Transportation Policies
Creating green roadways is a cooperative process designed to foster involvement by all users of the system. The most sustainable approach to transportation would be to maximize use of existing public infrastructure, reduce people’s need to drive, increase
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Transportation Policies
Creating green roadways is a cooperative process designed to foster involvement by all users of the system. The most sustainable approach to transportation would be to maximize use of existing public infrastructure, reduce people’s need to drive, increase roadway connectivity, disperse traffic, and minimize the construction of new roads. Traditionally, the role of the federal government in transportation has been to set national policy, provide financial aid, supply technical assistance and training, and conduct research. The federal government provides a significant amount of funding for states to implement transportation projects, and there are requirements attached to those funds. Because of this combination of policies, regulations, and funding, federal agencies have a strong influence on state and local transportation decisions. Green roadway projects are conducted at state and local levels. This is entirely appropriate because highway and transit facilities and services are owned and operated largely by the states and local agencies.
Federal Policies and Procedures The federal transportation policy framework consists of a series of laws, regulations, orders, and other documents, and a number of different agencies are
involved with implementing and enforcing these. It is important to know: (1) the key agencies and organizations that are involved with federal policies and procedures, and (2) the major federal acts and regulations that define transportation policy.
Key Players at the Federal Level To create a successful green roadway project, it is important to understand the key agencies and organizations at the federal level. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)–responsible for administering the federal highway aid program to individual states and working to help plan, develop, and coordinate construction of federally funded highway projects. Transportation Research Board–a division of the National Research Council whose mission is to promote innovation and progress in transportation through research. U.S. Department of Transportation–oversees federal highway, air, railroad, maritime, and other transportation administration functions; it consists of ten agencies, including the FHWA and the Federal Transit Administration.
J.L. Sipes and M.L. Sipes, Creating Green Roadways: Integrating Cultural, Natural, and Visual Resources into Transportation, DOI 10.5822/978-1-59726-322-1_2, © 2013 James L. Sipes and Matthew L. Sipes
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Federal Transit Administration–an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems.
American Public Transportation Association–a group of public organizations engaged in busing, transit, light-rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne passenger services, and high-speed rail.
National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission–charged by Congress under Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Use
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