U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU; Public Law 109-59) establishes a new Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) that is structured to make significant progress in reducing highway fatalities and serious injuries. A considerable increase in funding is provided for the HSIP that is nearly double what was available in TEA-21. States will be required to develop and implement a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) that involves a comprehensive, data driven approach to highway safety. The HSIP also includes set aside funds to improve safety on rural roads and at railway-highway crossings. SAFETEA-LU also establishes a new Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) Program and other programs. These Questions and Answers have been prepared by the FHWA Office of Safety to outline overall provisions and address key issues; additional Q&As will be prepared as other issues arise or further clarification is appropriate.
This set of Questions and Answers has been prepared by the FHWA Office of Safety to outline overall provisions and address key issues; additional Q&As will be prepared as other issues arise or further clarification is appropriate. Each question is identified by a program abbreviation and a number that will not change (ex. The third question answered for the Highway Safety Improvement Program is HSIP 3). Additional questions on each program will have the same program abbreviation, but a higher sequential number. The date in parenthesis after each question is the date the answer was released as FHWA policy.
Highway Safety Improvement Program
Strategic Highway Safety Plan
High Risk Rural Roads
Railway-Highway Grade Crossings
The "new" HSIP is implemented by Section 1401 of SAFETEA-LU, which establishes a new Section 148 as part of Title 23 of the United States Code (23USC148). Authorized funding levels for the new HSIP are as follows:
FY 2006 $1,235,810,000
FY 2007 1,255,709,322
FY 2008 1,275,929,067
FY 2009 1,296,474,396
Under TEA-21, States received an average of nearly $662 million per year under the previous HSIP provisions. The average for the next four years under SAFETEA-LU will be $1.265 billion, nearly twice the amount under TEA‑21.--
Section 148 establishes sub-allocations ('set asides') for two specific purposes:
Highway-Rail Grade Crossings: $220,000,000 is to be set aside each fiscal year (Fiscal years 2006 - 2009) from 23USC148 for the elimination of hazards and the installation of protective devices at highway-rail grade crossings (projects eligible under 23USC130.)
High Risk Rural Roads: $90,000,000 each fiscal year (Fiscal years 2006 - 2009) for construction and operational improvements on high risk rural roads. [9/14/05]
The new program will become effective on October 1, 2005, the beginning of FY 2006. [9/14/05]
The most significant change is the elevation of the HSIP as a new "core funding" program administered by FHWA, defined by 23USC148. This new section replaces the previous 23USC152 (hazard elimination program), and will incorporate hazard elimination program elements as well as establish eligibility for additional types of highway safety improvement projects. As part of the new HSIP, each State's apportionment of HSIP funds is subject to a set aside for construction and operational improvements on high-risk rural roads and for railway-highway crossings. [9/14/05]
The "new" HSIP (23USC148) is established as an FHWA "core" program with separate funding. Prior to SAFETEA-LU, States were required to carry out a highway safety improvement program to reduce the number and severity of highway-related crashes and to decrease the potential for crashes on all highways. The requirements for the previous HSIP, as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Part 924, were to consist of components for planning, implementation, and evaluation of safety programs and projects. Several categorical safety programs, including the Hazard Elimination Program and the Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Program, provided funding for the implementation of countermeasures. Under TEA-21, these programs were funded as a set-aside from Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds.
The new HSIP is eligible for additional funds from the Equity Bonus program, but HSIP funds are now subject to lapse. Funds are apportioned through a formula based on each State's share of lane miles and vehicle miles traveled on Federal-aid highways and fatalities on the Federal-aid system in each State. The new HSIP requires a State transportation department to develop a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) with a process that is data driven, comprehensive, and includes consultation with other key safety stakeholders in the State. Also new is the sub-allocation (set-aside) within each State for construction and operational improvements on High Risk Rural Roads. [9/14/05]
No. The new Highway Safety Improvement Program is a "core" program in the same way that the National Highway System, the Surface Transportation Program, and the Interstate Maintenance Program are "core" programs. The Obligation Authority issued to a State (with certain exceptions) may be utilized at the State's discretion for any core program with sufficient unobligated Contract Authority. [9/14/05]
States will have the remainder of the fiscal year during which funds are apportioned plus 3 fiscal years to obligate their highway safety funds before they lapse. For example, FY2006 HSIP funds apportioned to the States would lapse if not obligated by September 30, 2009. [9/14/05]
To qualify as a highway safety improvement project eligible for funding under the new HSIP (23USC148), a project must be described in the State strategic highway safety plan and correct or improve a hazardous road location or feature, or address a highway safety problem. Projects eligible under the previous Section 152 and Section 130 remain eligible under the new HSIP. In addition, the following have been specifically included as eligible highway safety improvement projects and are, therefore, eligible for HSIP funding:
The conduct of a model traffic enforcement activity at a railway-highway grade crossing;
Safety-conscious planning;
Improvement in the collection and analysis of crash data;
Planning, integrated interoperable emergency communications equipment, operational activities, or traffic enforcement activities (including police assistance) relating to workzone safety;
The addition or retrofitting of structures or other measures to eliminate or reduce accidents involving vehicles and wildlife;
Construction and operational improvements on high-risk rural roads;
Improvements for safety of the disabled;
Installation and maintenance of signs at pedestrian-bicycle crossings and in school zones. [9/14/05]
HSIP funds can be used on any public road or publicly owned bicycle or pedestrian pathway or trail, except for those funds specifically set-aside for high risk rural roads and railway-highway crossings. This provision of SAFETEA-LU encourages States to address the full scope of their safety needs and opportunities on all roadway categories by using funding sources such as Interstate Maintenance (IM), Surface Transportation Program (STP) and National Highway System (NHS) funds, in addition to HSIP funds. However, the basic eligibility requirements of these funding sources do not change; e.g., NHS funds can be used for safety-related construction projects on National Highway System routes, but not on local roads or on rural minor collectors. Similar eligibility requirements for STP & IM funds also must be recognized. In addition, safety belt performance grants under section 2005 may be used for infrastructure safety projects after the State has met the $1 million threshold for behavioral safety expenditures. [9/14/05]
As part of the FHWA's oversight and stewardship responsibilities, the FHWA Division Office in each State must assure that the HSIP process carried out in each State meets the requirements stated in Section 148. [9/14/05]
Three reports are specified in Section 148:
The annual reports required under TEA-21 for the Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Program and the Hazard Elimination Program under Sections 130(g) and 152(g), respectively, are due by December 30, 2005. The information obtained for the Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Program will be used in the Report to Congress required of the USDOT.
The FHWA Office of Safety will be developing additional guidance on the above reporting requirements. [9/14/05]
Section 152 will remain in title 23 U.S.C., it has not been repealed, and it will serve (together with section 130, as in effect prior to SAFETEA-LU) to determine the projects eligible for section 148 funding in the case of States that have not implemented an SHSP. However, the old section 152 source of funding - 10% STP set aside in 23 U.S.C. § 133(d)(1) - has been repealed by section 1113(b)(1) of SAFETEA-LU, as of October 1, 2005. This is why section 152 can be referred to as a so-called "living statute." The regulations in 23 CFR Part 924 remain in place to determine project eligibility for those States that have not adopted a SHSP.
Per SAFETEA-LU Section 1947, roundabouts are added to the list of 100 percent payable projects in Title 23 Section 120 (c) (increased Federal Share for certain Safety projects.)
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds may be spent on training only if the activity is directly related to developing a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) or implementing any of twenty-one (21) project activities included under §148(a)(3)(B). Safety training needs should also be identified in the SHSP. In addition, the cost of training provided for employee development is allowable on federal awards per cost principles in OMB Circular A-87. If states obligate funds apportioned under the National Highway System, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement, Surface Transportation, Interstate Maintenance, or Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation programs for surface transportation workforce development, training, and education [Section 5204 (e)] (including safety), the Federal share is 100%.
Yes, but it is important to note that while a wide range of projects is eligible for funding, eligibility is secondary in the decision process. The first and most important consideration is to determine need based on sound data. SAFETEA-LU defines the term “highway safety improvement project” as a project described in the State's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) that: corrects or improves a hazardous road location or feature; or addresses a highway safety problem. Projects in the SHSP must be selected through analysis of sound safety data and address the highest priority safety needs. It is clear from the legislation that safety funds are to be used on the most effective treatments at the locations with the greatest needs, and that we are to use the best available data to determine the best treatments for each State's needs. This focused approach is based on applying limited resources to the areas most likely to achieve results.
Section 148(d)(2) of Title 23 U.S.C. makes it clear that other Federal-aid funds are eligible to support and leverage the safety program. Improvements to safety features, such as guardrail, that are routinely provided as part of a broader Federal-aid project, should be funded from the same source as the broader project. This allows the HSIP funds to be focused on stand-alone safety projects and SHSP development and implementation. This is consistent with the provision of separate funding for safety projects and FHWA's long-standing position on the use of safety funds.
We have the opportunity to significantly advance safety through leveraging funds and focusing spending on projects where the return on investment will be the greatest. It will be important, now more than ever, to assure that safety funds are focused on those strategies and investments most likely to reduce the number of deaths and injuries, and to maximize opportunities to advance safety.
Under 23 USC148, State DOTs are required, after consultation with public and private safety stakeholders, to develop and implement a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The purpose of an SHSP is to identify critical highway safety problems and opportunities within the State. The SHSP provides a comprehensive framework for reducing highway fatalities and serious injuries, enabling the State to make data driven strategic investment decisions.
The SHSP considers the results of state, regional or local transportation and highway safety planning processes. The SHSP integrates the "four E's" of safety - engineering, education, enforcement and emergency services efforts. [9/14/05]
The collaborative process of developing and implementing an SHSP is beneficial because it brings together and draws on the strengths and resources of all safety partners. The process encourages active and ongoing communication and cooperation among state and local safety partners, to maximize compatibility among individual safety countermeasure programs to achieve statewide safety performance goals for all public roads. Other benefits include:
SAFETEA-LU requires States to develop and implement an SHSP in order to obligate funds for Section 148 eligible activities. Once a State has developed an SHSP, SAFETEA-LU allows 10% of the State's HSIP funds to be used for other safety projects listed in their SHSP, provided the state certifies its railway-highway crossing and infrastructure safety needs have been met. [9/14/05]
SAFETEA-LU created a new "core" safety program in Section 148 known as the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which provides significantly more funds to State DOTs for safety improvement projects. This new, more comprehensive HSIP replaces the former Section 152, Hazard Elimination Program, and continues to provide funding for the provisions contained in Section 130, Railway-Highway Crossing Safety. As a condition to receive full funding, the new HSIP requires each State to develop a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) that involves a comprehensive, collaborative, and data driven approach which considers the 'four E's (Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Emergency Services) of highway safety. The process of developing an SHSP establishes the overall framework for analysis of priority needs and opportunities, and also can identify complementary and jointly funded activities among state and local partners. The HSIP funds administered by the FHWA are focused primarily on infrastructure-based safety projects described in the SHSP and implemented by the state DOT, and other partners are encouraged to utilize the SHSP as a guide to investing their safety funds. [9/14/05]
States are required to have developed and implemented a SHSP by October 1, 2006 in order to obligate funds for all HSIP (Section 148) eligible activities. [9/14/05]
Before October 1, 2006, and until a State has developed and implemented a SHSP, the State may only obligate its apportioned HSIP funds (Section 148) for projects that were eligible for funding under Sections 130 and the previous Section 152; in other words, the program that was in effect on the day before enactment of SAFETEA-LU.
If a State has not developed a SHSP by October 1, 2007 (fiscal year 2008), their apportionment under the HSIP (Section 148) will be "frozen" at the fiscal year 2007 level for that and all subsequent years until an SHSP is developed. [9/14/05]
No. A State-level SHSP is to be approved by the State Governor or a responsible State agency. As part of the FHWA's Oversight and Stewardship responsibilities, the FHWA must ensure that the State has developed and implemented an SHSP that adheres to requirements included in the definition of "State Strategic Highway Safety Plan" contained in Section 148(a)(6). The FHWA Office of Safety intends to develop additional guidance on this and other SHSP-related issues in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration. [9/14/05]
While there is no provision for a "conditional acceptance" of a State SHSP, each Division does have flexibility in assessing the State's SHSP process. In fact, the SHSP "checklist" provided to FHWA division offices in June 2006 recognizes varying degrees of progress in each of the elements of the development process. If the Division determines all SAFETEA-LU SHSP requirements have been met to an acceptable level, the Division may accept the process by which the Plan was developed. Some required elements, such as data systems and analysis capability, may require significant improvement before meeting the full intent of SAFETEA-LU. Divisions are encouraged to document any significant improvement opportunities for the Plan as part of their transmittal accepting the process. Divisions may elect to revisit these improvement areas as part of their stewardship of the overall safety program, through periodic assessments of the process (possibly on a 6 month to 1 year basis, as the Plan approval may not be revisited for 3-5 years), to assure the necessary improvements are achieved.
Yes. The HSIP includes a set aside for construction and operational improvements to address safety problems and opportunities on High Risk Rural Roads. This set aside of $90 million each fiscal year for high-risk rural roads is limited to roadways functionally classified as a rural major or minor collector or as a rural local road. [9/14/05]
Roadways functionally classified as a rural major or minor collector or as a rural local road are eligible. In addition, the roadway must have a crash rate for fatalities and incapacitating injuries that exceeds the statewide average for those functional classes of roadways. Roadways are also eligible if future traffic volumes are projected to increase causing a projected increase in the crash rate for fatalities and incapacitating injuries that exceeds the statewide average.
To determine whether a roadway is eligible based on its crash rate, States must first calculate the statewide average crash rate for fatalities and incapacitating injuries for each functional class of roadway. Flexibility will be allowed to use different types of crash rates depending on the data available in each State. Some examples include crashes per VMT, crashes per mile, etc. [9/14/05]
Section 148 HSIP funds are eligible for use on any public road (except for those funds specifically set-aside for high risk rural roads and railway-highway crossings, which have further eligibility requirements), including those owned and operated by local entities. Also, improvements at any public highway-rail grade crossings are eligible under Section 130. [9/14/05]
It is very important that States have a crash data system with the ability to identify safety problems and opportunities on all public roads, that these needs are considered within the Strategic Highway Safety Plan process, and that States work with localities to ensure that safety improvements are implemented where they are needed the most. [9/14/05]
As long as the project will ultimately involve a construction or operational improvement which is identified as part of a State's HSIP process, funds from the set aside for high risk rural roads for preliminary engineering (includes environmental approvals and final design) would be eligible. [9/14/05]
No. HRRR Program funds as required by law [23 USC 148(f)] are available for construction and operational improvements only. A sample list of construction and operational improvements can be found in the HRRR Program guidance (http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/safetealu/hrrrpattachment.htm.). While not explicitly stated in the HRRR Program guidance, preliminary engineering leading directly to construction and operational improvements are eligible activities. However, data related activities generally are ineligible. Please refer to the sample list of eligible HRRR Program projects found in the guidance mentioned above.
Alternatively, HSIP funds not set aside for the railway-highway grade crossing or high risk rural road programs are eligible for road safety programs for local agencies (e.g. the creation of a safety circuit rider or crash analysis assistance programs for rural local agencies). In connection with the SCR Program, HRRR Program funds may be used to implement eligible construction and operational improvements recommended by a safety circuit rider.
The previous Section 130, Railway Highway Crossings, is carried forward essentially intact. The primary changes are that the funding source is now a "set aside" from the Highway Safety Improvement Program of $220 million per year (a significant increase of approximately $65 million annually beyond TEA-21 levels), and that a new provision has been added allowing Statesto use up to 2% of the funds apportioned to their State under this program for compilation and analysis of data in meeting their reporting requirements. [9/14/05]
The following reporting requirements pertain to highway-rail grade crossings:
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