Fact Sheets on Highway Provisions
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Purpose
SAFETEA-LU retains and increases funding for environmental programs of TEA-21, and adds new programs focused on the environment. SAFETEA-LU also includes significant new environmental requirements for the planning process.
New Programs (see separate fact sheets)
In addition to continuing the CMAQ, Ferry Boats, Recreational Trails, and Scenic Byways programs, SAFETEA-LU establishes the following new programsfocused on the environment –
- Safe Routes to School [1404]
- Highways for LIFE [1502]
- National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation [1804]
- Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot [1807]
Core Program Eligibilities
Expands NHS and STP eligibilities to include environmental restoration and pollution abatement to minimize the impact of transportation projects, control of noxious weeds and aquatic noxious weeds, and establishment of native species. [6006]
Expands STP eligibility to include advanced truck stop electrification systems. [1113]
Clarifies and expands CMAQ eligibility to include diesel retrofits, advanced truck stop electrification, interoperable emergency communications equipment, and alternative fuel purchases in designated States, with an emphasis on cost-effective projects. [1808]
Wildlife Vehicle Collision Reduction Study
The Secretary is to conduct a study of methods to reduce collisions between motor vehicles and wildlife, and report to Congress within 2 years on causes, impacts, and solutions. A manual of best practices is due 1 year after report to Congress. The Secretary is required to develop a training course for transportation professionals. [1119]
Use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes (see separate fact sheet)
Enhances and clarifies provisions governing the use and operation of HOV lanes. [1121]
Idling Reduction in Rights-of-Way
Permits electrification or other idling reduction facilities and equipment for use by commercial motor vehicles to be placed in rights-of-way on the Interstate System. [1412]
Historic Covered Bridges
Authorizes $10 million per year for 2006 through 2009 for rehabilitation, repair, or preservation of historic covered bridges. [1804]
Use of Debris from Demolished Bridges and Overpasses
If a bridge eligible for assistance under section 144 of title 23 is demolished, the debris is to be made available to Federal, State, or local government for shore erosion control or stabilization, ecosystem restoration, or marine habitat creation, unless it would obstruct navigation. [1805]
Community Enhancement Study
Authorizes set-aside of $1 million in each of 2006 and 2007 from TCSP funds for a study on the role of a well-designed transportation projects in promoting economic development; protecting public health, safety, and the environment; enhancing the architectural design and planning of communities; and the positive economic, cultural, aesthetic, scenic, architectural, and environmental benefits of such projects for communities. [1925]
Transportation Planning
Requirements are added in the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes for plans to address environmental mitigation, improved performance, multimodal capacity, and enhancement activities; tribal, bicycle, pedestrian, and disabled interests are to be represented. [6001]
Context Sensitive Solutions
Authorizes the Secretary to consider the FHWA report, "Flexibility in Highway Design" and the national context sensitive solutions workshop document, "Eight Characteristics of Process to Yield Excellence and the Seven Qualities of Excellence in Transportation Design" in establishing standards to be used on the National Highway System. [6008]
