Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Federal Highway Administration

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) oversees and maintains the system of highways, bridges, and tunnels throughout the country. In addition, FHWA works with states and other agencies to offer guidance and technical assistance on transportation matters and works to promote increased safety and improved community life.

Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act)

The FAST Act provides funding through the year 2020 for surface transportation infrastructure planning and investment. As of December 2015, the FAST Act replaced the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act. This federal law superseded several relevant rural transportation programs, including the Appalachian Development Highway System Program and the Tribal Transportation Program.

  • Surface Transportation Block Grant Program: The Surface Transportation Block Grant Program was created with the passage of the FAST Act in 2015. It provides funding to state and local agencies for maintenance and development of surface transportation infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, federal-aid highways, and other capital projects. A special rule permits states to spend up to 15% of funds on rural minor collector roads in areas with a population of 5,000 residents or fewer.
  • Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) Program: The Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) program aims to promote economic development and growth in the isolated areas of Appalachia. In July 2012, the ADHS program's source of funding became the Surface Transportation Block Grant. In 2015, the FAST Act allowed an option for states to opt for a Federal share up to 100% for ADHS projects.
  • Tribal Transportation Program (TPP): The Tribal Transportation Program (TPP) provides funds to Tribal governments in order to support the maintenance and development of roads on tribal lands. TPP is situated in the Office of Federal Lands Highway and is funded by the Highway Trust Fund. Funding is allocated to tribes based on their population and the road mileage under their jurisdiction.

Bridge Programs

Agencies that build, maintain, and replace bridges receive special funding from the Federal Highway Administration through the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation program. Two key components are the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation program, which supports the preservation and restoration of covered bridges listed on the National Register for Historic Places, and the Discretionary Bridge program, which provides assistance to replace and seismically retrofit highway bridges.

Resources to Learn More

A Guide to Federal-Aid Programs and Projects
Website
A guide to the programs and projects funded by the Federal-Aid Program Administration, including eligibility and background information. Also lists all current active programs, with information about application procedures. While many programs are oriented towards highway creation and maintenance, some are specifically designed for alternative forms of transportation.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration