The FHWA also provides expertise, resources, and information to continually improve the quality of our nation's highway system and its intermodal connections. The FHWA undertakes this mission in cooperation with its state, metropolitan, and other partners to enhance the country's economic vitality, quality of life, and environment. To support all of these program areas, the FHWA conducts and manages a comprehensive research, development, and technology program. CMAQ was created to improve air quality in non-attainment and maintenance areas. In addition to public entities, private and nonprofit organizations are also eligible to receive funds.
New provisions are now in place for alternative fuel vehicles.
By 2001, the National Academy of Sciences will conduct a study of the CMAQ program to compare the benefits derived from the program to the cost of operating it. The Transportation Enhancements program funds activities that make communities more pleasant places to live. Besides falling into at least one of these categories, projects must also have a connection with transportation. The Federal Transit Administration is a modal agency within the Department of Transportation responsible for creating an effective mass transportation system. Some FTA services available for local transit systems providers include financial, technical, and planning assistance for transit improvements and traffic reduction.