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and Inactive programs, projects, and uses of highway funds that have existed in recent time, some of which, although no longer active, were the basis for current programs, projects, or uses of highway funds, and hence, are of possible historic interest.

Some vols. include supplemental journals of "such proceedings of the sessions, as, during the time they were depending, were ordered to be kept secret, and respecting which the injunction of secrecy was afterwards taken off by the order of the House".