(a) Sufficiency rating of bridges. Upon receipt and evaluation of the bridge inventory, a sufficiency rating will be assigned to each bridge by the Secretary in accordance with the approved AASHTO1 sufficiency rating formula. The sufficiency rating will be used as a basis for establishing eligibility and priority for replacement or rehabilitation of bridges; in general the lower the rating, the higher the priority.

(b) Selection of bridges for inclusion in State program. After evaluation of the inventory and assignment of sufficiency ratings, the Secretary will provide the State with a selection list of bridges within the State that are eligible for the bridge program. From that list or from previously furnished selection lists, the State may select bridge projects.