previously eligible under this section".

2012—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(a)(1), (5), in introductory provisions, substituted "in subsection (d)" for "in subsection (c)" and "section 104(b)(4)" for "section 104(b)(2)" and struck out concluding provisions which read as follows: "No funds may be provided under this section for a project which will result in the construction of new capacity available to single occupant vehicles unless the project consists of a high occupancy vehicle facility available to single occupant vehicles only at other than peak travel times. In areas of a State which are nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide, or both, and for PM–10 resulting from transportation activities, the State may obligate such funds for any project or program under paragraph (1) or (2) without regard to any limitation of the Department of Transportation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard such project or program addresses."

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(a)(2), inserted "add turning lanes," after "improve intersections," and substituted "paragraph, including programs or projects to improve incident and emergency response or improve mobility, such as through real-time traffic, transit, and multimodal traveler information;" for "paragraph;".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(a)(3), (7), added par. (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (8).

Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(a)(4), substituted "verified technologies (as defined in section 791 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16131))" for "published in the list under subsection (f)(2)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(a)(6), redesignated par. (7) as (8).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(2), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(3), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which related to states receiving minimum apportionment.

Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(1), (4), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f) and substituted "104(b)(4)" for "104(b)(2)" in par. (3). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(1), (5), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g), added par. (3), and struck out former par. (3) which related to priority. Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(6), added subsec. (i) and struck out former subsec. (i) which related to evaluation and assessment of projects.

Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i).

Subsecs. (j) to (m). Pub. L. 112–141, §1113(b)(6), added subsecs. (j) to (m).

2005—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–59, §1808(a), inserted "or is required to prepare, and file with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, maintenance plans under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.)" after "1997," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §1808(b)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows:

"(A) if the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, determines, on the basis of information published by the Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to section 108(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Air Act (other than clause (xvi) of such section), that the project or program is likely to contribute to—

"(i) the attainment of a national ambient air quality standard; or

"(ii) the maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard in a maintenance area; or

"(B) in any case in which such information is not available, if the Secretary, after such consultation, determines that the project or program is part of a program, method, or strategy described in such section;".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 109–59, §1808(b)(2)(A), inserted ", including advanced truck stop electrification systems," after "control facility or program".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 109–59, §1808(b)(3)(A), inserted "improve transportation systems management and operations that mitigate congestion and improve air quality," after "intersections,".

Subsec. (b)(6), (7). Pub. L. 109–59, §1808(b)(2)(B), (3)(B), (4), which directed addition of pars. (6) and (7) at end of subsec. (b), was executed by adding pars. (6) and (7) after par. (5) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §1808(c)(1), substituted "for any project in the State that—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "for any project eligible under the surface transportation program under section 133."

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 109–59, §1808(c)(2), substituted "for any project in the State that—" and subpars. (A) and (B) for "for any project in the State eligible under section 133."

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 109–59, §1808(d)–(f), added subsecs. (f) to (h).

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–178, §1110(a), substituted "shall establish and implement" for "shall establish".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–178, §1110(b)(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "that is or was designated as a nonattainment area for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)) and classified pursuant to section 181(a), 186(a), 188(a), or 188(b) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7511(a), 7512(a), 7513(a), or 7513(b)) or is or was designated as a nonattainment area under such section 107(d) after December 31, 1997," for "that was designated as a nonattainment area under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)) during any part of fiscal year 1994".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 105–178, §1110(b)(2), substituted "clause (xvi) of such section" for "clauses (xii) and (xvi) of such section".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 105–178, §1110(b)(3), substituted "a maintenance area" for "an area that was designated as a nonattainment area but that was later redesignated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as an attainment area under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d))".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 105–178, §1110(b)(4)–(6), added par. (5).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–178, §1110(c), added subsec. (c) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (c). Text read as follows: "If a State does not have a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act located within its borders, the State may use funds apportioned to it under section 104(b)(2) for any project eligible for assistance under the surface transportation program."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178, §1110(d)(1), added subsec. (e).

1995—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–59, §319(a)(1)(A), in introductory provisions, inserted "if the project or program is for an area in the State that was designated as a nonattainment area under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)) during any part of fiscal year 1994 and" after "project or program".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 104–59, §319(a)(1)(B), substituted "contribute to—" and cls. (i) and (ii) for "contribute to the attainment of a national ambient air quality standard; or".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–59, §319(b)(1), struck out "or" at end.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 104–88, §405(b)(1), inserted "or" after semicolon at end.

Pub. L. 104–59, §319(b)(2), substituted a semicolon for period at end.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 104–88, §405(b)(2), substituted a period for "; or" at end.

Pub. L. 104–59, §319(b)(3), as amended by Pub. L. 104–88, §405(a)(2), added par. (4).

1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–388 inserted at end "In areas of a State which are nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide, or both, and for PM–10 resulting from transportation activities, the State may obligate such funds for any project or program under paragraph (1) or (2) without regard to any limitation of the Department of Transportation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard such project or program addresses."

1991—Pub. L. 102–240 substituted section catchline for one which read: "Truck lanes" and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary may approve as a project on any Federal-aid system the construction of exclusive or preferential truck lanes."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, see section 10003 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Amendment by section 405(b) of Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1301 of Title 49, Transportation.

Pub. L. 104–88, title IV, §405(a), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 956, provided that the amendment made by section 405(a)(2) is effective Nov. 28, 1995.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–240 effective Dec. 18, 1991, and applicable to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after Sept. 30, 1991, and, with certain exceptions, not applicable to funds appropriated or made available on or before Sept. 30, 1991, see section 1100 of Pub. L. 102–240, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.

Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11402, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 553, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Program.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary [of Transportation] shall establish a program to reduce idling at port facilities, under which the Secretary shall—

"(A) study how ports and intermodal port transfer facilities would benefit from increased opportunities to reduce emissions at ports, including through the electrification of port operations;

"(B) study emerging technologies and strategies that may help reduce port-related emissions from idling trucks; and

"(C) coordinate and provide funding to test, evaluate, and deploy projects that reduce port-related emissions from idling trucks, including through the advancement of port electrification and improvements in efficiency, focusing on port operations, including heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and other related projects.

"(2) Consultation.—In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary may consult with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

"(b) Grants.—

"(1) In general.—In carrying out subsection (a)(1)(C), the Secretary shall award grants to fund projects that reduce emissions at ports, including through the advancement of port electrification.

"(2) Cost share.—A grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the project funded by the grant.

"(3) Coordination.—In carrying out the grant program under this subsection, the Secretary shall—

"(A) to the maximum extent practicable, leverage existing resources and programs of the Department [of Transportation] and other relevant Federal agencies; and

"(B) coordinate with other Federal agencies, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

"(4) Application; selection.—

"(A) Application.—The Secretary shall solicit applications for grants under paragraph (1) at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines to be necessary.

"(B) Selection.—The Secretary shall make grants under paragraph (1) by not later than April 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is made available.

"(5) Requirement.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any project funded by a grant under this subsection shall be treated as a project on a Federal-aid highway under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.

"(c) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date on which all of the projects funded with a grant under subsection (b) are completed, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes—

"(1) the findings of the studies described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1);

"(2) the results of the projects that received a grant under subsection (b);

"(3) any recommendations for workforce development and training opportunities with respect to port electrification; and

"(4) any policy recommendations based on the findings and results described in paragraphs (1) and (2)."

Healthy Streets Program

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11406, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 575, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Cool pavement.—The term 'cool pavement' means a pavement with reflective surfaces with higher albedo to decrease the surface temperature of that pavement.

"(2) Eligible entity.—The term 'eligible entity' means—

"(A) a State;

"(B) a metropolitan planning organization;

"(C) a unit of local government;

"(D) a Tribal government; and

"(E) a nonprofit organization working in coordination with an entity described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).

"(3) Low-income community.—The term 'low-income community' means a census block group in which not less than 30 percent of the population lives below the poverty line (as defined in section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902)).

"(4) Porous pavement.—The term 'porous pavement' means a paved surface with a higher than normal percentage of air voids to allow water to pass through the surface and infiltrate into the subsoil.

"(5) Program.—The term 'program' means the Healthy Streets program established under subsection (b).

"(6) State.—The term 'State' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code.

"(7) Tribal government.—The term 'Tribal government' means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, individually identified (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently as of the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021] pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131).

"(b) Establishment.—The Secretary [of Transportation] shall establish a discretionary grant program, to be known as the 'Healthy Streets program', to provide grants to eligible entities—

"(1) to deploy cool pavements and porous pavements; and

"(2) to expand tree cover.

"(c) Goals.—The goals of the program are—

"(1) to mitigate urban heat islands;

"(2) to improve air quality; and

"(3) to reduce—

"(A) the extent of impervious surfaces;

"(B) stormwater runoff and flood risks; and

"(C) heat impacts to infrastructure and road users.

"(d) Application.—

"(1) In general.—To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

"(2) Requirements.—The application submitted by an eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall include a description of—

"(A) how the eligible entity would use the grant funds; and

"(B) the contribution that the projects intended to be carried out with grant funds would make to improving the safety, health outcomes, natural environment, and quality of life in low-income communities and disadvantaged communities.

"(e) Use of Funds.—An eligible entity that receives a grant under the program may use the grant funds for 1 or more of the following activities:

"(1) Conducting an assessment of urban heat islands to identify hot spot areas of extreme heat or elevated air pollution.

"(2) Conducting a comprehensive tree canopy assessment, which shall assess the current tree locations and canopy, including—

"(A) an inventory of the location, species, condition, and health of existing tree canopies and trees on public facilities; and

"(B) an identification of—

"(i) the locations where trees need to be replaced;

"(ii) empty tree boxes or other locations where trees could be added; and

"(iii) flood-prone locations where trees or other natural infrastructure could mitigate flooding.

"(3) Conducting an equity assessment by mapping tree canopy gaps, flood-prone locations, and urban heat island hot spots as compared to—

"(A) pedestrian walkways and public transportation stop locations;

"(B) low-income communities; and

"(C) disadvantaged communities.

"(4) Planning activities, including developing an investment plan based on the results of the assessments carried out under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).

"(5) Purchasing and deploying cool pavements to mitigate urban heat island hot spots.

"(6) Purchasing and deploying porous pavement to mitigate flooding and stormwater runoff in—

"(A) pedestrian-only areas; and

"(B) areas of low-volume, low-speed vehicular use.

"(7) Purchasing of trees, site preparation, planting of trees, ongoing maintenance and monitoring of trees, and repairing of storm damage to trees, with priority given to—

"(A) to the extent practicable, the planting of native species; and

"(B) projects located in a neighborhood with lower tree cover or higher maximum daytime summer temperatures compared to surrounding neighborhoods.

"(8) Assessing underground infrastructure and coordinating with local transportation and utility providers.

"(9) Hiring staff to conduct any of the activities described in paragraphs (1) through (8).

"(f) Priority.—In awarding grants to eligible entities under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity—

"(1) proposing to carry out an activity or project in a low-income community or a disadvantaged community;

"(2) that has entered into a community benefits agreement with representatives of the community; or

"(3) that is partnering with a qualified youth or conservation corps (as defined in section 203 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1722)).

"(g) Distribution Requirement.—Of the amounts made available to carry out the program for each fiscal year, not less than 80 percent shall be provided for projects in urbanized areas (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code).

"(h) Federal Share.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided under paragraph (2), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under the program shall be 80 percent.

"(2) Waiver.—The Secretary may increase the Federal share requirement under paragraph (1) to 100 percent for projects carried out by an eligible entity that demonstrates economic hardship, as determined by the Secretary.

"(i) Maximum Grant Amount.—An individual grant under this section shall not exceed $15,000,000.

"(j) Treatment of Projects.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a project assisted under this section shall be treated as a project on a Federal-aid highway under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code."

Determination by Secretary; Water-Phased Hydrocarbon Fuel Emulsion Technologies

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1110(d)(2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 144, as amended by Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §9002(g), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 836, provided that: "For the purposes of section 149(e) [now 149(f)] of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary shall determine in accordance with the procedures specified in section 149(b) of such title whether water-phased hydrocarbon fuel emulsion technologies that consist of a hydrocarbon base and water in an amount not less than 20 percent by volume reduce emissions of hydrocarbon, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, or nitrogen oxide from motor vehicles."

Study of CMAQ Program

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1110(e), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 144, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to complete, by not later than January 1, 2001, a study of the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149 of title 23, United States Code. The study shall, at a minimum—

"(A) evaluate the air quality impacts of emissions from motor vehicles;

"(B) evaluate the negative effects of traffic congestion, including the economic effects of time lost due to congestion;

"(C) determine the amount of funds obligated under the program and make a comprehensive analysis of the types of projects funded under the program;

"(D) evaluate the emissions reductions attributable to projects of various types that have been funded under the program;

"(E) assess the effectiveness, including the quantitative and nonquantitative benefits, of projects funded under the program and include, in the assessment, an estimate of the cost per ton of pollution reduction;

"(F) assess the cost effectiveness of projects funded under the program with respect to congestion mitigation;

"(G) compare—

"(i) the costs of achieving the air pollutant emissions reductions achieved under the program; to

"(ii) the costs that would be incurred if similar reductions were achieved by other measures, including pollution controls on stationary sources;

"(H) include recommendations on improvements, including other types of projects, that will increase the overall effectiveness of the program;

"(I) include recommendations on expanding the scope of the program to address traffic-related pollutants that, as of the date of the study, are not addressed by the program.

"(2) Report.—Not later than January 1, 2000, the National Academy of Sciences shall transmit to the Secretary, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the results of the study with recommendations for modifications to the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program in light of the results of the study.

"(3) Funding.—Before making the apportionment of funds under [former] section 104(b)(2) of title 23, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000, the Secretary shall deduct from the amount to be apportioned under such section for such fiscal year, and make available, $500,000 for such fiscal year to carry out this subsection."

Effect of Limitation on Apportionment

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for each of fiscal years 1996 and 1997, amendment by section 319(a)(1) of Pub. L. 104–59 not to affect any apportionment adjustments under section 1015 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, Pub. L. 102–240, see section 319(c) of Pub. L. 104–59, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.

Value Pricing Pilot Program

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1012(b), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1938, as amended by Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §325(e), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 592; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1216(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 211; Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §9006(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 848; Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1604(a), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1249, provided that:

"(1) The Secretary shall solicit the participation of State and local governments and public authorities for one or more value pricing pilot programs. The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with as many as 15 such State or local governments or public authorities to establish, maintain, and monitor value pricing programs.

"(2) Notwithstanding section 129 of title 23, United States Code, the Federal share payable for such programs shall be 80 percent. The Secretary shall fund all preimplementation costs and project design, and all of the development and other start up costs of such projects, including salaries and expenses, for a period of at least 1 year, and thereafter until such time that sufficient revenues are being generated by the program to fund its operating costs without Federal participation, except that the Secretary may not fund the preimplementation or implementation costs of any project for more than 3 years.

"(3) Revenues generated by any pilot project under this subsection must be applied to projects eligible under such title.

"(4) Notwithstanding sections 129 and 301 of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary shall allow the use of tolls on the Interstate System as part of any value pricing pilot program under this subsection.

"(5) The Secretary shall monitor the effect of such programs for a period of at least 10 years, and shall report to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives every 2 years on the effects such programs are having on driver behavior, traffic volume, transit ridership, air quality, and availability of funds for transportation programs.

"(6) HOV passenger requirements.—Notwithstanding section 102(a) of title 23, United States Code, a State may permit vehicles with fewer than 2 occupants to operate in high occupancy vehicle lanes if the vehicles are part of a value pricing pilot program under this subsection.

"(7) Financial effects on low-income drivers.—Any value pricing pilot program under this subsection shall include, if appropriate, an analysis of the potential effects of the pilot program on low-income drivers and may include mitigation measures to deal with any potential adverse financial effects on low-income drivers.

"(8) Funding.—

"(A) In general.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this subsection—

"(i) for fiscal year 2005, $11,000,000; and

"(ii) for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009, $12,000,000.

"(B) Set-aside for projects not involving highway tolls.—Of the amounts made available to carry out this subsection, $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009 shall be available only for congestion pricing pilot projects that do not involve highway tolls.

"(C) Availability.—Funds allocated by the Secretary to a State under this subsection shall remain available for obligation by the State for a period of 3 years after the last day of the fiscal year for which the funds are authorized.

"(D) Use of unallocated funds.—If the total amount of funds made available from the Highway Trust Fund to carry out this subsection for fiscal year 1998 and fiscal years thereafter but not allocated exceeds $8,000,000 as of September 30 of any year, the excess amount—

"(i) shall be apportioned in the following fiscal year by the Secretary to all States in accordance with [former] section 104(b)(3) of title 23, United States Code;

"(ii) shall be considered to be a sum made available for expenditure on the surface transportation program, except that the amount shall not be subject to section 133(d) of such title; and

"(iii) shall be available for any purpose eligible for funding under section 133 of such title.

"(C) [probably should be (E)] Contract authority.—Funds authorized to carry out this subsection shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if the funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code; except that the Federal share of the cost of any project under this subsection and the availability of funds authorized to carry out this subsection shall be determined in accordance with this subsection."
23 U.S.C. § 120 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 1: FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS / Section 120: Federal share payable
Federal share payable
Status: in_force

(a) Interstate System Projects.—

(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Federal share payable on account of any project on the Interstate System (including a project to add high occupancy vehicle lanes and a project to add auxiliary lanes but excluding a project to add any other lanes) shall be 90 percent of the total cost thereof, plus a percentage of the remaining 10 percent of such cost in any State containing unappropriated and unreserved public lands and nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, exceeding 5 percent of the total area of all lands therein, equal to the percentage that the area of such lands in such State is of its total area; except that such Federal share payable on any project in any State shall not exceed 95 percent of the total cost of such project.

(2) State-determined lower federal share.—In the case of any project subject to paragraph (1), a State may determine a lower Federal share than the Federal share determined under such paragraph.

(b) Other Projects.—Except as otherwise provided in this title, the Federal share payable on account of any project or activity carried out under this title (other than a project subject to subsection (a)) shall be—

(1) 80 percent of the cost thereof, except that in the case of any State containing nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, and public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved) exclusive of national forests and national parks and monuments, exceeding 5 percent of the total area of all lands therein, the Federal share, for purposes of this chapter, shall be increased by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of all such lands in such State, is of its total area; or

(2) 80 percent of the cost thereof, except that in the case of any State containing nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved), national forests, and national parks and monuments, the Federal share, for purposes of this chapter, shall be increased by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of all such lands in such State is of its total area;

except that the Federal share payable on any project in a State shall not exceed 95 percent of the total cost of any such project. In any case where a State elects to have the Federal share provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State must enter into an agreement with the Secretary covering a period of not less than 1 year, requiring such State to use solely for purposes eligible for assistance under this title (other than paying its share of projects approved under this title) during the period covered by such agreement the difference between the State's share as provided in paragraph (2) and what its share would be if it elected to pay the share provided in paragraph (1) for all projects subject to such agreement. In the case of any project subject to this subsection, a State may determine a lower Federal share than the Federal share determined under the preceding sentences of this subsection.

(c) Increased Federal Share.—

(1) Certain safety projects.—The Federal share payable on account of any project for traffic control signalization, maintaining minimum levels of retroreflectivity of highway signs or pavement markings, traffic circles (also known as "roundabouts"), safety rest areas, pavement marking, shoulder and centerline rumble strips and stripes, commuter carpooling and vanpooling, rail-highway crossing closure, or installation of traffic signs, traffic lights, guardrails, impact attenuators, concrete barrier endtreatments, breakaway utility poles, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment, or priority control systems for emergency vehicles or transit vehicles at signalized intersections may amount to 100 percent of the cost of construction of such projects; except that not more than 10 percent of all sums apportioned for all the Federal-aid programs for any fiscal year in accordance with section 104 of this title shall be used under this subsection. In this subsection, the term "safety rest area" means an area where motor vehicle operators can park their vehicles and rest, where food, fuel, and lodging services are not available, and that is located on a segment of highway with respect to which the Secretary determines there is a shortage of public and private areas at which motor vehicle operators can park their vehicles and rest.

(2) CMAQ projects.—The Federal share payable on account of a project or program carried out under section 149 with funds obligated in fiscal year 2008 or 2009, or both, shall be not less than 80 percent and, at the discretion of the State, may be up to 100 percent of the cost thereof.

(3) Innovative project delivery.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Federal share payable on account of a project, program, or activity carried out with funds apportioned under paragraph (1), (2), (5)(D), or (6) of section 104(b) may, at the discretion of the State, be up to 100 percent for any such project, program, or activity that the Secretary determines—

(i) contains innovative project delivery methods that improve work zone safety for motorists or workers and the quality of the facility;

(ii) contains innovative technologies, engineering or design approaches, manufacturing processes, financing, or contracting or project delivery methods that improve the quality of, extend the service life of, or decrease the long-term costs of maintaining highways and bridges;

(iii) accelerates project delivery while complying with other applicable Federal laws (including regulations) and not causing any significant adverse environmental impact; or

(iv) reduces congestion related to highway construction.

(B) Examples.—Projects, programs, and activities described in subparagraph (A) may include the use of—

(i) prefabricated bridge elements and systems and other technologies to reduce bridge construction time;

(ii) innovative construction equipment, materials, or techniques, including the use of in-place recycling technology and digital 3-dimensional modeling technologies;

(iii) innovative contracting methods, including the design-build and the construction manager-general contractor contracting methods and alternative bidding;

(iv) intelligent compaction equipment;

(v) innovative pavement materials that have a demonstrated life cycle of 75 or more years, are manufactured with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce construction-related congestion by rapidly curing;

(vi) contractual provisions that provide safety contingency funds to incorporate safety enhancements to work zones prior to or during roadway construction activities; or

(vii) contractual provisions that offer a contractor an incentive payment for early completion of the project, program, or activity, subject to the condition that the incentives are accounted for in the financial plan of the project, when applicable.

(C) Limitations.—

(i) In general.—In each fiscal year, a State may use the authority under subparagraph (A) for up to 10 percent of the combined apportionments of the State under paragraphs (1), (2), (5)(D), and (6) of section 104(b).

(ii) Federal share increase.—The Federal share payable on account of a project, program, or activity described in subparagraph (A) may be increased by up to 5 percent of the total project cost.

(4) Pooled funding.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may waive the non-Federal share of the cost of a project or activity under section 502(b)(6) that is carried out with amounts apportioned under section 104(b)(2) after considering appropriate factors, including whether—

(A) decreasing or eliminating the non-Federal share would best serve the interests of the Federal-aid highway program; and

(B) the project or activity addresses national or regional high priority research, development, and technology transfer problems in a manner that would benefit multiple States or metropolitan planning organizations.

(d) The Secretary may rely on a statement from the Secretary of the Interior as to the area of the lands referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to provide such statement annually.

(e) Emergency Relief.—The Federal share payable for any repair or reconstruction provided for by funds made available under section 125 for any project on a Federal-aid highway, including the Interstate System, shall not exceed the Federal share payable on a project on the system as provided in subsections (a) and (b), except that—

(1) the Federal share payable for eligible emergency repairs to minimize damage, protect facilities, or restore essential traffic accomplished within 270 days after the actual occurrence of the natural disaster or catastrophic failure may amount to 100 percent of the cost of the repairs;

(2) the Federal share payable for any repair or reconstruction of Federal land transportation facilities, other Federally owned roads that are open to public travel, and tribal transportation facilities may amount to 100 percent of the cost of the repair or reconstruction;

(3) the Secretary shall extend the time period in paragraph (1) taking into consideration any delay in the ability of the State to access damaged facilities to evaluate damage and the cost of repair; and

(4) the Federal share payable for eligible repairs to restore damaged facilities to predisaster condition may amount to 90 percent of the cost of the repairs if the eligible expenses incurred by the State due to natural disasters or catastrophic failures in a Federal fiscal year exceeds the annual apportionment of the State under section 104 for the fiscal year in which the disasters or failures occurred.

(f) The Secretary is authorized to cooperate with the State transportation departments and with the Department of the Interior in the construction of Federal-aid highways within Indian reservations and national parks and monuments under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and to pay the amount assumed therefor from the funds apportioned in accordance with section 104 of this title to the State wherein the reservations and national parks and monuments are located.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or of this title, the Federal share payable on account of any project under this title in the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall be 100 per centum of the total cost of the project.

(h) Increased Non-Federal Share.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this title and subject to such criteria as the Secretary may establish, a State may contribute an amount in excess of the non-Federal share of a project under this title so as to decrease the Federal share payable on such project.

(i) Credit for Non-Federal Share.—

(1) Eligibility.—

(A) In general.—A State may use as a credit toward the non-Federal share requirement for any funds made available to carry out this title (other than the emergency relief program authorized by section 125) or chapter 53 of title 49 toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce.

(B) Special rule for use of federal funds.—If the public, quasi-public, or private agency has built, improved, or maintained the facility using Federal funds, the credit under this paragraph shall be reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage of the total cost of building, improving, or maintaining the facility that was derived from Federal funds.

(C) Federal funds defined.—In this paragraph, the term "Federal funds" does not include loans of Federal funds or other financial assistance that must be repaid to the Government.

(2) Maintenance of effort.—

(A) In general.—The credit for any non-Federal share provided under this subsection shall not reduce nor replace State funds required to match Federal funds for any program under this title.

(B) Condition on receipt of credit.—To receive a credit under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, a State shall enter into such agreement as the Secretary may require to ensure that the State will maintain its non-Federal transportation capital expenditures in such fiscal year at or above the average level of such expenditures for the preceding 3 fiscal years; except that if, for any 1 of the preceding 3 fiscal years, the non-Federal transportation capital expenditures of the State were at a level that was greater than 130 percent of the average level of such expenditures for the other 2 of the preceding 3 fiscal years, the agreement shall ensure that the State will maintain its non-Federal transportation capital expenditures in the fiscal year of the credit at or above the average level of such expenditures for the other 2 fiscal years.

(C) Transportation capital expenditures defined.—In subparagraph (B), the term "non-Federal transportation capital expenditures" includes any payments made by the State for issuance of transportation-related bonds.

(3) Treatment.—

(A) Limitation on liability.—Use of a credit for a non-Federal share under this subsection that is received from a public, quasi-public, or private agency—

(i) shall not expose the agency to additional liability, additional regulation, or additional administrative oversight; and

(ii) shall not subject the agency to any additional Federal design standards or laws (including regulations) as a result of providing the non-Federal share other than those to which the agency is already subject.

(B) Chartered multistate agencies.—When a credit that is received from a chartered multistate agency is applied to a non-Federal share under this subsection, such credit shall be applied equally to all charter States.

(j) Use of Federal Agency Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any Federal funds other than those made available under this title and title 49 may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any transportation project that is within, adjacent to, or provides access to Federal land, the Federal share of which is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49.

(k) Use of Federal Land and Tribal Transportation Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out the tribal transportation program under section 202 and the Federal lands transportation program under section 203 may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any project that is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49 and that provides access to or within Federal or tribal land.

(l) Federal Share Flexibility Pilot Program.—

(1) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program (referred to in this subsection as the "pilot program") to give States additional flexibility with respect to the Federal requirements under this section.

(2) Program.—

(A) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State participating in the pilot program (referred to in this subsection as a "participating State") may determine the Federal share on a project, multiple-project, or program basis for projects under any of the following:

(i) The national highway performance program under section 119.

(ii) The surface transportation block grant program under section 133.

(iii) The highway safety improvement program under section 148.

(iv) The congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149.

(v) The national highway freight program under section 167.

(vi) The carbon reduction program under section 175.

(vii) Subsection (c) of the PROTECT program under section 176.

(B) Requirements.—

(i) Maximum federal share.—Subject to clause (iii), the Federal share of the cost of an individual project carried out under a program described in subparagraph (A) by a participating State and to which the participating State is applying the Federal share requirements under the pilot program may be up to 100 percent.

(ii) Minimum federal share.—No individual project carried out under a program described in subparagraph (A) by a participating State and to which the participating State is applying the Federal share requirements under the pilot program shall have a Federal share of 0 percent.

(iii) Determination.—The average annual Federal share of the total cost of all projects authorized under a program described in subparagraph (A) to which a participating State is applying the Federal share requirements under the pilot program shall be not more than the average of the maximum Federal share of those projects if those projects were not carried out under the pilot program.

(C) Selection.—

(i) Application.—A State seeking to be a participating State shall—

(I) submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require; and

(II) have in place adequate financial controls to allow the State to determine the average annual Federal share requirements under the pilot program.

(ii) Requirement.—For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the Secretary shall select not more than 10 States to be participating States.

(Pub. L. 85–767, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 898; Pub. L. 86–70, §21(d)(4), (e)(4), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 145, 146; Pub. L. 86–342, title I, §107(b), Sept. 21, 1959, 73 Stat. 613; Pub. L. 86–657, §3, July 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 522; Pub. L. 88–658, Oct. 13, 1964, 78 Stat. 1090; Pub. L. 89–574, §9(a), Sept. 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 769; Pub. L. 90–495, §§27(b), 34, Aug. 23, 1968, 82 Stat. 829, 835; Pub. L. 91–605, title I, §§106(f), 108(a), 109(b), 128, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1718, 1719, 1731; Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §§117, 129(a)–(c), (i), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2699, 2707, 2708; Pub. L. 97–424, title I, §§109(b), 117, 123(a), 153(f), 156(c), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2105, 2109, 2113, 2133, 2134; Pub. L. 98–78, title III, §318, Aug. 15, 1983, 97 Stat. 473; Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §117(a)–(c)(1), (d), (e), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 155, 156; Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §§1021(a), (b), 1022(a), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1950, 1951; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §310(a), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 582; Pub. L. 104–205, title III, §353(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 2980; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §§1111(a)–(c), 1113(a), (c), formerly (d), 1115(a), (f)(1), 1212(a)(2)(A)(ii), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 145, 151, 152, 154, 193; Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §§9002(i), 9006(a)(2), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 836, 848; Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §§1111(b)(2), 1116(c), 1119(a), 1905, 1947, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1171, 1177, 1181, 1467, 1513; Pub. L. 110–140, title XI, §1131, Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1763; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §§1304(b), 1508, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 532, 565; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §§1104(e)(2), 1408, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1332, 1410; Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11107, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 459.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021, referred to in subsec. (l)(1), is the date of enactment of div. A of Pub. L. 117–58, which was approved Nov. 15, 2021.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11107(1)(A), inserted "vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment," after "breakaway utility poles,".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(vi), (vii). Pub. L. 117–58, §11107(1)(B), added cl. (vi) and redesignated former cl. (vi) as (vii).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 117–58, §11107(1)(C), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11107(2)(A), substituted "270 days" for "180 days".

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 117–58, §11107(2)(B), struck out "permanent" before "repairs to restore".

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 117–58, §11107(3), added subsec. (l).

2015—Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §1104(e)(2)(A), substituted "(5)(D), or (6)" for "or (5)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 114–94, §1408(a)(1), inserted "engineering or design approaches," after "technologies," and "or project delivery" after "or contracting".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 114–94, §1408(a)(2)(A), inserted "and alternative bidding" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(v), (vi). Pub. L. 114–94, §1408(a)(2)(B)–(D), added cl. (v) and redesignated former cl. (v) as (vi).

Subsec. (c)(3)(C)(i). Pub. L. 114–94, §1104(e)(2)(B), substituted "(5)(D), and (6)" for "and (5)".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, §1408(b), substituted "other Federally owned roads that are open to public travel" for "Federal land access transportation facilities".

2012—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(1), inserted "maintaining minimum levels of retroreflectivity of highway signs or pavement markings," after "traffic control signalization," and "shoulder and centerline rumble strips and stripes," after "pavement marking," and substituted "Federal-aid programs" for "Federal-aid systems".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 112–141, §1304(b), added par. (3).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(2), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction provided for by funds made available under section 125 of this title on account of any project on a Federal-aid highway, including the Interstate System, shall not exceed the Federal share payable on a project on such highway as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section; except that (1) the Federal share payable for eligible emergency repairs to minimize damage, protect facilities, or restore essential traffic accomplished within 180 days after the actual occurrence of the natural disaster or catastrophic failure may amount to 100 percent of the costs thereof; and (2) the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction of forest highways, forest development roads and trails, park roads and trails, parkways, public lands highways, public lands development roads and trails, and Indian reservation roads may amount to 100 percent of the cost thereof. The total cost of a project may not exceed the cost of repair or reconstruction of a comparable facility. As used in this section with respect to bridges and in section 144 of this title, 'a comparable facility' shall mean a facility which meets the current geometric and construction standards required for the types and volume of traffic which such facility will carry over its design life."

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(3), redesignated subsecs. (h) and (i) as (g) and (h), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (g). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (g) read as follows: "At the request of any State, the Secretary may from time to time enter into agreements with such State to reimburse the State for the Federal share of the costs of preliminary and construction engineering at an agreed percentage of actual construction costs for each project, in lieu of the actual engineering costs for such project. The Secretary shall annually review each such agreement to insure that such percentage reasonably represents the engineering costs actually incurred by such State."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(3), (4), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i) and struck out "and the Appalachian development highway system program under section 14501 of title 40" after "authorized by section 125" in par. (1)(A).

Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(5), added subsecs. (j) and (k) and struck out former subsecs. (j) and (k) which read as follows:

"(j) Use of Federal Land Management Agency Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds appropriated to any Federal land management agency may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any project the Federal share of which is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49.

"(k) Use of Federal Lands Highways Program Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Federal lands highways program under section 204 may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any project that is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49 and that provides access to or within Federal or Indian lands."

Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(3), redesignated subsecs. (k) and (l) as (j) and (k), respectively.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(3), redesignated subsec. (l) as (k).

2007—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–140 struck out "for Certain Safety Projects" after "Share" in subsec. heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted par. (1) heading, and added par. (2).

2005—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–59, §1947, inserted "traffic circles (also known as 'roundabouts')," after "traffic control signalization,".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–59, §1111(b)(2), substituted "such highway" for "such system" in first sentence.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 109–59, §1116(c), inserted "and the Appalachian development highway system program under section 14501 of title 40" after "section 125".

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §1905, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, and substituted subpars. (B) and (C) for "Such public, quasi-public, or private agencies shall have built, improved, or maintained such facilities without Federal funds."

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 109–59, §1119(a)(1), struck out "Federal-aid highway" before "project" and substituted "this title or chapter 53 of title 49" for "section 104".

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 109–59, §1119(a)(2), substituted "this title or chapter 53 of title 49" for "section 104".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–178, §1111(a)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, realigned margins, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–178, §1111(a)(2), inserted at end of concluding provisions "In the case of any project subject to this subsection, a State may determine a lower Federal share than the Federal share determined under the preceding sentences of this subsection."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–178, §1111(b), inserted "or transit vehicles" after "emergency vehicles" in first sentence.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178, §1113(c), formerly §1113(d), renumbered §1113(c) by Pub. L. 105–206, §9006(a)(2), substituted "and (b)" for "and (c)" and "180 days" for "90 days".

Pub. L. 105–178, §1113(a), substituted "highway" for "highway system" in first sentence.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–178, §1212(a)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "State transportation departments" for "State highway departments".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(f)(1), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, §9002(i), redesignated subsec. (j), relating to use of Federal land management agency funds, as (k).

Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(a), added subsec. (j) relating to use of Federal land management agency funds.

Pub. L. 105–178, §1111(c), added subsec. (j) relating to credit for non-Federal share.

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(f)(1), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, §9002(i), redesignated subsec. (j), relating to use of Federal land management agency funds, as (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).

Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(a), added subsec. (k).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(f)(1), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, §9002(i), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l).

1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–205 inserted "rail-highway crossing closure," after "carpooling and vanpooling,".

1995—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–59 inserted "safety rest areas," after "signalization," and inserted sentence at end defining "safety rest area".

1991—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(a), added subsecs. (a) to (c) and struck out former subsec. (a) which contained provisions relating to Federal share of Federal-aid primary, secondary and urban system projects, former subsec. (b) which contained provisions relating to Federal share of Interstate System projects financed with funds authorized to be appropriated prior to June 29, 1956, and former subsec. (c) which contained provisions relating to Federal share of Interstate System projects financed with funds made available under section 108(b) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–240, §1022(a), which directed the substitution of "180 days" for "90 days" in subsec. (d) as redesignated, could not be executed because the phrase "90 days" does not appear in subsec. (d) as redesignated.

Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(3), which directed the substitution of "and (b)" for "and (c)" in subsec. (d) as redesignated, could not be executed because the phrase "and (c)" does not appear in subsec. (d) as redesignated.

Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(a), (b)(2), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which related to Federal share for projects for railway-highway crossing elimination, traffic control signalization, pavement marking, carpooling and vanpooling, and installation of traffic signs, highway lights, guardrails, and impact attenuators.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(2), redesignated subsecs. (g) to (i) as (f) to (h), respectively. Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (n) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (h).

Subsecs. (j) to (m). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(1), struck out subsec. (j) which related to Federal share of project financed under section 307(c) of this title, subsec. (k) which related to Federal share of projects under sections 143 and 155 of this title and projects for priority primary routes under section 147 of this title, subsec. (l) which related to Federal share of projects to reconstruct, resurface, restore and rehabilitate highways which incurred substantial use as result of transportation activities to meet national energy requirements, and subsec. (m) which related to Federal share of Great River Road projects under section 148 of this title.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (n) as (i).

1987—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(a), inserted "or for installation of traffic signs, highway lights, guardrails, or impact attenuators" after "vanpooling".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(c)(1), inserted heading and amended first sentence generally. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: "The Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction provided for by funds made available under section 125 of this title shall not exceed 100 per centum of the cost thereof: Provided, That the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction of forest highways, forest development roads and trails, park roads and trails, parkways, public lands highways, public lands development roads and trails, and Indian reservation roads may amount to 100 per centum of the cost thereof."

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(b), redesignated subsec. (i) relating to Federal share payable on account of any project financed under section 307(c) of this title, as subsec. (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(b), (d)(1), redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k) and substituted "(j)" for "(i)", "and 155" for ", 148, and 155," and "100–3" for "97–61". Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(b), redesignated former subsec. (k) as (l).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(d)(2), added subsec. (m).

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(e), added subsec. (n).

1983—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 98–78 inserted ", and for funds allocated under the provisions of section 155 of this title and obligated subsequent to January 6, 1983," after "Representatives".

1983—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–424, §117(a), inserted provision at end that, notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Federal share payable on account of any project financed with primary funds on the Interstate System for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing shall be the percentage provided in this subsection.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–424, §117(b), inserted "or for pavement marking" after "signalization", and provision that the Federal share payable on account of any project for traffic control signalization under section 103(e)(4) of this title may amount to 100 per centum of the cost of construction of such project.

Pub. L. 97–424, §123(a), inserted "or for commuter carpooling and vanpooling" before ", may amount to 100 per centum".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–424, §153(f), substituted "100 per centum" for "75 per centum" after "shall not exceed", struck out provision that in the case of any State containing nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, and public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved) exclusive of national forests and national parks and monuments exceeding 5 per centum of the total area of all lands therein, the Federal share would be increased by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of all such lands in such State is of its total area, struck out ", whether or not such highways, roads, or trails are on any Federal-aid highway system" after "may amount to 100 per centum of the cost thereof", substituted provision that the total cost of a project may not exceed the cost of repair or reconstruction of a comparable facility for provision that the Secretary might increase the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction under this section up to 100 per centum of the replacement cost of a comparable facility if he determined it to be in the public interest, and struck out provision that any project agreement for which the final voucher had not been approved by the Secretary on or before the date of this Act might be modified to provide for the Federal share authorized herein.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–424, §156(c), added subsec. (i) relating to Federal share payable for any project financed under section 307(c) of this title.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–424, §117(c), added subsec. (j).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 97–424, §109(b), added subsec. (k).

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–599, §129(a), substituted "75 per centum" for "70 per centum" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–599 §§117, 129(b), inserted "and for any project for traffic control signalization," after "section 130 of this title,", and substituted "75 per centum" for "70 per centum."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–599, §129(c), substituted "75 per centum" for "70 per centum" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–599, §129(i), added subsec. (i) relating to Federal share payable for any project in the Virgin Islands, etc.

1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–605, §§106(f), 108(a), inserted reference to the Federal-aid urban system, and substituted "70 per centum" for "50 per centum" in two places.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–605, §108(a), substituted "70 per centum" for "50 per centum".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 91–605, §§108(a), 109(b), inserted definition of "a comparable facility" and substituted "70 per centum" for "50 per centum".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 91–605, §128, added subsec. (h).

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–495, §34, made provision for an election by the States as to the formula it desired to have its Federal share computed under by adding an optional formula permitting an increase in the Federal share by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of specified lands is of the State's total, but not so as to increase the share beyond 95 percent of the total cost of the project, with States exercising the option required to enter into an agreement to use the difference solely for highway construction purposes.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 90–495, §27(b), authorized the Secretary to increase the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction under this section up to 100 per centum of the replacement cost of a comparable facility if he determines that it is in the public interest.

1966—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 89–574 added parkways, public land highways, public lands development roads, and trails to the list of road projects on the repair or reconstruction of which the Federal share payable may amount to 100 per centum of the cost.

1964—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 88–658 provided that in case of any State containing nontaxable Indian lands, and public domain lands exclusive of national forests and national parks and monuments exceeding 5 per centum of the total area of all lands therein, the Federal share shall be increased by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of all such lands in such State, is of its total area.

1960—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–657 substituted "nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, and public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved) exclusive of national forests and national parks and monuments" for "unappropriated and unreserved public lands and nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal".

1959—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–70, §21(e)(4), substituted "subsection (d) of this section" for "subsections (d) and (h) of this section".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 86–342 provided that the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction of forest highways, forest development roads and trails, park roads and trails, and Indian reservation roads may amount to 100 per centum of the cost thereof, whether or not such highways, roads or trails are on any Federal-aid highway system.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 86–70, §21(d)(4), repealed subsec. (h) which related to contributions by the Territory of Alaska and to the expenditure of Federal funds apportioned to the Territory of Alaska and funds contributed by the Territory.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, see section 10003 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Except as otherwise provided, amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1408(c), as added by Pub. L. 114–113, div. L, title IV, §421, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2908, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to projects to repair or reconstruct facilities damaged as a result of a natural disaster or catastrophic failure described in section 125(a) of title 23, United States Code, occurring on or after October 1, 2015."

[Pub. L. 114–113, div. L, title IV, §421, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2908, provided that the enactment by section 421 of section 1408(c) of Pub. L. 114–94, set out above, is effective as of Dec. 4, 2015, and as if included in Pub. L. 114–94 as enacted.]

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–140 effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 effective simultaneously with enactment of Pub. L. 105–178 and to be treated as included in Pub. L. 105–178 at time of enactment, and provisions of Pub. L. 105–178, as in effect on day before July 22, 1998, that are amended by title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 to be treated as not enacted, see section 9016 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by section 1021 of Pub. L. 102–240 effective Dec. 18, 1991, and applicable to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after Sept. 30, 1991, and, with certain exceptions, not applicable to funds appropriated or made available on or before Sept. 30, 1991, see section 1100 of Pub. L. 102–240, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1022(c), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1951, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 125 of this title] shall only apply to natural disasters and catastrophic failures occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991]."

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §117(c)(2), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 155, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to all natural disasters and catastrophic failures which occur after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 2, 1987]."

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §129(h), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2708, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) through (g) of this section [amending this section and sections 148, 155, 215, and 406 of this title] shall take effect with respect to obligations incurred after the date of enactment of this section [Nov. 6, 1978]."

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–605, title I, §108(b), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1718, as amended by Pub. L. 93–87, title I, §153, Aug. 13, 1973, 87 Stat. 276, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall take effect with respect to all obligations incurred after June 30, 1973."

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by section 27(b) of Pub. L. 90–495 applicable to repair or construction with respect to which project agreements have been entered into on or before Jan. 1, 1968, see section 27(c) of Pub. L. 90–495, set out as a note under section 125 of this title.

Amendment by section 34 of Pub. L. 90–495 effective Aug. 23, 1968, see section 37 of Pub. L. 90–495, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1959 Amendment

Amendment by section 21(d)(4) of Pub. L. 86–70 effective July 1, 1959, see section 21(d) of Pub. L. 86–70, set out as a note under section 103 of this title.

Amendment by section 21(e)(4) of Pub. L. 86–70 effective July 1, 1959, see section 12(e) of Pub. L. 86–70, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Transfer and Sale of Toll Credits

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11503, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 578, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Originating state.—The term 'originating State' means a State that—

"(A) is eligible to use a credit under section 120(i) of title 23, United States Code; and

"(B) has been selected by the Secretary [of Transportation] under subsection (d)(2).

"(2) Pilot program.—The term 'pilot program' means the pilot program established under subsection (b).

"(3) Recipient state.—The term 'recipient State' means a State that receives a credit by transfer or by sale under this section from an originating State.

"(4) State.—The term 'State' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code.

"(b) Establishment of Pilot Program.—The Secretary shall establish and implement a toll credit exchange pilot program in accordance with this section.

"(c) Purposes.—The purposes of the pilot program are—

"(1) to identify the extent of the demand to purchase toll credits;

"(2) to identify the cash price of toll credits through bilateral transactions between States;

"(3) to analyze the impact of the purchase or sale of toll credits on transportation expenditures;

"(4) to test the feasibility of expanding the pilot program to allow all States to participate on a permanent basis; and

"(5) to identify any other repercussions of the toll credit exchange.

"(d) Selection of Originating States.—

"(1) Application.—In order to participate in the pilot program as an originating State, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including, at a minimum, such information as is required for the Secretary to verify—

"(A) the amount of unused toll credits for which the State has submitted certification to the Secretary that are available to be sold or transferred under the pilot program, including—

"(i) toll revenue generated and the sources of that revenue;

"(ii) toll revenue used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce; and

"(iii) an accounting of any Federal funds used by the public, quasi-public, or private agency to build, improve, or maintain the toll facility, to validate that the credit has been reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage of the total cost of building, improving, or maintaining the facility that was derived from Federal funds;

"(B) the documentation of maintenance of effort for toll credits earned by the originating State; and

"(C) the accuracy of the accounting system of the State to earn and track toll credits.

"(2) Selection.—Of the States that submit an application under paragraph (1), the Secretary may select not more than 10 States to be designated as an originating State.

"(3) Limitation on sales.—At any time, the Secretary may limit the amount of unused toll credits that may be offered for sale under the pilot program.

"(e) Transfer or Sale of Credits.—

"(1) In general.—In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall provide that an originating State may transfer or sell to a recipient State a credit not previously used by the originating State under section 120(i) of title 23, United States Code.

"(2) Website support.—The Secretary shall make available a publicly accessible website on which originating States shall post the amount of toll credits, verified under subsection (d)(1)(A), that are available for sale or transfer to a recipient State.

"(3) Bilateral transactions.—An originating State and a recipient State may enter into a bilateral transaction to sell or transfer verified toll credits.

"(4) Notification.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which a credit is transferred or sold, the originating State and the recipient State shall jointly submit to the Secretary a written notification of the transfer or sale, including details on—

"(A) the amount of toll credits that have been sold or transferred;

"(B) the price paid or other value transferred in exchange for the toll credits;

"(C) the intended use by the recipient State of the toll credits, if known;

"(D) the intended use by the originating State of the cash or other value transferred;

"(E) an update on the toll credit balance of the originating State and the recipient State; and

"(F) any other information about the transaction that the Secretary may require.

"(5) Use of credits by transferee or purchaser.—A recipient State may use a credit received under paragraph (1) toward the non-Federal share requirement for any funds made available to carry out title 23 or chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, in accordance with section 120(i) of title 23, United States Code.

"(6) Use of proceeds from sale of credits.—An originating State shall use the proceeds from the sale of a credit under paragraph (1) for the construction costs of any project in the originating State that is eligible under title 23, United States Code.

"(f) Reporting Requirements.—

"(1) Initial report.—Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program is established, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the progress of the pilot program.

"(2) Final report.—Not later than 3 years after the date on which the pilot program is established, the Secretary shall—

"(A) submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that—

"(i) determines whether a toll credit marketplace is viable and cost-effective;

"(ii) describes the buying and selling activities under the pilot program;

"(iii) describes the average sale price of toll credits;

"(iv) determines whether the pilot program could be expanded to more States or all States or to non-State operators of toll facilities;

"(v) provides updated information on the toll credit balance accumulated by each State; and

"(vi) describes the list of projects that were assisted by the pilot program; and

"(B) make the report under subparagraph (A) publicly available on the website of the Department [of Transportation].

"(g) Termination.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary may terminate the pilot program or the participation of any State in the pilot program if the Secretary determines that—

"(A) the pilot program is not serving a public benefit; or

"(B) it is not cost effective to carry out the pilot program.

"(2) Procedures.—The termination of the pilot program or the participation of a State in the pilot program shall be carried out consistent with Federal requirements for project closeout, adjustment, and continuing responsibilities."

Credit for Non-Federal Share

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1044, Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1994, provided that:

"(a) Eligibility.—A State may use as a credit toward the non-Federal matching share requirement for all programs under this Act [see Short Title of 1991 Amendment note set out under section 101 of Title 49, Transportation] and title 23, United States Code, toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce. Such public, quasi-public or private agencies shall have built, improved, or maintained such facilities without Federal funds.

"(b) Maintenance of Effort.—The credit for any non-Federal share shall not reduce nor replace State monies required to match Federal funds for any program pursuant to this Act or title 23, United States Code. In receiving a credit for non-Federal capital expenditures under this section, a State shall enter into such agreements as the Secretary may require to ensure that such State will maintain its non-Federal transportation capital expenditures at or above the average level of such expenditures for the preceding three fiscal years.

"(c) Treatment.—Use of such credit for a non-Federal share shall not expose such agencies from which the credit is received to additional liability, additional regulation or additional administrative oversight. When credit is applied from chartered multi-State agencies, such credit shall be applied equally to all charter States. The public, quasi-public, and private agencies from which the credit for which the non-Federal share is calculated shall not be subject to any additional Federal design standards, laws or regulations as a result of providing non-Federal match other than those to which such agency is already subject."

Temporary Matching Fund Waiver

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1054, Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2001, provided that:

"(a) Waiver of Matching Share.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Federal share of any qualifying project approved by the Secretary under title 23, United States Code, and of any qualifying project for which the United States becomes obligated to pay under title 23, United States Code, during the period beginning on October 1, 1991, and ending September 30, 1993, shall be the percentage of the construction cost as the State requests, up to and including 100 percent.

"(b) Repayment.—The total amount of increases in the Federal share made pursuant to subsection (a) for any State shall be repaid to the United States by the State on or before March 30, 1994. Payments shall be deposited in the Highway Trust Fund and repaid amounts shall be credited to the appropriate apportionment accounts of the State.

"(c) Deduction From Apportionments.—If a State has not made the repayment as required by subsection (b), the Secretary shall deduct from funds apportioned to the State under title 23, United States Code, in each of the fiscal years 1995 and 1996, a pro rata share of each category of apportioned funds. The amount which shall be deducted in each fiscal year shall be equal to 50 percent of the amount needed for repayment. Any amount deducted under this subsection shall be reapportioned for fiscal years 1995 and 1996 in accordance with title 23, United States Code, to those States which have not received a higher Federal share under this section and to those States which have made the repayment required by subsection (b).

"(d) Qualifying Project Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'qualifying project' means a project approved by the Secretary after the effective date of this title [Dec. 18, 1991], or a project for which the United States becomes obligated to pay after such effective date, and for which the Governor of the State submitting the project has certified, in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary, that sufficient funds are not available to pay the cost of the non-Federal share of the project."

Incentive Program for Use of Coal Ash

Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §117(f), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 156, provided that in fiscal years 1987 to 1991, the Federal share of the cost of highway or bridge construction projects using significant amounts of coal ash would be increased by 5 percent, but not to exceed 95 percent of the cost.

Obligations for Projects Resulting From Natural Disasters or Catastrophic Failures; Emergency Relief; Federal Share

Pub. L. 97–424, title I, §153(g), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2133, provided that: "All obligations for projects resulting from a natural disaster or catastrophic failure which the Secretary finds to be eligible for emergency relief subsequent to the date of enactment of this subsection [Jan. 6, 1983] shall provide for the Federal share required by subsection (f) of section 120 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this section."

Federal Share of Projects Approved During Period Beginning February 12, 1975, and Ending September 30, 1975

Pub. L. 94–30, §§1, 2, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 171, as amended by Pub. L. 94–280, title I, §145, May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 446, provided for Federal share of projects approved under section 106(a) of this title, and projects for which United States becomes obligated under former section 117 of this title during the period beginning Feb. 12, 1975, and ending Sept. 30, 1975, and repayment schedule for States from Jan. 1, 1977, through Jan. 1, 1979.

Review and Analysis of Excise Taxes Dedicated to Highway Trust Fund

Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §507, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2761, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, shall—

"(1) review and analyze each excise tax now dedicated to the Highway Trust Fund with respect to such factors as ease or difficulty of administration of such tax and the compliance burdens imposed on taxpayers by such tax, and

"(2) on or before April 15, 1982, report to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate as to the matters set forth in paragraph (1) and other findings, as well as recommendations on—

"(A) improvements in excise taxation which would enhance tax administration, equity, and compliance, or

"(B) a new system of raising revenues to fund the Highway Trust Fund which would meet the objectives set forth in subparagraph (A).

The recommendations described in paragraph (2) shall be formulated in conjunction with the recommendations of the cost allocation study under section 506 set out as note under section 307 of this title of the equitable distribution of the highway excise taxes.

"(b) Interim Reports.—The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, shall file an interim report with the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate on or before April 15, 1980, and a second interim report on or before April 15, 1981."

Highway Trust Fund

Act June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §209, 70 Stat. 397, as amended by Pub. L. 86–342, title II, §202, Sept. 21, 1959, 73 Stat. 615; Pub. L. 86–346, title I, §104(5), Sept. 22, 1959, 73 Stat. 622; Pub. L. 86–440, §1(c), Apr. 22, 1960, 74 Stat. 81; Pub. L. 87–61, title II, §207, June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 128; Pub. L. 88–578, title II, §202, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 904; Pub. L. 89–44, title II, §210, title VIII, §809(e), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 144, 168; Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §§207(e), 208(g), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 249, 252; Pub. L. 91–605, title III, §301, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1743; Pub. L. 94–273, §18, Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 379; Pub. L. 94–280, title III, §301, May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §§503(a), 504(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2757; Pub. L. 95–618, title II, §233(b)(2)(E), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3191; Pub. L. 96–451, title II, §203(a), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1988; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §531(b), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2191; Pub. L. 97–449, §2(a), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2439, provided that:

"(a) [Repealed. Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §531(b), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2191. Subsec. (a) provided for the creation of a Highway Trust Fund.]

"(b) Declaration of Policy.—It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress that if it hereafter appears—

"(1) that the total receipts of the Trust Fund (exclusive of advances under subsection (d) will be less than the total expenditures from such Fund (exclusive of repayments of such advances); or

"(2) that the distribution of the tax burden among the various classes of persons using the Federal-aid highways, or otherwise deriving benefits from such highways, is not equitable, the Congress shall enact legislation in order to bring about a balance of total receipts and total expenditures, or such equitable distribution, as the case may be.

"(c) to (g) [Repealed. Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §531(b), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2191. Subsecs. (c) to (g) provided generally for the transfer of the equivalent of the receipts of certain taxes to the Fund, for additional appropriations to the Fund, for its management, methods and purposes of expenditures, and for adjustment of apportionments regarding the Fund.]"

Pub. L. 96–451, title II, §203(b), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1988, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending former subsec. (f)(5) of section 209 of Act June 29, 1956] shall apply to taxes received on or after October 1, 1980."

Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §504(b), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2758, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending former subsec. (g) of section 209 of Act June 29, 1956] shall apply to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1978."

Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §208(g), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 252, which added subsec. (c)(5) of section 209 of the Act of June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, 70 Stat. 397, was repealed by Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §281(b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 566.

Percentage of Funds Contributed by Alaska

Pub. L. 86–70, §21(d)(4), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 145, which repealed subsec. (h) of this section, provided in part that the provisions of subsec. (h) relating to the percentage of funds to be contributed by Alaska shall continue to apply to funds apportioned to Alaska for fiscal year 1960 and prior fiscal years.
23 U.S.C. § 602 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 6: INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE / Section 602: Determination of eligibility and project selection
Determination of eligibility and project selection
Status: in_force

(a) Eligibility.—

(1) In general.—A project shall be eligible to receive credit assistance under the TIFIA program if—

(A) the entity proposing to carry out the project submits a letter of interest prior to submission of a formal application for the project; and

(B) the project meets the criteria described in this subsection.

(2) Creditworthiness.—

(A) In general.—To be eligible for assistance under the TIFIA program, a project shall satisfy applicable creditworthiness standards, which, at a minimum, shall include—

(i) a rate covenant, if applicable;

(ii) adequate coverage requirements to ensure repayment;

(iii) an investment grade rating from at least 2 rating agencies on debt senior to the Federal credit instrument; and

(iv) an investment-grade rating from at least 2 rating agencies on the Federal credit instrument, subject to the condition that, with respect to clause (iii), if the total amount of the senior debt and the Federal credit instrument is less than $150,000,000, 1 rating agency opinion for each of the senior debt and Federal credit instrument shall be sufficient.

(B) Senior debt.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in a case in which the Federal credit instrument is senior debt, the Federal credit instrument shall be required to receive an investment grade rating from at least 2 rating agencies, unless the total amount of other senior debt and the Federal credit instrument is less than $150,000,000, in which case 1 rating agency opinion shall be sufficient.

(3) Inclusion in transportation plans and programs.—A project shall satisfy the applicable planning and programming requirements of sections 134 and 135 at such time as an agreement to make available a Federal credit instrument is entered into under the TIFIA program.

(4) Application.—A State, local government, public authority, public-private partnership, or any other legal entity undertaking the project and authorized by the Secretary shall submit a project application that is acceptable to the Secretary.

(5) Eligible project cost parameters.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a project under the TIFIA program shall have eligible project costs that are reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed the lesser of—

(i) $50,000,000; and

(ii) 331/3 percent of the amount of Federal highway funds apportioned for the most recently completed fiscal year to the State in which the project is located.

(B) Exceptions.—

(i) Intelligent transportation systems.—In the case of a project principally involving the installation of an intelligent transportation system, eligible project costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $15,000,000.

(ii) Transit-oriented development projects.—In the case of a project described in section 601(a)(12)(E), eligible project costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $10,000,000.

(iii) Rural projects.—In the case of a rural infrastructure project or a project capitalizing a rural projects fund, eligible project costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $10,000,000, but not to exceed $100,000,000.

(iv) Local infrastructure projects.—Eligible project costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $10,000,000 in the case of a project or program of projects—

(I) in which the applicant is a local government, public authority, or instrumentality of local government;

(II) located on a facility owned by a local government; or

(III) for which the Secretary determines that a local government is substantially involved in the development of the project.

(6) Dedicated revenue sources.—The applicable Federal credit instrument shall be repayable, in whole or in part, from—

(A) tolls;

(B) user fees;

(C) payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership; or

(D) other dedicated revenue sources that also secure or fund the project obligations.

(7) Public sponsorship of private entities.—In the case of a project that is undertaken by an entity that is not a State or local government or an agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, the project that the entity is undertaking shall be publicly sponsored as provided in paragraph (3).

(8) Applications where obligor will be identified later.—A State, local government, agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, or public authority may submit to the Secretary an application under paragraph (4), under which a private party to a public-private partnership will be—

(A) the obligor; and

(B) identified later through completion of a procurement and selection of the private party.

(9) Beneficial effects.—The Secretary shall determine that financial assistance for the project under the TIFIA program will—

(A) foster, if appropriate, partnerships that attract public and private investment for the project;

(B) enable the project to proceed at an earlier date than the project would otherwise be able to proceed or reduce the lifecycle costs (including debt service costs) of the project; and

(C) reduce the contribution of Federal grant assistance for the project.

(10) Project readiness.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), to be eligible for assistance under the TIFIA program, the applicant shall demonstrate a reasonable expectation that the contracting process for construction of the project can commence by no later than 90 days after the date on which a Federal credit instrument is obligated for the project under the TIFIA program.

(B) Rural projects fund.—In the case of a project capitalizing a rural projects fund, the State infrastructure bank shall demonstrate, not later than 2 years after the date on which a secured loan is obligated for the project under the TIFIA program, that the bank has executed a loan agreement with a borrower for a rural infrastructure project in accordance with section 610. After the demonstration is made, the bank may draw upon the secured loan. At the end of the 2-year period, to the extent the bank has not used the loan commitment, the Secretary may extend the term of the loan or withdraw the loan commitment.

(11) Public-private partnerships.—In the case of a project to be carried out through a public-private partnership, the public partner shall have—

(A) conducted a value for money analysis or similar comparative analysis; and

(B) determined the appropriateness of the public-private partnership agreement.

(b) Selection Among Eligible Projects.—

(1) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish a rolling application process under which projects that are eligible to receive credit assistance under subsection (a) shall receive credit assistance on terms acceptable to the Secretary, if adequate funds are available to cover the subsidy costs associated with the Federal credit instrument.

(2) Master credit agreements.—

(A) Program of related projects.—The Secretary may enter into a master credit agreement for a program of related projects secured by a common security pledge on terms acceptable to the Secretary.

(B) Adequate funding not available.—If the Secretary fully obligates funding to eligible projects for a fiscal year and adequate funding is not available to fund a credit instrument, a project sponsor of an eligible project may elect to enter into a master credit agreement and wait to execute a credit instrument until the fiscal year for which additional funds are available to receive credit assistance.

(3) Preliminary rating opinion letter.—The Secretary shall require each project applicant to provide a preliminary rating opinion letter from at least 1 rating agency—

(A) indicating that the senior obligations of the project, which may be the Federal credit instrument, have the potential to achieve an investment-grade rating; and

(B) including a preliminary rating opinion on the Federal credit instrument.

(c) Federal Requirements.—

(1) In general.—In addition to the requirements of this title for highway projects, the requirements of chapter 53 of title 49 for transit projects, the requirements of section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail projects, and the requirements of sections 47112(b) and 50101 of title 49 for airport-related projects, the following provisions of law shall apply to funds made available under the TIFIA program and projects assisted with those funds:

(A) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).

(B) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

(C) The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.).

(2) NEPA.—No funding shall be obligated for a project that has not received an environmental categorical exclusion, a finding of no significant impact, or a record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

(3) Payment and performance security.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary shall ensure that the design and construction of a project carried out with assistance under the TIFIA program shall have appropriate payment and performance security, regardless of whether the obligor is a State, local government, agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, public authority, or private party.

(B) Written determination.—If payment and performance security is required to be furnished by applicable State or local statute or regulation, the Secretary may accept such payment and performance security requirements applicable to the obligor if the Federal interest with respect to Federal funds and other project risk related to design and construction is adequately protected.

(C) No determination or applicable requirements.—If there are no payment and performance security requirements applicable to the obligor, the security under section 3131(b) of title 40 or an equivalent State or local requirement, as determined by the Secretary, shall be required.

(d) Application Processing Procedures.—

(1) Processing timelines.—Except in the case of an application described in subsection (a)(8) and to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall provide an applicant with a specific estimate of the timeline for the approval or disapproval of the application of the applicant, which, to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall endeavor to complete by not later than 150 days after the date on which the applicant submits a letter of interest to the Secretary.

(2) Notice of complete application.—Not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of an application under this section, the Secretary shall provide to the applicant a written notice to inform the applicant whether—

(A) the application is complete; or

(B) additional information or materials are needed to complete the application.

(3) Approval or denial of application.—Not later than 60 days after the date of issuance of the written notice under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide to the applicant a written notice informing the applicant whether the Secretary has approved or disapproved the application.

(e) Development Phase Activities.—Any credit instrument secured under the TIFIA program may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the cost of development phase activities as described in section 601(a)(2)(A).

(Added Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1503(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 243, §182; renumbered §602 and amended Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §§1601(b), (c), 1602(b)(2), (5), (d), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1240, 1247; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title II, §2002, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 611; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title II, §2001(b), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1440; Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11508(d)(3), title II, §§12001(b)–(d), (g), 12002(a), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 588, 618, 619, 622.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(A), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter V (§2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(B), (2), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(C), is act Jan. 2, 1971, Pub. L. 91–646, 84 Stat. 1894, and which is classified principally to chapter 61 (§4601 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4601 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 117–58, §12001(b)(1), substituted "an investment-grade rating" for "a rating" and "$150,000,000" for "$75,000,000".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, §12001(b)(2), substituted "is senior debt" for "is the senior debt" and "total amount of other senior debt and the Federal credit instrument is less than $150,000,000" for "credit instrument is for an amount less than $75,000,000".

Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 117–58, §11508(d)(3), added par. (11).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §12001(c), substituted "the requirements of section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail projects, and the requirements of sections 47112(b) and 50101 of title 49 for airport-related projects," for "and the requirements of section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail projects," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, §12002(a), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–58, §12001(d), added par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively, and, in par. (3), substituted "paragraph (2)" for "paragraph (1)".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–58, §12001(g), substituted "section 601(a)(2)(A)" for "section 601(a)(1)(A)".

2015—Subsec. (a)(1), (2)(A), (3). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(1)(A)–(C), substituted "the TIFIA program" for "this chapter".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(1)(D)(i), substituted "Eligible project cost parameters" for "Eligible project costs" in heading.

Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(1)(D)(ii)(I), substituted "subparagraph (B), a project under the TIFIA program" for "subparagraph (B), to be eligible for assistance under this chapter, a project" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(1)(D)(ii)(II), added cl. (i) and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows:

"(I) $50,000,000; or

"(II) in the case of a rural infrastructure project, $25,000,000; and".

Subsec. (a)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(1)(D)(ii)(III), struck out "assistance" after "highway".

Subsec. (a)(5)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(1)(D)(iii), substituted "Exceptions" for "Intelligent transportation system projects" in heading, designated existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted cl. (i) heading, and added cls. (ii) to (iv).

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(1)(E), substituted "the TIFIA program" for "this chapter" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(1)(F), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. (A) heading, substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (B), to be eligible" for "To be eligible", "the TIFIA program" for "this chapter" in two places, and "no later than" for "not later than", and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(2), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "If the Secretary fully obligates funding to eligible projects in a fiscal year, and adequate funding is not available to fund a credit instrument, a project sponsor of an eligible project may elect to enter into a master credit agreement and wait until the earlier of—

"(A) the following fiscal year; and

"(B) the fiscal year during which additional funds are available to receive credit assistance."

Subsecs. (c)(1), (e). Pub. L. 114–94, §2001(b)(3), (4), substituted "the TIFIA program" for "this chapter".

2012—Pub. L. 112–141 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to determination of eligibility and project selection, consisting of subsecs. (a) to (c).

2005—Pub. L. 109–59, §1602(d), renumbered section 182 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–59, §1602(b)(5), substituted "this chapter" for "this subchapter" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §1602(b)(5), substituted "this chapter" for "this subchapter".

Pub. L. 109–59, §1601(b)(1), added par. (1) and struck out heading and text of former par. (1). Text read as follows: "The project—

"(A) shall be included in the State transportation plan required under section 135; and

"(B) at such time as an agreement to make available a Federal credit instrument is entered into under this subchapter, shall be included in the approved State transportation improvement program required under section 134."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–59, §1601(b)(1), added par. (2) and struck out heading and text of former par. (2). Text read as follows: "A State, a local servicer identified under section 185(a), or the entity undertaking the project shall submit a project application to the Secretary."

Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 109–59, §1602(b)(5), substituted "this chapter" for "this subchapter" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 109–59, §1601(b)(2), substituted "$50,000,000" for "$100,000,000".

Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 109–59, §1601(b)(3), substituted "331/3" for "50".

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 109–59, §1601(b)(4), substituted "$15,000,000" for "$30,000,000".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 109–59, §1601(b)(5), substituted "The Federal credit instrument" for "Project financing" and inserted "that also secure the project obligations" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §1601(c)(1), substituted "eligibility requirements" for "eligibility criteria".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iii), (iv), (vi). Pub. L. 109–59, §1602(b)(5), substituted "this chapter" for "this subchapter".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(viii). Pub. L. 109–59, §1602(b)(2), inserted "and chapter 1" after "this chapter".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–59, §1601(c)(2), inserted ", which may be the Federal credit instrument," after "obligations".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–59, §1602(b)(5), substituted "this chapter" for "this subchapter" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by section 11508(d)(3) of Pub. L. 117–58 only applicable to a public-private partnership agreement entered into on or after Nov. 15, 2021, see section 11508(e) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out in a Requirements for Transportation Projects Carried Out Through Public-Private Partnerships note under section 106 of this title.

Amendment by section 12001(b)–(d), (g) of Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, except as otherwise provided, see section 10003 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title II, §12002(b), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 622, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to any agreement for credit assistance entered into on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021]."

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.
23 U.S.C. § 127 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 1: FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS / Section 127: Vehicle weight limitations-Interstate System
Vehicle weight limitations-Interstate System
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—

(1) The Secretary shall withhold 50 percent of the apportionment of a State under section 104(b)(1) in any fiscal year in which the State does not permit the use of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways within its boundaries by vehicles with a weight of twenty thousand pounds carried on any one axle, including enforcement tolerances, or with a tandem axle weight of thirty-four thousand pounds, including enforcement tolerances, or a gross weight of at least eighty thousand pounds for vehicle combinations of five axles or more.

(2) However, the maximum gross weight to be allowed by any State for vehicles using The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways shall be twenty thousand pounds carried on one axle, including enforcement tolerances, and a tandem axle weight of thirty-four thousand pounds, including enforcement tolerances and with an overall maximum gross weight, including enforcement tolerances, on a group of two or more consecutive axles produced by application of the following formula:

LN

W=500 (__________+12N+36)

N−1

where W equals overall gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds, L equals distance in feet between the extreme of any group of two or more consecutive axles, and N equals number of axles in group under consideration, except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of thirty-four thousand pounds each providing the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles (1) is thirty-six feet or more, or (2) in the case of a motor vehicle hauling any tank trailer, dump trailer, or ocean transport container before September 1, 1989, is 30 feet or more: Provided, That such overall gross weight may not exceed eighty thousand pounds, including all enforcement tolerances, except for vehicles using Interstate Route 29 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and South Dakota or vehicles using Interstate Route 129 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and Nebraska, and except for those vehicles and loads which cannot be easily dismantled or divided and which have been issued special permits in accordance with applicable State laws, or the corresponding maximum weights permitted for vehicles using the public highways of such State under laws or regulations established by appropriate State authority in effect on July 1, 1956, except in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles on any vehicle (other than a vehicle comprised of a motor vehicle hauling any tank trailer, dump trailer, or ocean transport container on or after September 1, 1989), on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974, whichever is the greater.

(3) Any amount which is withheld from apportionment to any State pursuant to the foregoing provisions shall lapse if not released and obligated within the availability period specified in section 118(b).

(4) This section shall not be construed to deny apportionment to any State allowing the operation within such State of any vehicles or combinations thereof, other than vehicles or combinations subject to subsection (d) of this section, which the State determines could be lawfully operated within such State on July 1, 1956, except in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974.

(5) With respect to the State of Hawaii, laws or regulations in effect on February 1, 1960, shall be applicable for the purposes of this section in lieu of those in effect on July 1, 1956.

(6) With respect to the State of Colorado, vehicles designed to carry 2 or more precast concrete panels shall be considered a nondivisible load.

(7) With respect to the State of Michigan, laws or regulations in effect on May 1, 1982, shall be applicable for the purposes of this subsection.

(8) With respect to the State of Maryland, laws and regulations in effect on June 1, 1993, shall be applicable for the purposes of this subsection.

(9) The State of Louisiana may allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 100,000 pounds for the hauling of sugarcane during the harvest season, not to exceed 100 days annually.

(10) With respect to Interstate Routes 89, 93, and 95 in the State of New Hampshire—

(A) State laws (including regulations) concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect on January 1, 1987, and are applicable to State highways other than the Interstate System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of this subsection; and

(B) effective June 30, 2016, a combination of truck-tractor and dump trailer equipped with 6 axles or more with a gross weight of up to 99,000 pounds shall be permitted if the distances between the extreme axles, excluding the steering axle, is 28 feet or more.

(11)(A) With respect to all portions of the Interstate Highway System in the State of Maine, laws (including regulations) of that State concerning vehicle weight limitations applicable to other State highways shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements under this subsection.

(B) With respect to all portions of the Interstate Highway System in the State of Vermont, laws (including regulations) of that State concerning vehicle weight limitations applicable to other State highways shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements under this subsection.

(12) Heavy duty vehicles.—

(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), in order to promote reduction of fuel use and emissions because of engine idling, the maximum gross vehicle weight limit and the axle weight limit for any heavy-duty vehicle equipped with an idle reduction technology shall be increased by a quantity necessary to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction system.

(B) Maximum weight increase.—The weight increase under subparagraph (A) shall be not greater than 550 pounds.

(C) Proof.—On request by a regulatory agency or law enforcement agency, the vehicle operator shall provide proof (through demonstration or certification) that—

(i) the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times; and

(ii) the 550-pound gross weight increase is not used for any purpose other than the use of idle reduction technology described in subparagraph (A).

(13) Milk products.—A vehicle carrying fluid milk products shall be considered a load that cannot be easily dismantled or divided.

(b) Reasonable Access.—No State may enact or enforce any law denying reasonable access to motor vehicles subject to this title to and from the Interstate Highway System to terminals and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest.

(c) Ocean Transport Container Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term "ocean transport container" has the meaning given the term "freight container" by the International Standards Organization in Series 1, Freight Containers, 3rd Edition (reference number IS0668–1979(E)) as in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection.

(d) Longer Combination Vehicles.—

(1) Prohibition.—

(A) General continuation rule.—A longer combination vehicle may continue to operate only if the longer combination vehicle configuration type was authorized by State officials pursuant to State statute or regulation conforming to this section and in actual lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before June 1, 1991, or pursuant to section 335 of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991 (104 Stat. 2186).

(B) Applicability of state laws and regulations.—All such operations shall continue to be subject to, at the minimum, all State statutes, regulations, limitations and conditions, including, but not limited to, routing-specific and configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions, in force on June 1, 1991; except that subject to such regulations as may be issued by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (5) of this subsection, the State may make minor adjustments of a temporary and emergency nature to route designations and vehicle operating restrictions in effect on June 1, 1991, for specific safety purposes and road construction.

(C) Wyoming.—In addition to those vehicles allowed under subparagraph (A), the State of Wyoming may allow the operation of additional vehicle configurations not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, but authorized by State law not later than November 3, 1992, if such vehicle configurations comply with the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a) and do not exceed 117,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

(D) Ohio.—In addition to vehicles which the State of Ohio may continue to allow to be operated under subparagraph (A), such State may allow longer combination vehicles with 3 cargo carrying units of 28½ feet each (not including the truck tractor) not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, to be operated within its boundaries on the 1-mile segment of Ohio State Route 7 which begins at and is south of exit 16 of the Ohio Turnpike.

(E) Alaska.—In addition to vehicles which the State of Alaska may continue to allow to be operated under subparagraph (A), such State may allow the operation of longer combination vehicles which were not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, but which were in actual operation prior to July 5, 1991.

(F) Iowa.—In addition to vehicles that the State of Iowa may continue to allow to be operated under subparagraph (A), the State may allow longer combination vehicles that were not in actual operation on June 1, 1991, to be operated on Interstate Route 29 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and South Dakota or Interstate Route 129 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and Nebraska.

(2) Additional state restrictions.—

(A) In general.—Nothing in this subsection shall prevent any State from further restricting in any manner or prohibiting the operation of longer combination vehicles otherwise authorized under this subsection; except that such restrictions or prohibitions shall be consistent with the requirements of sections 31111–31114 of title 49.

(B) Minor adjustments.—Any State further restricting or prohibiting the operations of longer combination vehicles or making minor adjustments of a temporary and emergency nature as may be allowed pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (5) of this subsection, shall, within 30 days, advise the Secretary of such action, and the Secretary shall publish a notice of such action in the Federal Register.

(3) Publication of list.—

(A) Submission to secretary.—Within 60 days of the date of the enactment of this subsection, each State (i) shall submit to the Secretary for publication in the Federal Register a complete list of (I) all operations of longer combination vehicles being conducted as of June 1, 1991, pursuant to State statutes and regulations; (II) all limitations and conditions, including, but not limited to, routing-specific and configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions, governing the operation of longer combination vehicles otherwise prohibited under this subsection; and (III) such statutes, regulations, limitations, and conditions; and (ii) shall submit to the Secretary copies of such statutes, regulations, limitations, and conditions.

(B) Interim list.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall publish an interim list in the Federal Register, consisting of all information submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A). The Secretary shall review for accuracy all information submitted by the States pursuant to subparagraph (A) and shall solicit and consider public comment on the accuracy of all such information.

(C) Limitation.—No statute or regulation shall be included on the list submitted by a State or published by the Secretary merely on the grounds that it authorized, or could have authorized, by permit or otherwise, the operation of longer combination vehicles, not in actual operation on a regular or periodic basis on or before June 1, 1991.

(D) Final list.—Except as modified pursuant to paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection, the list shall be published as final in the Federal Register not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection. In publishing the final list, the Secretary shall make any revisions necessary to correct inaccuracies identified under subparagraph (B). After publication of the final list, longer combination vehicles may not operate on the Interstate System except as provided in the list.

(E) Review and correction procedure.—The Secretary, on his or her own motion or upon a request by any person (including a State), shall review the list issued by the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (D). If the Secretary determines there is cause to believe that a mistake was made in the accuracy of the final list, the Secretary shall commence a proceeding to determine whether the list published pursuant to subparagraph (D) should be corrected. If the Secretary determines that there is a mistake in the accuracy of the list the Secretary shall correct the publication under subparagraph (D) to reflect the determination of the Secretary.

(4) Longer combination vehicle defined.—For purposes of this section, the term "longer combination vehicle" means any combination of a truck tractor and 2 or more trailers or semitrailers which operates on the Interstate System at a gross vehicle weight greater than 80,000 pounds.

(5) Regulations regarding minor adjustments.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall issue regulations establishing criteria for the States to follow in making minor adjustments under paragraph (1)(B).

(e) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on Interstate Route 68.—The single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to the operation on Interstate Route 68 in Garrett and Allegany Counties, Maryland, of any specialized vehicle equipped with a steering axle and a tridem axle and used for hauling coal, logs, and pulpwood if such vehicle is of a type of vehicle as was operating in such counties on United States Route 40 or 48 for such purpose on August 1, 1991.

(f) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on Certain Wisconsin Highways.—If the 104-mile portion of Wisconsin State Route 78 and United States Route 51 between Interstate Route 94 near Portage, Wisconsin, and Wisconsin State Route 29 south of Wausau, Wisconsin, is designated as part of the Interstate System under section 103(c)(4)(A), the single axle weight, tandem axle weight, gross vehicle weight, and bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to the 104-mile portion with respect to the operation of any vehicle that could legally operate on the 104-mile portion before the date of the enactment of this subsection.

(g) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on Certain Pennsylvania Highways.—If the segment of United States Route 220 between Bedford and Bald Eagle, Pennsylvania, is designated as part of the Interstate System, the single axle weight, tandem axle weight, gross vehicle weight, and bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to that segment with respect to the operation of any vehicle which could have legally operated on that segment before the date of the enactment of this subsection.

(h) Waiver for a Route in State of Maine During Periods of National Emergency.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, may waive or limit the application of any vehicle weight limit established under this section with respect to the portion of Interstate Route 95 in the State of Maine between Augusta and Bangor for the purpose of making bulk shipments of jet fuel to the Air National Guard Base at Bangor International Airport during a period of national emergency in order to respond to the effects of the national emergency.

(2) Applicability.—Emergency limits established under paragraph (1) shall preempt any inconsistent State vehicle weight limits.

(i) Special Permits During Periods of National Emergency.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a State may issue special permits during an emergency to overweight vehicles and loads that can easily be dismantled or divided if—

(A) the President has declared the emergency to be a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);

(B) the permits are issued in accordance with State law; and

(C) the permits are issued exclusively to vehicles and loads that are delivering relief supplies.

(2) Expiration.—A permit issued under paragraph (1) shall expire not later than 120 days after the date of the declaration of emergency under subparagraph (A) of that paragraph.

(j) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Other Wisconsin Highways.—If any segment of the United States Route 41 corridor, as described in section 1105(c)(57) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, is designated as a route on the Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of such designation may continue to operate on that segment, without regard to any requirement under subsection (a).

(k) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Mississippi Highways.—If any segment of United States Route 78 in Mississippi from mile marker 0 to mile marker 113 is designated as part of the Interstate System, no limit established under this section may apply to that segment with respect to the operation of any vehicle that could have legally operated on that segment before such designation.

(l) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Kentucky Highways.—

(1) In general.—If any segment of highway described in paragraph (2) is designated as a route on the Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of such designation may continue to operate on that segment, without regard to any requirement under subsection (a).

(2) Description of highway segments.—The highway segments referred to in paragraph (1) are as follows:

(A) Interstate Route 69 in Kentucky (formerly the Wendell H. Ford (Western Kentucky) Parkway) from the Interstate Route 24 Interchange, near Eddyville, to the Edward T. Breathitt (Pennyrile) Parkway Interchange.

(B) The Edward T. Breathitt (Pennyrile) Parkway (to be designated as Interstate Route 69) in Kentucky from the Wendell H. Ford (Western Kentucky) Parkway Interchange to near milepost 77, and on new alignment to an interchange on the Audubon Parkway, if the segment is designated as part of the Interstate System.

(3) Additional highway segments.—

(A) In general.—If any segment of highway described in clauses (i) through (v) is designated as a route of the Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of such designation may continue to operate on that segment, without regard to any requirement under subsection (a), except that such vehicle shall not exceed a gross vehicle weight of 120,000 pounds. The highway segments referred to in this paragraph are as follows:

(i) The William H. Natcher Parkway (to be designated as a spur of Interstate Route 65) from Interstate Route 65 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to United States Route 60 in Owensboro, Kentucky.

(ii) The Julian M. Carroll (Purchase) Parkway (to be designated as Interstate Route 69) in Kentucky from the Tennessee state line to the interchange with Interstate Route 24, near Calvert City.

(iii) The Wendell H. Ford (Western Kentucky) Parkway (to be designated as a spur of Interstate Route 69) from the interchange with the William H. Natcher Parkway in Ohio County, Kentucky, west to the interchange of the Western Kentucky Parkway with the Edward T. Breathitt (Pennyrile) Parkway.

(iv) The Edward T. Breathitt (Pennyrile) Parkway (to be designated as a spur of Interstate Route 69) from Interstate 24, north to Interstate 69.

(v) The Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway (to be designated as a spur of Interstate Route 65) from the interchange with Interstate Route 65 in Barren County, Kentucky, east to the interchange with United States Highway 27 in Somerset, Kentucky.

(B) Nondivisible load or vehicle.—Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit the State from issuing a permit for a nondivisible load or vehicle with a gross vehicle weight that exceeds 120,000 pounds.

(m) Covered Heavy-duty Tow and Recovery Vehicles.—

(1) In general.—The vehicle weight limitations set forth in this section do not apply to a covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle.

(2) Covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle defined.—In this subsection, the term "covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle" means a vehicle that—

(A) is transporting a disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair facility; and

(B) has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.

(n) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Highways in the State of Texas.—If any segment in the State of Texas of United States Route 59, United States Route 77, United States Route 281, United States Route 84, Texas State Highway 44, or another roadway is designated as Interstate Route 69, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of the designation may continue to operate on that segment, without regard to any requirement under this section.

(o) Certain Logging Vehicles in the State of Wisconsin.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary shall waive, with respect to a covered logging vehicle, the application of any vehicle weight limit established under this section.

(2) Covered logging vehicle defined.—In this subsection, the term "covered logging vehicle" means a vehicle that—

(A) is transporting raw or unfinished forest products, including logs, pulpwood, biomass, or wood chips;

(B) has a gross vehicle weight of not more than 98,000 pounds;

(C) has not less than 6 axles; and

(D) is operating on a segment of Interstate Route 39 in the State of Wisconsin from mile marker 175.8 to mile marker 189.

(p) Operation of Certain Specialized Vehicles on Certain Highways in the State of Arkansas.—If any segment of United States Route 63 between the exits for highways 14 and 75 in the State of Arkansas is designated as part of the Interstate System, the single axle weight, tandem axle weight, gross vehicle weight, and bridge formula limits under subsection (a) and the width limitation under section 31113(a) of title 49 shall not apply to that segment with respect to the operation of any vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of the designation.

(q) Certain Logging Vehicles in the State of Minnesota.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary shall waive, with respect to a covered logging vehicle, the application of any vehicle weight limit established under this section.

(2) Covered logging vehicle defined.—In this subsection, the term "covered logging vehicle" means a vehicle that—

(A) is transporting raw or unfinished forest products, including logs, pulpwood, biomass, or wood chips;

(B) has a gross vehicle weight of not more than 99,000 pounds;

(C) has not less than 6 axles; and

(D) is operating on a segment of Interstate Route 35 in the State of Minnesota from mile marker 235.4 to mile marker 259.552.

(r) Emergency Vehicles.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), a State shall not enforce against an emergency vehicle a vehicle weight limit (up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 86,000 pounds) of less than—

(A) 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle;

(B) 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle;

(C) 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or

(D) 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer axle.

(2) Emergency vehicle defined.—In this subsection, the term "emergency vehicle" means a vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions—

(A) to transport personnel and equipment; and

(B) to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations.

(s) Natural Gas and Electric Battery Vehicles.—A vehicle, if operated by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas or powered primarily by means of electric battery power, may exceed the weight limit on the power unit by up to 2,000 pounds (up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 82,000 pounds) under this section.

(t) Vehicles in Idaho.—A vehicle limited or prohibited under this section from operating on a segment of the Interstate System in the State of Idaho may operate on such a segment if such vehicle–

(1) has a gross vehicle weight of 129,000 pounds or less;

(2) other than gross vehicle weight, complies with the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a); and

(3) is authorized to operate on such segment under Idaho State law.

(u) Vehicles in North Dakota.—A vehicle limited or prohibited under this section from operating on a segment of the Interstate System in the State of North Dakota may operate on such a segment if such vehicle—

(1) has a gross vehicle weight of 129,000 pounds or less;

(2) other than gross vehicle weight, complies with the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a); and

(3) is authorized to operate on such segment under North Dakota State law.

(v) Operation of Vehicles on Certain North Carolina Highways.—If any segment in the State of North Carolina of United States Route 17, United States Route 29, United States Route 52, United States Route 64, United States Route 70, United States Route 74, United States Route 117, United States Route 220, United States Route 264, or United States Route 421 is designated as a route on the Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of such designation may continue to operate on that segment, without regard to any requirement under subsection (a).

(w) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Oklahoma Highways.—If any segment of the highway referred to in paragraph (96) of section 1105(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–240; 105 Stat. 2032) is designated as a route on the Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of such designation may continue to operate on that segment, without any regard to any requirement under this section.

(x) Certain agricultural vehicles in the state of mississippi.—

(1) In general.—The State of Mississippi may allow, by special permit, the operation of a covered agricultural vehicle on the Interstate System in the State of Mississippi if such vehicle does not exceed—

(A) a gross vehicle weight of 88,000 pounds; and

(B) 110 percent of the maximum weight on any axle or axle group described in subsection (a)(2), including any enforcement tolerance.

(2) Covered agricultural vehicle defined.—In this subsection, the term "covered agricultural vehicle" means a vehicle that is transporting unprocessed agricultural crops used for food, feed or fiber, or raw or unfinished forest products, including logs, pulpwood, biomass or wood chips.

(y) Operation of Certain Vehicles in West Virginia.—

(1) In general.—The State of West Virginia may allow, by special permit, the operation of a vehicle that is transporting materials and equipment on the Interstate System in the State of West Virginia if such vehicle does not exceed 110 percent of the maximum weight on any axle or axle group described in subsection (a)(2), including any enforcement tolerance, provided the remaining gross vehicle weight requirements of subsection (a) are met.

(2) Definition.—In this subsection, the term "materials and equipment" means materials and equipment that are used on a project eligible under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 85–767, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 86–624, §17(e), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 416; Pub. L. 93–643, §106, Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2283; Pub. L. 94–280, title I, §120, May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 97–424, title I, §133, formerly §133(a), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2123, renumbered §133, Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §133(a)(3), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §119, Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 157; Pub. L. 100–202, §101(l) [title III, §347(c)], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–358, 1329–388; Pub. L. 101–427, Oct. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 927; Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1023(a), (b), (d), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1951, 1952, 1954; Pub. L. 103–331, title III, §332, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2493; Pub. L. 103–429, §3(3), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4377; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §312(a)(1), (2), (b), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 584; Pub. L. 104–88, title IV, §§404, 405(a)(1), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 956; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §§1106(c)(2)(B), 1212(d)(1), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 136, 194; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1064, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1233; Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title I, §121, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3347; Pub. L. 109–58, title VII, §756(c), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 832; Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1111(b)(3), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1171; Pub. L. 111–117, div. A, title I, §194(a), (c), (d), (f), Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3072, 3073; Pub. L. 112–55, div. C, title I, §125, Nov. 18, 2011, 125 Stat. 655; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §§1404(a), 1510, 1511, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 557, 567; Pub. L. 113–235, div. K, title I, §125, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2709; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §§1409, 1410, 1446(a)(3), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1411, 1437; Pub. L. 114–113, div. L, title I, §124, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2847; Pub. L. 115–141, div. L, title I, §§127, 129A, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 988; Pub. L. 116–6, div. G, title IV, §§421, 422, Feb. 15, 2019, 133 Stat. 474; Pub. L. 116–94, div. H, title IV, §425(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3018; Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11515, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 599; Pub. L. 118–42, div. F, title IV, §425, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 395.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), (4), means Jan. 4, 1975, the date on which Pub. L. 93–643 was approved.

The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (c), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 100–17, which was approved Apr. 2, 1987.

Section 335 of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(A), is section 335 of Pub. L. 101–516, which is not classified to the Code.

The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(A), (B), (D), (5), is the date of the enactment of Pub. L. 102–240, which was approved Dec. 18, 1991.

The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (f), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104–59, which was approved Nov. 28, 1995.

The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (g), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104–88, which was approved Dec. 29, 1995.

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (i)(1)(A), is Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143, which is classified principally to chapter 68 (§5121 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of Title 42 and Tables.

Section 1105(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, referred to in subsecs. (j) and (w), is section 1105(c) of Pub. L. 102–240, which is not classified to the Code. Par. (57) was added by Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1304(b)(5), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1211. Par. (96) was added by Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11514(a)(2), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 597.

Codification

Amendments by section 194(c), (f) of Pub. L. 111–117 were executed as if the amendments by section 194(a), (d) of Pub. L. 111–117 were still in effect, notwithstanding section 194(b), (e) of Pub. L. 111–117 which provided that the amendments by section 194(a), (d) were only effective during the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–117. See 2009 Amendment notes and Effective and Termination Dates of 2009 Amendment notes below.

Amendments

2024—Subsecs. (x), (y). Pub. L. 118–42 added subsecs. (x) and (y).

2021—Subsec. (l)(3)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11515(1)(A), substituted "clauses (i) through (v)" for "clauses (i) through (iv) of this subparagraph" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (l)(3)(A)(v). Pub. L. 117–58, §11515(1)(B), added cl. (v).

Subsecs. (v), (w). Pub. L. 117–58, §11515(2), added subsecs. (v) and (w).

2019—Subsec. (l)(3). Pub. L. 116–6, §421, added par. (3).

Subsec. (l)(3)(A). Pub. L. 116–94, §425(a)(1), substituted "clauses (i) through (iv)" for "clause (i) or (ii)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (l)(3)(A)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 116–94, §425(a)(2), added cls. (iii) and (iv).

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 116–6, §422, in heading, substituted "Natural Gas and Electric Battery Vehicles" for "Natural Gas Vehicles", in introductory provisions, inserted "or powered primarily by means of electric battery power" after "by natural gas" and substituted "the weight limit on the power unit by up to 2,000 pounds" for "any vehicle weight limit" and a period for "by an amount that is equal to the difference between—," and struck out pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:

"(1) the weight of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle; and

"(2) the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system."

2018—Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 115–141, §129A, amended par. (10) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (10) read as follows: "With respect to Interstate Routes 89, 93, and 95 in the State of New Hampshire, State laws (including regulations) concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect on January 1, 1987, and are applicable to State highways other than the Interstate System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of this subsection."

Subsec. (u). Pub. L. 115–141, §127, added subsec. (u).

2015—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–94, §1446(a)(3), substituted "118(b)" for "118(b)(2) of this title".

Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(1), struck out "through December 31, 2031" before period at end in subpars. (A) and (B).

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 114–94, §1409, added par. (13).

Subsecs. (m) to (s). Pub. L. 114–94, §1410, added subsecs. (m) to (s).

Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 114–113, §124(2), added subsec. (t).

2014—Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 113–235 added subsecs. (j) to (l).

2012—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 112–141, §1404(a), substituted "The Secretary shall withhold 50 percent of the apportionment of a State under section 104(b)(1) in any fiscal year in which the State" for "No funds shall be apportioned in any fiscal year under section 104(b)(1) of this title to any State which".

Subsec. (a)(12)(B). Pub. L. 112–141, §1510(1), substituted "550" for "400".

Subsec. (a)(12)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 112–141, §1510(2), substituted "550-pound" for "400-pound".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 112–141, §1511, added subsec. (i).

2011—Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 112–55 amended par. (11) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (11) read as follows: "With respect to that portion of the Maine Turnpike designated Route 95 and 495, and that portion of Interstate Route 95 from the southern terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New Hampshire State line, laws (including regulations) of the State of Maine concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect on October 1, 1995, and are applicable to State highways other than the Interstate System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of this subsection."

2009—Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 111–117, §194(c), substituted "that portion of the Maine Turnpike designated Route 95 and 495, and that portion of Interstate Route 95 from the southern terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New Hampshire State line, laws (including regulations)" for "all portions of the Interstate Highway System in the State, laws (including regulations)". See Codification note above.

Pub. L. 111–117, §194(a), (b), which directed temporary substitution of "all portions of the Interstate Highway System in the State, laws (including regulations)" for "that portion of the Maine Turnpike designated Route 95 and 495, and that portion of Interstate Route 95 from the southern terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New Hampshire State line, laws (including regulations)", was executed by making the temporary substitution for "that portion of the Maine Turnpike designated Interstate Route 95 and 495, and that portion of Interstate Route 95 from the southern terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New Hampshire State line, laws (including regulations)" to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2009 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 111–117, §194(f), struck out par. (13), which consisted of subpar. (A) only. Text read as follows: "With respect to Interstate Routes 89, 91, and 93 in the State of Vermont, laws (including regulations) of that State concerning vehicle weight limitations applicable to State highways other than the Interstate system shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of this subsection." See Codification note above.

Pub. L. 111–117, §194(d), (e), temporarily added par. (13). See Effective and Termination Dates of 2009 Amendment note below.

2005—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–58 designated first to eleventh sentences as pars. (1) to (11), respectively, and added par. (12).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "118(b)(2)" for "118(b)(1)".

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–447 substituted "Interstate Routes 89, 93, and 95 in the State of New Hampshire" for "Interstate Route 95 in the State of New Hampshire" in the penultimate sentence.

2001—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–107 added subsec. (h).

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–178, §1212(d)(1), inserted before penultimate sentence "With respect to the State of Colorado, vehicles designed to carry 2 or more precast concrete panels shall be considered a nondivisible load." and inserted at end "The State of Louisiana may allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 100,000 pounds for the hauling of sugarcane during the harvest season, not to exceed 100 days annually. With respect to Interstate Route 95 in the State of New Hampshire, State laws (including regulations) concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect on January 1, 1987, and are applicable to State highways other than the Interstate System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of this subsection. With respect to that portion of the Maine Turnpike designated Interstate Route 95 and 495, and that portion of Interstate Route 95 from the southern terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New Hampshire State line, laws (including regulations) of the State of Maine concerning vehicle weight limitations that were in effect on October 1, 1995, and are applicable to State highways other than the Interstate System, shall be applicable in lieu of the requirements of this subsection."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–178, §1106(c)(2)(B), substituted "section 103(c)(4)(A)" for "section 139(a)".

1995—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–59, §312(a)(1), in proviso of second sentence substituted "except for vehicles using Interstate Route 29 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and South Dakota or vehicles using Interstate Route 129 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and Nebraska, and except for those" for "except for those".

Subsec. (d)(1)(F). Pub. L. 104–59, §312(a)(2), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–59, §312(b), as amended by Pub. L. 104–88, §405(a)(1), added subsec. (f).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–88, §404, added subsec. (g).

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–331 inserted at end "With respect to the State of Maryland, laws and regulations in effect on June 1, 1993, shall be applicable for the purposes of this subsection."

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–429 substituted "sections 31111–31114 of title 49" for "sections 411, 412, and 416 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (49 U.S.C. App. 2311, 2312, and 2316)".

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–240, §1023(a), substituted "funds shall be apportioned in any fiscal year under section 104(b)(1) of this title" for "funds authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year under provisions of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 shall be apportioned" in first sentence and inserted ", other than vehicles or combinations subject to subsection (d) of this section," after "thereof" in fourth sentence.

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 102–240, §1023(b), (d), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–427 substituted "The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways" for "the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways" in two places.

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–202 substituted "September 1, 1989" for "September 1, 1988" in two places.

Pub. L. 100–17, §119(d)(1), inserted heading.

Pub. L. 100–17, §119(a)(1), (2), which directed that second sentence be amended by inserting "(1)" before "is 36 feet or more" and by inserting cl. (2) after such phrase, was executed by making the insertions before and after "is thirty-six feet or more" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 100–17, §119(a)(3), (b), inserted "on any vehicle (other than a vehicle comprised of a motor vehicle hauling any tank trailer, dump trailer, or ocean transport container on or after September 1, 1988)" after last reference to "consecutive axles" in second sentence and substituted "lapse if not released and obligated within the availability period specified in section 118(b)(1) of this title." for "lapse."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–17, §119(d)(2), inserted heading.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–17, §119(c), added subsec. (c).

1983—Pub. L. 97–424 struck out "and width" after "weight" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–424 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and substituted provisions relating to authority to appropriate funds for any fiscal year under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 with respect to apportionment to any State not permitting the use of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways within its boundaries by vehicles with specified weights, provisions setting forth formula of maximum gross weight to be allowed by any State for vehicles using such Highways, and provisions setting forth further limitations for apportionment, for provisions relating to authority to appropriate funds for any fiscal year under section 108(b) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 with respect to apportionment to any State not permitting the use of the Interstate System within its boundaries by vehicles with specified weights, provisions setting forth formula for determination of overall gross weight, provisions relating to maximum widths permitted for vehicles, and provisions setting forth further limitations for apportionment.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–424 added subsec. (b).

1976—Pub. L. 94–280 authorized a State to permit any bus with a width of 102 inches or less to operate on any lane of twelve feet or more in width on the Interstate System.

1975—Pub. L. 93–643 substituted weight limitations of 20,000 lbs. carried on any one axle, including all enforcement tolerances, for 18,000 lbs. carried on any one axle, of 34,000 lbs. for tandem axle weight, including all enforcement tolerances, for 32,000 lbs. for tandem axle weight, overall gross weight limitation of 80,000, including enforcement tolerances, for overall gross weight of 73,280 lbs. prescribed a formula for determination of overall gross weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles, authorized a gross load of 34,000 lbs. each for two consecutive sets of tandem axles having an overall distance of 36 or more feet between such axles, excepted from the new weight limitations cases of overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on Jan. 4, 1975, and inserted ", except in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974" in third sentence.

1960—Pub. L. 86–624 made the laws or regulation in effect on Feb. 1, 1960, applicable, with respect to the State of Hawaii, for the purposes of this section, in lieu of those in effect on July 1, 1956.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, see section 10003 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Effective and Termination Dates of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–117, div. A, title I, §194(b), Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3072, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be in effect during the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 16, 2009]."

Pub. L. 111–117, div. A, title I, §194(c), Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3072, provided that the amendment made by section 194(c) is effective as of the date that is 366 days after Dec. 16, 2009.

Pub. L. 111–117, div. A, title I, §194(e), Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3073, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (d) [amending this section] shall be in effect during the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 16, 2009]."

Pub. L. 111–117, div. A, title I, §194(f), Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3073, provided that the amendment made by section 194(f) is effective as of the date that is 366 days after Dec. 16, 2009.

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Amendment by section 404 of Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1301 of Title 49, Transportation.

Pub. L. 104–88, title IV, §405(a), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 956, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Nov. 28, 1995.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–240 effective Dec. 18, 1991, and applicable to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after Sept. 30, 1991, and, with certain exceptions, not applicable to funds appropriated or made available on or before Sept. 30, 1991, see section 1100 of Pub. L. 102–240, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.

Specialized Hauling Vehicles

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1213(f), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 201, provided that:

"(1) Study.—The Secretary shall conduct a study to examine the impact of the truck weight standards on specialized hauling vehicles. The study shall include, at a minimum, an analysis of the economic, safety, and infrastructure impacts of the standards.

"(2) Report.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998], the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study with any recommendations the Secretary determines appropriate as a result of the study."

Vehicle Weight Enforcement

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1213(h), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 202, provided that:

"(1) Study.—The Secretary shall conduct a study of State laws (including regulations) relating to penalties for violation of State commercial motor vehicle weight laws.

"(2) Purpose.—The purpose of the study shall be to determine the effectiveness of State penalties as a deterrent to illegally overweight trucking operations. The study shall evaluate fine structures, innovative roadside enforcement techniques, and a State's ability to penalize shippers and carriers as well as drivers and shall examine the effectiveness of administrative and judicial procedures utilized to enforce vehicle weight laws.

"(3) Report.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998], the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study with any legislative recommendations of the Secretary."

Commercial Motor Vehicle Study

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1213(i), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 202, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall request the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study regarding the regulation of weights, lengths, and widths of commercial motor vehicles operating on Federal-aid highways to which Federal regulations apply on the date of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998]. In conducting the study, the Board shall review law, regulations, studies (including Transportation Research Board Special Report 225), and practices and develop recommendations regarding any revisions to law and regulations that the Board determines appropriate.

"(2) Factors to consider and evaluate.—In developing recommendations under paragraph (1), the Board shall consider and evaluate the impact of the recommendations described in paragraph (1) on the economy, the environment, safety, and service to communities.

"(3) Consultation.—In carrying out the study, the Board shall consult with the Department of Transportation, States, the motor carrier industry, freight shippers, highway safety groups, air quality and natural resource management groups, commercial motor vehicle driver representatives, and other appropriate entities.

"(4) Report.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998], the Board shall transmit to Congress and the Secretary a report on the results of the study conducted under this subsection.

"(5) Recommendations.—Not later than 180 days after the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (4), the Secretary may transmit to Congress a report containing comments or recommendations of the Secretary regarding the Board's report.

"(6) Funding.—There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) $250,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000 to carry out this subsection.

"(7) Applicability of title 23.—Funds made available to carry out this subsection shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code; except that the Federal share of the cost of the study under this subsection shall be 100 percent and such funds shall remain available until expended."

Over-the-Road Buses and Public Transit Vehicles

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1023(h), as added by Pub. L. 102–388, title III, §341, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1552; amended by Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §326, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 592; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1212(c), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 194; Pub. L. 108–7, div. I, title III, §347, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 419; Pub. L. 108–447, div. H, title V, §530, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3271; Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1309, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1219; Pub. L. 109–115, div. A, title I, §115, Nov. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2408; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §1522, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 579, provided that:

"(1) Exemption.—The second sentence of section 127 of title 23, United States Code, relating to axle weight limitations for vehicles using the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways, shall not apply to—

"(A) any over-the-road bus (as defined in section 301 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12181));

"(B) any vehicle that is regularly and exclusively used as an intrastate public agency transit passenger bus; or

"(C) any motor home (as defined in section 571.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulation)).

"(2) State action.—

"(A) Weight limitations.—A covered State, including any political subdivision of such State, may not enforce a single axle weight limitation of less than 24,000 pounds, including enforcement tolerances, on any vehicle referred to in paragraph (1) in any case in which the vehicle is using the Interstate System.

"(B) Covered state defined.—In this paragraph, the term 'covered State' means a State that has enforced, in the period beginning on October 6, 1992, and ending on the date of enactment of this subparagraph [Nov. 30, 2005], a single axle weight limitation of 20,000 pounds or greater but less than 24,000 pounds, including enforcement tolerances, on any vehicle referred to in paragraph (1) in any case in which the vehicle is using the Interstate System."

Temporary Exemption for Firefighting Vehicles

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1023(e), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1954, provided that:

"(1) Temporary exemption.—The second sentence of section 127 of title 23, United States Code, relating to axle weight limitations and the bridge formula for vehicles using the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, shall not apply, in the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991], to any existing vehicle which is used for the purpose of protecting persons and property from fires and other disasters that threaten public safety and which is in actual operation before such date of enactment and to any new vehicle to be used for such purpose while such vehicle is being delivered to a firefighting agency. The Secretary may extend such 2-year period for an additional year.

"(2) Study.—The Secretary shall conduct a study—

"(A) of State laws regulating the use on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways [now Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways] of vehicles which are used for the purpose of protecting persons and property from fires and other disasters that threaten public safety and which are being delivered to or operated by a firefighting agency; and

"(B) of the issuance of permits by States which exempt such vehicles from the requirements of the second sentence of section 127 of title 23, United States Code.

"(3) Purposes.—The purposes of the study under this subsection are to determine whether or not such State laws and such section 127 need to be modified with regard to such vehicles and whether or not a permanent exemption should be made for such vehicles from the requirements of such laws and section 127 or whether or not the bridge formula set forth in such section should be modified as it applies to such vehicles.

"(4) Report.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991], the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (2), together with recommendations."

Study Pertaining to Transporters of Water Well Drilling Rigs

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1023(g), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1955, directed Secretary to conduct a study of State and Federal regulations pertaining to transporters of water well drilling rigs on public highways for the purpose of identifying requirements which place a burden on such transporters without enhancing safety or preservation of public highways, and, not later than 2 years after Dec. 18, 1991, report to Congress on the results of the study, together with any legislative and administrative recommendations.

Motor Vehicle Study by Transportation Research Board; Report

Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §158, Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 210, directed Secretary, within 6 months after Apr. 2, 1987, to enter into appropriate arrangements with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the following motor vehicle issues, including an analysis of the impacts of the various positions that have been put forth with respect to each issue and best estimates of effects on pavement, bridges, highway revenue and cost responsibility, and highway safety, and changes in transportation costs and other measures of productivity for various segments of the trucking industry resulting from adoption of each of the positions: (1) elimination of existing, grandfather provisions of 23 U.S.C. 127 which allow higher axle loads and gross vehicle weights than the 20,000-pound single axle load limit, 34,000-pound tandem axle load limit, and 80,000-pound gross vehicle weight limit maximums authorized by Pub. L. 93–643, (2) analysis of alternative methods of determining gross vehicle weight limit and axle loadings for all types of motor carrier vehicles, (3) analysis of the bridge formula contained in 23 U.S.C. 127 in view of current vehicle configurations, pavement and bridge stresses in accord with 1986 design and construction practices, and existing bridges on and off the Interstate System, (4) establishment of nationwide policy regarding the provisions of 'reasonable access' to the National Network for combination vehicles established pursuant to Pub. L. 97–424, and (5) recommendation of appropriate treatment for specialized hauling vehicles which do not comply with the existing Federal bridge formula and submit a final report to Secretary and Congress, not later than 30 months after appropriate arrangements were entered into.

State-Imposed Vehicle Width Limitations

Pub. L. 97–369, title III, §321, Dec. 18, 1982, 96 Stat. 1784, related to State-imposed vehicle width limitations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 98–17, §2, Apr. 5, 1983, 97 Stat. 60. See section 31113 of Title 49, Transportation.

Steering Axle Study; Report to Congress

Pub. L. 94–280, title II, §210, May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 455, directed Secretary of Transportation to conduct an investigation into relationship between gross load on front steering axles of truck tractors and safety of operation of vehicle combinations of which such truck tractors are a part, such investigation to be conducted in cooperation with representatives of (A) manufacturers of truck tractors and related equipment, (B) labor, and (C) users of such equipment, and the results of such study to be reported to Congress not later than July 1, 1977.