23 U.S.C. § 116 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 1: FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS / Section 116: Maintenance
Maintenance
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Preventive maintenance.—The term "preventive maintenance" includes pavement preservation programs and activities.

(2) Pavement preservation programs and activities.—The term "pavement preservation programs and activities" means programs and activities employing a network level, long-term strategy that enhances pavement performance by using an integrated, cost-effective set of practices that extend pavement life, improve safety, and meet road user expectations.

(b) It shall be the duty of the State transportation department or other direct recipient to maintain, or cause to be maintained, any project constructed under the provisions of this chapter or constructed under the provisions of prior Acts.

(c) Agreement.—In any State in which the State transportation department or other direct recipient is without legal authority to maintain a project described in subsection (b), the transportation department or direct recipient shall enter into a formal agreement with the appropriate officials of the county or municipality in which the project is located to provide for the maintenance of the project.

(d) If at any time the Secretary shall find that any project constructed under the provisions of this chapter, or constructed under the provisions of prior Acts, is not being properly maintained, he shall call such fact to the attention of the State transportation department or other direct recipient. If, within ninety days after receipt of such notice, such project has not been put in proper condition of maintenance, the Secretary shall withhold approval of further projects of all types in the State highway district, municipality, county, other political or administrative subdivision of the State, or the entire State in which such project is located, whichever the Secretary deems most appropriate, until such project shall have been put in proper condition of maintenance.

(e) Preventive Maintenance.—A preventive maintenance activity shall be eligible for Federal assistance under this title if the State demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the activity is a cost-effective means of extending the useful life of a Federal-aid highway.

(Pub. L. 85–767, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 896; Pub. L. 86–70, §21(d)(2), (e)(3), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 145, 146; Pub. L. 90–495, §26, Aug. 23, 1968, 82 Stat. 829; Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §124(d), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2705; Pub. L. 97–424, title I, §114, Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2107; Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §125(b)(2), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 167; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §309, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 582; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1212(a)(2)(A)(i), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 193; Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1111(b)(1), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1171; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §1507, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 565.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–141, §1507(2), added subsec. (a). Former subsec. (a) redesignated (b).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–141, §1507(1), (3), redesignated subsec. (a) as (b), inserted "or other direct recipient" before "to maintain", and struck out at end "The State's obligation to the United States to maintain any such project shall cease when it no longer constitutes a part of a Federal-aid system." Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–141, §1507(4), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In any State wherein the State transportation department is without legal authority to maintain a project constructed on the Federal-aid secondary system, or within a municipality, such transportation department shall enter into a formal agreement for its maintenance with the appropriate officials of the county or municipality in which such project is located."

Pub. L. 112–141, §1507(1), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–141, §1507(1), (5), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d) and inserted "or other direct recipient" after "State transportation department". Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–141, §1507(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e).

2005—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "such transportation department" for "such highway department".

1998—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 105–178 substituted "State transportation department" for "State highway department".

1995—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–59 added subsec. (d).

1987—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 100–17 struck out subsecs. (d) and (e) which read as follows:

"(d) The Secretary in consultation with the State highway departments and interested and knowledgeable private organizations and individuals shall as soon as possible establish national bridge inspection standards in order to provide for the proper safety inspection of bridges. Such standards shall specify in detail the method by which inspections shall be conducted by the State highway departments, the maximum time lapse between inspections and the qualifications for those charged with the responsibility for carrying out such inspections. Each State shall be required to maintain written reports to be available to the Secretary pursuant to such inspections together with a notation of the action taken pursuant to the findings of such inspections. Each State shall be required to maintain a current inventory of all bridges.

"(e) The Secretary shall establish in cooperation with the State highway departments a program designed to train appropriate employees of the Federal Government and the State governments to carry out bridge inspections. Such a program shall be revised from time to time in light of new or improved techniques. For the purposes of this section the Secretary may use funds made available pursuant to the provisions of section 104(a) and section 307(a) of this title."

1983—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–424 substituted "State highway district, municipality, county, other political or administrative subdivision of the State, or the entire State in which such project is located, whichever the Secretary deems most appropriate," for "entire State" after "all types in the", and struck out exception for a situation where such project was subject to an agreement pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, in which case approval was to have been withheld only for secondary or urban projects in the county or municipality where such project is located.

1978—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–599 struck out provisions limiting provisions of the subsection to the Federal-aid system.

1968—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 90–495 added subsecs. (d) and (e).

1959—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–70, §21(e)(3), substituted "It" for "Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, it".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 86–70, §21(d)(2), repealed subsec. (d) which related to expenditure of funds apportioned to the Territory of Alaska and contributed by the Territory for the maintenance of roads.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

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 1968 Amendment

Amendment by 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)(2) 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)(3) of Pub. L. 86–70 effective July 1, 1959, see section 21(e) of Pub. L. 86–70, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Pilot Program

Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1424, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1425, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (referred to in this section as the 'Administrator') may establish a pilot program that allows a State to utilize innovative approaches to maintain the right-of-way of Federal-aid highways within the State.

"(b) Limitation.—A pilot program established under subsection (a) shall—

"(1) terminate after not more than 4 years;

"(2) include not more than 5 States; and

"(3) be subject to guidelines published by the Administrator.

"(c) Report.—If the Administrator establishes a pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, not more than 1 year after the completion of the pilot program, submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the results of the pilot program.

"(d) Savings Provision.—Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the requirements of section 111 of title 23, United States Code."

Establishment of Minimum Federal Guidelines for Maintenance; Study by National Academy of Sciences and Report

Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §163, Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 213, directed Secretary to enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a complete investigation of the appropriateness of establishing minimum Federal guidelines for maintenance of the Federal-aid primary, secondary, and urban systems and, not later than 18 months after entering into appropriate arrangements, the National Academy of Sciences was to submit to Secretary and Congress a report on the results of the investigation and study together with recommendations (including legislative and administrative recommendations) concerning establishment of minimum Federal guidelines for maintenance of the Federal-aid primary, secondary, and urban systems.
23 U.S.C. § 141 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 1: FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS / Section 141: Enforcement of requirements
Enforcement of requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Each State shall certify to the Secretary before January 1 of each year that it is enforcing all State laws respecting maximum vehicle size and weights permitted on the Federal-aid primary system, the Federal-aid urban system, and the Federal-aid secondary system, including the Interstate System in accordance with section 127 of this title. Each State shall also certify that it is enforcing and complying with the provisions of section 127(d) of this title and section 31112 of title 49.

(b)(1) Each State shall submit to the Secretary such information as the Secretary shall, by regulation, require as necessary, in his opinion, to verify the certification of such State under subsection (b) of this section.

(2) If a State fails to certify as required by subsection (b) of this section or if the Secretary determines that a State is not adequately enforcing all State laws respecting such maximum vehicle size and weights, notwithstanding such a certification, then Federal-aid highway funds apportioned to such State for such fiscal year shall be reduced by amounts equal to 7 percent of the amount which would otherwise be apportioned to such State under paragraphs (1) through (6) of section 104(b).

(3) If within one year from the date that the apportionment for any State is reduced in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection the Secretary determines that such State is enforcing all State laws respecting maximum size and weights, the apportionment of such State shall be increased by an amount equal to such reduction. If the Secretary does not make such a determination within such one-year period, the amounts so withheld shall be reapportioned to all other eligible States.

(c) The Secretary shall reduce the State's apportionment of Federal-aid highway funds under section 104(b)(1) in an amount up to 8 percent of the amount to be apportioned in any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1984, during which heavy vehicles, subject to the use tax imposed by section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, may be lawfully registered in the State without having presented proof of payment, in such form as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, of the use tax imposed by section 4481 of such Code. Amounts withheld from apportionment to a State under this subsection shall be apportioned to the other States pursuant to the formulas of section 104(b)(1) and shall be available in the same manner and to the same extent as other Interstate funds apportioned at the same time to other States.

(Added Pub. L. 93–643, §107(a), Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2284; amended Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §123(d), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2702; Pub. L. 97–424, title I, §143, Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2129; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1023(c), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1954; Pub. L. 103–429, §3(7), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4378; Pub. L. 104–59, title II, §205(d)(1)(A), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 577; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1103(l)(3)(C), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 126; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §1404(c), (d), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 558; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1104(e)(5), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1332.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (c), is classified to section 4481 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 141, Pub. L. 90–495, §35(a), Aug. 23, 1968, 82 Stat. 836, related to real property acquisition policies, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 91–646, title III, §306, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1907, such repeal becoming effective as to all States after July 1, 1972, the date on which sections 4630 and 4655 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, covering similar subject matter, became applicable to all States.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "paragraphs (1) through (6) of section 104(b)" for "paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 104(b)".

2012—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 112–141, §1404(c), substituted "7 percent" for "10 per centum" and "paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 104(b)" for "section 104 of this title".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–141, §1404(d), substituted "section 104(b)(1)" for "section 104(b)(4)" in two places and substituted "8 percent" for "25 per centum".

1998—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–178 substituted "section 104(b)(4)" for "section 104(b)(5) of this title" in two places.

1995—Pub. L. 104–59 redesignated subsecs. (b) to (d) as (a) to (c), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: "Each State shall certify to the Secretary before January 1 of each year that it is enforcing all speed limits on public highways in accordance with section 154 of this title. The Secretary shall not approve any project under section 106 of this title in any State which has failed to certify in accordance with this subsection."

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–429 substituted "section 31112 of title 49" for "section 411(j) of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (49 U.S.C. App. 2311(j))".

1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–240 inserted at end "Each State shall also certify that it is enforcing and complying with the provisions of section 127(d) of this title and section 411(j) of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (49 U.S.C. App. 2311(j))."

1986—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954".

1983—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–424 added subsec. (d).

1978—Pub. L. 95–599 designated existing provisions as subsecs. (a) and (b) and added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

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

Pub. L. 104–59, title II, §205(d)(3), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 577, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section and repealing section 154 of this title] shall be applicable to a State on the 10th day following the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 28, 1995]; except that if the legislature of a State is not in session on such date of enactment and the chief executive officer of the State declares, before such 10th day, that the legislature is not in session and that the State prefers an applicability date for such amendments that is after the date on which the legislature will convene, such amendments shall be applicable to the State on the 60th day following the date on which the legislature next convenes."

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.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §123(e), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2702, provided that subsec. (c)(2) and (3) of this section be applicable to certifications required by this section to be filed on or after Jan. 1, 1980, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 96–106, §12, Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 798.

Enforcement of Vehicle Weight Limitations

Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §123(a)–(c), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2701, as amended by Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §133(c)(4), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 173, provided that:

"(a) Not later than the one-hundred-eightieth day after the date of enactment of this section [Nov. 6, 1978], the Secretary of Transportation, hereunder referred to as the 'Secretary', in consultation with each State shall inventory the existing system of penalties for violations of vehicle weight laws, rules, and regulations on any portion of any Federal-aid system in such State. Each State shall annually thereafter report to the Secretary its current inventory.

"(b)(1) Not later than the one-hundred-eightieth day after the date of enactment of this section [Nov. 6, 1978], the Secretary, in consultation with each State, shall inventory the existing system in such State for the issuance of special permits. Each State shall annually thereafter report to the Secretary its current inventory.

"(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term 'special permit' means a license or permit issued pursuant to State law, rule, or regulation which authorizes a vehicle to exceed the weight limitation for such vehicle established under State law, rule, or regulation.

"(c) Not later than January 1 of the second calendar year which begins after the date of enactment of this section [Nov. 6, 1978] and each calendar year thereafter the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation [now Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure] of the House of Representatives an annual report together with such recommendations as the Secretary deems necessary on (1) the latest annual inventory of State systems of penalties required by subsection (a) of this section; (2) the latest annual inventory of State systems for the issuance of special permits required by subsection (b) of this section; (3) the annual certification submitted by each State required by section 141(b) of title 23, United States Code."

[For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of reporting provisions in section 123(c) of Pub. L. 95–599, set out above, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 135 of House Document No. 103–7.]
23 U.S.C. § 134 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 1: FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS / Section 134: Metropolitan transportation planning
Metropolitan transportation planning
Status: in_force

(a) Policy.—It is in the national interest—

(1) to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of surface transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of people and freight, foster economic growth and development within and between States and urbanized areas better connect housing and employment,,1 and take into consideration resiliency needs while minimizing transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution through metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes identified in this chapter; and

(2) to encourage the continued improvement and evolution of the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes by metropolitan planning organizations, State departments of transportation, and public transit operators as guided by the planning factors identified in subsection (h) and section 135(d).

(b) Definitions.—In this section and section 135, the following definitions apply:

(1) Metropolitan planning area.—The term "metropolitan planning area" means the geographic area determined by agreement between the metropolitan planning organization for the area and the Governor under subsection (e).

(2) Metropolitan planning organization.—The term "metropolitan planning organization" means the policy board of an organization established as a result of the designation process under subsection (d).

(3) Nonmetropolitan area.—The term "nonmetropolitan area" means a geographic area outside designated metropolitan planning areas.

(4) Nonmetropolitan local official.—The term "nonmetropolitan local official" means elected and appointed officials of general purpose local government in a nonmetropolitan area with responsibility for transportation.

(5) Regional transportation planning organization.—The term "regional transportation planning organization" means a policy board of an organization established as the result of a designation under section 135(m).

(6) TIP.—The term "TIP" means a transportation improvement program developed by a metropolitan planning organization under subsection (j).

(7) Urbanized area.—The term "urbanized area" means a geographic area with a population of 50,000 or more, as determined by the Bureau of the Census.

(c) General Requirements.—

(1) Development of long-range plans and tips.—To accomplish the objectives in subsection (a), metropolitan planning organizations designated under subsection (d), in cooperation with the State and public transportation operators, shall develop long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs through a performance-driven, outcome-based approach to planning for metropolitan areas of the State.

(2) Contents.—The plans and TIPs for each metropolitan area shall provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities (including accessible pedestrian walkways, bicycle transportation facilities, and intermodal facilities that support intercity transportation, including intercity buses and intercity bus facilities and commuter vanpool providers) that will function as an intermodal transportation system for the metropolitan planning area and as an integral part of an intermodal transportation system for the State and the United States.

(3) Process of development.—The process for developing the plans and TIPs shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation problems to be addressed.

(d) Designation of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.—

(1) In general.—To carry out the transportation planning process required by this section, a metropolitan planning organization shall be designated for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000 individuals—

(A) by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city (based on population) as determined by the Bureau of the Census); or

(B) in accordance with procedures established by applicable State or local law.

(2) Structure.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of MAP-21, each metropolitan planning organization that serves an area designated as a transportation management area shall consist of—

(A) local elected officials;

(B) officials of public agencies that administer or operate major modes of transportation in the metropolitan area, including representation by providers of public transportation; and

(C) appropriate State officials.

(3) Representation.—

(A) In general.—Designation or selection of officials or representatives under paragraph (2) shall be determined by the metropolitan planning organization according to the bylaws or enabling statute of the organization.

(B) Public transportation representative.—Subject to the bylaws or enabling statute of the metropolitan planning organization, a representative of a provider of public transportation may also serve as a representative of a local municipality.

(C) Powers of certain officials.—An official described in paragraph (2)(B) shall have responsibilities, actions, duties, voting rights, and any other authority commensurate with other officials described in paragraph (2).

(D) Considerations.—In designating officials or representatives under paragraph (2) for the first time, subject to the bylaws or enabling statute of the metropolitan planning organization, the metropolitan planning organization shall consider the equitable and proportional representation of the population of the metropolitan planning area.

(4) Limitation on statutory construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to interfere with the authority, under any State law in effect on December 18, 1991, of a public agency with multimodal transportation responsibilities—

(A) to develop the plans and TIPs for adoption by a metropolitan planning organization; and

(B) to develop long-range capital plans, coordinate transit services and projects, and carry out other activities pursuant to State law.

(5) Continuing designation.—A designation of a metropolitan planning organization under this subsection or any other provision of law shall remain in effect until the metropolitan planning organization is redesignated under paragraph (6).

(6) Redesignation procedures.—

(A) In general.—A metropolitan planning organization may be redesignated by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the existing planning area population (including the largest incorporated city (based on population) as determined by the Bureau of the Census) as appropriate to carry out this section.

(B) Restructuring.—A metropolitan planning organization may be restructured to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) without undertaking a redesignation.

(7) Designation of more than 1 metropolitan planning organization.—More than 1 metropolitan planning organization may be designated within an existing urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) only if the Governor and the existing metropolitan planning organization determine that the size and complexity of the area make designation of more than 1 metropolitan planning organization for the area appropriate.

(e) Metropolitan Planning Area Boundaries.—

(1) In general.—For the purposes of this section, the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area shall be determined by agreement between the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.

(2) Included area.—Each metropolitan planning area—

(A) shall encompass at least the existing urbanized area and the contiguous area expected to become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period for the transportation plan; and

(B) may encompass the entire metropolitan statistical area or consolidated metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census.

(3) Identification of new urbanized areas within existing planning area boundaries.—The designation by the Bureau of the Census of new urbanized areas within an existing metropolitan planning area shall not require the redesignation of the existing metropolitan planning organization.

(4) Existing metropolitan planning areas in nonattainment.—

(A) In general.—Notwithstanding paragraph (2), except as provided in subparagraph (B), in the case of an urbanized area designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) as of the date of enactment of the SAFETEA–LU, the boundaries of the metropolitan planning area in existence as of such date of enactment shall be retained.

(B) Exception.—The boundaries described in subparagraph (A) may be adjusted by agreement of the Governor and affected metropolitan planning organizations in the manner described in subsection (d)(6).

(5) New metropolitan planning areas in nonattainment.—In the case of an urbanized area designated after the date of enactment of the SAFETEA–LU, as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide, the boundaries of the metropolitan planning area—

(A) shall be established in the manner described in subsection (d)(1);

(B) shall encompass the areas described in paragraph (2)(A);

(C) may encompass the areas described in paragraph (2)(B); and

(D) may address any nonattainment area identified under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) for ozone or carbon monoxide.

(f) Coordination in Multistate Areas.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary shall encourage each Governor with responsibility for a portion of a multistate metropolitan area and the appropriate metropolitan planning organizations to provide coordinated transportation planning for the entire metropolitan area.

(2) Interstate compacts.—The consent of Congress is granted to any 2 or more States—

(A) to enter into agreements or compacts, not in conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under this section as the activities pertain to interstate areas and localities within the States; and

(B) to establish such agencies, joint or otherwise, as the States may determine desirable for making the agreements and compacts effective.

(3) Reservation of rights.—The right to alter, amend, or repeal interstate compacts entered into under this subsection is expressly reserved.

(g) MPO Consultation in Plan and TIP Coordination.—

(1) Nonattainment areas.—If more than 1 metropolitan planning organization has authority within an urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) or an area which is designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), each metropolitan planning organization shall consult with the other metropolitan planning organizations designated for such area and the State in the coordination of plans and TIPs required by this section.

(2) Transportation improvements located in multiple mpos.—If a transportation improvement, funded from the Highway Trust Fund or authorized under chapter 53 of title 49, is located within the boundaries of more than 1 metropolitan planning area, the metropolitan planning organizations shall coordinate plans and TIPs regarding the transportation improvement.

(3) Relationship with other planning officials.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary shall encourage each metropolitan planning organization to consult with officials responsible for other types of planning activities that are affected by transportation in the area (including State and local planned growth, economic development, housing, tourism, natural disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, airport operations, and freight movements) or to coordinate its planning process, to the maximum extent practicable, with such planning activities.

(B) Requirements.—Under the metropolitan planning process, transportation plans and TIPs shall be developed with due consideration of other related planning activities within the metropolitan area, and the process shall provide for the design and delivery of transportation services within the metropolitan area that are provided by—

(i) recipients of assistance under chapter 53 of title 49;

(ii) governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations (including representatives of the agencies and organizations) that receive Federal assistance from a source other than the Department of Transportation to provide nonemergency transportation services; and

(iii) recipients of assistance under section 204.

(4) Coordination between MPOs.—If more than 1 metropolitan planning organization is designated within an urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) under subsection (d)(7), the metropolitan planning organizations designated within the area shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, the consistency of any data used in the planning process, including information used in forecasting travel demand.

(5) Savings clause.—Nothing in this subsection requires metropolitan planning organizations designated within a single urbanized area to jointly develop planning documents, including a unified long-range transportation plan or unified TIP.

(h) Scope of Planning Process.—

(1) In general.—The metropolitan planning process for a metropolitan planning area under this section shall provide for consideration of projects and strategies that will—

(A) support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;

(B) increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;

(C) increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;

(D) increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight;

(E) protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth, housing, and economic development patterns;

(F) enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;

(G) promote efficient system management and operation;

(H) emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system;

(I) improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts of surface transportation; and

(J) enhance travel and tourism.

(2) Performance-based approach.—

(A) In general.—The metropolitan transportation planning process shall provide for the establishment and use of a performance-based approach to transportation decisionmaking to support the national goals described in section 150(b) of this title and the general purposes described in section 5301 of title 49.

(B) Performance targets.—

(i) Surface transportation performance targets.—

(I) In general.—Each metropolitan planning organization shall establish performance targets that address the performance measures described in section 150(c), where applicable, to use in tracking progress towards attainment of critical outcomes for the region of the metropolitan planning organization.

(II) Coordination.—Selection of performance targets by a metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated with the relevant State to ensure consistency, to the maximum extent practicable.

(ii) Public transportation performance targets.—Selection of performance targets by a metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with providers of public transportation to ensure consistency with sections 5326(c) and 5329(d) of title 49.

(C) Timing.—Each metropolitan planning organization shall establish the performance targets under subparagraph (B) not later than 180 days after the date on which the relevant State or provider of public transportation establishes the performance targets.

(D) Integration of other performance-based plans.—A metropolitan planning organization shall integrate in the metropolitan transportation planning process, directly or by reference, the goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets described in other State transportation plans and transportation processes, as well as any plans developed under chapter 53 of title 49 by providers of public transportation, required as part of a performance-based program.

(3) Failure to consider factors.—The failure to consider any factor specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be reviewable by any court under this title or chapter 53 of title 49, subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5 in any matter affecting a transportation plan, a TIP, a project or strategy, or the certification of a planning process.

(i) Development of Transportation Plan.—

(1) Requirements.—

(A) In general.—Each metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update a transportation plan for its metropolitan planning area in accordance with the requirements of this subsection.

(B) Frequency.—

(i) In general.—The metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update such plan every 4 years (or more frequently, if the metropolitan planning organization elects to update more frequently) in the case of each of the following:

(I) Any area designated as nonattainment, as defined in section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)).

(II) Any area that was nonattainment and subsequently designated to attainment in accordance with section 107(d)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)(3)) and that is subject to a maintenance plan under section 175A of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7505a).

(ii) Other areas.—In the case of any other area required to have a transportation plan in accordance with the requirements of this subsection, the metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update such plan every 5 years unless the metropolitan planning organization elects to update more frequently.

(2) Transportation plan.—A transportation plan under this section shall be in a form that the Secretary determines to be appropriate and shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

(A) Identification of transportation facilities.—

(i) In general.—An identification of transportation facilities (including major roadways, public transportation facilities, intercity bus facilities, multimodal and intermodal facilities, nonmotorized transportation facilities, and intermodal connectors) that should function as an integrated metropolitan transportation system, giving emphasis to those facilities that serve important national and regional transportation functions.

(ii) Factors.—In formulating the transportation plan, the metropolitan planning organization shall consider factors described in subsection (h) as the factors relate to a 20-year forecast period.

(B) Performance measures and targets.—A description of the performance measures and performance targets used in assessing the performance of the transportation system in accordance with subsection (h)(2).

(C) System performance report.—A system performance report and subsequent updates evaluating the condition and performance of the transportation system with respect to the performance targets described in subsection (h)(2), including—

(i) progress achieved by the metropolitan planning organization in meeting the performance targets in comparison with system performance recorded in previous reports; and

(ii) for metropolitan planning organizations that voluntarily elect to develop multiple scenarios, an analysis of how the preferred scenario has improved the conditions and performance of the transportation system and how changes in local policies and investments have impacted the costs necessary to achieve the identified performance targets.

(D) Mitigation activities.—

(i) In general.—A long-range transportation plan shall include a discussion of types of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out these activities, including activities that may have the greatest potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions affected by the plan.

(ii) Consultation.—The discussion shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, and tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory agencies.

(E) Financial plan.—

(i) In general.—A financial plan that—

(I) demonstrates how the adopted transportation plan can be implemented;

(II) indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the plan; and

(III) recommends any additional financing strategies for needed projects and programs.

(ii) Inclusions.—The financial plan may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.

(iii) Cooperative development.—For the purpose of developing the transportation plan, the metropolitan planning organization, transit operator, and State shall cooperatively develop estimates of funds that will be available to support plan implementation.

(F) Operational and management strategies.—Operational and management strategies to improve the performance of existing transportation facilities to relieve vehicular congestion and maximize the safety and mobility of people and goods.

(G) Capital investment and other strategies.—Capital investment and other strategies to preserve the existing and projected future metropolitan transportation infrastructure, provide for multimodal capacity increases based on regional priorities and needs, and reduce the vulnerability of the existing transportation infrastructure to natural disasters.

(H) Transportation and transit enhancement activities.—Proposed transportation and transit enhancement activities including consideration of the role that intercity buses may play in reducing congestion, pollution, and energy consumption in a cost-effective manner and strategies and investments that preserve and enhance intercity bus systems, including systems that are privately owned and operated.

(3) Coordination with clean air act agencies.—In metropolitan areas that are in nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the metropolitan planning organization shall coordinate the development of a transportation plan with the process for development of the transportation control measures of the State implementation plan required by that Act.

(4) Optional scenario development.—

(A) In general.—A metropolitan planning organization may, while fitting the needs and complexity of its community, voluntarily elect to develop multiple scenarios for consideration as part of the development of the metropolitan transportation plan, in accordance with subparagraph (B).

(B) Recommended components.—A metropolitan planning organization that chooses to develop multiple scenarios under subparagraph (A) shall be encouraged to consider—

(i) potential regional investment strategies for the planning horizon;

(ii) assumed distribution of population and employment;

(iii) assumed distribution of population and housing;

(iv) a scenario that, to the maximum extent practicable, maintains baseline conditions for the performance measures identified in subsection (h)(2);

(v) a scenario that improves the baseline conditions for as many of the performance measures identified in subsection (h)(2) as possible;

(vi) revenue constrained scenarios based on the total revenues expected to be available over the forecast period of the plan; and

(vii) estimated costs and potential revenues available to support each scenario.

(C) Metrics.—In addition to the performance measures identified in section 150(c), metropolitan planning organizations may evaluate scenarios developed under this paragraph using locally-developed measures.

(5) Consultation.—

(A) In general.—In each metropolitan area, the metropolitan planning organization shall consult, as appropriate, with State and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, and historic preservation concerning the development of a long-range transportation plan.

(B) Issues.—The consultation shall involve, as appropriate—

(i) comparison of transportation plans with State conservation plans or maps, if available; or

(ii) comparison of transportation plans to inventories of natural or historic resources, if available.

(6) Participation by interested parties.—

(A) In general.—Each metropolitan planning organization shall provide citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, public ports, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation (including intercity bus operators, employer-based commuting programs, such as a carpool program, vanpool program, transit benefit program, parking cash-out program, shuttle program, or telework program), representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, affordable housing organizations, and other interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the transportation plan.

(B) Contents of participation plan.—A participation plan—

(i) shall be developed in consultation with all interested parties; and

(ii) shall provide that all interested parties have reasonable opportunities to comment on the contents of the transportation plan.

(C) Methods.—In carrying out subparagraph (A), the metropolitan planning organization shall, to the maximum extent practicable—

(i) hold any public meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times;

(ii) employ visualization techniques to describe plans; and

(iii) make public information available in electronically accessible format and means, such as the World Wide Web, as appropriate to afford reasonable opportunity for consideration of public information under subparagraph (A).

(D) Use of technology.—A metropolitan planning organization may use social media and other web-based tools—

(i) to further encourage public participation; and

(ii) to solicit public feedback during the transportation planning process.

(7) Publication.—A transportation plan involving Federal participation shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the metropolitan planning organization for public review, including (to the maximum extent practicable) in electronically accessible formats and means, such as the World Wide Web, approved by the metropolitan planning organization and submitted for information purposes to the Governor at such times and in such manner as the Secretary shall establish.

(8) Selection of projects from illustrative list.—Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(E), a State or metropolitan planning organization shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(E).

(j) Metropolitan TIP.—

(1) Development.—

(A) In general.—In cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, the metropolitan planning organization designated for a metropolitan area shall develop a TIP for the metropolitan planning area that—

(i) contains projects consistent with the current metropolitan transportation plan;

(ii) reflects the investment priorities established in the current metropolitan transportation plan; and

(iii) once implemented, is designed to make progress toward achieving the performance targets established under subsection (h)(2).

(B) Opportunity for comment.—In developing the TIP, the metropolitan planning organization, in cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity for participation by interested parties in the development of the program, in accordance with subsection (i)(5).

(C) Funding estimates.—For the purpose of developing the TIP, the metropolitan planning organization, public transportation agency, and State shall cooperatively develop estimates of funds that are reasonably expected to be available to support program implementation.

(D) Updating and approval.—The TIP shall be—

(i) updated at least once every 4 years; and

(ii) approved by the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.

(2) Contents.—

(A) Priority list.—The TIP shall include a priority list of proposed Federally supported projects and strategies to be carried out within each 4-year period after the initial adoption of the TIP.

(B) Financial plan.—The TIP shall include a financial plan that—

(i) demonstrates how the TIP can be implemented;

(ii) indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be available to carry out the program;

(iii) identifies innovative financing techniques to finance projects, programs, and strategies; and

(iv) may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the approved TIP if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.

(C) Descriptions.—Each project in the TIP shall include sufficient descriptive material (such as type of work, termini, length, and other similar factors) to identify the project or phase of the project.

(D) Performance target achievement.—The transportation improvement program shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, a description of the anticipated effect of the transportation improvement program toward achieving the performance targets established in the metropolitan transportation plan, linking investment priorities to those performance targets.

(3) Included projects.—

(A) Projects under this title and chapter 53 of title 49.—A TIP developed under this subsection for a metropolitan area shall include the projects within the area that are proposed for funding under chapter 1 of this title and chapter 53 of title 49.

(B) Projects under chapter 2.—

(i) Regionally significant projects.—Regionally significant projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 shall be identified individually in the transportation improvement program.

(ii) Other projects.—Projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 that are not determined to be regionally significant shall be grouped in 1 line item or identified individually in the transportation improvement program.

(C) Consistency with long-range transportation plan.—Each project shall be consistent with the long-range transportation plan developed under subsection (i) for the area.

(D) Requirement of anticipated full funding.—The program shall include a project, or an identified phase of a project, only if full funding can reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project or the identified phase within the time period contemplated for completion of the project or the identified phase.

(4) Notice and comment.—Before approving a TIP, a metropolitan planning organization, in cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity for participation by interested parties in the development of the program, in accordance with subsection (i)(5).

(5) Selection of projects.—

(A) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in subsection (k)(4) and in addition to the TIP development required under paragraph (1), the selection of Federally funded projects in metropolitan areas shall be carried out, from the approved TIP—

(i) by—

(I) in the case of projects under this title, the State; and

(II) in the case of projects under chapter 53 of title 49, the designated recipients of public transportation funding; and

(ii) in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization.

(B) Modifications to project priority.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, action by the Secretary shall not be required to advance a project included in the approved TIP in place of another project in the program.

(6) Selection of projects from illustrative list.—

(A) No required selection.—Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(B)(iv), a State or metropolitan planning organization shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(B)(iv).

(B) Required action by the secretary.—Action by the Secretary shall be required for a State or metropolitan planning organization to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(B)(iv) for inclusion in an approved TIP.

(7) Publication.—

(A) Publication of tips.—A TIP involving Federal participation shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the metropolitan planning organization for public review.

(B) Publication of annual listings of projects.—

(i) In general.—An annual listing of projects, including investments in pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, for which Federal funds have been obligated in the preceding year shall be published or otherwise made available by the cooperative effort of the State, transit operator, and metropolitan planning organization for public review.

(ii) Requirement.—The listing shall be consistent with the categories identified in the TIP.

(k) Transportation Management Areas.—

(1) Identification and designation.—

(A) Required identification.—The Secretary shall identify as a transportation management area each urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) with a population of over 200,000 individuals.

(B) Designations on request.—The Secretary shall designate any additional area as a transportation management area on the request of the Governor and the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area.

(2) Transportation plans.—In a transportation management area, transportation plans shall be based on a continuing and comprehensive transportation planning process carried out by the metropolitan planning organization in cooperation with the State and public transportation operators.

(3) Congestion management process.—

(A) In general.—Within a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area, the transportation planning process under this section shall address congestion management through a process that provides for effective management and operation, based on a cooperatively developed and implemented metropolitan-wide strategy, of new and existing transportation facilities eligible for funding under this title and chapter 53 of title 49 through the use of travel demand reduction (including intercity bus operators, employer-based commuting programs such as a carpool program, vanpool program, transit benefit program, parking cash-out program, shuttle program, or telework program), job access projects, and operational management strategies.

(B) Schedule.—The Secretary shall establish an appropriate phase-in schedule for compliance with the requirements of this section but no sooner than 1 year after the identification of a transportation management area.

(C) Congestion management plan.—A metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area may develop a plan that includes projects and strategies that will be considered in the TIP of such metropolitan planning organization. Such plan shall—

(i) develop regional goals to reduce vehicle miles traveled during peak commuting hours and improve transportation connections between areas with high job concentration and areas with high concentrations of low-income households;

(ii) identify existing public transportation services, employer-based commuter programs, and other existing transportation services that support access to jobs in the region; and

(iii) identify proposed projects and programs to reduce congestion and increase job access opportunities.

(D) Participation.—In developing the plan under subparagraph (C), a metropolitan planning organization shall consult with employers, private and nonprofit providers of public transportation, transportation management organizations, and organizations that provide job access reverse commute projects or job-related services to low-income individuals.

(4) Housing coordination process.—

(A) In general.—Within a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area, the transportation planning process under this section may address the integration of housing, transportation, and economic development strategies through a process that provides for effective integration, based on a cooperatively developed and implemented strategy, of new and existing transportation facilities eligible for funding under this title and chapter 53 of title 49.

(B) Coordination in integrated planning process.—In carrying out the process described in subparagraph (A), a metropolitan planning organization may—

(i) consult with—

(I) State and local entities responsible for land use, economic development, housing, management of road networks, or public transportation; and

(II) other appropriate public or private entities; and

(ii) coordinate, to the extent practicable, with applicable State and local entities to align the goals of the process with the goals of any comprehensive housing affordability strategies established within the metropolitan planning area pursuant to section 105 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12705) and plans developed under section 5A of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437c–1).

(C) Housing coordination plan.—

(i) In general.—A metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area may develop a housing coordination plan that includes projects and strategies that may be considered in the metropolitan transportation plan of the metropolitan planning organization.

(ii) Contents.—A plan described in clause (i) may—

(I) develop regional goals for the integration of housing, transportation, and economic development strategies to—

(aa) better connect housing and employment while mitigating commuting times;

(bb) align transportation improvements with housing needs, such as housing supply shortages, and proposed housing development;

(cc) align planning for housing and transportation to address needs in relationship to household incomes within the metropolitan planning area;

(dd) expand housing and economic development within the catchment areas of existing transportation facilities and public transportation services when appropriate, including higher-density development, as locally determined;

(ee) manage effects of growth of vehicle miles traveled experienced in the metropolitan planning area related to housing development and economic development;

(ff) increase share of households with sufficient and affordable access to the transportation networks of the metropolitan planning area;

(II) identify the location of existing and planned housing and employment, and transportation options that connect housing and employment; and

(III) include a comparison of transportation plans to land use management plans, including zoning plans, that may affect road use, public transportation ridership, and housing development.

(5) Selection of projects.—

(A) In general.—All Federally funded projects carried out within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area under this title (excluding projects carried out on the National Highway System) or under chapter 53 of title 49 shall be selected for implementation from the approved TIP by the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area in consultation with the State and any affected public transportation operator.

(B) National highway system projects.—Projects carried out within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area on the National Highway System shall be selected for implementation from the approved TIP by the State in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area.

(6) Certification.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary shall—

(i) ensure that the metropolitan planning process of a metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area is being carried out in accordance with applicable provisions of Federal law; and

(ii) subject to subparagraph (B), certify, not less often than once every 4 years, that the requirements of this paragraph are met with respect to the metropolitan planning process.

(B) Requirements for certification.—The Secretary may make the certification under subparagraph (A) if—

(i) the transportation planning process complies with the requirements of this section and other applicable requirements of Federal law; and

(ii) there is a TIP for the metropolitan planning area that has been approved by the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.

(C) Effect of failure to certify.—

(i) Withholding of project funds.—If a metropolitan planning process of a metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area is not certified, the Secretary may withhold up to 20 percent of the funds attributable to the metropolitan planning area of the metropolitan planning organization for projects funded under this title and chapter 53 of title 49.

(ii) Restoration of withheld funds.—The withheld funds shall be restored to the metropolitan planning area at such time as the metropolitan planning process is certified by the Secretary.

(D) Review of certification.—In making certification determinations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide for public involvement appropriate to the metropolitan area under review.

(l) Report on Performance-based Planning Processes.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the performance-based planning processes of metropolitan planning organizations under this section, taking into consideration the requirements of this subsection.

(2) Report.—Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the MAP–21, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating—

(A) the overall effectiveness of performance-based planning as a tool for guiding transportation investments;

(B) the effectiveness of the performance-based planning process of each metropolitan planning organization under this section;

(C) the extent to which metropolitan planning organizations have achieved, or are currently making substantial progress toward achieving, the performance targets specified under this section and whether metropolitan planning organizations are developing meaningful performance targets; and

(D) the technical capacity of metropolitan planning organizations that operate within a metropolitan planning area with a population of 200,000 or less and their ability to carry out the requirements of this section.

(3) Publication.—The report under paragraph (2) shall be published or otherwise made available in electronically accessible formats and means, including on the Internet.

(m) Abbreviated Plans for Certain Areas.—

(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of a metropolitan area not designated as a transportation management area under this section, the Secretary may provide for the development of an abbreviated transportation plan and TIP for the metropolitan planning area that the Secretary determines is appropriate to achieve the purposes of this section, taking into account the complexity of transportation problems in the area.

(2) Nonattainment areas.—The Secretary may not permit abbreviated plans or TIPs for a metropolitan area that is in nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).

(n) Additional Requirements for Certain Nonattainment Areas.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title or chapter 53 of title 49, for transportation management areas classified as nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), Federal funds may not be advanced in such area for any highway project that will result in a significant increase in the carrying capacity for single-occupant vehicles unless the project is addressed through a congestion management process.

(2) Applicability.—This subsection applies to a nonattainment area within the metropolitan planning area boundaries determined under subsection (e).

(o) Limitation on Statutory Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer on a metropolitan planning organization the authority to impose legal requirements on any transportation facility, provider, or project not eligible under this title or chapter 53 of title 49.

(p) Funding.—Funds apportioned under section 104(b)(6) or section 5305(g) of title 49 shall be available to carry out this section.

(q) Continuation of Current Review Practice.—Since plans and TIPs described in this section are subject to a reasonable opportunity for public comment, since individual projects included in plans and TIPs are subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and since decisions by the Secretary concerning plans and TIPs described in this section have not been reviewed under that Act as of January 1, 1997, any decision by the Secretary concerning a plan or TIP described in this section shall not be considered to be a Federal action subject to review under that Act.

(r) Bi-State Metropolitan Planning Organization.—

(1) Definition of bi-state mpo region.—In this subsection, the term "Bi-State MPO Region" has the meaning given the term "region" in subsection (a) of Article II of the Lake Tahoe Regional Planning Compact (Public Law 96–551; 94 Stat. 3234).

(2) Treatment.—For the purpose of this title, the Bi-State MPO Region shall be treated as—

(A) a metropolitan planning organization;

(B) a transportation management area under subsection (k); and

(C) an urbanized area, which is comprised of a population of 145,000 in the State of California and a population of 65,000 in the State of Nevada.

(3) Suballocated funding.—

(A) Planning.—In determining the amounts under subparagraph (A) of section 133(d)(1) that shall be obligated for a fiscal year in the States of California and Nevada under clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of that subparagraph, the Secretary shall, for each of those States—

(i) calculate the population under each of those clauses;

(ii) decrease the amount under section 133(d)(1)(A)(iii) by the population specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection for the Bi-State MPO Region in that State; and

(iii) increase the amount under section 133(d)(1)(A)(i) by the population specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection for the Bi-State MPO Region in that State.

(B) STBGP set aside.—In determining the amounts under paragraph (2) of section 133(h) that shall be obligated for a fiscal year in the States of California and Nevada, the Secretary shall, for the purpose of that subsection, calculate the populations for each of those States in a manner consistent with subparagraph (A).

(Added Pub. L. 87–866, §9(a), Oct. 23, 1962, 76 Stat. 1148; amended Pub. L. 91–605, title I, §143, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §169, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2723; Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1024(a), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1955; Pub. L. 102–388, title V, §502(b), Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1566; Pub. L. 103–429, §3(5), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4377; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §317, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 588; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1203(a)–(m), (o), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 170–179; Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §9003(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 839; Pub. L. 109–59, title VI, §6001(a), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1839; Pub. L. 110–244, title I, §101(n), June 6, 2008, 122 Stat. 1576; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §1201(a), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 500; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1201, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1371; Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11201(a), (d), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 516, 517.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of MAP-21, referred to in subsecs. (d)(2) and (l)(2), 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 Clean Air Act, referred to in subsecs. (e)(4)(A), (5)(D), (g)(1), (i)(3), (m)(2), and (n)(1), 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. 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 the SAFETEA–LU, referred to in subsec. (e)(4)(A), (5), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 109–59, which was approved Aug. 10, 2005.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (q), 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.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(d)(1), inserted "better connect housing and employment," after "urbanized areas".

Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(a)(1)(A), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (d)(7). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(a)(1)(B), substituted "an existing urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census)" for "an existing metropolitan planning area" and "the area" for "the existing metropolitan planning area".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(a)(2)(A), substituted "an urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census)" for "a metropolitan area".

Subsec. (g)(3)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(d)(2), inserted "housing," after "economic development,".

Subsec. (g)(4), (5). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(a)(2)(B), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (h)(1)(E). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(d)(3), inserted ", housing," after "growth".

Subsec. (i)(4)(B)(iii) to (vii). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(d)(4)(A), added cl. (iii) and redesignated former cls. (iii) to (vi) as (iv) to (vii), respectively.

Subsec. (i)(6)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(d)(4)(B), inserted "affordable housing organizations," after "disabled,".

Subsec. (i)(6)(D). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(a)(3), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (k)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(d)(5), added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) and (5) as (5) and (6), respectively.

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 117–58, §11201(a)(4), substituted "section 104(b)(6)" for "paragraphs (5)(D) and (6) of section 104(b) of this title".

2015—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(1), substituted "people and freight," for "people and freight and" and inserted "and take into consideration resiliency needs" after "urbanized areas,".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(2), substituted ", bicycle transportation facilities, and intermodal facilities that support intercity transportation, including intercity buses and intercity bus facilities and commuter vanpool providers" for "and bicycle transportation facilities".

Subsec. (d)(3), (4). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(3)(A), (B), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(A), (C), redesignated par. (4) as (5) and substituted "paragraph (6)" for "paragraph (5)". Former par. (5) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (d)(6), (7). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(3)(A), redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (6) and (7), respectively.

Subsec. (e)(4)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(4), substituted "subsection (d)(6)" for "subsection (d)(5)".

Subsec. (g)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(5), inserted "tourism, natural disaster risk reduction," after "economic development,".

Subsec. (h)(1)(I), (J). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(6)(A), added subpars. (I) and (J).

Subsec. (h)(2)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(6)(B), substituted "and the general purposes described in section 5301 of title 49" for "and in section 5301(c) of title 49".

Subsec. (i)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(7)(A)(i), substituted "public transportation facilities, intercity bus facilities," for "transit,".

Subsec. (i)(2)(G). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(7)(A)(ii), substituted ", provide" for "and provide" and inserted ", and reduce the vulnerability of the existing transportation infrastructure to natural disasters" before period at end.

Subsec. (i)(2)(H). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(7)(A)(iii), inserted before period at end "including consideration of the role that intercity buses may play in reducing congestion, pollution, and energy consumption in a cost-effective manner and strategies and investments that preserve and enhance intercity bus systems, including systems that are privately owned and operated".

Subsec. (i)(6)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(7)(B), inserted "public ports," before "freight shippers," and "(including intercity bus operators, employer-based commuting programs, such as a carpool program, vanpool program, transit benefit program, parking cash-out program, shuttle program, or telework program)" after "private providers of transportation".

Subsec. (i)(8). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(7)(C), substituted "paragraph (2)(E)" for "paragraph (2)(C)" in two places.

Subsec. (k)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(8)(A), inserted "(including intercity bus operators, employer-based commuting programs such as a carpool program, vanpool program, transit benefit program, parking cash-out program, shuttle program, or telework program), job access projects," after "reduction".

Subsec. (k)(3)(C), (D). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(8)(B), added subpars. (C) and (D).

Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(9)(A), inserted period at end.

Subsec. (l)(2)(D). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(9)(B), substituted "with a population of 200,000 or less" for "of less than 200,000".

Subsec. (n)(1). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(10), inserted "49" after "chapter 53 of title".

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(11), substituted "Funds apportioned under paragraphs (5)(D) and (6) of section 104(b)" for "Funds set aside under section 104(f)".

Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 114–94, §1201(12), added subsec. (r).

2012—Pub. L. 112–141 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to metropolitan transportation planning and consisted of subsecs. (a) to (p).

2008—Subsec. (f)(3)(C)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 110–244, §101(n)(1), added subcl. (II) and struck out former subcl. (II). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In addition to funds made available to the metropolitan planning organization for the Lake Tahoe region under other provisions of this title and under chapter 53 of title 49, 1 percent of the funds allocated under section 202 shall be used to carry out the transportation planning process for the Lake Tahoe region under this subparagraph."

Subsec. (j)(3)(D). Pub. L. 110–244, §101(n)(2), inserted "or the identified phase" after "the project" in two places.

Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 110–244, §101(n)(3), struck out "a metropolitan planning area serving" before "a transportation management area,".

2005—Pub. L. 109–59 amended section catchline and text generally, substituting provisions relating to metropolitan transportation planning for provisions relating to, in subsec. (a), general requirements for development of transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas, in subsec. (b), designation of metropolitan planning organizations, in subsec. (c), determination of metropolitan planning area boundaries, in subsec. (d), coordination of transportation planning in multistate metropolitan areas, in subsec. (e), coordination of metropolitan planning organizations, in subsec. (f), scope of the planning process, in subsec. (g), development of a long-range transportation plan, in subsec. (h), development of a metropolitan area transportation improvement program, in subsec. (i), designation of transportation management areas, in subsec. (j), abbreviated plans and programs for areas not designated as transportation management areas, in subsec. (k), transfer of funds, in subsec. (l), additional requirements for nonattainment areas under the Clean Air Act,in subsec. (m), limitation on statutory construction, in subsec. (n), funding, and in subsec. (o), review of plans and programs under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(a), reenacted heading without change and amended text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "It is in the national interest to encourage and promote the development of transportation systems embracing various modes of transportation in a manner which will efficiently maximize mobility of people and goods within and through urbanized areas and minimize transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution. To accomplish this objective, metropolitan planning organizations, in cooperation with the State, shall develop transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas of the State. Such plans and programs shall provide for the development of transportation facilities (including pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) which will function as an intermodal transportation system for the State, the metropolitan areas, and the Nation. The process for developing such plans and programs shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation problems."

Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(b)(1), added pars. (1) and (2) and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:

"(1) In general.—To carry out the transportation planning process required by this section, a metropolitan planning organization shall be designated for each urbanized area of more than 50,000 population by agreement among the Governor and units of general purpose local government which together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the central city or cities as defined by the Bureau of the Census) or in accordance with procedures established by applicable State or local law.

"(2) Membership of certain mpo's.—In a metropolitan area designated as a transportation management area, the metropolitan planning organization designated for such area shall include local elected officials, officials of agencies which administer or operate major modes of transportation in the metropolitan area (including all transportation agencies included in the metropolitan planning organization on June 1, 1991) and appropriate State officials. This paragraph shall only apply to a metropolitan planning organization which is redesignated after the date of the enactment of this section."

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(b)(2), reenacted heading without change and amended text of par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Designations of metropolitan planning organizations, whether made under this section or other provisions of law, shall remain in effect until redesignated under paragraph (5) or revoked by agreement among the Governor and units of general purpose local government which together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population or as otherwise provided under State or local procedures."

Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(b)(3), substituted "agreement between the Governor" for "agreement among the Governor" and "government that together represent" for "government which together represent".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(b)(4), amended heading and text of par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "More than 1 metropolitan planning organization may be designated within an urbanized area as defined by the Bureau of the Census only if the Governor determines that the size and complexity of the urbanized area make designation of more than 1 metropolitan planning organization for such area appropriate."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(c), inserted "Planning" before "Area" in subsec. heading, designated first sentence as par. (1), inserted par. heading, and inserted "planning" before "area", added pars. (2) to (4), realigned margins, and struck out at end "Each metropolitan area shall cover at least the existing urbanized area and the contiguous area expected to become urbanized within the 20-year forecast period and may encompass the entire metropolitan statistical area or consolidated metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census. For areas designated as nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act, the boundaries of the metropolitan area shall at least include the boundaries of the nonattainment area, except as otherwise provided by agreement between the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(d), reenacted heading without change and amended text of subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall establish such requirements as the Secretary considers appropriate to encourage Governors and metropolitan planning organizations with responsibility for a portion of a multi-State metropolitan area to provide coordinated transportation planning for the entire metropolitan area.

"(2) Compacts.—The consent of Congress is hereby given to any 2 or more States to enter into agreements or compacts, not in conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under this section as such activities pertain to interstate areas and localities within such States and to establish such agencies, joint or otherwise, as such States may deem desirable for making such agreements and compacts effective."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(e), substituted "MPOs" for "MPO's" in subsec. heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and inserted par. heading, added par. (2), and realigned margins.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(f), amended heading and text of subsec. (f) generally, substituting provisions relating to scope of planning process for provisions relating to factors to be considered in developing transportation plans and programs.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(6), substituted "Long-Range Transportation Plan" for "Long Range Plan" in heading.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(8), substituted "long-range transportation plan" for "long range plan".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(1), (7), (8), substituted "Long-range transportation plan" for "Long range plan" in heading and substituted "long-range transportation plan" for "long range plan" and "contain, at a minimum, the following" for ", at a minimum" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(2), (8), substituted "An identification of" for "Identify" and "long-range transportation plan" for "long range plan".

Subsec. (g)(2)(B). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(3), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "Include a financial plan that demonstrates how the long-range plan can be implemented, indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the plan, and recommends any innovative financing techniques to finance needed projects and programs, including such techniques as value capture, tolls and congestion pricing."

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(8), substituted "long-range transportation plan" for "long range plan".

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(4), (8), substituted "long-range transportation plan" for "long range plan" in two places and inserted "freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services," after "transportation agency employees," and "representatives of users of public transit," after "private providers of transportation,".

Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(7), (8), substituted "long-range transportation plan" for "long range plan" in heading and in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(g)(5), added par. (6).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(h), amended heading and text of subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, text related to transportation improvement program, providing for development of program, priority and selection of projects, major capital investments, requirement of inclusion of projects within area proposed for funding, and provision of reasonable notice and opportunity to comment for interested citizens.

Subsec. (h)(5)(A). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(o), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, §9003(c), struck out "for implementation" after "federally funded projects" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(i)(1), reenacted heading without change and amended text of par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary shall designate as transportation management areas all urbanized areas over 200,000 population. The Secretary shall designate any additional area as a transportation management area upon the request of the Governor and the metropolitan planning organization designated for such area or the affected local officials. Such additional areas shall include upon such a request the Lake Tahoe Basin as defined by Public Law 96–551."

Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(i)(2), reenacted heading without change and amended text of par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "All projects carried out within the boundaries of a transportation management area with Federal participation pursuant to this title (excluding projects undertaken on the National Highway System and pursuant to the bridge and Interstate maintenance programs) or pursuant to chapter 53 of title 49 shall be selected by the metropolitan planning organization designated for such area in consultation with the State and in conformance with the transportation improvement program for such area and priorities established therein. Projects undertaken within the boundaries of a transportation management area on the National Highway System or pursuant to the bridge and Interstate maintenance programs shall be selected by the State in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization designated for such area and shall be in conformance with the transportation improvement program for such area."

Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(i)(3), reenacted heading without change and amended text of par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary shall assure that each metropolitan planning organization in each transportation management area is carrying out its responsibilities under applicable provisions of Federal law, and shall so certify at least once every 3 years. The Secretary may make such certification only if (1) a metropolitan planning organization is complying with the requirements of this section and other applicable requirements of Federal law, and (2) there is a transportation improvement program for the area that has been approved by the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor. If after September 30, 1993, a metropolitan planning organization is not certified by the Secretary, the Secretary may withhold, in whole or in part, the apportionment under section 104(b)(3) attributed to the relevant metropolitan area pursuant to section 133(d)(3) and capital funds apportioned under the formula program under section 5336 of title 49. If a metropolitan planning organization remains uncertified for more than 2 consecutive years after September 30, 1994, 20 percent of the apportionment attributed to that metropolitan area under section 133(d)(3) and capital funds apportioned under the formula program under section 5336 of title 49 shall be withheld. The withheld apportionments shall be restored to the metropolitan area at such time as the metropolitan planning organization is certified by the Secretary. The Secretary shall not withhold certification under this section based upon the policies and criteria established by a metropolitan planning organization or transit grant recipient for determining the feasibility of private enterprise participation in accordance with section 5306(a) of title 49."

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(j), reenacted heading without change and amended text of subsec. (j) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For metropolitan areas not designated as transportation management areas under this section, the Secretary may provide for the development of abbreviated metropolitan transportation plans and programs that the Secretary determines to be appropriate to achieve the purposes of this section, taking into account the complexity of transportation problems, including transportation related air quality problems, in such areas. In no event shall the Secretary provide abbreviated plans or programs for metropolitan areas which are in nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act."

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(k), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(l), amended heading and text of subsec. (n) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Any funds set aside pursuant to section 104(f) of this title that are not used for the purpose of carrying out this section may be made available by the metropolitan planning organization to the State for the purpose of funding activities under section 135."

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 105–178, §1203(m), added subsec. (o).

1995—Subsec. (f)(16). Pub. L. 104–59 added par. (16).

1994—Subsecs. (h)(5), (i)(3), (4). Pub. L. 103–429, §3(5)(A), substituted "chapter 53 of title 49" for "the Federal Transit Act".

Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 103–429, §3(5)(B), substituted "section 5336 of title 49" for "section 9 of the Federal Transit Act" in two places and "section 5306(a) of title 49" for "section 8(o) of the Federal Transit Act".

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 103–429, §3(5)(C), (D), substituted "chapter 53 of title 49" for "the Federal Transit Act" wherever appearing and "chapter 53 funds" for "Federal Transit Act funds".

Subsecs. (l), (m). Pub. L. 103–429, §3(5)(C), substituted "chapter 53 of title 49" for "the Federal Transit Act".

1992—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 102–388 inserted at end "The provisions of title 23, United States Code, regarding the non-Federal share shall apply to title 23 funds used for transit projects and the provisions of the Federal Transit Act regarding non-Federal share shall apply to Federal Transit Act funds used for highway projects."

1991—Pub. L. 102–240 substituted section catchline for one which read: "Transportation planning in certain urban areas" and amended text generally, substituting present provisions for provisions relating to transportation planning in certain urban areas, including provisions stating transportation objectives, requiring continuing comprehensive planning process by States and local communities, and relating to redesignation of metropolitan planning organizations, designation of contiguous interstate areas as critical transportation regions and corridors, establishment of planning bodies for such regions and corridors, and authorization of appropriations.

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–599, §169(a), inserted provisions related to cooperation with local officials and specific considerations in the planning process.

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 95–599, §169(b), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

1970—Pub. L. 91–605 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted provision prohibiting a highway construction project in any urban area of 50,000 or more population unless responsible public officials of such area have been consulted and their views considered with respect to the corridor, the location, and the design of the project, and added subsec. (b).

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 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 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.

Fiscal Constraint on Long-Range Transportation Plans

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11202, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 519, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021], the Secretary [of Transportation] shall amend section 450.324(f)(11)(v) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, to ensure that the outer years of a metropolitan transportation plan are defined as 'beyond the first 4 years'."

Prioritization Process Pilot Program

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11204, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 520, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Eligible entity.—The term 'eligible entity' means any of the following:

"(A) A metropolitan planning organization that serves an area with a population of over 200,000.

"(B) A State.

"(2) Metropolitan planning organization.—The term 'metropolitan planning organization' has the meaning given the term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code.

"(3) Prioritization process pilot program.—The term 'prioritization process pilot program' means the pilot program established under subsection (b)(1).

"(b) Establishment.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary [of Transportation] shall establish and solicit applications for a prioritization process pilot program.

"(2) Purpose.—The purpose of the prioritization process pilot program shall be to support data-driven approaches to planning that, on completion, can be evaluated for public benefit.

"(c) Pilot Program Administration.—

"(1) In general.—An eligible entity participating in the prioritization process pilot program shall—

"(A) use priority objectives that are developed—

"(i) in the case of an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000, by the metropolitan planning organization that serves the area, in consultation with the State;

"(ii) in the case of an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or fewer, by the State in consultation with all metropolitan planning organizations in the State; and

"(iii) through a public process that provides an opportunity for public input;

"(B) assess and score projects and strategies on the basis of—

"(i) the contribution and benefits of the project or strategy to each priority objective developed under subparagraph (A);

"(ii) the cost of the project or strategy relative to the contribution and benefits assessed and scored under clause (i); and

"(iii) public support;

"(C) use the scores assigned under subparagraph (B) to guide project selection in the development of the transportation plan and transportation improvement program; and

"(D) ensure that the public—

"(i) has opportunities to provide public comment on projects before decisions are made on the transportation plan and the transportation improvement program; and

"(ii) has access to clear reasons why each project or strategy was selected or not selected.

"(2) Requirements.—An eligible entity that receives a grant under the prioritization process pilot program shall use the funds as described in each of the following, as applicable:

"(A) Metropolitan transportation planning.—In the case of a metropolitan planning organization that serves an area with a population of over 200,000, the entity shall—

"(i) develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent prioritization process for the selection of projects for inclusion on the transportation plan for the metropolitan planning area under section 134(i) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5303(i) of title 49, United States Code, which shall—

     "(I) include criteria identified by the metropolitan planning organization, which may be weighted to reflect the priority objectives developed under paragraph (1)(A), that the metropolitan planning organization has determined support—

"(aa) factors described in section 134(h) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5303(h) of title 49, United States Code;

"(bb) targets for national performance measures under section 150(b) of title 23, United States Code;

"(cc) applicable transportation goals in the metropolitan planning area or State set by the applicable transportation agency; and

"(dd) priority objectives developed under paragraph (1)(A);

     "(II) evaluate the outcomes for each proposed project on the basis of the benefits of the proposed project with respect to each of the criteria described in subclause (I) relative to the cost of the proposed project; and

     "(III) use the evaluation under subclause (II) to create a ranked list of proposed projects; and

"(ii) with respect to the priority list under section 134(j)(2)(A) of title 23 and section 5303(j)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, include projects according to the rank of the project under clause (i)(III), except as provided in subparagraph (D).

"(B) Statewide transportation planning.—In the case of a State, the State shall—

"(i) develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent process for the selection of projects for inclusion on the long-range statewide transportation plan under section 135(f) of title 23, United States Code, which shall—

     "(I) include criteria identified by the State, which may be weighted to reflect statewide priorities, that the State has determined support—

"(aa) factors described in section 135(d) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5304(d) of title 49, United States Code;

"(bb) national transportation goals under section 150(b) of title 23, United States Code;

"(cc) applicable transportation goals in the State; and

"(dd) the priority objectives developed under paragraph (1)(A);

     "(II) evaluate the outcomes for each proposed project on the basis of the benefits of the proposed project with respect to each of the criteria described in subclause (I) relative to the cost of the proposed project; and

     "(III) use the evaluation under subclause (II) to create a ranked list of proposed projects; and

"(ii) with respect to the statewide transportation improvement program under section 135(g) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5304(g) of title 49, United States Code, include projects according to the rank of the project under clause (i)(III), except as provided in subparagraph (D).

"(C) Additional transportation planning.—If the eligible entity has implemented, and has in effect, the requirements under subparagraph (A) or (B), as applicable, the eligible entity may use any remaining funds from a grant provided under the pilot program for any transportation planning purpose.

"(D) Exceptions to priority ranking.—In the case of any project that the eligible entity chooses to include or not include in the transportation improvement program under section 134(j) of title 23, United States Code, or the statewide transportation improvement program under section 135(g) of title 23, United States Code, as applicable, in a manner that is contrary to the priority ranking for that project established under subparagraph (A)(i)(III) or (B)(i)(III), the eligible entity shall make publicly available an explanation for the decision, including—

"(i) a review of public comments regarding the project;

"(ii) an evaluation of public support for the project;

"(iii) an assessment of geographic balance of projects of the eligible entity; and

"(iv) the number of projects of the eligible entity in economically distressed areas.

"(3) Maximum amount.—The maximum amount of a grant under the prioritization process pilot program is $2,000,000.

"(d) Applications.—To be eligible to participate in the prioritization process pilot 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."

Travel Demand Data and Modeling

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11205, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 523, provided that:

"(a) Definition of Metropolitan Planning Organization.—In this section, the term 'metropolitan planning organization' has the meaning given the term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code.

"(b) Study.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021], and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary [of Transportation] shall carry out a study that—

"(A) gathers travel data and travel demand forecasts from a representative sample of States and metropolitan planning organizations;

"(B) uses the data and forecasts gathered under subparagraph (A) to compare travel demand forecasts with the observed data, including—

"(i) traffic counts;

"(ii) travel mode share and public transit ridership; and

"(iii) vehicle occupancy measures; and

"(C) uses the information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)—

"(i) to develop best practices or guidance for States and metropolitan planning organizations to use in forecasting travel demand for future investments in transportation improvements;

"(ii) to evaluate the impact of transportation investments, including new roadway capacity, on travel behavior and travel demand, including public transportation ridership, induced highway travel, and congestion;

"(iii) to support more accurate travel demand forecasting by States and metropolitan planning organizations; and

"(iv) to enhance the capacity of States and metropolitan planning organizations—

     "(I) to forecast travel demand; and

     "(II) to track observed travel behavior responses, including induced travel, to changes in transportation capacity, pricing, and land use patterns.

"(2) Secretarial support.—The Secretary shall seek opportunities to support the transportation planning processes under sections 134 and 135 of title 23, United States Code, through the provision of data to States and metropolitan planning organizations to improve the quality of plans, models, and forecasts described in this subsection.

"(3) Evaluation tool.—The Secretary shall develop a publicly available multimodal web-based tool for the purpose of enabling States and metropolitan planning organizations to evaluate the effect of investments in highway and public transportation projects on the use and conditions of all transportation assets within the State or area served by the metropolitan planning organization, as applicable."

Increasing Safe and Accessible Transportation Options

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §11206, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 524, provided that:

"(a) Definition of Complete Streets Standards or Policies.—In this section, the term 'Complete Streets standards or policies' means standards or policies that ensure the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, children, older individuals, individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.

"(b) Funding Requirement.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each State and metropolitan planning organization shall use to carry out 1 or more activities described in subsection (c)—

"(1) in the case of a State, not less than 2.5 percent of the amounts made available to the State to carry out section 505 of title 23, United States Code; and

"(2) in the case of a metropolitan planning organization, not less than 2.5 percent of the amounts made available to the metropolitan planning organization under section 104(d) of title 23, United States Code.

"(c) Activities Described.—An activity referred to in subsection (b) is an activity to increase safe and accessible options for multiple travel modes for people of all ages and abilities, which, if permissible under applicable State and local laws, may include—

"(1) adoption of Complete Streets standards or policies;

"(2) development of a Complete Streets prioritization plan that identifies a specific list of Complete Streets projects to improve the safety, mobility, or accessibility of a street;

"(3) development of transportation plans—

"(A) to create a network of active transportation facilities, including sidewalks, bikeways, or pedestrian and bicycle trails, to connect neighborhoods with destinations such as workplaces, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, healthcare and child care services, or other community activity centers;

"(B) to integrate active transportation facilities with public transportation service or improve access to public transportation;

"(C) to create multiuse active transportation infrastructure facilities, including bikeways or pedestrian and bicycle trails, that make connections within or between communities;

"(D) to increase public transportation ridership; and

"(E) to improve the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians;

"(4) regional and megaregional planning to address travel demand and capacity constraints through alternatives to new highway capacity, including through intercity passenger rail; and

"(5) development of transportation plans and policies that support transit-oriented development.

"(d) Federal Share.—The Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under this section shall be 80 percent, unless the Secretary [of Transportation] determines that the interests of the Federal-aid highway program would be best served by decreasing or eliminating the non-Federal share.

"(e) State Flexibility.—A State or metropolitan planning organization, with the approval of the Secretary, may opt out of the requirements of this section if the State or metropolitan planning organization demonstrates to the Secretary, by not later than 30 days before the Secretary apportions funds for a fiscal year under section 104 [probably means section 104 of title 23, United States Code], that the State or metropolitan planning organization—

"(1) has Complete Streets standards and policies in place; and

"(2) has developed an up-to-date Complete Streets prioritization plan as described in subsection (c)(2)."

Transportation Access Pilot Program

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title III, §13010, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 644, provided that:

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Metropolitan planning organization.—The term 'metropolitan planning organization' has the meaning given the term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code.

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

"(3) Surface transportation modes.—The term 'surface transportation modes' means—

"(A) driving;

"(B) public transportation;

"(C) walking;

"(D) cycling; and

"(E) a combination of any of the modes of transportation described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).

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

"(5) Regional transportation planning organization.—The term 'regional transportation planning organization' has the meaning given the term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code.

"(b) Establishment.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021], the Secretary [of Transportation] shall establish a transportation pilot program.

"(c) Purpose.—The purpose of the pilot program is to develop or procure an accessibility data set and make that data set available to each eligible entity selected to participate in the pilot program—

"(1) to improve the transportation planning of those eligible entities by—

"(A) measuring the level of access by surface transportation modes to important destinations, which may include—

"(i) jobs;

"(ii) health care facilities;

"(iii) child care services;

"(iv) educational and workforce training facilities;

"(v) housing;

"(vi) food sources;

"(vii) points within the supply chain for freight commodities;

"(viii) domestic or international markets; and

"(ix) connections between surface transportation modes; and

"(B) disaggregating the level of access by surface transportation modes by a variety of—

"(i) population categories, which may include—

     "(I) low-income populations;

     "(II) minority populations;

     "(III) age;

     "(IV) disability; and

     "(V) geographical location; or

"(ii) freight commodities, which may include—

     "(I) agricultural commodities;

     "(II) raw materials;

     "(III) finished products; and

     "(IV) energy commodities; and

"(2) to assess the change in accessibility that would result from new transportation investments.

"(d) Eligible Entities.—An entity eligible to participate in the pilot program is—

"(1) a State;

"(2) a metropolitan planning organization; or

"(3) a regional transportation planning organization.

"(e) Application.—To be eligible to participate in the pilot 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, including information relating to—

"(1) previous experience of the eligible entity measuring transportation access or other performance management experience, if applicable;

"(2) the types of important destinations to which the eligible entity intends to measure access;

"(3) the types of data disaggregation the eligible entity intends to pursue;

"(4) a general description of the methodology the eligible entity intends to apply; and

"(5) if the applicant does not intend the pilot program to apply to the full area under the jurisdiction of the applicant, a description of the geographic area in which the applicant intends the pilot program to apply.

"(f) Selection.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall seek to achieve diversity of participants in the pilot program by selecting a range of eligible entities that shall include—

"(A) States;

"(B) metropolitan planning organizations that serve an area with a population of 200,000 people or fewer;

"(C) metropolitan planning organizations that serve an area with a population of over 200,000 people; and

"(D) regional transportation planning organizations.

"(2) Inclusions.—The Secretary shall seek to ensure that, among the eligible entities selected under paragraph (1), there is—

"(A) a range of capacity and previous experience with measuring transportation access; and

"(B) a variety of proposed methodologies and focus areas for measuring level of access.

"(g) Duties.—For each eligible entity participating in the pilot program, the Secretary shall—

"(1) develop or acquire an accessibility data set described in subsection (c); and

"(2) submit the data set to the eligible entity.

"(h) Methodology.—In calculating the measures for the data set under the pilot program, the Secretary shall ensure that methodology is open source.

"(i) Availability.—The Secretary shall make an accessibility data set under the pilot program available to—

"(1) units of local government within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity participating in the pilot program; and

"(2) researchers.

"(j) Report.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021], and every 2 years thereafter, 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 results of the pilot program, including the feasibility of developing and providing periodic accessibility data sets for all States, regions, and localities.

"(k) Transportation System Access.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall establish consistent measures that States, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional transportation planning organizations may choose to adopt to assess the level of safe and convenient access by surface transportation modes to important destinations as described in subsection (c)(1)(A).

"(2) Savings provision.—Nothing in this section provides the Secretary the authority—

"(A) to establish a performance measure or require States or metropolitan planning organizations to set a performance target for access as described in paragraph (1); or

"(B) to establish any other Federal requirement.

"(l) Funding.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program using amounts made available to the Secretary for administrative expenses to carry out programs under the authority of the Secretary.

"(m) Sunset.—The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 8 years after the date on which the pilot program is implemented."

Schedule for Implementation

Pub. L. 109–59, title VI, §6001(b), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1857, provided that: "The Secretary [of Transportation] shall issue guidance on a schedule for implementation of the changes made by this section [amending this section and section 135 of this title], taking into consideration the established planning update cycle for States and metropolitan planning organizations. The Secretary shall not require a State or metropolitan planning organization to deviate from its established planning update cycle to implement changes made by this section. Beginning July 1, 2007, State or metropolitan planning organization plan or program updates shall reflect changes made by this section."

Demonstration Project for Restricted Access to Central Business District of Metropolitan Areas

Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §155, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2717, authorized Secretary of Transportation to carry out a demonstration project in a metropolitan area respecting the restriction of access of motor vehicles to the central business district during peak hours of traffic, authorized the necessary appropriations, and required progress reports and a final report and recommendations not later than three years after Nov. 6, 1978.

Reduction of Urban Blight Adjacent to Federal-Aid Primary and Interstate Highways Located in Central Business Districts

Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §159, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2718, directed Secretary to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress not later than two years after Nov. 6, 1978, respecting the potential for reducing urban blight adjacent to Federal-aid primary and interstate highways located in central business districts.

Urban System Study

Pub. L. 94–280, title I, §149, May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 447, directed Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study of the factors involved in planning, selection, etc., of Federal-aid urban system routes including an analysis of organizations carrying out the planning process, the status of jurisdiction over roads, programing responsibilities under local and State laws, and authority of local units, such study to be submitted to Congress within six months of May 5, 1976.

Fringe Parking Demonstration Projects

Pub. L. 90–495, §11, Aug. 23, 1968, 82 Stat. 820, authorized Secretary to approve construction of publicly owned parking facilities under this title until June 30, 1971, as a demonstration project, authorized the Federal share of any project under this section to be 50%, prevented approval of projects by the Secretary unless the State or political subdivision thereof where the project is located can construct, maintain, and operate the facility, unless the Secretary has entered into an agreement with the State or political subdivision governing the financing, maintenance, and operation of the facility, and unless the Secretary has approved design standards for construction of the facility, defined "parking facilities", permitted a State or political subdivision to contract for the operation of such facility, prohibited approval of the project by the Secretary unless it is carried on in accordance with section 134 of this title (this section), and required annual reports to Congress on the demonstration projects approved under this section, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 91–605, title I, §134(c), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1734. See section 137 of this title.

1 So in original. Probably should be "urbanized areas, better connect housing and employment,".
23 U.S.C. § 133 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 1: FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS / Section 133: Surface transportation block grant program
Surface transportation block grant program
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish a surface transportation block grant program in accordance with this section to provide flexible funding to address State and local transportation needs.

(b) Eligible Projects.—Funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(2) for the surface transportation block grant program may be obligated for the following:

(1) Construction of—

(A) highways, bridges, tunnels, including designated routes of the Appalachian development highway system and local access roads under section 14501 of title 40;

(B) ferry boats and terminal facilities—

(i) that are eligible for funding under section 129(c); or

(ii) that are privately or majority-privately owned, but that the Secretary determines provide a substantial public transportation benefit or otherwise meet the foremost needs of the surface transportation system described in section 101(b)(3)(D);

(C) transit capital projects eligible for assistance under chapter 53 of title 49;

(D) infrastructure-based intelligent transportation systems capital improvements, including the installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment;

(E) truck parking facilities eligible for funding under section 1401 of MAP–21 (23 U.S.C. 137 note);

(F) border infrastructure projects eligible for funding under section 1303 of SAFETEA–LU (23 U.S.C. 101 note); and

(G) wildlife crossing structures.

(2) Operational improvements and capital and operating costs for traffic monitoring, management, and control facilities and programs.

(3) Environmental measures eligible under sections 119(g), 148(a)(4)(B)(xvii), 328, and 329 and transportation control measures listed in section 108(f)(1)(A) (other than clause (xvi) of that section) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7408(f)(1)(A)).

(5) 1 Highway and transit safety infrastructure improvements and programs, including projects eligible under section 130 and installation of safety barriers and nets on bridges.

(6) Fringe and corridor parking facilities and programs in accordance with section 137 and carpool projects in accordance with section 146.

(7) Recreational trails projects eligible for funding under section 206 including the maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails,,2 pedestrian and bicycle projects in accordance with section 217 (including modifications to comply with accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.)), and the safe routes to school program under section 208.

(8) Planning, design, or construction of boulevards and other roadways largely in the right-of-way of former Interstate System routes or other divided highways.

(9) Development and implementation of a State asset management plan for the National Highway System and a performance-based management program for other public roads.

(10) Protection (including painting, scour countermeasures, seismic retrofits, impact protection measures, security countermeasures, and protection against extreme events) for bridges (including approaches to bridges and other elevated structures) and tunnels on public roads, and inspection and evaluation of bridges and tunnels and other highway assets.

(11) Surface transportation planning programs, highway and transit research and development and technology transfer programs, and workforce development, training, and education under chapter 5 of this title.

(12) Surface transportation infrastructure modifications to facilitate direct intermodal interchange, transfer, and access into and out of a port terminal.

(13) Projects and strategies designed to support congestion pricing, including electronic toll collection and travel demand management strategies and programs.

(14) Projects and strategies designed to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions, including project-related planning, design, construction, monitoring, and preventative maintenance.

(15) The installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and vehicle-to-grid infrastructure.

(16) The installation and deployment of current and emerging intelligent transportation technologies, including the ability of vehicles to communicate with infrastructure, buildings, and other road users.

(17) Planning and construction of projects that facilitate intermodal connections between emerging transportation technologies, such as magnetic levitation and hyperloop.

(18) Protective features, including natural infrastructure, to enhance the resilience of a transportation facility otherwise eligible for assistance under this section.

(19) Measures to protect a transportation facility otherwise eligible for assistance under this section from cybersecurity threats.

(20) At the request of a State, and upon Secretarial approval of credit assistance under chapter 6, subsidy and administrative costs necessary to provide an eligible entity Federal credit assistance under chapter 6 with respect to a project eligible for assistance under this section.

(21) The creation and operation by a State of an office to assist in the design, implementation, and oversight, including conducting value for money analyses or similar comparative analyses, of public-private partnerships eligible to receive funding under this title and chapter 53 of title 49, and the payment of a stipend to unsuccessful private bidders to offset their proposal development costs, if necessary to encourage robust competition in public-private partnership procurements.

(22) Any type of project eligible under this section as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the FAST Act, including projects described under section 101(a)(29) as in effect on such day.

(23) Rural barge landing, dock, and waterfront infrastructure projects in accordance with subsection (j).

(24) Projects to enhance travel and tourism.

(c) Location of Projects.—A surface transportation block grant project may not be undertaken on a road functionally classified as a local road or a rural minor collector unless the road was on a Federal-aid highway system on January 1, 1991, except—

(1) for a bridge or tunnel project (other than the construction of a new bridge or tunnel at a new location);

(2) for a project described in paragraphs (5) through (15) and paragraph (23) of subsection (b);

(3) for a project described in section 101(a)(29), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the FAST Act;

(4) for a bridge project for the replacement of a low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) with a bridge; and

(5) as approved by the Secretary.

(d) Allocations of Apportioned Funds to Areas Based on Population.—

(1) Calculation.—Of the funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(2) (after the set aside of funds under subsection (h))—

(A) 55 percent for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 shall be obligated under this section, in proportion to their relative shares of the population of the State—

(i) in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized area population of over 200,000;

(ii) in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized area population of not less than 50,000 and not more than 200,000;

(iii) in urban areas of the State with a population not less than 5,000 and not more than 49,999; and

(iv) in other areas of the State with a population less than 5,000; and

(B) the remainder may be obligated in any area of the State.

(2) Metropolitan areas.—Funds attributed to an urbanized area under paragraph (1)(A)(i) may be obligated in the metropolitan area established under section 134 that encompasses the urbanized area.

(3) Local consultation.—

(A) Consultation with metropolitan planning organizations.—For purposes of clause (ii) of paragraph (1)(A), a State shall—

(i) establish a process to consult with all metropolitan planning organizations in the State that represent an urbanized area described in that clause; and

(ii) describe how funds allocated for areas described in that clause will be allocated equitably among the applicable urbanized areas during the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

(B) Consultation with regional transportation planning organizations.—For purposes of clauses (iii) and (iv) of paragraph (1)(A), before obligating funding attributed to an area with a population less than 50,000, a State shall consult with the regional transportation planning organizations that represent the area, if any.

(4) Distribution among urbanized areas of over 200,000 population.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amount of funds that a State is required to obligate under paragraph (1)(A)(i) shall be obligated in urbanized areas described in paragraph (1)(A)(i) based on the relative population of the areas.

(B) Other factors.—The State may obligate the funds described in subparagraph (A) based on other factors if the State and the relevant metropolitan planning organizations jointly apply to the Secretary for the permission to base the obligation on other factors and the Secretary grants the request.

(5) Applicability of planning requirements.—Programming and expenditure of funds for projects under this section shall be consistent with sections 134 and 135.

(e) Obligation Authority.—

(1) In general.—A State that is required to obligate in an urbanized area with an urbanized area population of over 200,000 individuals under subsection (d) funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(2) shall make available during the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 an amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for use in the area that is equal to the amount obtained by multiplying—

(A) the aggregate amount of funds that the State is required to obligate in the area under subsection (d) during the period; and

(B) the ratio that—

(i) the aggregate amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs during the period; bears to

(ii) the total of the sums apportioned to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs (excluding sums not subject to an obligation limitation) during the period.

(2) Joint responsibility.—Each State, each affected metropolitan planning organization, and the Secretary shall jointly ensure compliance with paragraph (1).

(f) Bridges Not on Federal-aid Highways.—

(1) Definition of off-system bridge.—In this subsection, the term "off-system bridge" means a highway bridge or low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) located on a public road, other than a bridge or low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) on a Federal-aid highway.

(2) Special rule.—

(A) Set-aside.—Of the amounts apportioned to a State for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter under this section, the State shall obligate for activities described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (10) of subsection (b) for off-system bridges, projects and activities described in subsection (b)(1)(A) for the replacement of low water crossings with bridges, and projects and activities described in subsection (b)(10) for low water crossings (as defined by the Secretary), an amount that is not less than 20 percent of the amount of funds apportioned to the State for the highway bridge program for fiscal year 2009, except that amounts allocated under subsection (d) shall not be obligated to carry out this subsection.

(B) Reduction of expenditures.—The Secretary, after consultation with State and local officials, may reduce the requirement for expenditures for off-system bridges under subparagraph (A) with respect to the State if the Secretary determines that the State has inadequate needs to justify the expenditure.

(3) Credit for bridges not on federal-aid highways.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to any project not on a Federal-aid highway for the replacement of a bridge, rehabilitation of a bridge, or replacement of a low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) with a bridge that is wholly funded from State and local sources, is eligible for Federal funds under this section, is noncontroversial, is certified by the State to have been carried out in accordance with all standards applicable to such projects under this section, and is determined by the Secretary upon completion to be no longer a deficient bridge or, in the case of a replacement of a low water crossing with a bridge, is determined by the Secretary on completion to have improved the safety of the location—

(A) any amount expended after the date of enactment of this subsection from State and local sources for the project in excess of 20 percent of the cost of construction of the project may be credited to the non-Federal share of the cost of other bridge projects in the State that are eligible for Federal funds under this section; and

(B) that crediting shall be conducted in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary.

(g) Special Rule for Areas of Less Than 50,000 Population.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding subsection (c), and except as provided in paragraph (2), up to 15 percent of the amounts required to be obligated by a State under clauses (iii) and (iv) of subsection (d)(1)(A) for each fiscal year may be obligated on—

(A) roads functionally classified as rural minor collectors or local roads; or

(B) on critical rural freight corridors designated under section 167(e).

(2) Suspension.—The Secretary may suspend the application of paragraph (1) with respect to a State if the Secretary determines that the authority provided under paragraph (1) is being used excessively by the State.

(h) STP Set-Aside.—

(1) In general.—Of the funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(2) for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter—

(A) the Secretary shall set aside an amount equal to 10 percent to carry out this subsection; and

(B) the State's share of that total is determined by multiplying the amount under subparagraph (A) by the ratio that—

(i) the amount apportioned to the State for the transportation enhancements program for fiscal year 2009 under section 133(d)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of MAP–21; bears to

(ii) the total amount of funds apportioned to all States for the transportation enhancements program for fiscal year 2009.

(2) Allocation within a state.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), funds set aside for a State under paragraph (1) shall be obligated within that State in the manner described in subsection (d), except that, for purposes of this paragraph (after funds are made available under paragraph (5))—

(i) for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the percentage referred to in paragraph (1)(A) of that subsection shall be deemed to be 59 percent; and

(ii) paragraph (3) of subsection (d) shall not apply.

(B) Local control.—A State may allocate up to 100 percent of the funds referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) if—

(i) the State submits to the Secretary a plan that describes—

(I) how funds will be allocated to counties, metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation planning organizations as described in section 135(m), or local governments;

(II) how the entities described in subclause (I) will carry out a competitive process to select projects for funding and report selected projects to the State;

(III) the legal, financial, and technical capacity of the entities described in subclause (I);

(IV) how input was gathered from the entities described in subclause (I) to ensure those entities will be able to comply with the requirements of this subsection; and

(V) how the State will comply with paragraph (8); and

(ii) the Secretary approves the plan submitted under clause (i).

(3) Eligible projects.—Funds set aside under this subsection may be obligated for—

(A) projects or activities described in section 101(a)(29) or 213, as those provisions were in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the FAST Act (Public Law 114–94; 129 Stat. 1312);

(B) projects and activities under the safe routes to school program under section 208; and

(C) activities in furtherance of a vulnerable road user safety assessment (as defined in section 148(a)).

(4) Access to funds.—

(A) Eligible entity defined.—In this paragraph, the term "eligible entity" means—

(i) a local government;

(ii) a regional transportation authority;

(iii) a transit agency;

(iv) a natural resource or public land agency;

(v) a school district, local education agency, or school;

(vi) a tribal government;

(vii) a metropolitan planning organization that serves an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or fewer;

(viii) a nonprofit entity;

(ix) any other local or regional governmental entity with responsibility for or oversight of transportation or recreational trails (other than a metropolitan planning organization that serves an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000 or a State agency) that the State determines to be eligible, consistent with the goals of this subsection; and

(x) a State, at the request of an entity described in clauses (i) through (ix).

(B) Competitive process.—A State or metropolitan planning organization required to obligate funds in accordance with paragraph (2) shall develop a competitive process to allow eligible entities to submit projects for funding that achieve the objectives of this subsection.

(C) Selection.—A metropolitan planning organization for an area described in subsection (d)(1)(A)(i) shall select projects under the competitive process described in subparagraph (B) in consultation with the relevant State.

(D) Prioritization.—The competitive process described in subparagraph (B) shall include prioritization of project location and impact in high-need areas as defined by the State, such as low-income, transit-dependent, rural, or other areas.

(5) Continuation of certain recreational trails projects.—For each fiscal year, a State shall—

(A) obligate an amount of funds set aside under this subsection equal to the amount of the funds apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2009 under section 104(h)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of MAP–21, for projects relating to recreational trails under section 206;

(B) return 1 percent of those funds to the Secretary for the administration of that program; and

(C) comply with the provisions of the administration of the recreational trails program under section 206, including the use of apportioned funds described in subsection (d)(3)(A) of that section.

(6) State flexibility.—

(A) Recreational trails.—A State may opt out of the recreational trails program under paragraph (5) if the Governor of the State notifies the Secretary not later than 30 days prior to apportionments being made for any fiscal year.

(B) Large urbanized areas.—A metropolitan planning area may use not to exceed 50 percent of the funds set aside under this subsection for an urbanized area described in subsection (d)(1)(A)(i) for any purpose eligible under subsection (b).

(C) Improving accessibility and efficiency.—

(i) In general.—A State may use an amount equal to not more than 5 percent of the funds set aside for the State under this subsection, after allocating funds in accordance with paragraph (2)(A), to improve the ability of applicants to access funding for projects under this subsection in an efficient and expeditious manner by providing—

(I) to applicants for projects under this subsection application assistance, technical assistance, and assistance in reducing the period of time between the selection of the project and the obligation of funds for the project; and

(II) funding for 1 or more full-time State employee positions to administer this subsection.

(ii) Use of funds.—Amounts used under clause (i) may be expended—

(I) directly by the State; or

(II) through contracts with State agencies, private entities, or nonprofit entities.

(7) Federal share.—

(A) Required aggregate non-federal share.—The average annual non-Federal share of the total cost of all projects for which funds are obligated under this subsection in a State for a fiscal year shall be not less than the average non-Federal share of the cost of the projects that would otherwise apply.

(B) Flexible financing.—Subject to subparagraph (A), notwithstanding section 120—

(i) funds made available to carry out section 148 may be credited toward the non-Federal share of the costs of a project under this subsection if the project—

(I) is an eligible project described in section 148(e)(1); and

(II) is consistent with the State strategic highway safety plan (as defined in section 148(a));

(ii) the non-Federal share for a project under this subsection may be calculated on a project, multiple-project, or program basis; and

(iii) the Federal share of the cost of an individual project in this section may be up to 100 percent.

(C) Requirement.—Subparagraph (B) shall only apply to a State if the State has adequate financial controls, as certified by the Secretary, to account for the average annual non-Federal share under this paragraph.

(8) Annual reports.—

(A) In general.—Each State or metropolitan planning organization responsible for carrying out the requirements of this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an annual report that includes—

(i) the number of project applications received for each fiscal year, including—

(I) the aggregate cost of the projects for which applications are received; and

(II) the types of projects to be carried out, expressed as percentages of the total apportionment of the State under this subsection; and

(ii) a list of each project selected for funding for each fiscal year, including, for each project—

(I) the fiscal year during which the project was selected;

(II) the fiscal year in which the project is anticipated to be funded;

(III) the recipient;

(IV) the location, including the congressional district;

(V) the type;

(VI) the cost; and

(VII) a brief description.

(B) Public availability.—The Secretary shall make available to the public, in a user-friendly format on the Web site of the Department of Transportation, a copy of each annual report submitted under subparagraph (A).

(i) Treatment of Projects.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, projects funded under this section (excluding those carried out under subsection (h)(5)) shall be treated as projects on a Federal-aid highway under this chapter.

(j) Rural Barge Landing, Dock, and Waterfront Infrastructure Projects.—

(1) In general.—A State may use not more than 5 percent of the funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(2) for eligible rural barge landing, dock, and waterfront infrastructure projects described in paragraph (2).

(2) Eligible projects.—An eligible rural barge landing, dock, or waterfront infrastructure project referred to in paragraph (1) is a project for the planning, designing, engineering, or construction of a barge landing, dock, or other waterfront infrastructure in a rural community or a Native village (as defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)) that is off the road system.

(k) Projects in Rural Areas.—

(1) Set aside.—Notwithstanding subsection (c), in addition to the activities described in subsections (b) and (g), of the amounts apportioned to a State for each fiscal year to carry out this section, not more than 15 percent may be—

(A) used on eligible projects under subsection (b) or maintenance activities on roads functionally classified as rural minor collectors or local roads, ice roads, or seasonal roads; or

(B) transferred to—

(i) the Appalachian Highway System Program under 14501 3 of title 40; or

(ii) the Denali access system program under section 309 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277).

(2) Savings clause.—Amounts allocated under subsection (d) shall not be used to carry out this subsection, except at the request of the applicable metropolitan planning organization.

(Added Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1007(a)(1), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1927; amended Pub. L. 103–429, §3(4), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4377; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §§315, 316, Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 586, 587; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §§1108(a)–(e), 1212(a)(2)(A)(i), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 138–140, 193; Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1113(a)–(b)(2), (c)–(e), title VI, §6006(a)(2), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1171, 1172, 1872; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §§1108, 1519(c)(7), formerly §1519(c)(8), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 440, 576, renumbered §1519(c)(7), Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1446(d)(5)(B), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1438; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §§1109(b), 1407(b), 1446(d)(5)(C), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1338, 1410, 1438; Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, §§11109(a), (b)(1), 11508(d)(2), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 461, 465, 588.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 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 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

The date of enactment of the FAST Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(22), (c)(3), and (h)(3)(A), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 114–94, which was approved Dec. 4, 2015.

The date of enactment of MAP–21, referred to in subsec. (h)(1)(B)(i), (5)(A), 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.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 133, Pub. L. 87–866, §5(a), Oct. 23, 1962, 76 Stat. 1146, provided for relocation assistance for persons displaced by Federal-aid highway construction, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 90–495, §37, Aug. 23, 1968, 82 Stat. 836, effective July 1, 1970. See section 501 et seq. of this title.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(A)(i), inserted dash after "facilities", cl. (i) designation and "that are" before "eligible", and "or" at end and added cl. (ii).

Subsec. (b)(1)(G). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(A)(ii)–(iv), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(B), inserted "148(a)(4)(B)(xvii)," after "119(g),".

Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(C), (D), redesignated par. (4) as (5) and substituted "projects eligible under section 130 and installation of safety barriers and nets on bridges" for "railway-highway grade crossings". Former par. (5) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(C), redesignated par. (5) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(C), (E), redesignated par. (6) as (7), inserted "including the maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails," after "section 206", and substituted "the safe routes to school program under section 208" for "the safe routes to school program under section 1404 of SAFETEA–LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note)". Former par. (7) redesignated (8).

Subsec. (b)(8) to (13). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(C), redesignated pars. (7) to (12) as (8) to (13), respectively. Former par. (13) redesignated (20).

Subsec. (b)(14) to (19). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(F), added pars. (14) to (19). Former pars. (14) and (15) redesignated (21) and (22), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(20). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(C), redesignated par. (13) as (20).

Subsec. (b)(21). Pub. L. 117–58, §11508(d)(2), inserted ", including conducting value for money analyses or similar comparative analyses," after "oversight".

Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(C), redesignated par. (14) as (21).

Subsec. (b)(22). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(C), redesignated par. (15) as (22).

Subsec. (b)(23), (24). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(1)(G), added pars. (23) and (24).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(2)(A), substituted "paragraphs (5) through (15) and paragraph (23)" for "paragraphs (4) through (11)".

Subsec. (c)(4), (5). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(2)(B)–(D), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(3)(A)(i), substituted "set aside" for "reservation" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(3)(A)(ii)(I), substituted "55 percent for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026" for "the percentage specified in paragraph (6) for a fiscal year" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(3)(A)(ii)(II), added cls. (ii) to (iv) and struck out former cls. (ii) and (iii) which read as follows:

"(ii) in areas of the State other than urban areas with a population greater than 5,000; and

"(iii) in other areas of the State; and".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(3)(B), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of paragraph (1)(A)(iii), before obligating funding attributed to an area with a population greater than 5,000 and less than 200,000, a State shall consult with the regional transportation planning organizations that represent the area, if any."

Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(3)(C), struck out par. (6) which specified percentages from 51 to 55 percent for fiscal years 2016 to 2020 to be obligated pursuant to subsec. (d)(1)(A) of this section.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(4), substituted "fiscal years 2022 through 2026" for "fiscal years 2016 through 2020".

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(5)(A), inserted "or low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary)" after "a highway bridge" and after "other than a bridge".

Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(5)(B), substituted "activities described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (10) of subsection (b) for off-system bridges, projects and activities described in subsection (b)(1)(A) for the replacement of low water crossings with bridges, and projects and activities described in subsection (b)(10) for low water crossings (as defined by the Secretary)," for "activities described in subsection (b)(2) for off-system bridges" and "20 percent" for "15 percent".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(5)(C), in introductory provisions, substituted "bridge, rehabilitation of a bridge, or replacement of a low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) with a bridge" for "bridge or rehabilitation of a bridge" and inserted "or, in the case of a replacement of a low water crossing with a bridge, is determined by the Secretary on completion to have improved the safety of the location" after "no longer a deficient bridge".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(6)(A), substituted "Less Than 50,000" for "Less Than 5,000" in heading.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(6)(B), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Notwithstanding subsection (c), and except as provided in paragraph (2), up to 15 percent of the amounts required to be obligated by a State under subsection (d)(1)(A)(ii) for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020 may be obligated on roads functionally classified as minor collectors."

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(A), substituted "In general" for "Reservation of funds" in heading and "for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter—" for "for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve an amount such that—" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(A)(ii), substituted "the Secretary shall set aside an amount equal to 10 percent to carry out this subsection; and" for "the Secretary reserves a total under this subsection of—

"(i) $835,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and

"(ii) $850,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2020; and".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(B), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Funds reserved for a State under paragraph (1) shall be obligated within that State in the manner described in subsection (d), except that, for purposes of this paragraph (after funds are made available under paragraph (5))—

"(A) for each fiscal year, the percentage referred to in paragraph (1)(A) of that subsection shall be deemed to be 50 percent; and

"(B) the following provisions shall not apply:

"(i) Paragraph (3) of subsection (d).

"(ii) Subsection (e)."

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(C), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Funds reserved under this subsection may be obligated for projects or activities described in section 101(a)(29) or 213, as such provisions were in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the FAST Act."

Subsec. (h)(4)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(D)(i), (ii), redesignated subpar. (B) as (A) and struck out former subpar. (A). Prior to amendment, text of subpar. (A) read as follows: "A State or metropolitan planning organization required to obligate funds in accordance with paragraph (2) shall develop a competitive process to allow eligible entities to submit projects for funding that achieve the objectives of this subsection. A metropolitan planning organization for an area described in subsection (d)(1)(A)(i) shall select projects under such process in consultation with the relevant State."

Subsec. (h)(4)(A)(vii). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(D)(iii)(II), added cl. (vii). Former cl. (vii) redesignated (viii).

Subsec. (h)(4)(A)(viii). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(D)(iii)(I), (III), redesignated cl. (vii) as (viii) and substituted "entity;" for "entity responsible for the administration of local transportation safety programs; and". Former cl. (viii) redesignated (ix).

Subsec. (h)(4)(A)(ix). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(D)(iii)(I), (IV), redesignated cl. (viii) as (ix), inserted "that serves an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000" after "metropolitan planning organization" and substituted "; and" for period at end.

Subsec. (h)(4)(A)(x). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(D)(iii)(V), added cl. (x).

Subsec. (h)(4)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(D)(iv), added subpars. (B) to (D). Former subpar. (B) redesignated (A).

Subsec. (h)(5)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(E), substituted "set aside under this subsection" for "reserved under this section".

Subsec. (h)(6)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(F)(i), substituted "set aside" for "reserved".

Subsec. (h)(6)(C). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(F)(ii), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (h)(7), (8). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(G), (H), added par. (7) and redesignated former par. (7) as (8).

Subsec. (h)(8)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(I)(i), substituted "includes" for "describes" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(8)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(b)(1)(I)(ii), added cl. (ii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: "the number of projects selected for funding for each fiscal year, including the aggregate cost and location of projects selected."

Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 117–58, §11109(a)(7), added subsecs. (j) and (k).

2015—Pub. L. 114–94, §1109(b)(2), substituted "Surface transportation block grant program" for "Surface transportation program" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 114–94, §1109(b)(1), amended subsecs. (a) and (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsecs. (a) and (b) related to establishment of surface transportation program and eligible projects, respectively.

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 114–94, §1407(b), inserted ", including the installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment" after "capital improvements".

Subsec. (b)(13). Pub. L. 114–94, §1446(d)(5)(B), (C), amended Pub. L. 112–141, §1519(c). See 2012 Amendment note below.

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 114–94, §1109(b)(1), amended subsecs. (c) and (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsecs. (c) and (d) related to location of projects and allocations of apportioned funds to areas based on population, respectively.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–94, §1109(b)(3)–(5), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e), substituted "104(b)(2)" for "104(b)(3)" and "fiscal years 2016 through 2020" for fiscal years 2011 through 2014" in (e)(1), and struck out former subsec. (e). Text of former subsec. (e) read as follows:

"(1) Submission of project agreement.—For each fiscal year, each State shall submit a project agreement that—

"(A) certifies that the State will meet all the requirements of this section; and

"(B) notifies the Secretary of the amount of obligations needed to carry out the program under this section.

"(2) Request for adjustments of amounts.—Each State shall request from the Secretary such adjustments to the amount of obligations referred to in paragraph (1)(B) as the State determines to be necessary.

"(3) Effect of approval by the secretary.—Approval by the Secretary of a project agreement under paragraph (1) shall be deemed a contractual obligation of the United States to pay surface transportation program funds made available under this title."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–94, §1109(b)(4), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–94, §1109(b)(4), (6), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g) and substituted "under subsection (d)(1)(A)(ii) for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020" for "under subsection (d)(1)(A)(iii) for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2014". Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f).

Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 114–94, §1109(b)(7), added subsecs. (h) and (i).

2012—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(1), substituted "section 104(b)(2)" for "section 104(b)(3)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(2), (4), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "Construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, and operational improvements for highways (including Interstate highways) and bridges (including bridges on public roads of all functional classifications), including any such construction or reconstruction necessary to accommodate other transportation modes, and including the seismic retrofit and painting of and application of calcium magnesium acetate, sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and de-icing compositions on bridges and approaches thereto and other elevated structures, mitigation of damage to wildlife, habitat, and ecosystems caused by a transportation project funded under this title."

Subsec. (b)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(4), added pars. (2) to (4). Former pars. (2) to (4) redesignated (5) to (7), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(3), redesignated par. (2) as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (8).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(5), added par. (6) and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: "Carpool projects, fringe and corridor parking facilities and programs, bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways in accordance with section 217, and the modification of public sidewalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.)."

Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(3), redesignated par. (3) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (9).

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(6), added par. (7) and struck out former par. (7) which read as follows: "Highway and transit safety infrastructure improvements and programs, hazard eliminations, projects to mitigate hazards caused by wildlife, and railway-highway grade crossings."

Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(3), redesignated par. (4) as (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (10).

Subsec. (b)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(3), redesignated pars. (5) to (7) as (8) to (10), respectively. Former pars. (8) to (10) redesignated (11) to (13), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(3), (7), redesignated par. (8) as (11) and substituted "alternatives" for "enhancement activities". Former par. (11) redesignated (14).

Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(3), redesignated par. (9) as (12). Former par. (12) redesignated (15).

Subsec. (b)(13). Pub. L. 112–141, §§1108(a)(3), 1519(c)(7), formerly §1519(c)(8), as renumbered and amended by Pub. L. 114–94, §1446(d)(5)(B), (C), redesignated par. (10) as (13) and struck out "under section 303" before period at end. Former par. (13) redesignated (16).

Subsec. (b)(14). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(8), added par. (14) and struck out former par. (14) which related to obligating funds for the surface transportation program for projects related to participation in natural habitat and wetlands mitigation efforts.

Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(3), redesignated par. (11) as (14). Former par. (14) redesignated (17).

Subsec. (b)(15) to (18). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(3), redesignated pars. (12) to (15) as (15) to (18), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(19) to (26). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(a)(9), added pars. (19) to (26).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(b), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Except as provided in subsection (b)(1), surface transportation program projects (other than those described in subsections (b)(3) and (4)) may not be undertaken on roads functionally classified as local or rural minor collectors, unless such roads are on a Federal-aid highway system on January 1, 1991, and except as approved by the Secretary."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(c), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which related to allocations of apportioned funds.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(d), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to administration and consisted of pars. (1) to (5).

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(e), substituted "2011 through 2014" for "2004 through 2006 and the period of fiscal years 2007 through 2009" in introductory provisions.

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 112–141, §1108(f), added subsecs. (g) and (h).

2005—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(a)(1), inserted ", including advanced truck stop electrification systems" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(a)(2), added par. (12).

Subsec. (b)(14), (15). Pub. L. 109–59, §6006(a)(2), added pars. (14) and (15) and struck out former par. (14) which read as follows: "Environmental restoration and pollution abatement projects (including the retrofit or construction of storm water treatment systems) to address water pollution or environmental degradation caused or contributed to by transportation facilities, which projects shall be carried out when the transportation facilities are undergoing reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, or restoration; except that the expenditure of funds under this section for any such environmental restoration or pollution abatement project shall not exceed 20 percent of the total cost of the reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, or restoration project."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(b)(1), struck out heading and text of par. (1). Text read as follows: "10 percent of the funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(3) for the surface transportation program for a fiscal year shall only be available for carrying out sections 130 and 152 of this title. Of the funds set aside under the preceding sentence, the State shall reserve in such fiscal year an amount of such funds for carrying out each such section which is not less than the amount of funds apportioned to the State in fiscal year 1991 under such section."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(c), substituted "In a fiscal year, the greater of 10 percent of the funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(3) for such fiscal year, or the amount set aside under this paragraph with respect to the State for fiscal year 2005," for "10 percent of the funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(3) for a fiscal year".

Subsec. (d)(3)(A). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(b)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "90 percent" for "80 percent" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(b)(2)(A)(i), substituted "subparagraph (C)" for "subparagraphs (C) and (D)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(b)(2)(B), substituted "to be" for "tobe".

Subsec. (d)(3)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(b)(2)(C), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C), inserted period at end, redesignated par. (E) as (D), and struck out former subpar. (C) which related to special rule in the case of a State in which greater than 80 percent of the population of the State was located in 1 or more metropolitan statistical areas, and greater than 80 percent of the land area of such State was owned by the United States.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(e), amended directory language of Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(e). See 1998 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(d), substituted "2004 through 2006" for "1998 through 2000" and "2007 through 2009" for "2001 through 2003" in introductory provisions.

1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(a)(1), inserted ", sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and de-icing compositions" after "calcium magnesium acetate".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(a)(2), substituted ", including vehicles and facilities, whether publicly or privately owned, that are used to provide intercity passenger service by bus" for "and publicly owned intracity or intercity bus terminals and facilities".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(a)(3), substituted "bicycle" for "and bicycle" and inserted before period at end ", and the modification of public sidewalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.)".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(a)(4), substituted "Highway and transit safety infrastructure" for "Highway and transit safety".

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(a)(5), substituted "section 108(f)(1)(A) (other than clause (xvi)) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7408(f)(1)(A))" for "section 108(f)(1)(A) (other than clauses (xii) and (xvi)) of the Clean Air Act".

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(a)(6), in first sentence, inserted "natural habitat and" after "participation in" in two places and also before "wetlands conservation and mitigation plans" and substituted "enhance, and create natural habitats and wetlands" for "enhance and create wetlands" and inserted at end "With respect to participation in a natural habitat or wetland mitigation effort related to a project funded under this title that has an impact that occurs within the service area of a mitigation bank, preference shall be given, to the maximum extent practicable, to the use of the mitigation bank if the bank contains sufficient available credits to offset the impact and the bank is approved in accordance with the Federal Guidance for the Establishment, Use and Operation of Mitigation Banks (60 Fed. Reg. 58605 (November 28, 1995)) or other applicable Federal law (including regulations)."

Subsec. (b)(13), (14). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(a)(7), added pars. (13) and (14).

Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(b)(1), substituted "Hawaii and Alaska" for "any State which is noncontiguous with the continental United States."

Subsec. (d)(5)(C). Pub. L. 105–178, §1212(a)(2)(A)(i), substituted "State transportation department" for "State highway department".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(c), added par. (2) and struck out heading and text of former par. (2). Text read as follows: "The Governor of each State shall certify before the beginning of each quarter of a fiscal year that the State will meet all the requirements of this section and shall notify the Secretary of the amount of obligations expected to be incurred for surface transportation program projects during such quarter. A State may request adjustment to the obligation amounts later in each of such quarters. Acceptance of the notification and certification shall be deemed a contractual obligation of the United States for the payment of the surface transportation program funds expected to be obligated by the State in such quarter for projects not subject to review by the Secretary under this chapter."

Subsec. (e)(3)(A). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(d), struck out at end "Payments shall not exceed the Federal share of costs incurred as of the date the State requests payments."

Subsec. (e)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(b)(2)(A), struck out before period at end "if the Secretary certifies for the fiscal year that the State has authorized and uses a process for the selection of transportation enhancement projects that involves representatives of affected public entities, and private citizens, with expertise related to transportation enhancement activities".

Subsec. (e)(5)(C). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(b)(2)(B), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–178, §1108(e), as amended by Pub. L. 109–59, §1113(e), amended heading and text of subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A State which is required to obligate in an urbanized area with an urbanized area population of over 200,000 under subsection (d) funds apportioned to it under section 104(b)(3) shall allocate during the 6-fiscal year period 1992 through 1997 an amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction for use in such area determined by multiplying—

"(1) the aggregate amount of funds which the State is required to obligate in such area under subsection (d) during such period; by

"(2) the ratio of the aggregate amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction during such period to the total sums apportioned to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction (excluding sums not subject to an obligation limitation) during such period."

1995—Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 104–59, §315, added par. (5).

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 104–59, §316(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. (A) heading, realigned margins, substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the" for "The", and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 104–59, §316(2), added par. (5).

1994—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–429 substituted "chapter 53 of title 49" for "the Federal Transit Act".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by 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.

Amendment by section 11508(d)(2) 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.

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, §1446(d), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1438, provided that the amendment made by section 1446(d)(5)(B), (C) is effective as of July 6, 2012, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–141 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 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1113(b)(3), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1172, provided that: "Paragraph (1) and paragraph (2)(A)(ii) of this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect October 1, 2005."

Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1113(c), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1172, provided that the amendment made by section 1113(c) is effective Oct. 1, 2005.

Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1113(e), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1172, provided that the amendment made by section 1113(e) is effective June 9, 1998.

Effective Date

Section 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 an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 104 of this title.

Congressional Findings Regarding Surface Transportation Block Grant Program

Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1109(a), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1338, provided that: "Congress finds that—

"(1) the benefits of the surface transportation block grant program accrue principally to the residents of each State and municipality where the funds are obligated;

"(2) decisions about how funds should be obligated are best determined by the States and municipalities to respond to unique local circumstances and implement the most efficient solutions; and

"(3) reforms of the program to promote flexibility will enhance State and local control over transportation decisions."

References to Surface Transportation Program

Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1109(c)(7), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1344, provided that: "Any reference in any other law, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the surface transportation program under section 133 of title 23, United States Code, shall be deemed to be a reference to the surface transportation block grant program under such section."

Division of STP Funds for Areas of Less Than 5,000 Population

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1108(f), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 141, as amended by Pub. L. 110–244, title I, §113(a), June 6, 2008, 122 Stat. 1606, provided that:

"(1) Special rule.—Notwithstanding section 133(c) of title 23, United States Code, and except as provided in paragraph (2), up to 15 percent of the amounts required to be obligated under [former] section 133(d)(3)(B) of such title for each of fiscal years 1998 through 2009 may be obligated on roads functionally classified as minor collectors.

"(2) Suspension.—The Secretary may suspend the application of paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that paragraph (1) is being used excessively."

Encouragement of Use of Youth Conservation or Service Corps

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1108(g), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 141, provided that: "The Secretary shall encourage the States to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with qualified youth conservation or service corps to perform appropriate transportation enhancement activities under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code."

1 So in original. There is no par. (4).

2 So in original.

3 So in original. Probably should be preceded by "section".
23 U.S.C. § 515 (2024) — Title 23: HIGHWAYS / Chapter 5: RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND EDUCATION / Section 515: General authorities and requirements
General authorities and requirements
Status: in_force

(a) Scope.—Subject to the provisions of sections 512 through 518, the Secretary shall conduct an ongoing intelligent transportation system program—

(1) to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent transportation systems; and

(2) to provide technical assistance in the nationwide application of those systems as a component of the surface transportation systems of the United States.

(b) Policy.—Intelligent transportation system research projects and operational tests funded pursuant to sections 512 through 518 shall encourage and not displace public-private partnerships or private sector investment in those tests and projects.

(c) Cooperation With Governmental, Private, and Educational Entities.—The Secretary shall carry out the intelligent transportation system program in cooperation with State and local governments and other public entities, the private sector firms of the United States, the Federal laboratories, and institutions of higher education, including historically Black colleges and universities and other minority institutions of higher education.

(d) Consultation With Federal Officials.—In carrying out the intelligent transportation system program, the Secretary shall consult with the heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate.

(e) Technical Assistance, Training, and Information.—The Secretary may provide technical assistance, training, and information to State and local governments seeking to implement, operate, maintain, or evaluate intelligent transportation system technologies and services.

(f) Transportation Planning.—The Secretary may provide funding to support adequate consideration of transportation systems management and operations, including intelligent transportation systems, within metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes.

(g) Information Clearinghouse.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary shall—

(A) maintain a repository for technical and safety data collected as a result of federally sponsored projects carried out under sections 512 through 518; and

(B) make, on request, that information (except for proprietary information and data) readily available to all users of the repository at an appropriate cost.

(2) Agreement.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary may enter into an agreement with a third party for the maintenance of the repository for technical and safety data under paragraph (1)(A).

(B) Federal financial assistance.—If the Secretary enters into an agreement with an entity for the maintenance of the repository, the entity shall be eligible for Federal financial assistance under this section.

(3) Availability of information.—Information in the repository shall not be subject to sections 552 and 555 of title 5, United States Code.

(h) Advisory Committee.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary shall establish an Advisory Committee (referred to in this subsection as the "Advisory Committee") to advise the Secretary on carrying out sections 512 through 518.

(2) Membership.—The Advisory Committee shall have no more than 25 members, be balanced between metropolitan and rural interests, and include, at a minimum—

(A) a representative from a State highway department;

(B) a representative from a local highway department who is not from a metropolitan planning organization;

(C) a representative from a State, local, or regional transit agency;

(D) a representative from a State, local, or regional wildlife, land use, or resource management agency;

(E) a representative from a metropolitan planning organization;

(F) a representative of a national transit association;

(G) a representative of a national, State, or local transportation agency or association;

(H) a private sector user of intelligent transportation system technologies;

(I) a private sector developer of intelligent transportation system technologies, which may include emerging vehicle technologies;

(J) an academic researcher with expertise in computer science or another information science field related to intelligent transportation systems, and who is not an expert on transportation issues;

(K) an academic researcher who is a civil engineer;

(L) an academic researcher who is a social scientist with expertise in transportation issues;

(M) an academic researcher who is a biological or ecological scientist with expertise in transportation issues;

(N) a representative from a nonprofit group representing the intelligent transportation system industry;

(O) a representative from a public interest group concerned with safety;

(P) a representative of a labor organization;

(Q) a representative of a mobility-providing entity;

(R) an expert in traffic management;

(S) a representative from a public interest group concerned with the impact of the transportation system on land use and residential patterns;

(T) a representative from a public interest group concerned with the impact of the transportation system on terrestrial and aquatic species and the habitat of those species; and

(U) members with expertise in planning, safety, telecommunications, and operations;

(V) an expert in cybersecurity; and

(W) an automobile manufacturer.

(3) Term.—

(A) In general.—The term of a member of the Advisory Committee shall be 3 years.

(B) Renewal.—On expiration of the term of a member of the Advisory Committee, the member—

(i) may be reappointed; or

(ii) if the member is not reappointed under clause (i), may serve until a new member is appointed.

(4) Meetings.—The Advisory Committee—

(A) shall convene not less frequently than twice each year; and

(B) may convene with the use of remote video conference technology.

(5) Duties.—The Advisory Committee shall, at a minimum, perform the following duties:

(A) Provide input into the development of the intelligent transportation system aspects of the strategic plan under section 6503 of title 49.

(B) Review, at least annually, areas of intelligent transportation systems programs and research being considered for funding by the Department, to determine—

(i) whether these activities are likely to advance either the state-of-the-practice or state-of-the-art in intelligent transportation systems;

(ii) whether the intelligent transportation system technologies are likely to be deployed by users, and if not, to determine the barriers to deployment; and

(iii) the appropriate roles for government and the private sector in investing in the programs, research, and technologies being considered.

(6) Report.—Not later than May 1 of each year, the Secretary shall make available to the public on a Department of Transportation website a report that includes—

(A) all recommendations made by the Advisory Committee during the preceding calendar year;

(B) an explanation of the manner in which the Secretary has implemented those recommendations; and

(C) for recommendations not implemented, the reasons for rejecting the recommendations.

(7) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5, united states code.—The Advisory Committee shall be subject to chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code.

(i) Reporting.—

(1) Guidelines and requirements.—

(A) In general.—The Secretary shall issue guidelines and requirements for the reporting and evaluation of operational tests and deployment projects carried out under sections 512 through 518.

(B) Objectivity and independence.—The guidelines and requirements issued under subparagraph (A) shall include provisions to ensure the objectivity and independence of the reporting entity so as to avoid any real or apparent conflict of interest or potential influence on the outcome by parties to any such test or deployment project or by any other formal evaluation carried out under sections 512 through 518.

(C) Funding.—The guidelines and requirements issued under subparagraph (A) shall establish reporting funding levels based on the size and scope of each test or project that ensure adequate reporting of the results of the test or project.

(2) Special rule.—Any survey, questionnaire, or interview that the Secretary considers necessary to carry out the reporting of any test, deployment project, or program assessment activity under sections 512 through 518 shall not be subject to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code.

(Added Pub. L. 112–141, div. E, title III, §53003(a), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 899; amended Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1446(a)(14), title VI, §6007, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1438, 1567; Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title III, §13008(a), div. B, title V, §25001, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 641, 836; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(178), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4325.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (h)(7). Pub. L. 117–286, which directed amendment of subsec. (h)(5) by substituting "chapter 10 of title 5, united states code" for "federal advisory committee act" in heading and "chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code." for "the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)." in text, was executed by making the substitutions in subsec. (h)(7) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the prior amendment by Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(4). See 2021 Amendment note, below.

2021—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(1), inserted "(referred to in this subsection as the 'Advisory Committee')" after "an Advisory Committee".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(2)(A), substituted "25 members" for "20 members" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(2)(D) to (W). Pub. L. 117–58, §13008(a) and §25001(2)(D)–(G), added various subpars. and successively redesignated existing subpars., resulting in ultimate redesignations of original subpars. as follows: (D) as (E), (E) as (H), (F) as (J), (G) as (K), (H) as (L), (I) as (N), (J) as (O), (K) as (S), and (L) as (U). For newly added subpars., see notes below.

Subsec. (h)(2)(D). Pub. L. 117–58, §13008(a)(3), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (h)(2)(F), (G). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(2)(D), added subpars. (F) and (G).

Subsec. (h)(2)(I). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(2)(E), added subpar. (I).

Subsec. (h)(2)(J). Pub. L. 117–58, §13008(a)(4), added subpar. (J), which was subsequently redesignated (M) by Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(2)(C).

Subsec. (h)(2)(N). Pub. L. 117–58, §13008(a)(5), added subpar. (N), which was subsequently redesignated (T) by Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(2)(C).

Subsec. (h)(2)(O). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(2)(B), prior to redesignation of subpar. (O) as (U), struck out "utilities," after "telecommunications," and substituted semicolon for period at end.

Subsec. (h)(2)(P) to (R). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(2)(F), added subpars. (P) to (R).

Subsec. (h)(2)(V), (W). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(2)(G), added subpars. (V) and (W).

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(5), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (h)(3)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(3)(A), substituted "section 6503 of title 49" for "section 508".

Subsec. (h)(3)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(3)(B)(i), inserted "programs and" before "research" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(3)(B)(ii), substituted "programs, research, and" for "research and".

Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(5), added par. (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (h)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 117–58, §25001(4), redesignated pars. (3) to (5) as (5) to (7), respectively.

2015—Pub. L. 114–94, §1446(a)(14), substituted "sections 512 through 518" for "this chapter" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 114–94, §6007, in introductory provisions, substituted "May 1 of each year" for "February 1 of each year after the date of enactment of the Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012" and "make available to the public on a Department of Transportation website" for "submit to Congress".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by section 13008(a) of 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

Section 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.