Task 86, FY 1997, "Alternatives for Accessing Unobligated Federal-Aid Balances" (Apogee Research, Inc.). In 1994, the AASHTO Task Force on Innovative Finance conducted a survey that identified a range of strategies that would increase federal transportation funding flexibility. In 1995, the AASHTO Board of Directors adopted a resolution supporting legislative and administrative changes to allow states to access unobligated balances through standby lines of credit. The goal of this research project is to identify and evaluate various alternatives for states to access federal highway unobligated balances. The tasks include: (1) identify each mechanism, the process for using it, and an example of how it would be employed for a sample project; (2) analyze benefits and assess costs to the federal government in the form of a working discussion document setting out the analysis and perspectives of relevant stakeholders; (3) prepare a briefing and appropriate support materials for the AASHTO Annual Meeting in October 1996; and (4) prepare a final report based upon review and comments by AASHTO. The preliminary draft final report has been completed and submitted to the Task Force members for review and comment. The Task Force has distributed the report to the Administrative Subcommittee on Financial Management for membership review. The final camera ready copy has been transmitted to AASHTO for publication and distribution. (NCHRP Staff: R.D. McCready)