A bill to authorize appropriations for the construction of certain highways in accordance with title 23 of the United States Code, and for other purposes.
PL 94-280 (H.R.8235), enacted 05/05/1976

PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 425 
Public Law 94-280 
94th Congress 
An Act 
To authorize appropriations for the construction of certain highways in accord-
ance with title 23 of the United States Code, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled^ 
TITLE I 
SHORT TITLE 
SEC. 101. This title may be cited as the "Federal-Aid Highway Act 
of 1976". 
May 5, 1976 
[H.R. 8235] 
Highway 
construction andl 
safety. 
Appropriation 
authorization. 
Federal-Aid 
Highway Act of 
1976. 
23 u s e 101 note 
REVISION o r AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE INTERSTATE 
SYSTEM 
SEC. 102. (a) Subsection (b) of section 108 of the Federal-Aid 
Hisrhway Act of 1956, as amended, is amended by striking out "the 23 USC 101 note 
additional sum of $3,260,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 
1978, and the additional sum of $3,250,000,000 for the fiscal year end-
ing June 30, 1979.", and by inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
"the additional sum of $3,250,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Sep-
tember 30,1978, the additional sum of $3,250,000,000 for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 1979, the additional sum of $3,625,000,000 for 
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980, the additional sum of 
$3,625,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981, the addi-
tional sum of $3,625,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1982, the additional sum of $3,625,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
September 30, 1983, the additional sum of $3,625,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 1984, the additional sum of $3,625,000,000 
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985, the additional sum of 
$3,625,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1986, the addi-
tional sum of $3,625,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1987, the additional sum of $3,625,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
September 30, 1988, the additional sum of $3,625,000,000 for 
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1989, and the additional sum of 
$3,626,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1990.". 
(b) (1) At least 30 per centum of the apportionment made to each 
State for each of the fiscal years ending September 30, 1978. and 
September 30, 1979, of the sums authorized in subsection (a) of this 
section shall be expended by such State for projects for the construc-
tion of intercity portions (including belt 
ways) which will close essen-
tial gaps in the Interstate System and provide a continuous System. 
(2) The Secretary of Transportation shall report to Congress before Report to 
October 1, 1976, on those intercity portions of the Interstate System Congress, 
the construction of which would be needed to close essential gaps in 
the System. 
(3) A State which does not have sufficient projects to meet the 30 
per centum requirement of paragraph (1) of this subsection may, 
upon approval of the Secretary of Transportation, be exempt from 
the requirements of such paragraph to the extent of such inability. 
90 STAT. 426 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
(c) No part of the funds authorized by section 108(b) of the Fed-
23 use 101 note. eral-Aid Highway Act of 1956, as amended, for the Interstate System, 
shall be obligated for any project for resurfacing, restoring, or rehabil-
itating any portion of the Interstate System. 
AUTHORIZATION OF USE OF COST ESTIMATES FOR APPORTIGlSrMENT OF 
INTERSTATE FUNDS 
23 use 101 note. 
SEC. 103. The Secretary of Transportation shall apportion for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1978, the sums authorized to be 
appropriated for such periods by section 108(b) of the Federal-Aid 
Highway Act of 1956, as amended, for expenditures on the National 
System of Interstate and Defense Highways, using the apportionment 
factors contained in revised table 5 of Committee Print 94-38 of the 
Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of 
Representatives. 
TRANSITION QUARTER AUTHORIZATION 
SEC. 104. (a) There is hereby authorized to be appropriated, out 
of the Highway Trust Fund, $1,637,390,000 for the transition quarter 
.310,- • 
ending September 30, 1976, for those projects authorized by title 23 
of the United States Code, the approval of which creates a contractual 
obligation of the United States for payment out of the Highway Trust 
Fund of the Federal share of such projects except those authorized by 
23 use 142. 
section 142 of such title, and those on the Interstate System (other 
than as permitted in subsection (b)). Such sums shall be apportioned 
or allocated on the date of enactment of this Act among the States, 
as follows: 
(1) 60 per centum according to the formula established under 
section 104(b)(1) of title 23, United States Code, as such sec-
tion is in effect on the day preceding the date of enactment of 
this Act. 
(2) 40 per centum in the ratio which the population of each 
State bears to the total population of all the States shown by the 
latest available Federal census. 
(b) Any State which received less than one-half of 1 per centum 
of the apportionment made under section 104(b) (5) of title 23, United 
States Code, for the Interstate System for fiscal year 1977 may expend 
all or any part of its apportionment under this section for projects 
on the Interstate System in such State. 
(c) There is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of the High-
way Trust Fund, for the transition quarter ending September 30, 
1976, $8,250,000 for forest highways, and $4,000,000 for public lands 
highways. Such sums shall be apportioned or allocated on the date of 
enactment of this Act in accordance with section 202 of title 23, United 
States Code. 
(d) There is authorized to be appropriated, out of the Highway 
Trust Fund, for the transition quarter ending September 30, 1976, 
$120,000 to the Virgin Islands, $120,000 to Guam, and $120,000 to 
American Samoa, for projects and programs under sections 152. 153, 
and 402 of title 23, United States Code, such sums shall be appor-
tioned on the date of enactment of this Act in accordance with sec-
tion 402 (c) of title 23, United States Code. 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 427 
HIGHWAY 
AUTHORIZATIONS 
SEC. 105. (a) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of 
title 23, United States Code, the following sums are hereby authorized 
to be appropriated: 
(1) For the Federal-aid primary system in rural areas, including the 
extensions of the Federal-aid primary system in urban areas, and 
the priority primary routes, out of the Highway Trust Fund, 
$1,350,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$1,350,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978. For the 
Federal-aid secondary system in rural areas, out of the Highway Trust 
Fund, $400,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$400,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978. 
(2) For the Federal-aid urban system, out of the Highway Trust 
Fund, $800,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$800,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978. 
(3) For forest highways, out of the Highway Trust Fund, 
$33,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$33,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
(4) For public lands highways, out of the Highway Trust Fund, 
$16,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$16,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978. 
(5) For forest development roads and trails, $35,000,000 for the 
three-month period ending September 30, 1976, $140,000,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and $140,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30,1978. 
(6) For public lands development roads and trails, $2,500,000 for the 
three-month period ending September 30, 1976, $10,000,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and $10,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30,1978. 
(7) For park roads and trails, $7,500,000 for the three-month period 
ending September 30, 1976, $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Sep-
tember 30, 1977, and $30,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Septem-
ber 30,1978. 
(8) For parkways, $11,250,000 for the three-month period ending 
September 30, 1976, $45,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Septem-
ber 30, 1977, and $45,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1978, except that the entire cost of any parkway project on any Federal-
aid system paid under the authorization contained in this paragraph 
shall be paid from the Highway Trust Fund. 
(9) For Indian reservation roads and bridges, $20,750,000 for the 
three-month period ending September 30, 1976, $83,000,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and $83,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30,1978. 
(10) For economic growth center development highways under sec-
tion 143 of title 23, United States Code, out of the Highway Trust 
Fund, $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
(11) For necessary administrative expenses in carrying out section 
131 and section 136 of title 23, United States Code, $375,000 for the 
three-month period ending September 30,1976, $1,500,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 1977, and $1,500,000 for the fiscal year 
ending September 30,1978. 
(12) For carrying out section 215(a) of title 23, United States 23 USC 215 note. 
Code— 
90 STAT. 428 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
(A) for the Virgin Islands, not to exceed $1,250,000 for the 
three-month period ending September 30, 1976, not to exceed 
$5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and not 
to exceed $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
(B) for Guam, not to exceed $1,250,000 for the three-month 
period ending September 30,1976, not to exceed $5,000,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30,1977, and not to exceed $5,000,000 
for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
(C) for American Samoa, not to exceed $250,000 for the three-
month period ending September 30,1976, not to exceed $1,000,000 
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and not to exceed 
$1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978, 
Sums authorized by this paragraph shall be available for obligation 
at the beginning of the period for which authorized in the same man-
ner and to the same extent as if such sums were apportioned under 
23 use 101 e
f 
chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code. 
seq- 
(13) For authorized landscaping, including, but not limited to, 
the planting of flowers and shrubs indigenous to the area, and for 
litter removal an additional $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
September 30,1977 and $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Septem-
ber 30,1978. 
(14) For the Great River Road, $2,500,000 for the three-month 
period ending September 30, 1976, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year end-
ing September 30, 1977, and $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
September 30, 1978, for construction or reconstruction of roads not 
on a Federal-aid highway system; and out of the Highway Trust 
Fund, $6,250,000 for the three-month period ending September 30, 
1976, $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978, for construc-
tion or reconstruction of roads on a Federal-aid highway system. 
(15) For control of outdoor advertising under section 131 of title 
23, United States Code, $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Sep-
tember 30, 1977, and $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 
30,1978. 
(16) For control of junkyards under section 136 of title 23, United 
States Code, $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1977, 
and $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
(17) For safer off-system roads under section 219 of title 23, United 
States Code, $200,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1977, and $200,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
(18) For access highways under section 155 of title 23, United States 
Code, $3,750,000 for the three-month period ending September 30, 
1976, $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978. 
(19) Nothing in the first ten paragraphs or in paragraph (12), 
(13), (14), (17), or (18) of this section shall be construed to authorize 
the appropriation of any sums to carry out sections 131,136, or chapter 
23 use 401 et 
4 of title 23, United States Code. 
seq- 
(b) (1) For each of the fiscal years 1978 and 1979. no State, includ-
23 use 104 note, jj^g ^-j^^ State of Alaska, shall receive less than one-half of 1 per centum 
of the total apportionment for the Interstate System under se-ction 
104(b) (5) of title 23, United States Code. Whenever amounts made 
available under this subsection for the Interstate System in any State 
sdcsi, c' 
;,; exceed the estimated cost of completing that State's portion of the 
Interstate System, and exceed the estimated cost of necessary resurfac-
ing, restoration, and rehabilitation of the Interstate System within 
such State, the excess amount shall be transferred to and added to the 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 429 
amounts last apportioned to such State under paragraphs (1), (2) 
and (6) of section 104(b) in the ratio which these respective amounts 
23 USC 104. 
bear to each other in that State, and shall thereafter be available for 
expenditure in the same manner and to the same extent as the amounts 
^ 
to which they are added. In order to carry out this subsection, there 
are authorized to be appropriated, out of the Highway Trust Fund, 
not to exreed $91,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978, 
and $125,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1979. 
(2) In addition to funds otherwise authorized, $65,000,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and $65,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 1978, out of the Highway Trust Fund, are 
hereby authorized for the purpose of completing projects approved 
under the urban high density traffic program prior to the enactment of 
• 
this paragraph. Such sums shall be in addition to sums previously 
authorized. 
(c) (1) In the case of priority primary routes, $50,000,000 of the 
sum authorized for fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, by the 
amendment made by subsection (a)(1) of this section, shall not be 
apportioned. Such $50,000,000 shall be available for obligation on July 
1,1976, in the same manner and to the same extent as sums apportioned 
for fiscal year 1977 except that such $50,000,000 shall be available for 
obligation at the discretion of the Secretary of Transportation only 
for projects of unusually high cost which require long periods of time 
for their construction. Any part of such $50,000,000 not obligated by 
such Secretary before October 1, 1977, shall be immediately appor-
tioned in the same manner as funds apportioned on October 1, 1977, 
- 'rt'te..* 
for priority primary routes and available for obligation for the same 
period as such apportionment. 
(2) In the case of priority primary routes, $50,000,000 of the sum 
authorized for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978, by the amend-
ment made bv subsection (a) (1) of this section, shall not be appor-
tioned. Such $50,000,000 of such authorized sum shall be available for 
obligation on the date of such apportionment, in the same manner and 
to the same extent as the suras apportioned on such date, except that 
such $50,000,000 shall be available for obligation at the discretion of 
the Secretary of Transportation only for projects of unusually high 
cost which require long periods of time for their construction. Any 
part of such $50,000,000 not obligated by such Secretary before Octo-
ber 1, 1978, shall be immediately apportioned in the same manner as 
funds apportioned on October 1, 1978, for such routes, and available 
for obligation for the same period as such apportionment. 
INTERSTATE SYSTEM RESURFACING 
SEC. 106. (a) In addition to any other funds authorized for the 
Interstate System, there is authorized to be appropriated out of the 
Highway Trust Fund not to exceed $175,000,000 for the fiscal year 
ending September 30,1978, and $175,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
September 30,1979. Such sums shall be obligated only for projects for 
resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating those lanes on the Interstate 
System which have been in use for more than five years and which are 
not on toll roads. 
(b) Paragraph (5) of subsection (b) of section 104 of title 23, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting " (A) Except as provided 
in subparagraph (B)—" immediately after "(5)" and by adding at 
the end of such paragraph the following: 
"(B) For resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating the Interstate 
System: 
90 STAT. 430 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
"In the ratio which the lane miles on the Interstate System which 
* '^ 
have been in use for more than five years (other than those on toll 
roads) in each State bears to the total of the lane miles on the Inter-
State System which have been in use for more than five years (other 
than those on toll roads) in all States.". 
EXTENSION o r TIME FOR COMPLETION OF SYSTEM 
SEC. 107. (a) The second sentence of the second paragraph of 
section 101(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 
out "twenty-three years" and inserting in lieu thereof "thirty-four 
years'' and by striking out "June 30, 1979", and inserting in lieu 
thereof "September 30,1990". 
(b) (1) The introductory phrase and the second and third sentences 
of section 101(b) (5) of title 23, Ignited States Code, are amended by 
striking out "1979" each place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof 
at each such place "1990". 
Congressional 
(2) The last four sentences of such section 104(b) (5) are amended 
approvals. 
to read as follows: "Upon the approval by Congress, the Secretary 
shall use the Federal share of such approved estimate in making 
the apportionment for the fiscal year ending September 30,1977. The 
Secretary shall make the apportionment for the fiscal year ending 
September 30,1978, in accordance with section 103 of the Federal-Aid 
Cost estimates, 
Highway Act of 1976. The Secretary shall make a revised estimate of 
transmittal to 
the cost of completing the then designated Interstate System after 
Congress. 
taking into account all previous apportionments made under this 
section in the same manner as stated above, and transmit the same 
to the Senate and the House of Representatives within ten days 
subsequent to January 2, 1977. Upon the approval by Congress, the 
Secretary shall use the Federal share of such approved estimates in 
making apportionments for the fiscal years ending September 30, 
1979, and September 30, 1980. The Secretary shall make a revised 
estimate of the cost of completing the then designated Interstate 
System after taking into account all previous apportionments made 
under this section in the same manner as stated above and transmit the 
same to the Senate and the House of Representatives within ten days 
subsequent to January 2, 1979. Upon the approval by Congress, the 
Secretary shall use the Federal share of such approved estimates in 
making apportionments for the fiscal years ending September 30,1981, 
and September 30, 1982. The Secretary shall make a revised estimate 
of the cost of completing the then designated Interstate System after 
taking into account all previous apportionments made under this sec-
tion in the same manner as stated above and transmit the same to the 
^ 
Senate and the House of Representatives within ten days subsequent 
to January 2,1981. Upon the approval by Congress, the Secretary shall 
use the Federal share of such approved estimates in making apportion-
ments for the fiscal years ending September 30, 1983, and September 
30, 1984. The Secretary shall make a revised estimate of the cost of 
completing; the then designated Interstate System after taking into 
account all previous apportionments made under this section in the 
same manner as stated above and transmit the same to the Senate and 
the House of Representatives within ten days subsequent to January 2, 
1983, Upon the approval by Congress, the Secretary shall use the Fed-
eral share of such approved estimates in making apportionments for 
the fiscal years ending September 30, 1985, and September 30, 1986. 
The Secretary shall make a revised estimate of the cost of completing 
the then designated Interstate System after taking into account all 
previous apportionments made under this section in the same manner 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 431 
as stated above and transmit the same to the Senate and the House of 
Representatives within ten days subsequent to January 2, 1985. Upon 
the approval by Congress, the Secretary shall use the Federal share of 
such approved estimates in making apportionments for the fiscal years 
ending September 30, 1987, and September 30, 1988. The Secretary 
shall make a revised estimate of the cost of completing the then des-
ignated Interstate System after taking into account all previous 
apportionments made under this section in the same manner as stated 
above and transmit the same to the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives within ten days subsequent to January 2,1987. Upon the approval 
by Congress, the Secretary shall use the Federal share of such 
approved estimates in making apportionments for the fiscal years end-
ing September 30, 1989, and September 30,1990. Whenever the Secre-
tary, pursuant to this subsection, requests and receives estimates of 
cost from the State highway departments, he shall furnish copies of 
such estimates at the same time to the Senate and the House 
of Representatives.". 
DEFINITIOXS 
SEC. 108. (a) Subsection (a) of section 101 of title 23, United 
States Code, is amended as follows: 
(1) The definition of the term "construction" is amended by insert-
ing immediately after "Commerce)", the following "resurfacing, res-
toration, and rehabilitation,". 
(2) The definition of the term "urban area" is amended by striking 
out the period at the end thereof and inserting in lieu thereof a comma 
and the following: "except in the case of cities in the State of Maine 
and in the State of New Hampshire.". 
(b) Section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by 
adding the following definition after "public lands highways": 
"The term 'public road' means any road or street under the jurisdic-
tion of and maintained by a public authority and open to public 
:: \ ' 
I .4 
travel.". 
ELIGIBILITY FOR WITHDRAWAL 
SEC. 109. (a) The second sentence of paragraph (2) of subsection 
(e) of section 103 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by strik-
ing out "prior to the enactment of this paragraph". 
(b) Section 103(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by 
adding the following new paragraph at the end thereof: 
"(5) Interstate mileage authorized for any State and withdrawn 
and transferred under the provisions of paragraph (2) of this sub-
section after the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Act 
of 1976, must be constructed by the State receiving such mileage as 
part of its Interstate System. Any State receiving such transfer of 
mileage may not, with respect to that transfer, avail itself of the 
optional use of Interstate funds under the second sentence of para-
graph (4) of this subsection.". 
INTERSTATE 
SYSTEM 
SEC. 110. (a) Section 103(e)(4) of title 23, United States Code. 
is amended to read as follows: 
"(4) Upon the joint request of a State Governor and the local gov-
ernments concerned, the Secretary may withdraw his approval of any 
route or portion thereof on the Interstate System which is within an 
urbanized area or which passes through and connects urbanized areas 
within a State and which was selected and approved in accordance with 
90 STAT. 432 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
this title, if he determines that such route or portion thereof is not 
essential to completion of a unified and connected Interstate System 
and if he receives assurances that the State does not intend to construct 
a toll road in the traffic corridor which would be served by the route or 
portion thereof. When the Secretary withdraws his approval under this 
paragraph, a sum equal to the Federal share of the cost to complete the 
withdrawn route or portion thereof, as that cost is included in tne latest 
Interstate System cost estimate approved by Congress, subject to 
increase or decrease, as determined by the Secretary based on changes 
in construction costs of the withdrawn route or portion thereof as of 
the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1976 or the 
date of approval of each substitute project under this paragraph, 
whichever is later, and in accordance with the design of the route or 
portion thereof that is the basis of the latest cost estimate, shall be 
available to the Secretary to incur obligations for the Federal share of 
either public mass transit projects involving the construction of fixed 
rail facilities or the purchase of passenger equipment including rolling 
stock, for any mode of mass transit, or both, or projects authorized 
under any highway assistance program under section 103 of this title; 
or both, which will serve the urbanized area and the connecting non-
urbanized area corridor from which the Interstate route or portion 
thereof was withdrawn, which are selected by the responsible local 
officials of the urbanized area or area to be served, and which are sub-
mitted by the Governor of the State in which the withdrawn route was 
located. Approval by the Secretary of the plans, specifications, and 
estimates for a substitute project shall be deemed to be a contractual 
obligation of the Federal Government. The Federal share of the sub-
stitute projects shall be determined in accordance with the provisions 
of section 120 of this title applicable to the highway program of which 
the substitute project is a part, except that in the case of mass transit 
projects, the Federal share shall be that specified in section 4 of the 
49 use 1603. 
Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended. The sums avail-
able for obligation shall remain available until obligated. The sums 
obligated for mass transit projects shall become part of, and be admin-
istered through, the Urban Mass Transportation Fund. There are 
authorized to be appropriated for liquidation of the obligations 
incurred under this paragraph such sums as may be necessary out of 
the general fund of the Treasury. Unobligated apportionments for the 
Interstate System in any State where a withdrawal is approved under 
this paragraph shall, on the date of such approval, be reduced in the 
proportion that the Federal share of the cost of the withdrawn route or 
portion thereof bears to the Federal share of the total cost of all Inter-
state routes in that State as reflected in the latest cost estimate 
approved by the Congress. In any State where the withdrawal of an 
Interstate route or portion thereof has been approved under section 
108(e) (4) of this title prior to the date of enactment of the Federal-
Aid Highway Act of 1976, the unobligated apportionments for the 
Interstate System in that State on the date of enactment of the Fed-
eral-Aid Highway Act of 1976 shall be reduced in the pro}3ortion that 
the Federal share of the cost to complete such route or portion thereof, 
as shown on the latest cost estimate approved by Congress prior to 
such approval of withdrawal, bears to the Federal share of the cost of 
all Interstate routes in that State, as shown on such cost estimate, 
except that the amount of such proportional reduction shall be credited 
with the amount of any reduction in such State's Interstate appor-
tionment which was attributable to the Federal share of any substitute 
project approved under this paragraph prior to enactment of such 
Federal-Aid Highway Act. Funds available for expenditure to carry 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 433 
out the purposes of this paragraph shall be supplementary to and 
not in substitution for funds authorized and available for ooligation 
pursuant to the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended. 49 USC 1601 
The provisions of this paragraph as amended by the Federal-Aid note. 
Highway Act of 1976, shall be effective as of August 13,1973.". 
(b) Section 103(e)(4) of title 23, United States Code, is further 
amended by adding the following sentence at the end thereof: 
"In the event a withdrawal of approval is accepted pursuant to this 
section, the State shall not be required to refund to the Highway Trust 
Fund any sums previously paid to the State for the withdrawn route or 
portion of the Interstate System as long as said sums were applied to a 
transportation project permissible under this title.". 
ROUTE WITHDRAWALS 
SEC. 111. (a) The existing fourth sentence of paragraph (2) of 
,:«?,;; 
subsection (e) of section 103 of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by striking out "increased or decreased," and all that follows down 
through and including the period at the end thereof and inserting in 
lieu thereof the following: "or if the cost of any such withdrawn route 
was not included in such 1972 Interstate System cost estimate, the cost 
of such withdrawn route as set forth in the last Interstate System cost 
estimate before such 1972 cost estimate which was approved by Con-
gress and which included the cost of such withdrawn route, increased 
or decreased, as the case may be, as determined by the Secretary, based 
on changes in construction costs of such route or portion thereof, 
which, (i) in the case of a withdrawn route the cost of which was not 
included in the 1972 cost estimate but in an earlier cost estimate, have 
occurred between such earlier cost estimate and the date of enactment 
of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1976, and (ii) in the case of a 
withdrawn route the cost of which was included in the 1972 cost esti-
mate, have occurred between the 1972 cost estimate and the date of 
enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1976, or the date of 
withdrawal of approval, whichever date is later, and in each case costs 
shall be based on that design of such route or portion thereof which is 
the basis of the applicable cost estimate.". 
(b) The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section shall be 23 USC 103 note, 
applicable to each route on the Interstate System approval of which 
was withdrawn or is hereafter withdrawn by the Secretary of Trans-
portation in accordance with the provisions of section 103(e)(2) of 
title 23, United States Code, includmg any route on the Interstate Sys-
tem approval of which was withdrawn by the Secretary of Transpor-
tation in accordance with the provisions of title 23, United States Code, 
on August 30, 1965, for the purpose of designating an alternative 
route. 
APPORTIONMENTS 
SEC. 112. (a) Section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended by striking "On or before January 1 next preceding the com-
mencement of each fiscal year, except as provided m paragraphs (4) 
and (5) of this subsection," and inserting m lieu thereof "On October 1 
of each fiscal year except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this 
subsection,". 
(b) Section 104(b) (1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
"(1) For the Federal-aid primary system (including extensions in 
urban areas and priority primary routes)— 
90 STAT. 434 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
"Two-thirds according to the following formula: one-third in the 
ratio which the area of each State bears to the total area of all the 
?•'i^' 
States, one-third in the ratio which the population of rural areas of 
each State bears to the total population of rural areas of all the States 
as shown by the latest available Federal census, and one-third in the 
ratio which the mileage of rural delivery routes and intercity mail 
routes where service is performed by motor vehicles in each State bear 
to the total mileage of rural delivery and intercity mail routes where 
service is performed by motor vehicles, as shown by a certificate of the 
Postmaster General, which he is directed to make and furnish annually 
to the Secretary; and one-third as follows: in the ratio which the pop-
ulation in urban areas in each State bears to the total population in 
urban areas in all the States as shown by the latest Federal census. No 
State (other than the District of Columbia) shall receive less than 
one-half of 1 per centum of each year's apportionment.". 
Repeal. 
(c) Section 104(b) (3) of title 23, United States Code, is repealed. 
(d) Section 104:(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to 
read as follows: 
"(e) On October 1 of each fiscal year the Secretary shall certify to 
each of the State highway departments the sums which he has appor-
tioned hereunder (other than under subsection (b) (5) of this section) 
to each State for such fiscal year, and also the sums which he has 
deducted for administration and research pursuant to subsection (a) 
of this section. On October 1 of the year preceding the fiscal year for 
which authorized, the Secretary shall certify to each of the State high-
way departments the sums which he has apportioned under subsection 
(b) (5) of this section to each State for such fiscal year, and also the 
sums which he has deducted for administration and research pursuant 
to subsection (a) of this section. To permit the States to develop ade-
quate plans for the utilization of apportioned sums, the Secretary shall 
advise each State of the amount that will be apportioned each year 
under this section not later than ninety days before the beginning of 
the fiscal year for which the sums to be apportioned are authorized, 
except that in the case of the Interstate System the Secretary shall 
advise each State ninety days prior to the apportionment of such 
funds.". 
•''^'''*' 
(e) Section 104:(f) (1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by striking out "On or before January 1 next preceding the commence-
ment" and inserting in lieu thereof "On October 1". Section 104(f) (1) 
is further amended by striking out the period at the end thereof and 
inserting in lieu thereof a comma and the following: "except that in 
the case of funds authorized for apportionment on the Interstate Sys-
tem, the Secretary shall set aside that portion of such funds (subject 
to the overall limitation of one-half of 1 per centum) on October 1 of 
the year next preceding the fiscal year for which such funds are author-
ized for such System.". 
(f) Section 104(f) (3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by striking out the period at the end of the first sentence and inserting 
in lieu thereof ", except that States receiving the minimum appor-
tionment under paragraph (2) may, in addition, subject to the 
approval of the Secretary, use the funds apportioned to finance trans-
portation planning outside of urbanized areas.". 
(g) Section 104(b) (5) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by striking out "a date as far in advance of the beginning of the fiscal 
year for which authorized as practicable but in no case more than 
eighteen months prior to the beginning of the fiscal year for which 
authorized." and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "October 1 
of the year preceding the fiscal year for which authorized.". 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 435 
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, including any 
amendments made by this Act, funds authorized by this Act (other 
than for the Interstate System) for the transition quarter ending Sep-
tember 30, 1976, and for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, 
shall be apportioned on July 1, 1976, except as otherwise provided in 
section 104. 
TRANSFERABILITY 
SEC. 113. (a) Subsections (c) and (d) of section 104 of title 23, 
United States Code, are amended to read as follows: 
"(c) (1) Subject to subsection (d), the amount apportioned in any 
fiscal year, commencing with the apportionment of funds authorized 
to be appropriated under subsection (a) of section 102 of the Federal-
Aid Highway Act of 1956 (70 Stat. 374), to each State in accordance 23 USC 104 note, 
with paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) of this section may be 
transferred from the apportionment under one paragraph to the 
apportionment under the other paragraph if such a transfer is 
requested by the State highway department and is approved by the 
Governor of such State and the Secretary as being in the public interest. 
" (2) Subject to subsection (d), the amount apportioned in any fiscal 
year to each State in accordance with paragraph (1) or (6) of sub-
section (b) of this section may be transferred from the apportionment 
under one paragraph to the apportionment under the other paragraph 
if such transfer is requested by the State highway department and is 
approved by the Governor of such State and the Secretary as being 
in the public interest. Funds apportioned in accordance with para-
graph (6) of subsection (b) of this section shall not be transferred 
from their allocation to any urbanized area of two hundred thousand 
population or more under section 150 of this title, without the approval 
23 USC 150. 
of the local officials of such urbanized area. 
"(d) Each transfer of apportionments under subsection (c) of this 
section shall be subject to the following conditions: 
"(1) In the case of transfers under paragraph (1), the total 
of all transfers during any fiscal year to any apportionment shall 
not increase the original amount of such apportionment for such 
fiscal year by more than 40 per centum. Not more than 40 per 
centum of the original amount of an apportionment for any fiscal 
year shall be transferred to other apportionments. 
"(2) In the case of transfers under paragraph (2), the total of 
all transfers during any fiscal year to any apportionment shall not 
increase the original amount of such apportionment for such fiscal 
year by more than 20 per centum. Not more than 20 per centum 
of the original amount of an apportionment for any fiscal year 
shall be transferred to other apportionments. 
"(3) No transfer shall be made from an apportionment during 
any fiscal year if during such fiscal year a transfer has been made 
to such apportionment. 
" (4) No transfer shall be made to an apportionment during any 
fiscal year if during such fiscal year a transfer has been made from 
such apportionment.", 
(b) The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section shall Effective dates, 
take effect on July 1, 1976, and shall be applicable with respect to 23 USC 104 note, 
funds authorized for the fiscal year ending September 30,1977, and for 
subsequent fiscal years. With respect to the fiscal year 1976 and earlier 
fiscal years, the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of section 104 
of title 23, United States Code, as in effect on June 30, 1976, shall 
remain applicable to funds authorized for such years. 
90 STAT. 436 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATES 
SEC. 114. Section 106(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
"(c) Items included in any such estimate for construction engineer-
intr shall not exceed 10 per centum of the total estimated cost of a 
project financed with Federal-aid highway funds, after excluding 
from such total estimate cost, the estimated costs of rights-of-way, 
preliminary engineering, and construction engineering. However, this 
limitation shall be 15 per centum in any State with respect to which 
the Secretary finds such higher limitation to be necessary.". 
. 
. 
, ,
_ 
ADVANCE ACQUISITION OF RIGHTS-OF-WAY 
SEC. 115. (a) Paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of section 108 of title 
23, United States Code, is amended by striking out "made pursuant 
to section 133 or chapter 5 of this title". 
(b) Section 108(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting after "request is made" the words "unless a longer period is 
determined to be reasonable by the Secretary" in the last sentence. 
(c) Section 108(c) (3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting "or later" following "earlier" in the first sentence. 
CERTIFICATION ACCEPTANCE 
SEC. 116. (a) Subsection (a) of section 117 of title 23, United 
States Code, is amended by striking out "establishing requirements 
at least equivalent to those contained in, or issued pursuant to, this 
title." and inserting in lieu thereof "which will accomplish the policies 
and objectives contained in or issued pursuant to this title.". 
(b) Section 117 of title 23 of the United States Code is amended by 
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection: 
"(f) (1) In the case of the Federal-aid secondary system, in lieu 
of discharging his responsibilities in accordance with subsections (a) 
through (d) of this section, the Secretary may, upon the request of 
any State highway department, discharge his responsibility relative 
to the plans, specifications, estimates, surveys, contract awards, design, 
inspection, and construction of all projects on the Federal-aid second-
ary system by his receiving and approving a certified statement by 
the State highway department setting forth that the plans, design, 
and construction for each such project are in accord with those stand-
ards and procedures which (A) were adoj)ted by such State highway 
department, (B) were applicable to projects m this category, and 
(C) were approved by him. 
"(2) The Secretary shall not approve such standards and proce-
dures unless they are in accordance with the provisions of subsection 
(b) of section 105, subsection (b) of section 106, and subsection (c) 
23 use 105,106, of section 109, of this title. 
109. 
"(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall not be con-
strued to relieve the Secretary of his obligation to make a final inspec-
tion of each project after construction and to require an adequate 
,, 
. 
showing of the estimated cost of construction and the actual cost of 
construction.". 
AVAILABILITY 
SEC. 117. (a) Subsection (b) of section 118 of title 23, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
" (b) Sums apportioned to each Federal-aid system (other than the 
Interstate System) shall continue available for expenditure in that 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 437 
State for the appropriate Federal-aid system or part thereof (other 
than the Interstate System) for a period of three years after the close 
of the fiscal year for which such sums are authorized and any amounts 
so apportioned remaining unexpended at the end of such period shall 
lapse. Sums apportioned to the Interstate System shall continue avail-
able for expenditure in that State for the Interstate System for a 
period of two years after the close of the fiscal year for which such 
sums are authorized. Any amount apportioned to the States for the 
Interstate System under subsection (b)(5)(A) of section 104 of this 
title remaining unexpended at the end of the period during which it 23 USC 104. 
is available under this section shall lapse and shall immediately be 
reapportioned among the other States in accordance with the provi- 
.;r,^ > 
sions of subsection (b)(5)(A) of section 104 of this title. Any amount 
apportioned to the States for the Interstate System under subsection 
(b) (5) (B) of section 104 of this title remaining unexpended at the 
end of the period of its availability shall lapse. Sums apportioned to a 
tr , i - ., 
Federal-aid system for any fiscal year shall be deemed to be expended 
if a sum equal to the total of the sums apportioned to the State for 
such fiscal year and previous fiscal years is obligated. Any Federal-aid 
highway funds released by the payment of the final voucher or by 
the modification of the formal project agreement shall be credited to 
the same class of funds, primary, secondary, urban, or interstate, pre-
viously apportioned to the State and be immediately available for 
expenditure.". 
(b) (1) The first sentence of section 203 of title 23, United States 
Code, is amended by striking out "or a date not earlier than one year 
preceding the beginning" and inserting in lieu thereof "or on Octo-
ber 1,". 
(2) The second sentence of such section 203 is amended by striking 
out "two years" and inserting in lieu thereof "three years". 
(c) The funds authorized by section 104 of this Act and all funds 
authorized by titles I and II of this Act for the transition quarter end-
ing September 30, 1976, shall, for the purposes of the application of 
sections 118 and 203 of title 23, United States Code, remain available 
for expenditure for the same period as funds authorized by this Act 
for the fiscal year ending September 30,1977. 
PAYMENT TO STATES FOR CONSTRUCTION 
SEC. 118. (a) Section 121(d) of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows: 
"(d) In making payments pursuant to this section, the Secretary 
shall be bound by the limitations with respect to the permissible 
amounts of such payments contained in sections 120 and 130 of this 
title. Payments for construction engineering on any project financed 23 USC 120,130. 
with Federal-aid highway funds shall not exceed 10 per centum of 
the Federal share of the cost of construction of such project after 
excluding from the cost of construction the costs of rights-of-way, 
preliminary engineering, and construction engineering. However, this 
limitation shall be 15 per centum in any State with respect to which 
the Secretary finds such higher limitation to be necessary.". 
EMERGENCY RELIEF 
SEC. 119. (a) Section 125(a) of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by striking out "June 30,1972," and inserting in lieu thereof 
"June 30,1972, and ending before June 1,1976,"; 
90 STAT. 438 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
23 use 125. 
42 use 5121 
note. 
.OS i ..OS; ^ 
Compensation. 
(2) by striking out "June 30.1973," and inserting in lieu thereof 
"June 30, 1973, to carry out the provisions of this section, and 
not more than $25,000,000 for the three-month period beginning 
July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, is authorized to be 
expended to carry out the provisions of this section, and not more 
than $100,000,000 is authorized to be expended in any one fiscal 
year commencing after September 30,1976,"; and 
(3) by adding before the last sentence the following new sen-
tence : "For the purposes of this section the period beginning July 
1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, shall be deemed to be a 
part of the fiscal year ending September 30,1977.". 
(b) The second sentence of section 125(b) of such title is amended 
by striking out the period and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
", except that if the President has declared such emergency to be a 
major disaster for the purposes of the Disaster Eelief Act of 1974 
(Public Law 93-288) concurrence of the Secretary is not required.". 
BUS WIDTHS 
SEC. 120. Section 127 of title 23, United States Code is amended 
by adding at the end thereof the following new sentence: "Notwith-
standing any limitation relating to vehicle widths contained in this 
section, a State may permit any bus having a width of 102 inches or 
less to operate on any lane of 12 feet or more in width on the Inter-
state System.". 
FERRY OPERATIONS 
SEC. 121. The first sentence of paragraph (5) of subsection (g) of 
section 129 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
after "Hawaii" the following: "and the islands which comprise the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico". The second sentence of such para-
graph (5) is amended by inserting after "Hawaii" the following: "and 
operations between the islands which comprise the Commonwealth 
of Puerto Rico". 
CONTROL or OUTDOOR ADVERTISING 
SEC. 122. (a) Subsection (f) of section 131 of title 23, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting the following after the first sentence: 
"The Secretary may also, in consultation with the States, provide 
within the rights-of-way of the primary system for areas in which 
signs, displays, and devices giving specific information in the interest 
of the traveling public may be erected and maintained". 
(b) Section 131 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end thereof the following new subsections: 
"(o) The Secretary may approve the request of a State to permit 
retention in specific areas defined by such State of directional signs, 
displays, and devices lawfully erected under State law in force at the 
time of their erection which do not conform to the requirements of 
subsection (c), where such signs, displays, and devices are in existence 
on the date of enactment of this subsection and where the State dem-
onstrates that such signs, displays, and devices (1) provide directional 
information about goods and services in the interest of the traveling 
public, and (2) are such that removal would work a substantial eco-
nomic hardship in such defined area. 
"(p) In the case of any sign, display, or device required to be 
removed under this section prior to the date of enactment of the Fed-
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 439 
eral-Aid Highway Act of 1974, which sign, display, or device was 23 USC 101 note, 
after its removal lawfully relocated and which as a result of the 
amendments made to this section by such Act is required to be removed, 
the United States shall pay 100 per centum of the just compensation 
for such removal (including all relocation costs). 
" (q) (1) During the implementation of State laws enacted to comply 
with this section, the Secretary shall encourage and assist the States 
to develop sign controls and programs which will assure that necessary 
directional information about facilities providing goods and services 
in the interest of the traveling public will continue to be available to 
motorists. To this end the Secretary shall restudy and revise as appro-
priate existing standards for directional signs authorized under 
subsections 131(c)(1) and 131(f) to develop signs which are func- 23 USC 131. 
tional and esthetically compatible with their surroundings. He shall 
employ the resources of other Federal departments and agencies, 
including the National Endowment for the Arts, and employ maxi-
mum participation of private industry in the development of standards 
and systems of signs developed for those purposes. 
"(2) Among other things the Secretary shall encourage States to 
adopt programs to assure that removal of signs providing necessary 
directional information, which also were providing directional infor-
mation on June 1,1972, about facilities in the interest of the traveling 
public, be deferred until all other nonconforming signs are removed.". 
(c) Section 131 (i) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to 
read as follows: 
"(i) In order to provide information in the specific interest of the 
traveling public, the State highway departments are authorized to 
maintain maps and to permit information directories and advertising 
pamphlets to be made available at safety rest areas. Subject to the 
approval of the Secretary, a State may also establish information 
centers at safety rest areas and other travel information systems 
Avithin the rights-of-way for the purpose of informing the public of 
places of interest within the State and providing such other informa-
tion as a State may consider desirable. The Federal share of the cost 
of establishing such an information center or travel information sys-
tem shall be that which is provided in section 120 for a highway project 23 USC 120. 
on that Federal-aid system to be served by such center or system.". 
i 
TRAFFIC OPERATIOXS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS 
' 
SEC. 123. (a) Section 135 of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
"§ 135. Traffic operations improvement programs. 
"(a) Tlie Congress hereby finds and declares it to be in the national 
interest that each State shall have a continuing program designed to 
reduce traffic congestion and facilitate the flow of traffic. 
"(b) The Secretary may approve under this section any project for 
' * 
.' si 
improvements on any public road which project will directly facilitate 
and control traffic flow on any of the Federal-aid systems.". 
(b) The analysis of chapter 1 is amended by striking out: 
"135. Urban area traffic operations improvement programs." 
and inserting in lieu thereof: 
"135. Traffic operations improvement programs.". 
90 STAT. 440 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
PRESERVATION OF PARKLANDS 
SEC. 124. Section 138 of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
Studies. 
by adding a new sentence at the end thereof to read as follows: "In 
carrying out the national policy declared in this section the Secretary, 
in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior and appropriate 
State and local officials, is authorized to conduct studies as to the most 
feasible Federal-aid routes for the movement of motor vehicular traffic 
through or around national parks so as to best serve the needs of the 
traveling public while preserving the natural beauty of these areas.". 
ADDITIONS TO INTERSTATE SYSTEM 
SEC. 125. Section 139(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by striking "(d)" the two places it appears and inserting in lieu thereof 
"(e)". 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT 
OPPORTUNITY 
SEC. 126. The second sentence of subsection (b) of section 140, title 
23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: "Whenever 
apportionments are made under section 104(b) of this title, the Secre-
tary shall deduct such sums as he may deem necessary, not to exceed 
$2,500,000 for the transition quarter ending September 30, 1976, and 
not to exceed $10,000,000 per fiscal year, for the administration of 
this subsection.". 
PUBLIC 
TRANSPORTATION 
SEC. 127. (a) Section 142(a) (1) of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new sentence: 
"If fees are charged for the use of any parking facility constructed 
under this section, the rate thereof shall not be in excess of that 
required for maintenance and operation of the facility (including 
compensation to any person for operating the facility).". 
(b) Section 142(e) (3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by striking out "section." and inserting in lieu thereof "title.". 
SPECIAL URBAN HIGH 
DENSITY 
Repeal. 
SEC. 128. (a) Section 146 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed. 
23 use 146. 
(b) The analysis of chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended by striking out: 
"146. Special urban high density traflSc programs." 
and inserting in lieu thereof: 
"146. Repealed.". 
RURAL BUS DEMONSTRATION 
SEC. 129. Section 147(a) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973, 
23 use 142 note, as amended, is amended by adding after the first sentence a new sen-
tence as follows: "Such sums shall remain available for a period of two 
years after the close of the fiscal year for which such sums are author-
ized.". 
PRIORITY PRIMARY 
SEC 130. Section 147(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
"(b) The Federal share of any project on a priority primary route 
23 use 120. 
shall be that provided in section 120 (a) of this title. AH provisions of 
this title applicable to the Federal-aid primary system shall be appli-
cable to the priority primary routes selected under this section.". 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 441 
DEFINING STATE 
SEC. 131. Section 152 and section 153 of title 23, United States Code, 
are amended by adding at the end of each such section the following 
new subsection: 
"(f) For the purposes of this section the term 'State' shall have the 
meaning given it in section 401 of this title.". 
23 use 401. 
HIGHWAYS CROSSING FEDERAL PROJECTS 
SEC. 132. (a) Chapter I of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end thereof the following new section: 
"§ 156. Highways crossing Federal projects 
"(a) The Secretary is authorized to construct and to reconstruct 
any public highway or highway bridge across any Federal public 
works project, notwithstanding any other provision of law, where 
there has been a substantial change in the requirements and costs of 
such highway or bridge since the public works project was authorized, 
and where such increased costs would work an undue hardship upon 
any one State. No such highway or bridge shall be constructed or 
reconstructed under authority of this section until the State shall agree 
that upon completion of such construction or reconstruction it will 
accept ownership to such highway or bridge and will thereafter operate 
and maintain such highway or bridge. 
"(b) There is hereby authorized to be appropriated not to exceed 
$100,000,000 to carry out this section. Amounts authorized by this sub-
section shall be available for the fiscal year in which appropriated 
and for two succeeding fiscal years.". 
(b) The analysis of chapter I of title 23 of the United States Code 
is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: 
"156. Highways crossing Federal projects.". 
APPORTIONMENTS OR ALLOCATIONS 
SEC. 133. Section 202(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by striking "On or before January 1 next preceding the commence-
ment" and inserting in lieu thereof "On October 1". 
23 use 156. 
B I C Y C L E TRANSPORTATION AND PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS 
SEC. 134. Section 217(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by striking out "$40,000,000" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"$45,000,000", and by striking out "$2,000,000" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "$2,500,000". 
SAFER OFF-SYSTEM ROADS 
SEC. 135. (a) Section 219 of title 23 of the United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows: 
*
*
§ 219. Safer off-system roads. 
"(a) The Secretar;^ is authorized to make grants to States for proj-
ects for the construction, reconstruction, and improvement of any off-
system road, including, but not limited to, the correction of safety 
hazards, the replacement of bridges, the elimination of high-hazard 
locations and roadside obstacles. 
Grants. 
90 STAT. 442 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
Formal 
agreement with 
local officials. 
"Off-system 
road." 
Repeal. 
23 use 405. 
"(b) On October 1 of each fiscal year the Secretary shall apportion 
the sums authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section among 
the several States as follows: 
"(1) Two-thirds according to the following formula— 
"(A) one-third in the ratio which the area of each State 
bears to the total area of all States; 
"(B) one-third in the ratio which the population of rural 
areas of each State bears to the total population of rural areas 
of all the States; and 
"(C) one-third in the ratio in which the oflf-system road 
mileage of each State bears to the total off-system road mile-
age of all the States. Off-system road mileage as used in 
this subsection shall be determined as of the end of the calen-
dar year preceding the year in which the funds are appor-
tioned and shall be certified to by the Governor of the State 
and subject to approval by the Secretary. 
" (2) One-third in the ratio which the population in urban areas 
in each State bears to the total population in urban areas in all 
the States as shown by the latest Federal census. 
"(c) Sums apportioned to a State under this section shall be made 
available for obligation throughout such State on a fair and equitable 
basis. 
"(d) In any State wherein the State is without legal authority to 
construct or maintain a project under this section, such State shall 
enter into a formal agreement for such construction or maintenance 
with the appropriate local officials of the county or municipality in 
which such project is located. 
"(e) Sums apportioned under this section and programs and prajects 
under this section shall be subject to all of the provisions of chapter 1 
of this title applicable to highways on the Federal-aid secondary sys-
tem except the formula for apportionment, the requirement that these 
roads be on the Federal-aid system, and those other provisions deter-
mined by the Secretary to be inconsistent with this section. The Secre-
tary is not authorized to determine as inconsistent with this section any 
provision relating to the obligation and availability of funds. 
"(f) As used in this section, the terms 'off-system road' means any 
toll-free road (including bridges), which road is not on any Federal-
aid system and which is under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a 
public authority and open to public travel.". 
(b) The analvsis of chapter 1 of title 23 of the United States Code Is 
amended by striking out 
"219. Off-system roads." 
and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
"219. Safer off-system roads.". 
(c) Section 405 of title 23 of the United States Code is hereby 
repealed. 
(d) The analysis of chapter 4 of title 23 of the United States Code is 
amended by striking out 
"405. Federal-aid safer roads demonstration program." 
and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
"405. Repealed." 
LANDSCAPING AND SCENIC ENHANCEMENT 
SEC. 136. (a) Section 319 of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 443 
"§ 319. Landscaping and scenic enhancement. 
23 USC 319. 
"The Secretary may approve as a part of the construction of Federal-
aid highways the costs of landscape and roadside development, includ-
ing acquisition and development of publicly owned and controlled rest 
and recreation areas and sanitary and other facilities reasonably neces-
sary to accommodate the traveling public, and for acquisition of 
interests in and improvement of strips of land necessary for the res-
toration, preservation, and enhancement of scenic beauty adjacent to 
such highways.". 
(b) All sums authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 23 USC 319 note. 
319(b) of title 23, United States Code, as in effect immediately before 
the date of enactment of this section shall continue to be available for 
appropriation, obligation, and expenditure in accordance with such 
section 319(b), notwithstanding the amendment made by the subsec-
tion (a) of this section. 
BRIDGES ON FEDERAL DAMS 
SEC. 137. (a) Section 320(d) of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended by striking out "$27,761,000" and inserting in lieu thereof 
"$50,000,000". 
(b) Sums appropriated or expended under authority of the increased 
23 USC 320 note, 
authorization established by the amendment made by subsection (a) 
of this section shall be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund 
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and for subsequent 
fiscal years. 
OVERSEAS HIGHWAY 
SEC. 138. Subsection (b) of section 118 of the Federal-Aid High-
way Amendments of 1974 (Public Law 93-643) is amended— 
88 Stat. 2288. ^ 
(1) by striking out "1975, and" and inserting in lieu thereof 
I 
"1975,"; and _ 
(2) by striking out "can be obligated." and inserting in lieu 
thereof "$8,750,000 for the three-month period ending Septem-
ber 30, 1976, $35,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1977, and $35,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1978, can be obligated.". 
TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS 
SEC. 139. (a) The analysis of chapter I of title 23, United States 
Code, is amended by striking out 
"111. Use of and access to rights-of-way—Interstate System." 
and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
"111. Agreements relating to use of and access to riglits-of-way—Interstate 
System.". 
(b) The analysis of chapter I of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended by striking out 
' 
"119. Administration of Federal-aid for liigliways in Alaska." 
and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
"119. Repealed.". 
(c) The analysis of chapter I of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended by striking out 
i. 
90 STAT. 444 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
"133. Relocation assistance." 
and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
"133. Repealed.". 
DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS 
RAILROAD HIGHWAY CROSSINGS 
SEC. 140. (a) Section 163 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 
23 use 130 note. (Public Law 93-87) is amended by inserting immediately after sub-
section (h) the following new subsections: 
Metairie, La. 
"(i) The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a demonstra-
tion project in Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, for the relocation 
or grade separation of rail lines whichever he deems most feasible in 
order to eliminate certain grade level railroad highway crossings. 
Augusta, Ga. 
"(j) The Secretary of Transportation shall enter into such arrange-
ments as may be necessary to carry out a demonstration project in 
Augusta, Georgia, for the relocation of railroad lines and for the pur-
pose of eliminating highway railroad grade crossings. 
Pine Bluff, Ark. 
" (k) The Secretary of Transportation shall enter into such arrange-
ments as may be necessary to carry out a demonstration project in Pine 
Bluff, Arkansas, for the relocation of railroad lines for the purpose of 
eliminating highway railroad grade crossings. 
Sherman, Tex. 
"(1) The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a demonstra-
tion project in Sherman, Texas, for the relocation of rail lines in order 
to eliminate the ground level railroad crossing at the crossing of the 
Southern Pacific and Frisco Railroads with Grand Avenue-Roberts 
Road.". 
(b) Existing subsections (i), (j), (k), and (1) of section 163 of 
the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 are relettered as (m), (n), (o), 
and (p), respectively, including any references to such subsections. 
Federal share 
(c) Subsection (m) (as relettered by subsection (b) of this sec-
limitation, 
tion) of section 163 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 is 
amended by striking out the period at the end thereof and inserting 
in lieu thereof a comma and the following: "except that in the case 
of projects authorized by subsections (i), (j), (k), and (1), the Fed-
eral share payable on account of such projects shall not exceed 70 per 
centum and the remaining costs of such projects shall be paid by the 
State or local governments.". 
(d) Subsection (o) (as relettered by subsection (b) of this section) 
of section 163 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 is amended 
by striking out "1976, except that" and inserting in lieu thereof the 
following: "1976, $6,250,000, for the period beginning July 1, 1976, 
and ending September 30, 1976, $26,400,000 for the fiscal year ending 
September 30, 1977, and $51,400,000 for the fiscal year ending Sep-
tember 30,1978, except that not more than". 
.(e) Paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of section 163 of the Federal-
Aid Highway Act of 1973 is amended by striking out "an engineering 
and feasibility study for". 
49 use 1605 
(f) Section 302 of the National Mass Transportation Assistance 
note. 
Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-503) is amended by striking out 
"$14,000,000, except that" and inserting in lieu thereof "$14,000,000, 
except that not more than". 
23 use 124 note. 
ACCELERATION OF PROJECTS 
SEC. 141. The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a, project 
to demonstrate the feasibility of reducing the time required from the 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 445 
time of request for project approval through the completion of con-
struction of highway projects in areas that, as a result of recent or 
imminent change, including but not limited to change in population 
or traffic flow resulting from the construction of Federal projects, 
show a need to construct such projects to relieve such areas from the 
impact of such change. There is authorized to be appropriated out 
of the Highway Trust Fund to carry out such project not to exceed 
$25,000,000. 
MULTIMODAL CONCEPT 
SEC. 142. Section 143 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 is 
87 Stat. 272. 
amended by inserting "(a)" immediately following "SEC. 143." and 
by adding the following new subsection at the end thereof: 
"(b) The Secretary of Transportation is authorized and directed to 
study the feasibility of developing a multimodal concept along the 
route described in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this section, 
which study shall include an analysis of the environmental impact of 
such multimodal concept. The Secretary shall report to Congress the 
results of such a study not later than July 1,1977.". 
Study. 
Report to 
Congress. 
CARPOOL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS 
SEC. 143. Section 3 of the Emergency Highway Energy Conserva-
tion Act, as amended (87 Stat. 1047, 88 Stat. 2289), is amended as 23USC101note. 
follows: 
(1) Subsection (a) is amended by adding at the end thereof the Vanpool. 
following: "For the purposes of this section, the term 'carpool' 
includes a vanpool.". 
(2) Subsection (c) is amended by inserting after "such mea.sures as" 
the words "providing carpooling opportunities to the elderly and the 
handicapped," and by inserting after "opportunities," the words 
"acquiring vehicles appropriate for carpool use,". 
(3) Subsection (d) is amended by striking out "(3) and (6)" from 
the first sentence, and inserting in lieu thereof "(1) and (6)" and by 
'" ' """ 
striking out the second sentence. 
U S E 
O F T O L L RECEIPTS FOR HIGHWAY AND RAIL CROSSINGS 
SEC. 144. Section 2 of the Act entitled "An Act granting the 
consent of Congress to the State of California to construct, maintain, 
i' ' -
and operate a bridge across the Bay of San Francisco from the Rin-
con Hill district in San Francisco by way of Goat Island to Oakland", 
approved February 20,1931, is amended as follows: 
46 Stat. 1193. 
(1) Subsection (a) is amended by striking out "heretofore 
enacted." and inserting in lieu thereof a period. 
(2) The first sentence in subsection (b) is amended by striking 
out "of not to exceed two additional highway crossings and one 
rail transit crossing across the Bay of San Francisco and their 
approaches." and inserting in lieu thereof " (1) not to exceed two 
additional highway crossings and one rail transit crossing across 
the Bay of San Francisco and their approaches, and (2) any pub-
lic transportation system in the vicinity of any toll bridge in the 
, .
,
« 
San Francisco Bay Area. Such tolls may also be used to pav the 
cost of constructing new approaches to the Richmond-San Rafael 
Bridge in the San Francisco Bay Area.". 
(3) The existing third sentence in subsection (b) which begins Repeal. 
"After" is repealed. 
90 STAT. 446 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
EXTENSION o r REPAYMENT 
" 
" + • - • • • 
23 use 120 note. 
SEC. 145. The first sentence of section 2 of Public Law 94-30 is 
amended by striking out "before January 1, 1977." and inserting in 
lieu thereof "January 1,1979, at a rate of 20 per centum by January 1, 
1977, 30 per centum by January 1, 1978, and 50 per centum by Janu-
ary 1,1979. If a State fails to make any repayment in accordance with 
the preceding sentence, the entire unpaid balance shall immediately 
become due and payable.". 
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALIZATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS 
23 use 135 note. 
SEC. 146. (a) The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to 
carry out traffc control signalization demonstration projects designed 
to demonstrate through the use of technology not now in general use 
the increased capacity of existing highways, the conservation of fuel, 
the decrease in traffic congestion, the improvement in air and noise 
,;, 
quality, and the furtherance of highway safety, giving priority to 
those projects providing coordinated signalization of two or more 
intersections. Such projects can be carried out on any highway whether 
on or off a Federal-aid system. 
(b) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
of the Highway Trust Fund, not to exceed $40,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 1977, and $40,000,000 for the fiscal year 
ending September 30,1978. 
Report. 
(c) Each participating State shall report to the Secretary of Trans-
portation not later than September 30, 1977, and not later than Sep-
tember 30 of each year thereafter, on the progress being made in 
implementing this section and the effectiveness of the improvements 
made under it. Each report shall include an analysis and evaluation 
of the benefits resulting from such projects comparing an adequate 
time period before and after treatment in order to properly assess the 
Report to 
benefits occurring from such traffic control signalization. The Secre-
Congress. 
^^ry of Transportation shall submit a report to the Congress not later 
than January 1,1978, on the progress being made in implementing this 
section and an evaluation of the benefits resulting therefrom. 
ACCESS RAMPS TO PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHING AREAS 
23 use 104 note. 
SEC. 147. Funds apportioned to States under subsections (b)(1), 
(b) (2), and (b) (6) of section 104 of title 23, United States Code, may 
be used upon the application of the State and the approval of the Sec-
;'- i 
retary of Transportation for construction of access ramps from 
bridges under construction or which are being reconstructed, replaced, 
repaired, or otherwise altered on the Federal-aid primary, secondary, 
or urban system to public boat launching areas adjacent to such 
bridges. Approval of the Secretary shall be in accordance with guide-
lines developed jointly by the Secretary of Transportation and the 
Secretary of the Interior. 
DEMONSTRATION 
PROJECT 
49 use 1605 
SEC. 148. The Secretary of Transportation, acting pursuant to his 
"o*^- 
authority under section 6 of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 
49 use 1605. 
1964, shall conduct a demonstration project in urban mass transporta-
tion for design, improvement, modification, and urban deployment of 
the Automated Guideway Transit system now in operation at the 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Airport. There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000 for the fiscal year 
ending September 30,1977. 
90 STAT. 447 
URBAN SYSTEM STUDY 
SEC. 149. The Secretary of Transportation is authorized and 
23USC134note. 
directed to conduct a study of the various factors involved in the plan-
ning, selection, programing, and implementation of Federal-aid urban 
system routes which shall include but not be limited to the following: 
(1) An analysis of the various types of organizations now in 
being which carry out the planning process required by section 
134 of title 23, United States Code. Such analysis shall include 
but not be limited to the degree of representation of various gov-
ernmental units within the urbanized area, the organizational 
structure, size and calibre of staff, authority provided to the orga-
nization under State and local law, and relation to State govern-
mental entities. 
(2) The status of jurisdiction over roads on the Federal-aid 
urban system (State, county, city, or other local body having 
control). 
(3) Programing responsibilities under local and State laws 
with respect to the Federal-aid urban system. 
(4) The authority for and capability of local units of govern-
ment to carry out the necessary steps to process a highway project 
through and including the plan, specification, and estimate 
requirement of section 106 of title 23, United States Code, and 
final construction. 
Such study shall be carried out in cooperation with State, county, city, 
and other local organizations which the Secretary deems appropriate. 
The study shall be submitted to the Congress within six months of 
Submittal to 
enactment of this section. 
Congress. 
INTERSTATE FUNDIXG STUDY 
SEC. 150. (a) The Secretary of Transportation is hereby directed to 
23 USC 101 note 
undertake a complete study of the financing of completion of the Inter-
state Highway System. Such study should identify and analyze 
optional financing methods including State bonding authority under 
;, 
which the Secretary contracts to reimburse the States for up to 90 
per centum of the principal and interest on such bonds. The Secretary 
shall report to the Congress not later than nine months after the date 
of enactment of this Act the results of the study. 
(b) Within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, the Secre-
tary shall submit to the Congress his recommendations regarding the 
need to provide Federal financial assistance for resurfacing, restora-
tion, and rehabilitation of routes on the Interstate System. In arriv-
ing at his recommendations, he shall conduct a full and complete study 
in cooperation and in consultation with the States of alternative means 
of assuring that the high level of transportation service provided by 
the Interstate System is maintained. The results of the study shall 
accompany the Secretary's recommendations. The study shall include 
an estimate of the cost of implementing any recommended programs 
as well as an analysis of alternative methods of apportioning such 
Federal assistance among the States. 
Report to 
Congress. 
Recommenda-
tions, submittal to 
Congress. 
89-194 O—78—pt. 1 
32 
90 STAT. 448 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
ALASKAN ROADS STUDY 
Investigation. 
23 use 218 note. 
Report to 
Congress. 
SEC. 151. (a) The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to 
undertake an investigation and study to determine the cost of, and 
the responsibility for, repairing the damage to Alaska highways that 
has been or will be caused by heavy truck traffic during construction 
of the trans-Alaska pipeline and to restore them to proper standards 
when construction is complete. The Secretary of Transportation shall 
report his initial findings to the Congress on or before September 30, 
1976, and his final conclusions on rebuilding costs no later than three 
months after completion of pipeline construction, 
(b) There is hereby authorized to be appropriated, out of any 
money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to be available 
until expended, the sum of $200,000 for the purpose of making the 
study authorized by subsection (a) of this section. 
GLEN WOOD CANYON HIGHWAY 
CONSTRUCTION 
SEC. 152. Notwithstanding section 109(b) of title 23 of the United 
States Code, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized, upon 
application of the Governor of the State, to approve construction of 
that section or portions thereof of Interstate Route 70 from a point 
three miles east of Dotsero, Colorado, westerly to No-Name Inter-
change, approximately 2.3 miles east of Glen wood Springs, Colorado, 
approximately 17.5 miles in length, to provide for variations from 
the number of lanes and other requirements of said section 109(b) in 
accordance with geometric and construction standards whether or 
not in conformance with said section 109(b) which the Secretary 
determines are necessary for the safety of the traveling public, for 
the protection of the environment, and for preservation of the scenic 
and historic values of the Glenwood Canyon. The Secretary shall not 
approve any project for construction under this section unless he 
shall first have determined that such variations will not result in crea-
tion of safety hazards and that there is no reasonable alternative to 
such project. 
Investigation. 
23 use 101 note. 
Report to 
Congress. 
STUDY OF HIGHWAY NEEDS TO SOLVE ENERGY PROBLEMS 
S E C 153. (a) The Secretary of Transportation shall make an inves-
tigation and study for the purpose of determining the need for 
special Federal assistance in the construction or reconstruction of 
highways on the Federal-aid system necessary for the transportation 
of coal or other uses in order to promote the solution of the Nation's 
energy problems. Such study shall include appropriate consultations 
with the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator of the Federal 
Energy Administration, and other appropriate Federal and State 
officials. 
(b) The Secretary shall report the results of such investigation and 
study together with his recommendations, to the Congress not later 
than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(c) In order to carry out the study, the Secretary is authorized to 
use such funds as are available to him for such purposes under section 
104(a) of title 23, United States Code. 
National 
Transportation 
Policy Study 
Commission. 
23 use 101 note. 
ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION 
S E C 154. (a)(1) There is hereby established a Commission to be 
known as the National Transportation Policy Study Commission, 
hereinafter referred to as the "Commission". 
o m.f-m 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 449 
Report to 
President and 
Congress. 
Termination. 
(2) The Commission shall make a full and complete investigation Investigation and 
and study of the transportation needs and of the resources, require- study, 
ments, and policies of tne United States to meet such expected needs. 
It shall take into consideration all reports on National Transportation 
• 
Policy which have been submitted to the Congress including but not 
limited to the National Transportation Reports of 1972 and 1974. It 
shall evaluate the relative merits of all modes of transportation in 
meeting our transportation needs. Based on such study, it shall rec-
ommend those policies which are most likely to insure that adequate 
transportation systems are in place which will meet the needs for safe 
*
' 
and efficient movement of goods and people. 
(b) Such Commission shall be comprised of 19 members as follows: Membership. 
(A) Six members appointed by the President of the Senate 
from the membership of the Committee on Public Works, Com-
mittee on Commerce, and Committee on Banking, Housing and 
Urban Affairs of the United States Senate; 
(B) five members appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives from the membership of the Committee on Public 
Works and Transportation and one member appointed by the 
Speaker from the membership of the Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce; and 
' 
(C) seven members of the public appointed by the President. 
(c) The Commission shall not later than December 31, 1978 sub-
mit to the President and the Congress its final report including its 
findings and recommendations. The Commission shall cease to exist 
six months after submission of such report. All records and papers of 
the Commission shall thereupon be delivered to the Administrator of 
General Services for deposit in the Archives of the United States. 
(d) Such report shall include the Commission's findings and recom-
mendations with respect to— 
(A) the Nation's transportation needs, both national and 
regional, through the year 2000; 
(B) the ability of our current transportation systems to meet 
the projected needs; 
(C) the proper mix of highway, rail, M^aterway, pipeline, and 
air transportation systems to meet anticipated needs; 
(D) the energy requirements and availability of energy to meet 
anticipated needs; 
(E) the existing policies and programs of the Federal govern-
ment which affect the development of our national transportation 
systems; and 
(F) the new policies required to develop balanced national 
transportation systems which meet projected need. 
(e) (1) The Chairman of the Commission, who shall be elected by Chairman 
the Commission from among its members, shall request the head of 
each Federal department or agency which has an interest in or a 
responsibility with respect to a national transportation policy to 
appoint, and the head of such department or agency shall appoint, a 
liaison officer who shall work closely with the Commission and its staff 
in matters pertaining to this section. Such departments and agencies 
shall include, but not be limited to, the Department of Transportation, 
' 
the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Railroad Admin-
istration, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration, the Interstate Commerce Commission, 
the Civil Aeronautics Board, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 
(2) In carrying out its duties the Commission shall seek the advice 
of various groups interested in national transportation policy includ-
90 STAT. 450 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
Hearings. 
Information 
acquisition. 
Compensation. 
5 u s e 5332 note. 
5 u s e 5101 
et seq., 5331. 
5 u s e 5313. 
Contract 
authority. 
ing, but not limited to. State and local governments, public and private 
organizations working in the fields of transportation and safety, 
industry, education, and labor. 
(f) (1) The Commission or, on authorization of the Commission, 
any Committee of two or more members may, for the purpose of 
carrying out the provisions of this section, hold such hearings and sit 
and act at such times and places as the Commission or such authorized 
committee may deem advisable. 
(2) The Commission is authorized to secure from any department, 
agency, or individual instrumentality of the executive branch of the 
Government any information it deems necessary to carry out its func-
tions under this section and each department, agency, and instrumen-
tality is authorized and directed to furnish such information to the 
Commission upon request made by the Chairman. 
(g) (1) Members of Congress w^ho are members of the Commission 
shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their 
services as Members of Congress; but they shall be reimbursed for 
travel, per diem in accordance with the Rules of the House of Repre-
sentatives or subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by 
them in the performance of the duties vested in the Commission. 
(2) Members of the Commission, except Members of Congress shall 
each receive compensation at a rate not in excess of the maximum 
rate of pay for GS-18, as provided in the General Schedule under sec-
tion 5332 of title 5, LTnited States Code, and shall be entitled to reim-
bursement for travel expenses, per diem in accordance wdth the Rules 
of the House of Representatives or subsistence and other necessary 
expenses incurred by them in performance of duties while serving as 
a Commission member. 
(h) (1) The Commission is authorized to appoint and fix the com-
pensation of a staff director, and such additional personnel as may be 
necessary to enable it to carry out its functions. The Director and 
personnel may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 
5, United States Code, covering appointments in the competitive serv-
ice, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and 
subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and 
General Schedule pay rates. Any Federal employees subject to the civil 
service laws and regulations who may be employed by the Commis-
sion shall retain civil service status without interruption or loss of 
status or privilege. In no event shall any employee other than the 
staff director receive as compensation an amount in excess of the maxi-
mum rate for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of 
title 5, United States Code. In addition, the Commission is author-
ized to obtain the services of experts and consultants in accordance 
with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to 
exceed the maximum rate of pay for grade GS-18, as provided in the 
General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code. 
(2) The staff director shall be compensated at a Level 2 of the 
Executive Schedule in subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 5, United 
States Code. 
(i) Tlie Commission is authorized to enter into contracts or agree-
ments for studies and surveys with public and private organizations 
and, if necessary, to transfer funds to Federal agencies from sums 
appropriated pursuant to this section to carry out such of its duties 
as the Commission determines can best be carried out in that manner. 
(j) Any vacancy which may occur on the Commission shall not 
affect its powers or functions but shall be filled in the same manner in 
which the original appointment was made. 
PUBLIC LAW 94^280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 451 
(k) There are hereby authorized to be appropriated not to exceed 
$15,000,000 to carry out this section. Funds appropriated under this 
section shall be available to the Commission until expended. 
LIMITATIONS 
SEC. 155. To the extent that any section of this Act provides new 
or increased authority to enter into contracts under which outlays will 
be made from funds other than the Highway Trust Fund, such new 
or increased authority shall be effective for any fiscal year only in such 
amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts. 
T I T L E I I 
Highway Safety 
Act of 1976. 
SHORT TITLE 
SEC. 201. This title may be cited as the "Highway Safety Act of 
23 USC 401 note. 
1976". 
HIGHWAY 
SAFETY 
SEC. 202. The 
following 
sums are hereby authorized to be 
appropriated: 
(1) For carrying out section 402 of title 23, United States Code 
(relating to highway safety programs), by the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration, out of the Highway Trust Fund, 
$122,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$137,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
(2) For carrying out section 403 of title 23, United States Code 
(relating to highway safety research and development), by the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, out of the Highway 
Trust Fund, $10,000,000 for the three-month period ending Septem-
ber 30,1976, $40,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1977, 
and $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978. 
(3) For carrying out section 402 of title 23, United States Code 
(relating to highway safety programs), by the Federal Highway 
Administration, out of the Highway Trust Fund, $25,000,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and $25,000,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 1978. 
(4) For carrying out sections 307(a) and 403 of title 23, United 
States Code (relating to highway safety research and development), 
by the Federal Highway Administration, out of the Highway Trust 
Fund, $2,500,000 for the three-month period ending September 30, 
1976, $10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$10,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
(5) For bridge reconstruction and replacement under section 144 
of title 23, United States Code, out of the Highway Trust Fund, 
$180,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$180,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978. 
(6) For carrying out section 151 of title 23, United States Code 
(relating to pavement marking), out of the Highway Trust Fund, 
$50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and 
$50,000,000 for the fiscal jear ending September 30,1978. 
S 
(7) For projects for high-hazard locations under section 152 of title 
23, United States Code, and for the elimination of roadside obstacles 
under section 153 of title 23, United States Code, out of the Highway 
Trust Fund, $125,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1977, 
and $125,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,1978. 
90 STAT. 452 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
(8) For carrying out subsection (j) (2) of section 402 of title 23, 
United States Code (relating to incentives for the reduction of the 
rate of traffic fatalities), out of the Highway Trust Fund, $1,875,000 
for the three-month period ending September 30, 1976, $7,500,000 for 
the fiscal year ending September 30,1977, and $7,500,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30,1978. 
(9) For carrying out subsection (j) (3) of section 402 of title 23, 
United States Code (relating for incentives for reduction of actual 
traffic fatalities), out of the Highway Trust Fund, $1,875,000 for the 
three-month period ending September 30, 1976, $7,500,000 for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 1977, and $7,500,000 for the fiscal 
year ending September 30, 1978. 
RAIL-HIGHWAY CROSSINGS 
SEC. 203. (a) Subsections (b) and (c) of section 203 of the Highway 
23 use 130 note. Safety Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-87) are hereby amended to read 
as follows: 
"(b) (1) In addition to funds which may be otherwise available to 
carry out section 130 of title 23, United States Code, there is author-
ized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund for projects 
for the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings, 
$25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30,1974, $75,000,000 for the 
fiscal year ending June 30,1975, $75,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
June 30, 1976, $125,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
1977, and $125,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978. 
At least half of the funds authorized and expended under this section 
shall be available for the installation of protective devices at railway-
highway crossings. Sums authorized to be appropriated by this sub-
section shall be available for obligation in the same manner as funds 
apportioned imder chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code. 
(2) Funds authorized by this subsection shall be available solely 
for expenditure for projects on any Federal-aid system (other than 
the Interstate System). 
"(c) There is authorized to be appropriated for projects for the 
elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings on roads other 
than those on any Federal-aid system $18,750,000 for the three-month 
period ending September 30,1976, $75,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 
September 30,1977, and $75,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Septem-
ber 30, 1978. Sums apportioned under this section for projects under 
this subsection shall be subject to all of the provisions of chapter 1 of 
title 23, United States Code, applicable to highways on the Federal-
aid system, except the formula for apportionment, the requirement 
that these roads be on the Federal-aid system, and those other provi-
sions determined by the Secretary to be inconsistent with this section.", 
(b) Subsection (d) of section 203 of the Highway Safety Act of 1973 
is amended by adding immediately before the first sentence thereof 
the following new sentence: "50 per centum of the funds made avail-
able in accordance Avith subsection (b) shall be apportioned to the 
States in the same manner as sums authorized to be appropriated under 
subsection (a) (1) of section 104 of the Federal-aid Highway Act of 
87 Stat. 251. 
1973 and 50 per centum of the funds made available in accordance with 
subsection (b) shall be apportioned to the States in the same manner as 
sums authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a) (2) of section 
104 of the Federal-aid Highway Act of 1973.". 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 453 
INCENTIVE SAFETY GRANTS 
SEC. 204. Subsection (j) (3) of section 402 of title 23, United,States 
Code, is hereby amended to read as follows: 
" (3) In addition to other grants authorized by this section, the Sec-
retary may make additional incentive grants to those States which 
have significantly reduced the actual number of traffic fatalities dur-
ing the calendar year immediately preceding the fiscal year for which 
such incentive funds are authorized compared to the average of the 
.|; 
actual number of traffic fatalities for the four calendar year period 
preceding such calendar year. Such incentive grants shall be made in 
accordance with criteria which the Secretary shall establish and pub-
lish. Such grants may only be used by recipient States to further the 
purposes of this chapter. Such grants shall be in addition to other 
funds authorized by this section. 
(4) No State shall receive from funds authorized for any fiscal year 
or period by this subsection incentive grants under paragraph (1) 
of this subsection which exceed an amount equal to 25 per centum of 
the amount apportioned to such State under this section for such fiscal 
year or period. No State shall receive from funds authorized for any 
fiscal year or period by this subsection incentive awards under para-
graph (2) of this subsection which exceed an amount equal to 25 per 
centum of the amount apportioned to such State under this section 
for such fiscal year or period. No State shall receive from funds author-
ized for any fiscal year or period by this subsection incentive awards 
under paragraph (3) of this subsection which exceed an amount equal 
to 25 per centum of the amount apportioned to such State under this 
section for such fiscal year or period. 
"(5) Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this section, no part of the 
sums authorized by this subsection shall be apportioned as provided 
in such subsection. Sums authorized by this subsection shall be avail-
able for obligation in the same manner and to the same extent as if 
such funds were apportioned under subsection (c) of this section.". 
SCHOOL BUS DRIVER TRAINING 
SEC. 205. The second subsection (b) of section 406 of title 23, United 
' 
States Code (relating to authorizations), is relettered as subsection 
(c), including all references thereto, and the second sentence of such 
relettered subsection (c) is amended to read as follows: "Not less than 
$7,000,000 of the sums authorized to carry out section 402 of this title 23 USC 402. 
for each of the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 shall be obligated to carry 
out this section. All sums authorized to carry out this section shall 
be apportioned among the States in accordance with the formula 
established under subsection (c) of section 402 of this title, and shall 
be available for obligation in the same manner and to the same extent 
as if such funds were apportioned under such subsection (c).". 
TRANSFERABILITY 
I 
SEC. 206. (a) The first sentence of subsection (g) of section 104 of 
title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking out "30 per 
centum" and inserting in lieu thereof "40 per centum". 
., .., ^..^j 
(b) The second sentence of such subsection (g) is amended to read 
- ....' 
as follows: "The Secretary may approve the transfer of 100 per 
centum of the apportionment under one such section to the apportion-
ment under any other of such sections if such transfer is requested 
by the State highway department, and is approved by the Secretary 
90 STAT. 454 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
as being in the public interest, if he has received satisfactory assur-
ances from such State highway department that the purposes of 
the program from which such funds are to be transferred have been 
met.". 
(c) Subsection (g) of section 104 of title 23, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end thereof the following new sen-
tences : "All or any part of the funds apportioned in any fiscal year to 
a State in accordance with section 203(d) of the Highway Safety Act 
23 use 130 note, of 1973 from funds authorized in section 203(c) of such Act, may be 
transferred from that apportionment to the apportionment made under 
section 219 of this title if such transfer is requested by the State high-
way department and is approved by the Secretary after he has received 
satisfactory assurances from such department that the purposes of 
such section 203 have been met. Nothing in this subsection authorizes 
the transfer of any amount apportioned from the Highway Trust 
Fund to any apportionment the funds for which were not from the 
Highway Trust Fund, and nothing in this subsection authorizes the 
transfer of any amount apportioned from funds not from the High-
way Trust Fund to any apportionment the funds for which were from 
the Highway Trust Fund.". 
PAVEMENT MARKING PROGRAM 
SEO. 207. (a) Subsection (c) of section 151 of title 23, United States 
Code, is amended by striking out "and which are" and all that follows 
down through and including "Federal-aid system". 
(b) Subsection (g) of such section 151 is amended by adding at 
the end thereof the following: "No State shall submit any such 
report to the Secretary for any year after the second year following 
completion of the pavement marking program in that State, and the 
Secretary shall not submit any such report to Congress after the 
first year following the completion of the pavement marking program 
in all States.". 
HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS 
Motorcycle safety 
SEO. 208. (a) The last three sentences of subsection (c) of section 
helmets. 
492 of title 23, United States Code, are amended to read as follows: 
"For the purpose of the seventh sentence of this subsection, a highway 
safety program approved by the Secretary shall not induct any 
requirement that a State implement such a program by adopting or 
: 
-• 
enforcing any law, rule, or regulation based on a standard promul-
gated by the Secretary under this section requiring any motorcycle 
operator eighteen years of age or older or passenger eighteen years of 
age or older to wear a safety helmet when operating or riding a motor-
cycle on the streets and highways of that State. Implementation of a 
highway safety program under this section shall not be construed to 
require the Secretary to require compliance with every uniform stand-
ard, or with every element of every uniform standard, in every State.". 
Evaluation. 
(h) The Secretary of Transportation shall, in cooperation with the 
23 use 402 note. States, conduct an evaluation of the adequacy and appropriateness of 
all uniform safety standards established under section 402 of title 23 
of the United States Code which are in effect on the date of enactment 
Report to 
of this Act. The Secretary shall report his findings, together with his 
Congress. 
recommendations, including but not limited to, the need for revision 
or consolidation of existing standards and the establishment of new 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
standards, to Congress on or before July 1, 1977. Until such report is 
submitted, the Secretary shall not, pursuant to subsection (c) of sec-
tion 402 of title 23, United States Code, withhold any apportionment 
or any funds apportioned to any State because such State is failing to 
implement a highway safety program approved by the Secretary in 
accordance with such section 402. 
XATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE 
SEC. 209. Section 404(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is 
amended by deleting "who shall be Chairman," from the first sen-
tence thereof, and by adding immediately after such first sentence the 
following: "The Secretary shall select the Chairman of the Committee 
from among the Committee members.". 
90 STAT. 455 
STEERING AXLE STUDY 
SEC. 210. The Secretary of Transportation is directed to conduct 23 USC 127 note, 
an investigation into the relationship between the gross load on front 
steering axles of truck tractors and the safety of operation of vehicle 
combinations of which such truck tractors are a part. Such investiga-
tion shall be conducted in cooperation with representatives of (A) 
manufacturers of truck tractors and related equipment, (B) labor, 
and (C) users of such equipment. The Secretary shall report the results Report to 
of such study to the Congress not later than July 1, 1977. 
Congress. 
S A F E T Y 
P R O G R A M 
APPORTIONMENT 
SEC. 211. The sixth sentence of section 402(c) of title 23, United 
States Code, is amended by deleting the period at the end and adding 
the following: ", except that the apportionments to the Virgin Islands, 
Guam, and American Samoa shall not be less than one-third of 1 per 
centum of the total apportionment.". 
PENALTY 
SEC. 212. Section 402(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end thereof the following: "Funds apportioned under 
this section to any State, that does not have a highway safety program 
approved by the Secretary or that is not implementing an approved 
program, shall be reduced by amounts equal to not less than 50 per 
centum of the amounts that would otherwise be apportioned to the 
State under this section, until such time as the Secretary approves such 
program or determines that the State is implementing an approved 
program, as appropriate. The Secretary shall consider the gravity of 
the State's failure to have or implement an approved program in 
determining the amount of the reduction. The Secretary shall promptly 
apportion to the State the funds withheld from its apportionment if 
he approves the State's hig'hway safety program or determines that 
the S^ate has begun implementing an approved program, as appropri-
ate, < lor to the end of the fiscal year for which the funds were 
witLueld. If the Secretary determines that the State did not correct its 
failure within such period, the Secretary shall reapportion the with-
heki f 
imds to the other States in accordance with the formula specified 
in this subsection not later than 30 days after such determination.". 
90 STAT. 456 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
UMITATIONS 
SEC. 213. To the extent that any section of this title provides new 
or increased authority to enter into contracts under which outlays will 
be made from funds other than the Highway Trust Fund, such new 
or increased authority shall be effective for any fiscal year only in 
such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts. 
TITLE III—EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND 
AND CERTAIN RELATED 
PROVISIONS 
23 use 120 note. SEC. 301. HIGHWAY TRUST FUND. 
(a) Subsections (c) and (f) of section 209 of the Highway Revenue 
Act of 1956 (relating to the Highway Trust Fund; 23 U.S.C. 120 note) 
are amended— 
(1) by striking out "1977" each place it appears and inserting 
in lieu thereof "1979"; and 
"' • 
- •''^'^ - 
(2) by striking out "1978" each place it appears and inserting 
in lieu thereof "1980". 
(b) Subsection (e) (1) of section 209 of such Act is amended by 
striking out "June 30, 1978" and inserting in lieu thereof "Septem-
ber 30, 1980". 
. 
SEC. 302. TRANSFER FROM LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND. 
Subsection (b) of section 201 of the Land and Water Conservation 
16 use 460/-11. Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 4601-11) is amended— 
(1) by striking out "1977" and inserting in lieu thereof "1979"; 
and 
(2) by striking out "1978" each place it appears and inserting 
in lieu thereof "1980". 
SEC. 303. POSTPONEMENT OF CERTAIN EXCISE TAX REDUCTIONS. 
(a) The following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 
are amended bv striking out "1977" each place it appears and inserting 
in lieu thereof "1979": 
26 use 4041. 
(1) Section 4041 (c) (3) (relating to rate of tax on fuel for non-
commercial aviation). 
(2) Section 4041(e) (relating to rate reduction). 
26 use 4061. 
(3) Section 4061(a)(1) (relating to imposition of tax on 
trucks, buses, etc.). 
(4) Section 4061(b) (1) (relating to imposition of tax on parts 
and accessories). 
26 use 4071. 
(5) Section 4071(d) (relating to imposition of tax on tires 
and tubes). 
26 use 4081. 
(6) Section 4081 (b) (relating to imposition of tax on gasoline). 
26 use 4481, 
(7) Section 4481(a) (relating to imposition of tax on use of 
highway motor vehicles^. 
(8) Section 4481(e) (relating to period tax in effect). 
26 use 4482. 
(9) Section 4482(c) (4) (defining taxable period). 
26 use 6156. 
(10) Section 6156(e) (2) (relating to installment payments of 
tax on use of highway motor vehicles). 
26 use 6421. 
(11) Section 6421(h) (relating to tax on gasoline used for cer-
tain nonhighway purposes or by local transit systems). 
PUBLIC LAW 94-280—MAY 5, 1976 
90 STAT. 457 
(b) Section 6412(a)(2) of such Code (relating to floor stocks 
26 USC 6412. 
refunds) is amended— 
(1) by striking out "1977" each place it appears and inserting 
in lieu thereof "1979"; and 
(2) by striking out "1978" each place it appears and inserting 
in lieu thereof "1980". 
Approved May 5, 1976. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 94-716 (Comm. on Public Works and Transportation) and No. 
94-1017 (Comm. of Conference). 
SENATE REPORTS: No. 94-485 accompanying S. 2711 (Comm. on Public Works) and 
No. 94-741 (Comm. of Conference). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: 
Vol. 121 (1975): Dec. 11, 12, S. 2711 considered and passed Senate. 
Dec. 18, considered and passed House. 
Vol. 122 (1976): Jan. 19, considered and passed Senate, amended, in lieu of 
S. 2711. 
Apr. 13, Senate and House agreed to conference report. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS: 
Vol. 12, No. 19 (1976): May 5, Presidential statement.