Federal-Aid Essentials

Counties, cities, towns or local public agencies own and operate 75% of the country's roadways. These agencies build and maintain this network using a variety of funding sources, including the Federal-Aid Highway Program. When local public agencies receive Federal-aid funding, they work closely with their respective State departments of transportation (DOTs) to meet all Federal-aid requirements. A clear understanding of the Federal-aid requirements is essential so that project staff at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), State DOTs, and local public agencies can work together to complete these projects safely, on time, within budget, and while achieving a high level of quality. In cooperation with State and local partners, FHWA recently launched a new information-sharing initiative designed to help local officials administer their Federal-aid projects more efficiently and to assist State and local agencies in attaining their project delivery goals. Known as Federal-aid Essentials for Local Public Agencies and available through FHWA's Web site, the initiative offers an abundance of information, including a resource library of 80 informational videos and related materials. Each video focuses on a single topic in a critical area related to delivery of Federal-aid projects. Seven categories of videos are offered: federal-aid program overview; civil rights; environment; finance; right-of-way; project development; and project construction and contract administration. Users can view the videos in any sequence from any computer or mobile device with Internet access. The website also offers a list of contacts at the FHWA division offices and State DOTs, as well as links to State manuals for local public agencies, sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, Local Technical Assistance Program centers, and other resources. In addition to the Federal-aid Essentials initiative, State DOTs also have taken steps to help local public agencies manage their Federal-aid projects, including training, certification programs, stewardship agreements that clarify roles and responsibilities of projects, and new guidance manuals. The Federal-aid Essentials initiative and recent State DOT efforts both represent steps toward helping the transportation community pursue better, faster, and smarter ways of delivering the Federal-aid program.