Memorandum

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US Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration

Subject: INFORMATION: Eligibili ty of23 USC 120(c) for Highway Lighting

Date: December 1, 2005

From: Elizabeth Alicandri – Director, Office of Safety Programs

In Reply Refer To: HSA-20

To: Mr. William A. Sussmann, Division Administrator (HDA-LA)

We recently received an inquiry from your office concerning the eligibility ofbighway lighting for 100 percent Federal funding under 23 USC 12O(c) [Increased Federal Share for Certain Safety Projectsl.

Although Section 120(c) does not list "highway lighting," per se, we believe that "highway lighting" is covered under "traffic lights," which is eligible for 100 percent Federal funding, as indicated in an interpretation on "the Safety Exchange" from September 10, 2001.

Prior to the ISTEA of 1991, Section 120(d) of Tille 23 included "traffic control signalization" and "highway lighting" as eligible for 100 percent Federal funding. Section 120(d) was eliminated under Section 1021 of ISTEA, and a new paragraph 120((c) listed those projects eligible for 100 percent Federal funding. Included in this new Section 120(c) were "traffic control signalization" and "traffic light." It appears that the intent was that "traffic lights" referred to "highway lighting," and that traffic signals would be under "traffic control signalization."

If your State plans to use funds available under the H51P (23 USC 148) for highway lighting and for other improvements eligible under Section 120(c). It is imponant that these: funds be spent in line with the purpose of the program: "to achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on public roads".

Program Contact

Cathy Satterfield

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