2021 The Year in Review

From the desk of the Associate Administrator

Timothy G. Hess, P.E.

Associate Administrator for Federal Lands

Federal Highway Administration

Tim Hess

Office of Federal Lands Highway (FLH) Leadership Team, left to right; Corey Bobba, FLH 

Strategic and Legislative Coordinator; Amy Fox, Central Federal Lands Highway Division 

(CFLHD) Director (Acting); Tim Hess, FLH Associate Administrator; Monique Evans, Eastern 

Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) Director; Kevin McLaury, Western Federal Lands 

Highway Division (WFLHD) Director, during a face to face meeting at the new EFLHD 

Division offices in Ashburn, Virginia.

This report celebrates another year of accomplishments by the Federal Highway Administration, Office of Federal Lands Highway (FLH). During 2021, FLH 

administered a $1.2B program for our Federal Land Management Agency (FLMA) partners, Native American Tribal partners, and other federal, state and local 

agencies. Projects accomplished last year ranged from highways and bridges in our National Parks, Forests, Wildlife Refuges, and other federal lands, as well as 

projects for states and local communities on roads accessing federal lands.

During 2021, our project delivery program focused primarily on the delivery of core programs for our FLMA partners while still providing design and 

construction assistance to State Departments of Transportation, local transportation agencies, and non-Title 23 programs for our FLMA partners. The signing 

into law of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) resulted in a new source of funding for FLMAs and will allow several FLMAs, especially the National 

Park Service (NPS) to make significant progress in addressing deferred maintenance projects. The NPS asked FLH for assistance in designing and constructing 

over $500M in GAOA projects shortly after GAOA was implemented. During 2021, FLH completed projects for all our partner agencies that improved 1,048 

lane-miles of road and 115 bridges. In addition, we assisted our Tribal partners as they delivered almost $500M in vital transportation improvements for tribal 

communities.

Two years ago, our nation was just entering a global pandemic. During 2021, FLH made adjustments as needed and continued to deliver and administer 

projects for partner agencies and tribal communities. I am especially proud of the energy, creativity, and dedication of FLH employees during this time. FLH 

continued our operations by adjusting where possible to full-time telework and where not possible, our construction, laboratory, and site investigations team 

members continued our operations on site. As we look ahead to 2022, the biggest challenge facing FLH is delivering the projects made possible by the Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law, a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure. As always FLH stands ready to meet this challenge!

 

This year’s report again focuses on People, Partners, and Projects as our mission in FLH continues to be a mission of taking care of our People, so we can meet 

our Partner’s needs, and deliver great Projects. This year’s Accomplishments Report is again about all three. The next several pages showcase our people, our 

partners, and our projects. Please take a few minutes to see what we accomplished!
2021 The Year in Review

Office of Federal Lands Highway

The Year in Review

Table of Contents

Above: Many Glacier Road, New Masonry Guard Wall at Sheep’s Curve, Swiftcurrent Mountain in the Background (see pg. 31) — Glacier National Park, Montana 

Front Cover: Arlington Memorial Bridge (see pg. 16) — Washington, DC

Back Cover: Sunrise on Arlington Memorial Bridge, Placing Concrete for Replacement Span Wall (see pg. 18) — Washington, DC

Our Role..................................................................1

People .............................................................. 2-13

Partners ...........................................................14-17

Project Award ........................................................18

Projects: Tribal Partners ................................. 19-23

Projects: Federal, State and Local Partners ... 24-37

Images throughout this report unless otherwise noted were taken by FHWA employees. Special thanks to all contributors. 
2021 The Year in Review

Glenn Highway, Alaska (see pgs. 26-27)

VISION: To be the partner of choice

to Federal Lands Management Agencies and Tribes.

We will implement innovative transportation solutions

that provide access to and through public lands.

MISSION: Improving transportation to and within Federal 

and Tribal Lands by providing technical services to the 

highway/transportation community, as well as building 

accessible and scenic roads that ensure the many national 

treasures, within our Federal Lands, can be enjoyed by all. 
2021 The Year in Review 1

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Federal Lands Highway 

Program (FLHP) was established in 1982 to promote effective, efficient, 

and reliable administration for a coordinated program of public roads and 

bridges; to protect and enhance our Nation’s natural and cultural resources; 

and to provide needed transportation access for Native Americans. The 

Federal Government, through various Federal Land Management Agencies 

(FLMAs): the National Park Service (NPS); USDA Forest Service (FS); 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS); Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and 

Tribal Governments; Bureau of Land Management (BLM); Department 

of Defense (DOD); U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); Bureau of 

Reclamation (USBR); and Presidio Trust, have ownership responsibilities 

for more than 30% of the Nation’s land. This responsibility covers more than 

500,000 miles of public and administrative roads on federal land across the 

U.S. and its island territories.

The Office of Federal Lands Highway (FLH) is relied upon by these partners 

to solve and manage unique transportation challenges that are wide-ranging 

in environment, geography and complexity, through engineering solutions 

that are sensitive to the context of the land. We are often confronted by 

unique terrain, work restrictions, and challenging deadlines. Whether it is 

building highly visible and political projects, reconstructing roads that are 

national landmarks, or providing critical access on low-volume transportation 

facilities, FLH is at the forefront of consistently delivering distinct and sound 

engineering projects.

Federal Lands consists of a Program Office in Washington, DC, and three 

field division offices (Eastern, Central, and Western) located in Ashburn, VA; 

Lakewood, CO; and Vancouver, WA; respectively. In addition, we are staffing 

thirteen new Regional Project Offices (RPOs) in the following locations: 

Sevierville, TN; Tupelo, MS; Hato Ray, PR; Grand Junction, CO; Albuquerque, 

NM; Carson City, NV; Clovis, CA; Henderson, NV; Kalispell, MT; Great Falls, 

MT; Idaho Falls, ID; Eugene, OR; and Wasilla, AK.

Federal Lands’ role is categorized into two areas: Business Operations and 

Engineering. Business Operations addresses stewardship and oversight for 

our resources, as well as management and oversight of the program, totaling 

over $1 billion per year. Engineering is the development of projects from 

scoping and preliminary design through the construction of a project. 

FLH is uniquely enabled and entrusted to administer many different types of 

funds to facilitate transportation improvements for our Partners.

The Program and our role continue to expand to include more federal 

partners and road networks. FLH expertise and credibility has grown 

to deliver a wider variety of transportation projects and improvements 

nationwide.

Our Role 

Our engineering and technical expertise includes: 

• Construction Supervision and Inspection

• Consultant and Construction Contract Acquisition

• Contract Administration

• Design Visualization

• Environmental Compliance

• Funds Management

• Geotechnical Design

• Highway and Bridge Design

• Hydraulics and Hydrology

• Intelligent Transportation Systems

• Materials Sampling & Testing

• Plans, Specifications and Estimates

• Project Management

• Program Administration

• Road and Bridge Inventory and Inspection

• Safety

• Survey and Mapping

• Technical Assistance

• Technology Deployment

• Traffic

• Transportation Asset Management

• Transportation Planning

FLH employs the practices and techniques of the FHWA Every Day 

Counts Innovations (EDC), designed to shorten project delivery, enhance 

durability and safety, improve environmental sustainability, and increase 

efficiency through technology and collaboration in our daily business.
2 2021 The Year in Review

People 

Our most valued asset is our people; they are the key component

to our continued success. Employees are encouraged to build diverse skill sets 

and technical expertise to remain in step with the increasing diversity of the 

Federal Lands Highway Program and our partner’s needs. 

Many of our employees were recognized with the following distinctions and 

awards in 2021. Kudos to all!

Superior Achievement Awards

The highest honor award given by the FHWA Administrator. It is granted to 

individuals based on contributions that far exceed normal job requirements 

and significantly advance FHWA’s initiatives and strategic goals:

Andrew Coit, Supervisory Civil Engineer

For being an exemplary Construction Operations Engineer for Central 

Federal Lands Highway Division.

Daniel Christianson, Civil Engineer Highway

For successfully leading the construction of the $44 million, 3-year 

Yellowstone Fishing Bridge to Indian Pond reconstruction project.

Colleen Fletcher, Transportation Specialist

For a history of outstanding performance and achievements across a range of 

disciplines within FHWA.

Elizabeth Garrido, Program Manager

For providing leadership to the Finance, Professional Development, 

Administration, and Information Technology teams.

Ronalynn Hertz, Program Analyst

For exemplary leadership and noteworthy achievements in the Finance and 

Construction disciplines.

John Knowles, Civil Engineer

For outstanding work in the role of Project Management Functional Lead and 

Project Manager for Central Federal Lands Highway Division.

Christopher Longley, Program Manager

For excellent contributions as the Planning and Program Branch Chief for 

Central Federal Lands Highway Division.

Rajashree Mooney, Transportation Specialist

For expertise as a top-performing program manager serving as the Federal 

Lands Access Program Manager.

Samantha Shields, Federal Lands Program Manager

For leading the Alaska Federal Lands Access Program, State Department 

of Transportation-funded projects, and the Federal Lands Transportation 

programs for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

Jane Traffalis, Civil Engineer

For leadership in advancing the Office of Federal Lands Highway’s use of the 

Open Roads Designer software.

Isis Rosado-Vazquez, Civil Engineer

For performing an extensive array of hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, 

including updating critical instructional material to achieve the Agency’s 

mission.

FHWA Leadership Award

Laurin Lineman, Supervisory Civil Engineer, Office of Federal Lands Highway

For initiative implementing process improvements, identifying opportunities 

to innovate, facilitating employee development, and planning for succession.

Engineering Excellence Award

This award recognizes the tremendous contributions our Engineers make 

to the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in this Country. It is 

granted to individuals based primarily on the engineering achievements made 

over the past 3 years: Marilyn Dodson, Lead Civil Engineer, Office of Federal 

Lands Highway was recognized for subject matter expertise in geotechnical 

consultation and innovations in the Office of Federal Lands Highway.

Richard D. Morgan Leadership Development Award

This award presented to Monique Evans, is named for a former Executive 

Director of FHWA. Dick Morgan was passionate about transportation 

excellence and about the people of this Agency. He mentored numerous 

colleagues, who have since become leaders in FHWA. The award named for 

him honors individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment to developing 

our workforce for the future.

Diversity and Inclusion Award

This award was presented to the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division 

Diversity Management Committee (DMC), Office of Federal Lands Highway.

This award recognizes the following individuals who have been actively 

engaged in developing or implementing specific initiatives to promote 

a culture of diversity and inclusion within FHWA. EFLHD DMC was 

recognized for advancing long-standing FHWA values of diversity and 

inclusion by implementing innovative strategies to address current issues 
2021 The Year in Review 3

People

related to race and equity affecting Federal Lands staff. The EFLHD DMC 

includes: Monique Evans, Charlie Costello, Jennifer Aponte-Rivera,

Byron Betts, Maria Colby, Vivian Gutierrez, Abhi Kapoor, Ramesh Kotadia, 

Kassondra Kruckeberg, Johnnie Ordonez, Anmaris Rodriguez,

Jacinda Russell, Darlisa Thomas, John Wilson, Mezi Yigezu

Organizational Excellence Awards

Office of Federal Lands Highway, Central Federal Lands Highway Division 

was awarded the highest FHWA organization honor. The award recognizes 

organizations that can be held up as models for others because they have 

implemented business practice changes which improved performance or

results in one or more of these areas:

• Effective leadership and strategic planning.

• Focus on their partners, customers, and stakeholders;

• Use of metrics and data to make decisions;

• Developing their workforce; and

• Improving their processes and/or program delivery.

Excellence in Teamwork Awards

This award is for teams whose membership includes individuals from across 

multiple organizational units in FHWA or whose members worked on a 

distinct project or program of national significance.

2020 Western United States Wildfire Response Team: Timothy Hess,

Paul Aguilar, Juan Aguirre, Matthew Ambroziak, Steven Belcher,

Robert Bell, Jeffrey Bellen, Christine Black, Luis Calderon,

Richard Cernousek, Jared Cogswell, Michael Daigler, Devin Dixon,

Daniel Donovan, Lorell Duteil, Karl Eikermann, Martin Fey, Colleen Fletcher, 

Rolando Flores, Danielle Germani, Sebastian Guzman, Jordan Hensley, 

Justin Henwood, Mario Hernandez, Steven Hinz, Michael Jelen,

Scott Johnson, Joshua Kaplan, Jake Keithley, Sara Loftus, Nathan Marshall, 

Kevin McLaury, David Micnhimer, Trevor Moulton, Robert Norick,

Leslie Perry, Henry Rettinger, Angel Rivera, Burnnie Robinson,

Adam Rosener, Kalynn Scott, Steven Short, Thomas Sohn, Deidra Stogsdill, 

David Strahl, Lotse Townsend, Richard Vanderbeek, and Kelly Wade

The Advanced Geotechnical Methods in Exploration (A-GaME) Team

was awarded for their efforts enhancing subsurface site characterization 

methods for many local and state DOTs. Team members: Marilyn Dodson, 

Mohammed Elias, and Dustin Robbins

The Complete Streets Coordinating Committee was awarded for compiling 

an inventory of capacity building resources, ultimately providing complete 

streets outreach to state, regional, and local agencies.

Team members: Corey Bobba and Aung Gye

The Federal Lands Procurement Team was awarded for ensuring the 

continuation of planning and procurement actions during maximumtelework. Team members: Falvasha Alghussain, Elizabeth Firestone, Jack 

Gilbert, Milton Hsieh, David Sett, Melvin Sloan, Rayann Speakman, and 

Joseph Wilson

The Program of Projects Database Team was awarded for the outstanding 

collaboration and contributions to developing and maintaining a single 

system that provides Office of Federal Lands Highway units with a one-stopshop system for program management information. Team members: Holly 

Bell, David Cartwright, Matthew Dawkins, Colleen Fletcher, Gladys Gallardo, 

Brian Harrison, Christopher Longley, Rajashree Mooney, Frances Ramirez, 

and Patrick Scott

The Research and Innovation Delivery Team was awarded for their 

outstanding contributions leading the delivery of research topics approved 

by the FHWA Research, Development and Technology Council. Team 

members: Amit Armstrong, Roxanne Bash, Namrata Battan, Christine Black, 

Genise Dance, Aziza Djoumanov, Seth English-Young, Monique Evans, 

Nicholas Grisham, Aung Gye, Matthew Hinshaw, Scott Johnson, Angy 

Liljedahl, James Pol, Yanira Rivera, Renee Sigel, and Karyn Vandervoort

The Tribal Crash Reporting Toolkit Development Team was awarded for 

publishing a resource to help Tribes in all phases of safety data improvement. 

Team members: Adam Larsen and Tom Bragan (NHTSA)

Advancing the Safe System Approach Team: Darlisa Thomas

America’s Byways Nominations Development and Review Team: 

Aung Gye and Erin Kenley

Virtual Leadership Development Academy Micro-Course: Tammy Ratliff

Emergency Relief and Ferry Boat Program Assessment Enterprise 

Assessment Team: Colleen Fletcher, Jeff Mann

Discretionary Grant FLEx Initiative: Jeff Mann
4 2021 The Year in Review

People

RIP Project Managers (Ricardo Garcia-Rosario, Megan Mills, and Nam Le) finish the last 

Cycle 6 collection for NPS in the Lower 48 at Camp Nelson National Monument, Kentucky 

Northern California Area Office data collection trip for Bureau of Reclamation

Laboratory Information Management System Team: Megan Chatfield, 

Michael Dallaire, Christopher Garcia, Edward Garcia, Noah Hughes, Jerrad 

Isch, Drew Johnson, Eric Johnson, Peter Kowing, Rob Lange, Kevin Martinez, 

Charles Miller, Jason Moore, Joseph Rivera, Calvin Robinson, Don Rowe, 

Daniel Ruiz, Walt Stong, Michael Voth, Eric Wilson.

Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware Implementation Roundtable 

Team: Christine Black, Matthew Hinshaw

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways 

Notice of Proposed Amendment Team: Richard Albin

Mental Health Awareness Month: Kevin McLaury, Holly Weiss-Racine

Office of Federal Lands Highway Construction Task Force: Tmothy Hess, 

Rich Barrows, Tim Brown, Patrick Culhane, Chris Longley, Jim Rathke, Tom 

Scott, Shawn Wills, Timothy Zinka.

The Council on Environmental Quality Rule Implementation Team: 

Shane Belcher, Kevin Rose.

Federal Lands Highway Contracting Expertise

The Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC) Program is for contracting 

professionals in the Federal Government performing contracting and 

procurement activities and functions. The purpose of this program is to 

establish general education, training, and experience requirements for 

those contracting professionals. We are proud to say that we have over 400 

contracting professionals in our ranks who hold certifications in all three 

certification categories, with some professionals holding certifications in 

more than one category!
2021 The Year in Review 5

Road Inventory Program (RIP) Team

RIP Data Collection Vehicle collects its last site before retirement — Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma

The RIP team completed NPS Cycle 6 data collection and retired the Data Collection Vehicle (purchased in 2009, shown below during its final trip) and 

delivered 2,930 miles of condition data to the Pavement Management System (3 times more than average). The team also accomplished their frequent travel 

during the COVID Pandemic safely and without incident with a total of 178 site visits for FWS and 176 site visits for NPS.
6 2021 The Year in Review

EFLHD collaborated with NPS to enhance safety and mobility along George 

Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) and the Mount Vernon Trail while 

protecting sensitive environmental, cultural, and historic resources. Further 

collaboration is in process to implement safety improvements to include 

“road diet” elements, additional delineation of deceleration lanes, safety 

barriers and Mount Vernon Trail crossing signing and striping improvements. 

— Alexandria, Virginia 

GWMP scoping trip (above & left) — 

Alexandria, Virginia

GWMP Stone Faced Median Barrier Crash Test 

completed as a joint effort between Turner-Fairbank 

Highway Research Center (TFHRC), and EFLHD in 

preparation for the upcoming GWMP North mega 

project — TFHRC, Virginia
2021 The Year in Review 7

People

WFLHD Assistant Project Engineer, Renee Newman checks staking — Denali National Park, 

Alaska

Todd Hansen CFLHD Geotechnical Engineer — Yosemite National Park, California
8 2021 The Year in Review

People

Erin Baker (left), CFLHD Construction Operations Engineer & Amanda Peters (right), Career EFLHD Construction team onsite — Adjuntas, Puerto Rico

Development Program Participant, pose in front of the work trailer, onsite at Ruth-Zenia Road 

and Van Duzen Road FLAP Project in California. The project crosses through United States 

Forest Service and private land, providing access to the Six Rivers National Forest. The route is 

categorized as a rural minor access road in mountainous terrain and is maintained by Trinity 

County. This project includes reconstruction and resurfacing (depending on the segment), 

widening, profile adjustments, drainage improvements, retaining walls, and guardrail of 5.01 

miles of roadway on Ruth-Zenia Road and Van Duzen Road. — California

Matt Fletcher (left) 

CFLHD Construction 

Operations Engineer, Henry 

Castillo, Career Development 

Program Participant (right)

onsite at Fremont Pass Trail, 

a new 3.2-mile long paved 

multi-modal recreational trail 

that will bypass a dangerous 

and narrow section of State 

Highway 91. The project is 

in cooperation with Summit 

County, the FS, and White 

River National Forest — 

Colorado

Views of the project and nearby Van 

Duzen river — Ruth-Zenia and

Van Duzen Roads, California
2021 The Year in Review 9

People

Daniel Ruiz, CFLHD Materials Engineering 

Technician preparing to perform compaction on a 

Hveem stabilometer specimen for a mix design. — 

Lakewood, Colorado

Mark Espinoza, CFLHD Materials Engineering Technician fills out worksheets for cylinder 

breaks in preparation for drafting a report. — Lakewood, Colorado

Chris Garcia, CFLHD Materials Engineering Technician breaking a concrete cylinder on a new 

400,000 lb. press. — Lakewood, Colorado
10 2021 The Year in Review

People

Rex Hall and Jenna Bergstrom of CFLHD Construction, on the job in the field trailer at Crystal 

Dam East Portal Access Road, a FLTP Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) project. The USBR 

maintains the road for access to its Crystal Dam and Power Plant and to the recreational 

facilities along the Gunnison River. — Colorado.

Left: Brendan McGarity, & Dominic Monarco, both Geotechnical Engineers onsite at the 

US50 Little Blue Creek Canyon Project — Colorado DOT, FHWA and CFLHD, in cooperation 

with the FS, Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, BLM, and NPS, are 

improving 3.8 miles of U.S. Highway 50. The route provides access to various federal lands, 

including The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreational 

Area, BLM and FS land. — Colorado
2021 The Year in Review 11

People

Dumont Dunes Road rehabilitation project during 70% Field Review. In this location of the project we are shifting the proposed roadway improvements slightly toward the inside of the horizontal 

curve and adding curve widening. Michael Daigler, Project Manager (left) assisted by the contractor Project Manager (right) are measuring across the roadway to determine the best fit for the 

proposed improvements while taking into account how to minimize impacts to the environment. Slightly out of the shot to the right there is an OHV (Off-highway Vehicle) trail that must not be 

impacted by the project. — Dumont Dunes Road, Mojave Desert, California
12 2021 The Year in Review

People

George Mason University Design and Construction Course

In conjunction with George Mason University (GMU), EFLHD has delivered 

the CEIE 402 - Highway Design and Construction course. EFLHD initiated 

this effort in 2009 to provide an opportunity for students to get an improved 

understanding of the transportation decision-making process. This course 

targets aspiring civil and structural engineers in their senior year and provides 

a comprehensive survey of the tools, techniques, and methods used by the 

various civil engineering disciplines to design and construct highways. We 

provide them with the opportunity to engage in current projects where they 

gain an appreciation for how the various disciplines contribute to delivering 

our program. Each topic is presented by a subject expert who can explain and 

illustrate the challenges and opportunities in working on linear projects. 

All facets of a project are covered including planning, project management, 

survey and mapping, preliminary design, geotechnical, pavements, 

environmental, hydraulics, bridge design, PS&E design, materials, and 

construction. Attention is directed on the environmental compliance 

requirements (NEPA, Public Involvement and Permitting) at every step from 

project inception to construction evaluation. The course has been a valuable 

tool to inform students of the key components of our project delivery 

process and to convey fundamental understanding of how environmental 

compliance touches every part of program delivery from project inception to 

construction evaluation.

The FLH Division offices in general serve as the training ground for FHWA.

This course extends the reach of our instruction beyond our current FTE's 

and reaches out to aspiring civil engineers in a collegiate setting. This course 

is a unique collaboration between a local University and a FHWA Field Office. 

Each student leaves with a firm understanding of project development and 

program delivery. The course effectively conveys FLH's primary goal, to 

design environmentally sound highways and roads to serve our nation's 

federal lands.

As of 2021, 108 students have participated in this course. Twelve of these 

undergraduates have gone on to join EFLHD as permanent employees 

serving in the Bridge, Design and Hydraulics Teams. Additionally, 27 EFLHD 

employees have been provided the opportunity to develop instructional 

modules based on their real world experience and deliver them in a classroom 

environment. As tribute to the EFLHD employee's adaptability, the course 

was smoothly transitioned from in-person class sessions to a remote format 

in 2020 and 2021.

Images (above & below) of the virtual 2021 Highway Design and Construction Course — EFLHD
2021 The Year in Review 13

People

Natchez Trace Parkway Scoping Field Review, John Coffee Memorial Bridge over the Tennessee River — Alabama 

Scoping Field Review, Timber Guardrail at Natchez Trace 

Parkway Underpass Animal Crossing — Tennesee
14 2021 The Year in Review

Partners

Program Overview

Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation Program (FLTTP)

The FLTTP was established under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st

Century Act (MAP-21) and continued under the Fixing America’s 

Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). It authorizes annual funding 

for three primary programs: the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), 

the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), and the Tribal 

Transportation Program (TTP). Through these programs, the Office of 

Federal Lands Highway (FLH) collaborates in coordination with several 

Federal agencies and Indian Tribes, as well as State and Territorial 

partners, to deliver projects.

Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP)

The FLAP, authorized at $270 million in FY 2021, provides flexibility for 

a wide range of transportation projects in the 50 States, the District of 

Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The FLAP was established to improve Federal 

lands access transportation facilities (FLATF) located on or adjacent to, or 

that provide access to Federal land. A FLATF is defined as "a public highway, 

road, bridge, trail, or transit system that is located on, is adjacent to, or 

provides access to Federal lands, for which title or maintenance responsibility 

is vested in a State, county, town, township, tribal, municipal, or local 

government. In making programming decisions the FLAP Programming 

Decisions Committee gives preference to projects that provide access to or 

are located within high-use Federal recreation sites and Federal economic 

generators. 

Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP)

The FLTP, authorized at $375 million for FY 2020 under the FAST Act and 

extended under the Continuing Appropriations Act in 2021, provides funding 

for the management and upkeep of more than 130,000 miles of federal public 

roads and other assets that compose the Federal lands transportation facility 

inventory. The Program provides funding to the NPS, FS, FWS, BLM, BOR, 

USACE, and eligible independent federal agencies (IFAs) such as the Presidio 

Trust. Of the three programs that make up the FLTTP, the FLTP incorporates 

performance-based management principles outlined in MAP-21 and 

reinforced under the FAST Act. The FLTP places emphasis on performance 

goals defined by the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Land 

Management Agencies (FLMAs). It is intended to target funds toward multimodal transportation facilities that access high-use recreation destinations 

and federal economic generators within the federal estate.

Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) 

The TTP, authorized at $505 million in FY 2021, provides funds to 574 

federally recognized Tribes to improve the transportation systems located 

within, or that provide access to, Indian country. These roads, bridges, trails 

and transit systems most often provide basic access to community services 

and help to enhance the quality of life of Tribal members. Federal Lands 

co-administers the TTP with the BIA and is responsible for the primary 

stewardship and oversight of Program funds. Approximately 134 of the 

Tribal governments operate their TTP directly through Program Funding 

Agreements with FHWA.

TTP Bridge Program 

The TTP Bridge Program is a nationwide priority program for improving 

TTP bridges in poor condition, having low load capacity, or needing 

geometric improvements. TTP bridges are funded by a set-aside of up to 

3 percent of the TTP funds. In accordance with 23 CFR Part 661, set-aside 

bridge funds can be used to carry out any planning, design, engineering, 

preconstruction, construction, and inspection of a project for replacement, 

rehabilitation, and protection (including scour countermeasures, seismic 

retrofits, impact protection measures, security countermeasures, and 

protection against extreme events) of TTP bridges in poor condition, low 

load capacity, or need highway geometric improvements. To be eligible, 

a bridge must have an opening of at least 20 feet, be classified as a tribal 

transportation facility, be classified as a poor condition bridge, have low load 

capacity, or need highway geometric improvements, and be recorded on the 

FHWA National Bridge Inventory (NBI).

In FY2021, $13.4 million was made available for the TTP Bridge Program. 

There were 31 bridge applications received with total funding request of 

approximately $43 million. The program funded 13 bridge applications for a 

total of approximately $13.4 million

Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation Projects 

(NSFLTP)

The NSFLTP, created under the FAST Act and extended under the 

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, is intended 

to provide a reliable source of funding for major, high-cost projects that 

typically cannot be funded with FLTTP resources due to the scope and 

expense of the project. This program is funded through the General Fund 

at a maximum of $100 million per year. It didn’t receive an appropriation 

for FY 2016 or FY 2017 but did receive appropriations of $300 million, $25 

million, $70 million, and $100 million in FY 2018, FY 2019, FY 2020, and FY 

2021 respectively. The program is currently reviewing applications of need 

submitted for the FY 2021 funding.

Defense Access Roads Program (DAR)

The DAR Program is a jointly administered program that provides a means 

for the military to pay their share of the cost of public highway improvements 
2021 The Year in Review 15

Partners

FAST ACT FY 2021

PROGRAM FUNDING

$375 million FLTP

$270 million FLAP

$505 million TTP

...............................................................................

PROJECT DELIVERY SUCCESS

1,048 Lane Miles Improved

115 Bridges Improved

766,838 Square Feet

of Bridge Deck Improved

PROGRAM DELIVERY SUCCESS

73%

*Funds On The Ground

93%

Obligation Rate for FLTP and FLAP

FY 2021 Funds Obligated

necessary to mitigate an unusual impact of a defense activity. An unusual 

impact could be a significant increase in personnel at a military installation, 

relocation of an access gate, or the deployment of an oversized or overweight 

military vehicle or transporter unit.

Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) 

The ERFO Program, assists federal agencies with the repair or reconstruction 

of Tribal transportation facilities, federal lands transportation facilities, and 

other federally owned roads that are open to public travel, which are found 

to have suffered serious damage by a natural disaster over a wide area or by 

a catastrophic failure. The ERFO program is not intended to cover all repair 

costs but rather supplement Federal Land Management Agency (FLMA) 

repair programs. The program is administered under the Emergency Relief 

program by FHWA’s Office of Infrastructure. For more information, please 

visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/erelief.cfm.

FLH

Tribal Program

FLMAs

State DOTs

$441 $624

$111 $27

*Funds On The Ground: A measure of efficiency, denotes the percentage of funds expended on construction. In 2021, 73 cents 

on the dollar went to the construction or improvement of roads, bridges, trails, etc. on public land.
16 2021 The Year in Review

Partners

Our definition of partner is diverse, ranging from state and territorial

governments, traditional Federal Agency partners with strong resource 

protection missions, to our Tribal partners, focused on building self 

sufficiency and providing basic access to community services and improved 

quality of life for their people.

Partner Satisfaction Survey

The questions in our yearly survey touch on all aspects of program 

administration from policy and communication to day-to-day program 

management. Completed project results exceeded the 

85% target for the fourth year in a row. This highlights the overall satisfaction 

of our partners with the final product, the constructed project.

2021 Partner Satisfaction Survey Results

Back, left to right: Katie Liming, Public Affairs Specialist, NPS National Capital Area;

Joseph Fabis, Construction Operations Engineer FHWA Eastern Federal Lands Highway 

Division; Jonathan Shafer, Public Affairs Specialist, NPS National Capital Area;

Aaron LaRocca, Chief of Staff, George Washington Memorial Parkway; Timothy Hess,

FHWA Associate Administrator for Federal Lands; Benjamin Dixon, Project Engineer,

FHWA Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division.

Front, left to right: Laura Macklin, Materials Handler, NPS Museum Resource Center; 

Lisa Mendelson, Deputy Regional Director, NPS National Capital Area; Charles Cuvelier, 

Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway; Susan Wong, Chief of Professional 

Services Division, George Washington Memorial Parkway. — Washington, DC

Collaboration and Partnership

The Arlington Memorial Bridge project exemplifies the outstanding 

partnership between FHWA and NPS. The working relationships 

between FHWA, NPS, stakeholders and the Contractor fostered excellent 

communication and decision making to keep one of the largest transportation 

projects in NPS history on schedule and within budget. FHWA and NPS 

were committed to balancing the dual priorities of preserving as much 

of the structure’s unique design elements as possible while incorporating 

engineering and construction materials and methods that would extend the 

life of the bridge. Arlington Memorial Bridge is not only a vital transportation 

link for our nation’s capital, but it is also a memorial to the sacrifices of our 

nation’s veterans and a symbol of the reconciliation between the north and 

south following the Civil War. Federal agencies, contractors and stakeholders 

collaborated on this successful project to rehabilitate the bridge while 

preserving its architectural and historic character. Approximately 68,000 

vehicles travel across Arlington Memorial Bridge each day. The project team 

coordinated with local agencies and concurrent projects to mitigate traffic 

impacts and keep stakeholders and the public informed of changes to the 

work zone. Working with NPS, FHWA tackled a complicated infrastructure 

challenge head-on and succeeded in rehabilitating the national Capital's 

ceremonial entrance and preserving its historic character. The two agencies 

worked together to restore the historic bridge to its original grandeur with 

the most comprehensive set of repairs to the 89 year old bridge, since its 

original construction, extending its useful life for another 75 years. 
2021 The Year in Review 17

Partners

Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland and Department of Transportation 

(DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) witnessed 

by FHWA Deputy Administrator, Stephanie Pollack and NPS officials. The goal of this MOU 

is to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship between the DOI and the DOT to improve 

transportation within and access to NPS facilities through the following activities: Providing 

technical assistance to assess, plan, deploy, and evaluate innovative technologies; Leveraging 

inter-departmental expertise across a range of disciplines for technical assistance; Analyzing 

novel and emerging data sets; Establishing temporary inter-agency or inter-departmental 

personnel exchanges; Developing information exchanges regarding technological change, 

funding, and policy; Facilitating partnerships with other Federal agencies, State and local 

governments, and the private sector. Picture taken by DOI

EFLHD receives a FLTP Partners in Excellence Arrowhead from NPS in recognition of the 

Arlington Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, left to right Benjamin Dixon, Project 

Engineer; Monique Evans, Division Director; Ramaniklal Satasiya, Project Manager; George 

Choubah, Bridge Design Team Leader

EFLHD staff (Daniel Camacho, Victor Carreras, Saul Sandoval, and Jose Pabon) pose 

with Puerto Rico (PR) Department of Transportation (DTOP) Secretary and Puerto Rico 

Department of Transportation and Public Works (PRHTA) Executive Director, USDOT’s 

Transportation Recovery Representative for PR and USVI, PR Mayor Federation’s President 

at the Puerto Rico Governors Mansion for the commencement of the Puerto Rico Permanent 

Emergency Repairs Projects addressing damages from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Picture 

taken by DTOP
18 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

Project Award

The Rehabilitation of the Arlington Memorial Bridge project earned the 

American Council of Engineering Companies of Metropolitan Washington, 

Engineering Excellence Grand Award in Design. This Design-Build project 

included the design and construction for the rehabilitation of the concrete 

approach spans, removal and replacement of the concrete deck, replacement 

of the bascule span at the center of the bridge, concrete repairs to the existing 

structure, rehabilitation of the bridge substructure, removal and resetting 

granite curb and railing, repairing and cleaning the bridge’s stone masonry 

and other miscellaneous work.

Arlington Memorial Bridge (above & below) looking west toward Virginia

Arlington 

Memorial 

Bridge (above) 

looking toward 

the Lincoln 

Memorial; 

ACEC award 

(left) 
2021 The Year in Review 19

Tribal Partner Delivered Projects

Projects

The Green Bridge, an historic pony truss bridge built in 1938, was rehabilitated by the Pawnee Nation and the City of Pawnee. Since the reopening the Pawnee Nation 

has received the Oklahoma ACEC Engineering Excellence Honor Award for this CM/GC Safety and Enhancement Project and are slated to receive the ACEC 2022 

Engineering Excellence National Recognition Award in May 2022 as well. — Oklahoma
20 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

The Project team included the 

Pawnee Nation, City of Pawnee, 

Builder’s Unlimited, Inc., BridgeCo 

Contractors, Inc. and CONSOR 

Engineers, LLC. Pictured left 

to right: Gregg A. Hostetler, 

PE Executive Vice President, 

Structural Assessment CONSOR 

Engineers, LLC; Chris McCray, 

Transportation Manager, Pawnee 

Nation; Rhonda James, Assistant 

Transportation Manager, Pawnee 

Nation; Branson Cole, PE Project 

Engineer CONSOR Engineers, LLC

Pawnee Nation Transportation Manager, Chris McCray stated, “The Green 

Bridge Rehabilitation Project is the culmination of the Pawnee Nation CM/

GC Safety and Enhancement Projects suite of projects. The Pawnee Nation 

was fortunate enough to obtain $1 million of funding through the FHWAof 

this almost $2 million project. The “Green Bridge” is the main gateway into 

the Pawnee Nation Reserve Complex, and the goal of the project was to 

rehabilitate this bridge while maintaining the historic aesthetics and increase 

the structural integrity. All of these projects have focused on the safety, 

sustainability and livability of the Pawnee Nation and Pawnee communities. 

Any given day there are numerous individuals and families utilizing these new 

facilities. These projects could not have taken place without the confidence and 

support from the Pawnee Nation Business Council, the technical support from 

FHWA and collaborative effort of the Project team.”

(Below) Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Green Bridge Rehabilitation Project — Pawnee Nation, 

City of Pawnee, Oklahoma

Dungeness River Audubon Center parking lot under construction and equipped with electric 

vehicle charging stations. TTP funds were utilized by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to 

construct the parking lot and driveway access. — Clallam County, Washington

(Left) Aerial view of the 

Green Bridge Rehabilitation 

Project under construction. 
2021 The Year in Review 21

Projects

Bell School South Bridge replacement project completed (above), Images to the left show the 

original bridge and roadway. School buses and staff use the bridge to travel back and forth 

between area schools. The original bridge was prone to washout and presented other safety 

concerns. — Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma
22 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

Maintaining Ice Roads

2021 brought unusually stormy/windy weather to Bethel, Alaska. The Native 

Village of Napaimute Kuskokwim Ice Road Crew plowed the 17 mile section 

from the halfway point to Napaskiak to the Kwethluk/Akiachak eight times, 

much more than normally required.

Cost for the first plow run was $220 per mile for a total of $3,740. The 7 

additional plows were priced at the reduced cost of $110 per mile for a total 

of $13,090. Total expense for this section of the Kuskokwim Ice Road was 

$16,830 as of February 2021.

The following pictures not only depict the work performed but demonstrate 

the value of keeping this section of the ice road open and safe for use.

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Vaccination team were escorted to four villages to 

administer several hundred COVID 19 vaccines — Alaska

A first for the Kuskokwim Ice Road – standardized markers provided by Alaska DOT, amber 

reflectors face downstream, silver reflectors face upstream — Alaska

Continuous Monitoring & Maintenance is essential, here a section of the road is closed after 

warm weather to allow the soft surface to harden. — Alaska

With no planes flying, the road must be kept open during stormy weather for medical 

emergencies. — Alaska

10,000 gallons of heating fuel being delivered to a village near Bethel that was running 

dangerously low on fuel — Alaska
2021 The Year in Review 23

Projects

"An endless battle with endless expenses during the past several weeks of stormy windy 

weather" — Mark Leary, Director of Development and Operations, Native Village of 

Napaimute Kuskokwim 2/18/21

(Above) Additional 

equipment is needed to keep 

the road open. (Left) Grader 

leased from the Napaskiak 

Tribe — Alaska

Public access is kept open to important 

subsistence use areas. — Alaska

The body of a respected Elder and long-time dog musher is transported home via the ice road. — Alaska
24 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

Federal, State and Local Partner Projects

Kings Canyon Overlook, Before 

(above) and After (right) — 

Sequoia and Kings Canyon, 

California

Sequoia National Park 

Boundary Sign, Before 

(left) and After (below) 

— Sequoia and Kings 

Canyon, California

Before (left) and After (right) — Lost Grove, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, California

Generals Highway and access facilities between Sequoia and Kings Canyon in 

California were not designed or constructed for travel by the larger vehicles 

that are in use today. Work is ongoing to reconstruct the road to widen 

narrow sections, construct new, or rehabilitate existing retaining walls, 

improve drainage, construct new pullouts, and make other improvements. 
2021 The Year in Review 25

Projects

Completed 

Projects —

Sequoia and 

Kings Canyon, 

California
26 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

Local traffic near the Hoover Dam. This image was captured by CFLHD Project Engineer Barbara Quintana, while inspecting an application of Fog Seal on the Lower Portal Access Road on the 

Nevada side of the Hoover Dam. Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is visible in the background. — Hoover Dam, Nevada
2021 The Year in Review 27

Projects

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge bridge replacement project removed an existing single lane 

timber trestle bridge and an at grade railroad crossing, replacing it with a new concrete bridge 

over Lake River and the railroad, providing safe and reliable crossing via rail and river — 

River S Bridge over Lake River, Ridgefield, Washington.

The Strawberry Sheep Creek project consisted of widening, reconstruction, and paving of 

the unpaved portion (12.3 miles) of Forest Routes 70131, 70042, and 70051, known as the 

Strawberry Sheep Creek Connector. Work also included drainage and safety improvements. — 

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah

Road Safety Audit — Cumberland Pass, Colorado Strawberry Sheep Creek Connector — Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah
28 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

Glenn Highway Rehabilitation West Chickaloon Grade Section Project straightens the alignment of the Glenn Highway at the South approach to the Chickaloon Bridge. — Matanuska Susitna 

Borough, Alaska
2021 The Year in Review 29

Projects

Glenn Highway area — Matanuska Susitna Borough, Alaska

Project location
30 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

Impromptu ribbon cutting ceremony — EFLHD staff members Daniel Camacho, Victor 

Carreras, & Alex Correa, along with FS and FAA partners celebrate completion of permanent 

repairs addressing damage caused by Hurricane Maria. — Puerto Rico

Chisos Basin Road Rehabilitation — Big Bend National Park, Texas

Guardrail installation (above) and (below), Jose Pabon-Rivera, EFLHD Construction Engineer 

inspects guardrail — Safety and signage projects, Puerto Rico 
2021 The Year in Review 31

Projects

Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge Entrance Road and Visitor Center project (above & below) 

includes rehabilitation of the existing main entrance road from New Mexico 161, to include 

access to all parking areas servicing the administration, lodge, bunkhouse, and environmental 

education buildings.— Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

The Many Glacier Road project (above & below) rehabilitates approximately 12 miles of Many 

Glacier Road from Many Glacier Hotel Parking Area to the intersection in Babb, Montana 

on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. In general, the project closely follows existing horizontal 

and vertical alignments, while providing consistent 22 foot-wide paved surfaces. The project 

includes improved base material beneath the roadway, new asphalt concrete pavement 

surfacing, replacement of failed, undersized, or otherwise deficient culverts, masonry and 

minor bridge work, as well as turnout and parking area reconstruction throughout project 

limits. — Glacier National Park, Montana 
32 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

Fremont Pass Trail, Fremont Pass Recreational Pathway FLAP Project — White River 

National Forest, Colorado

Kapaa Stream Bridge and Mailihuna Road intersection rehab and safety improvements 

projects (above & below) addressed bridge width, load capacity, bridge railing and transitions, 

and bridge approaches. The highway intersection at Mailihuna Road was also improved with 

lighting, signing, pavement marking, drainage, traffic signal installation, roadway widening 

and other improvements. — Island of Kauai, Hawaii

Browns Canyon National Monument Access Road, a BLM and FS project accomodates a 

mix of traffic including school buses, trucks with trailers, RVs, passenger vehicles, ATVs, and 

motorcycles. This 0.25-mile section of CR 300 is gravel surfaced with a typical width of 19-22 

feet, with the exception of a short narrow 12-foot section (the Narrows) located at the crest 

of a vertical curve in the middle of a horizontal curve. This section is bordered by a rock cut 

on the north and the Arkansas River on the south, making it difficult for traffic to pass safely. 

A traffic signal was installed by Chaffee County to facilitate one-way traffic through this 

section, but it continues to be vandalized and is currently inoperable. The project will improve 

drainage and safety, widening the roadway to a consistent 24-feet, adding guardrail where 

necessary. — Brown Canyon, Colorado
2021 The Year in Review 33

Projects

US50 Little Blue Creek Canyon Safety Improvements Project provided for 

the following improvements: wider shoulders, better roadway alignment 

and sight lines, slope stabilization with the installation of a rockfall 

catchment fence and other methods. Guardrail replacement, and general 

safety improvements were made throughout the canyon corridor. The 

route provides access to The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, 

Curecanti National Recreational Area, and Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and 

Gunnison National Forests. Funds were provided by Colorado DOT and the 

FLAP in partnership with NPS, BLM and FS. 

Birds Eye view of the project — Little Blue Creek Canyon, Colorado

Culvert installation — Little Blue Creek Canyon, Colorado Rock Scaling — Little Blue Creek Canyon, Colorado

Rock Cut — Little Blue Creek Canyon, Colorado
34 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

This FLAP Bridge Replacement Project addressed structural, functional inadequacies as 

well as the restrictive width and height limitations of two existing bridges on NM 152. The 

completed project provides safer and more reliable vehicular travel along NM 152, a major 

collector joining Interstate 25 to US 180. All photos — Gila National Forest, New Mexico.
2021 The Year in Review 35

Projects

Beartooth Highway reconstruction project addressed approximately 2.32 miles of US 212, and 

improved roadway alignment and grade. The project also included removal and replacement 

of an existing bridge, and construction of a new 36 foot wide bridge. In addition, this 

project covered improvements to the West Summit Site on the highway east of the roadway 

improvement project at Beartooth Pass, to include grading and installation of aggregate base 

to the entrance road and parking area. — Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming

All photos — Shoshone National 

Forest, Wyoming
36 2021 The Year in Review

Projects

Veterans Drive Improvements Project exemplifies successful ongoing 

cooperation between the US Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Public 

Works, Puerto Rico and USVI Division Offices and EFLHD. Veterans 

Drive provides access to the major economic, governmental, and cultural 

facilities on St. Thomas. The project provides improved connectivity for 

locals and millions of visitors alike to the airport, downtown, 2 cruise ship 

docks, shopping centers, etc. Phase 1a of the project from the Lovers Lane 

intersection to Hospital Gade is complete and features increased roadway 

from a 2 lane undivided, to a 4 lane divided highway; with designated pulloffs, ample sidewalk space for pedestrians and cyclists, 3 spacious lookout 

points with architectural finishes, a docking area for boats, and a seawall. 

(Left) Aerial view showing project limits and work phases — Veterans Drive, USVI

Phase 2 Phase 1b Phase 1a

Veterans Drive Panoramics (left & above right) Source: USVI DPW

(Left) shows 

the above 

location before 

construction. — 

Veterans Drive, 

USVI
2021 The Year in Review 37

Vehicle Pull-off area — Veterans Drive Phase 1a , USVI 

Lookout Point 1 — Veterans Drive Phase 1a, USVI 

Promenade — Veterans Drive Phase 1a, USVI

Lookout Point 2 and Dock Area — Veterans Drive Phase 1a, USVI

Seawall — Veterans Drive Phase 1a, USVI 

Overall Project Benefits:

Restores the roadway and updates it 

to meet current design standards.

Increases automobile, pedestrian, and 

cyclist capability

Improves pedestrian experience by 

improving aesthetics and safety with 

updated well separated facilities

Reduces congestion and eliminates 

potential illegal parking on the 

waterfront

Streetscape enhances the corridor’s 

aesthetic appeal and promotes 

economic development with a 

continuous pedestrian connection

Increases resiliency of transportation 

system from future storm events

Before (above left) and After (above right) Phase 1a Veterans Drive and Hospital Gade Intersection — 

Veterans Drive Phase 1a, USVI 

Projects
FHWA-FLH-22-001

highways.dot.gov/federal-lands

FLH HQ • (202) 366-9494

EFLHD • (703) 404-6201

CFLHD • (720) 963-3500

WFLHD • (360) 619-7700