TEA-21 - Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century Moving Americans into the 21st Century
	Fact Sheet
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NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM
Year	1997(ISTEA)	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003
Authorization*	$3,600M	$4,112M	$4,749M	$4,793M	$4,888M	$4,968M	$5,061M

* Authorizations shown here will be augmented by a portion of Minimum Guarantee funds.

Program Purpose

This program provides funding for improvements to rural and urban roads that are part of the NHS, including the Interstate System and designated connections to major intermodal terminals. Under certain circumstances, NHS funds may also be used to fund transit improvements in NHS corridors.

Distribution of Funds

The following funds are to be set aside from authorized amounts:

Alaska Highway - $18.8 million to be set aside in each of fiscal years 1998 through 2002 [TRA 9002(c)(3)] for the portion of the Alaska Highway from the Alaska State line south to Haines Junction and from there south on the Haines Road (this is known as the Shakwak Highway Project). [1103(b)]

Territories - $36.4 million to be set aside in each of fiscal years 1998 through 2003 for the territories of Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. These funds are available for improvements eligible under 23 U.S.C. 133. [1103(b)] Additionally, 23 U.S.C. 103 is amended to allow these funds to be used for airport and seaport improvements in the territories. [1106(b)]

Apportioned funds are to be distributed based on the following new formula [1103(b)]:

• 25% based on total lane miles of principal arterials (excluding the Interstate System) in each State as a percent of total such principal arterial lane miles in all States.

• 35% based on total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on lanes of principal arterials (excluding the Interstate System) in each State as a percent of total VMT on lanes of such principal arterials in all States.

• 30% based on diesel fuel used on all highways in each State as a percent of diesel fuel used on all highways in all States.

• 10% based on total lane miles of principal arterials in each State divided by total population in each State as a percent of such ratio for all States.

Provides that each State shall receive a minimum ½% of combined NHS and IM apportionments.[1103(b)]

Transfer of funds

Up to 50% of apportionments may be transferred to IM, STP, CMAQ, and/or Bridge. [1310]

Up to 100% may be transferred to STP, if approved by the Secretary and if sufficient notice and opportunity for public comment is given. [23USC104(c)]

Eligible Activities

Expands NHS eligibility to include the following [1106(b)]:

• natural habitat mitigation (but specifies if wetland or natural habitat mitigation is within the service area of a mitigation bank, preference will be given to use the bank)

• publicly-owned intracity and intercity bus terminals

• infrastructure-based intelligent transportation system capital improvements

System Definition

Adds to the system the highways and connections to transportation facilities identified in the report submitted by the Secretary to Congress on May 24, 1996. [1106(b)]

Retains provision which allows the Secretary to make modifications to the NHS, including modifications to connections to major intermodal terminals.

Retains provision which requires the Secretary to add to the NHS any congressional high priority corridors upon the completion of feasibility studies.

NHS Intermodal Freight Connectors Study

TEA-21 requires the Secretary to report to Congress within two years on progress in improving NHS connectors to seaports, airports, and other intermodal freight transportation facilities for the efficient movement of freight, including movements of freight between modes. If impediments to improving the connectors are identified, the Secretary is to include recommendations. [1106(d)]

Program Administration

See fact sheet on Program Administration for important changes in program delivery and project oversight that affect the NHS Program.

September 14, 1998