Federal-Aid highway funds are authorized by Congress to assist the States in providing for construction, reconstruction, and improvement of highways and bridges on eligible Federal-Aid highway routes and for other special purpose programs and projects. Through the Federal Lands Highway Program, funding is provided for improving access to and within National Forests, National Parks, Indian Lands and other public lands. The guide is intended to provide basic information for FHWA and State personnel involved in the administration of the Federal-Aid Highway Program. It is not intended to be an eligibility guide, but contains basic descriptions and historical information on active and inactive programs. This guide should be of interest to FHWA, State highway agencies, local governments, and private sector personnel interested in a basic understanding of Federal-Aid programs, projects, or other program characteristics. In addition to basic information, sources of additional information are provided.

The guide is intended to provide basic information for FHWA and State staff persons involved in the administration of the Federal-aid highway program. It is not intended to be an eligibility guide, but contains basic descriptions of the core programs and historical information on others. This guide should be of interest to FHWA, State highway agency, local government, and private sector personnel interested in a basic understanding of Federal-aid programs, projects, or other program characteristics. In addition to basic information, sources of additional information are provided.

The purpose of this guide is to provide basic information about: New programs, projects, and uses of highway funds authorized by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA); Continuing programs, projects, and uses of highway funds authorized by previous legislation and continued by ISTEA; Discontinued programs, projects, and uses of highway funds authorized by previous legislation and continuing only until remaining available funds are obligated, transferred, or lapsed; and Inactive programs, projects, and uses of highway funds that have existed in recent time, some of which, although no longer active, were the basis for current programs, projects, or uses of highway funds, and hence, are of possible historic interest.

This program guide was developed to assist individuals administering Federal-aid highway programs which involve: (1) use of Federal-aid highway funds for the relocation and adjustment of utility facilities, and (2) accommodation of utility facilities and private lines on the right-of-way of Federal-aid highway projects. This fourth edition supersedes all previous editions.

Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.