They have moved with reasonable speed to correct those problems. About 60 percent of such roads are unpaved. The main focus of this article was on innovative funding of low volume road upgrades. The Hazard Elimination Program provides 90 percent federal funding for highway improvements. The Rail-Highway Crossings program assists with improving railway crossing on public roads.
Individual states provide a similar variety of special-emphasis programs.
Where money is not available, expertise, equipment, or at least the sanction of higher officials may be. Local officials should seek the widest possible range of cooperation. The author recommended contacting the local government coordinator in your state department of transportation or asking the Local Technical Assistance Program coordinator for information on innovative funding sources. Wilson's article described success stories from local road districts that uncovered unusual funding sources for their road upgrades. Through Federal Highway Administration safety project programs, Sheridan County, Wyoming took advantage of 80 percent funding and the Army Corps of Engineers to protect a county road by stabilizing a stream bank.