BACKGROUND
Historically, federal legislation authorization of the federal aid highway program covered a 6-year period, and transportation funding was more certain. When funding levels are predictable, state DOTs and other transportation agencies can devise optimal long-term capital investment plans, more accurately forecast future asset conditions, set realistic performance targets, and better meet stated commitments to communities and stakeholders.
Uncertain federal funding adversely impacts the transportation system and decision-making in many ways, resulting in wide-ranging impacts on the U.S. economy and quality of life. It can slow transportation program and project delivery, lead to degraded pavement and bridge conditions, reduce system performance, and worsen transportation service. Further, while recent federal regulations and acts have increased emphasis on performance-based outcomes, the timeframe needed to achieve these outcomes exceeds the current timeframe of funding certainty. An additional potential consequence of funding uncertainty is erosion of public trust, given that commitments to maintain or improve the transportation system may not be kept.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this research are to (1) identify and document the consequences and significant impacts of federal funding uncertainty on state DOTs, other transportation agencies, and stakeholders and (2) present how these agencies have responded and adapted to these uncertainties.
STATUS
The research is complete. The final deliverables have been published and can be accessed here.
