December 18
| 1991 | President George Bush signs the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, the most significant restructuring of surface transportation programs since 1956. Known as ISTEA ("ICE TEA"), the act authorizes $121 billion for Federal-aid highways, $1.6 billion for safety, and $31.5 billion for transit, but through its statewide and metropolitan planning requirements, gives unprecedented flexibility to State and local officials to develop the best mix of projects, whatever the mode. While eliminating the Federal-aid systems, ISTEA broadens eligibility to cover all public roads except local roads and rural minor collectors, authorizes designation of the National Highway System, stresses choices that will help attain National Ambient Air Quality Standards, funds a National Scenic Byways Program, and renews emphasis on alternatives such as bicycling and walking."It's summed up by three words--jobs, jobs, jobs." 
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| 1999 | Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater joins Deputy Administrator Gloria J. Jeff and Executive Director Anthony R. Kane to launch an on-line travel itinerary called "We Shall Overcome-Historic Places of the Civil Rights Movement." The National Register of Historic Places itinerary features easy-to-read stories about 41 historic sites in 21 States. Director Robert Stanton of the National Park Service and Mayor-elect Anthony Williams of the District of Columbia join Slater, Jeff, and FHWA's Ginny Finch and James Shrouds in the ceremony. | |
| 2000 | Timothy R. Penney becomes FHWA's first Native American Program Coordinator. A civil engineer and member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Penney has been with FHWA for 12 years. He will be FHWA's liaison with Tribal governments and State transportation departments, working with individuals and groups on transportation-related Tribal issues and legislation. |
