23 USC § 120
Federal share payable
through Pub. L. 116-282, except Pub. L. 116-260
USC

(a) Interstate System Projects.—

(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Federal share payable on account of any project on the Interstate System (including a project to add high occupancy vehicle lanes and a project to add auxiliary lanes but excluding a project to add any other lanes) shall be 90 percent of the total cost thereof, plus a percentage of the remaining 10 percent of such cost in any State containing unappropriated and unreserved public lands and nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, exceeding 5 percent of the total area of all lands therein, equal to the percentage that the area of such lands in such State is of its total area; except that such Federal share payable on any project in any State shall not exceed 95 percent of the total cost of such project.

(2) State-determined lower federal share.—In the case of any project subject to paragraph (1), a State may determine a lower Federal share than the Federal share determined under such paragraph.

(b) Other Projects.—Except as otherwise provided in this title, the Federal share payable on account of any project or activity carried out under this title (other than a project subject to subsection (a)) shall be—

(1) 80 percent of the cost thereof, except that in the case of any State containing nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, and public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved) exclusive of national forests and national parks and monuments, exceeding 5 percent of the total area of all lands therein, the Federal share, for purposes of this chapter, shall be increased by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of all such lands in such State, is of its total area; or

(2) 80 percent of the cost thereof, except that in the case of any State containing nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved), national forests, and national parks and monuments, the Federal share, for purposes of this chapter, shall be increased by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of all such lands in such State is of its total area;

except that the Federal share payable on any project in a State shall not exceed 95 percent of the total cost of any such project. In any case where a State elects to have the Federal share provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State must enter into an agreement with the Secretary covering a period of not less than 1 year, requiring such State to use solely for purposes eligible for assistance under this title (other than paying its share of projects approved under this title) during the period covered by such agreement the difference between the State's share as provided in paragraph (2) and what its share would be if it elected to pay the share provided in paragraph (1) for all projects subject to such agreement. In the case of any project subject to this subsection, a State may determine a lower Federal share than the Federal share determined under the preceding sentences of this subsection.

(c) Increased Federal Share.—

(1) Certain safety projects.—The Federal share payable on account of any project for traffic control signalization, maintaining minimum levels of retroreflectivity of highway signs or pavement markings, traffic circles (also known as "roundabouts"), safety rest areas, pavement marking, shoulder and centerline rumble strips and stripes, commuter carpooling and vanpooling, rail-highway crossing closure, or installation of traffic signs, traffic lights, guardrails, impact attenuators, concrete barrier endtreatments, breakaway utility poles, or priority control systems for emergency vehicles or transit vehicles at signalized intersections may amount to 100 percent of the cost of construction of such projects; except that not more than 10 percent of all sums apportioned for all the Federal-aid programs for any fiscal year in accordance with section 104 of this title shall be used under this subsection. In this subsection, the term "safety rest area" means an area where motor vehicle operators can park their vehicles and rest, where food, fuel, and lodging services are not available, and that is located on a segment of highway with respect to which the Secretary determines there is a shortage of public and private areas at which motor vehicle operators can park their vehicles and rest.

(2) CMAQ projects.—The Federal share payable on account of a project or program carried out under section 149 with funds obligated in fiscal year 2008 or 2009, or both, shall be not less than 80 percent and, at the discretion of the State, may be up to 100 percent of the cost thereof.

(3) Innovative project delivery.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Federal share payable on account of a project, program, or activity carried out with funds apportioned under paragraph (1), (2), (5)(D), or (6) of section 104(b) may, at the discretion of the State, be up to 100 percent for any such project, program, or activity that the Secretary determines—

(i) contains innovative project delivery methods that improve work zone safety for motorists or workers and the quality of the facility;

(ii) contains innovative technologies, engineering or design approaches, manufacturing processes, financing, or contracting or project delivery methods that improve the quality of, extend the service life of, or decrease the long-term costs of maintaining highways and bridges;

(iii) accelerates project delivery while complying with other applicable Federal laws (including regulations) and not causing any significant adverse environmental impact; or

(iv) reduces congestion related to highway construction.

(B) Examples.—Projects, programs, and activities described in subparagraph (A) may include the use of—

(i) prefabricated bridge elements and systems and other technologies to reduce bridge construction time;

(ii) innovative construction equipment, materials, or techniques, including the use of in-place recycling technology and digital 3-dimensional modeling technologies;

(iii) innovative contracting methods, including the design-build and the construction manager-general contractor contracting methods and alternative bidding;

(iv) intelligent compaction equipment;

(v) innovative pavement materials that have a demonstrated life cycle of 75 or more years, are manufactured with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce construction-related congestion by rapidly curing; or

(vi) contractual provisions that offer a contractor an incentive payment for early completion of the project, program, or activity, subject to the condition that the incentives are accounted for in the financial plan of the project, when applicable.

(C) Limitations.—

(i) In general.—In each fiscal year, a State may use the authority under subparagraph (A) for up to 10 percent of the combined apportionments of the State under paragraphs (1), (2), (5)(D), and (6) of section 104(b).

(ii) Federal share increase.—The Federal share payable on account of a project, program, or activity described in subparagraph (A) may be increased by up to 5 percent of the total project cost.

(d) The Secretary may rely on a statement from the Secretary of the Interior as to the area of the lands referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to provide such statement annually.

(e) Emergency Relief.—The Federal share payable for any repair or reconstruction provided for by funds made available under section 125 for any project on a Federal-aid highway, including the Interstate System, shall not exceed the Federal share payable on a project on the system as provided in subsections (a) and (b), except that—

(1) the Federal share payable for eligible emergency repairs to minimize damage, protect facilities, or restore essential traffic accomplished within 180 days after the actual occurrence of the natural disaster or catastrophic failure may amount to 100 percent of the cost of the repairs;

(2) the Federal share payable for any repair or reconstruction of Federal land transportation facilities, other Federally owned roads that are open to public travel, and tribal transportation facilities may amount to 100 percent of the cost of the repair or reconstruction;

(3) the Secretary shall extend the time period in paragraph (1) taking into consideration any delay in the ability of the State to access damaged facilities to evaluate damage and the cost of repair; and

(4) the Federal share payable for eligible permanent repairs to restore damaged facilities to predisaster condition may amount to 90 percent of the cost of the repairs if the eligible expenses incurred by the State due to natural disasters or catastrophic failures in a Federal fiscal year exceeds the annual apportionment of the State under section 104 for the fiscal year in which the disasters or failures occurred.

(f) The Secretary is authorized to cooperate with the State transportation departments and with the Department of the Interior in the construction of Federal-aid highways within Indian reservations and national parks and monuments under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and to pay the amount assumed therefor from the funds apportioned in accordance with section 104 of this title to the State wherein the reservations and national parks and monuments are located.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or of this title, the Federal share payable on account of any project under this title in the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall be 100 per centum of the total cost of the project.

(h) Increased Non-Federal Share.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this title and subject to such criteria as the Secretary may establish, a State may contribute an amount in excess of the non-Federal share of a project under this title so as to decrease the Federal share payable on such project.

(i) Credit for Non-Federal Share.—

(1) Eligibility.—

(A) In general.—A State may use as a credit toward the non-Federal share requirement for any funds made available to carry out this title (other than the emergency relief program authorized by section 125) or chapter 53 of title 49 toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce.

(B) Special rule for use of federal funds.—If the public, quasi-public, or private agency has built, improved, or maintained the facility using Federal funds, the credit under this paragraph shall be reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage of the total cost of building, improving, or maintaining the facility that was derived from Federal funds.

(C) Federal funds defined.—In this paragraph, the term "Federal funds" does not include loans of Federal funds or other financial assistance that must be repaid to the Government.

(2) Maintenance of effort.—

(A) In general.—The credit for any non-Federal share provided under this subsection shall not reduce nor replace State funds required to match Federal funds for any program under this title.

(B) Condition on receipt of credit.—To receive a credit under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, a State shall enter into such agreement as the Secretary may require to ensure that the State will maintain its non-Federal transportation capital expenditures in such fiscal year at or above the average level of such expenditures for the preceding 3 fiscal years; except that if, for any 1 of the preceding 3 fiscal years, the non-Federal transportation capital expenditures of the State were at a level that was greater than 130 percent of the average level of such expenditures for the other 2 of the preceding 3 fiscal years, the agreement shall ensure that the State will maintain its non-Federal transportation capital expenditures in the fiscal year of the credit at or above the average level of such expenditures for the other 2 fiscal years.

(C) Transportation capital expenditures defined.—In subparagraph (B), the term "non-Federal transportation capital expenditures" includes any payments made by the State for issuance of transportation-related bonds.

(3) Treatment.—

(A) Limitation on liability.—Use of a credit for a non-Federal share under this subsection that is received from a public, quasi-public, or private agency—

(i) shall not expose the agency to additional liability, additional regulation, or additional administrative oversight; and

(ii) shall not subject the agency to any additional Federal design standards or laws (including regulations) as a result of providing the non-Federal share other than those to which the agency is already subject.

(B) Chartered multistate agencies.—When a credit that is received from a chartered multistate agency is applied to a non-Federal share under this subsection, such credit shall be applied equally to all charter States.

(j) Use of Federal Agency Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any Federal funds other than those made available under this title and title 49 may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any transportation project that is within, adjacent to, or provides access to Federal land, the Federal share of which is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49.

(k) Use of Federal Land and Tribal Transportation Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out the tribal transportation program under section 202 and the Federal lands transportation program under section 203 may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any project that is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49 and that provides access to or within Federal or tribal land.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §1104(e)(2)(A), substituted "(5)(D), or (6)" for "or (5)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 114–94, §1408(a)(1), inserted "engineering or design approaches," after "technologies," and "or project delivery" after "or contracting".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 114–94, §1408(a)(2)(A), inserted "and alternative bidding" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(v), (vi). Pub. L. 114–94, §1408(a)(2)(B)–(D), added cl. (v) and redesignated former cl. (v) as (vi).

Subsec. (c)(3)(C)(i). Pub. L. 114–94, §1104(e)(2)(B), substituted "(5)(D), and (6)" for "and (5)".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, §1408(b), substituted "other Federally owned roads that are open to public travel" for "Federal land access transportation facilities".

2012—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(1), inserted "maintaining minimum levels of retroreflectivity of highway signs or pavement markings," after "traffic control signalization," and "shoulder and centerline rumble strips and stripes," after "pavement marking," and substituted "Federal-aid programs" for "Federal-aid systems".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 112–141, §1304(b), added par. (3).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(2), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction provided for by funds made available under section 125 of this title on account of any project on a Federal-aid highway, including the Interstate System, shall not exceed the Federal share payable on a project on such highway as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section; except that (1) the Federal share payable for eligible emergency repairs to minimize damage, protect facilities, or restore essential traffic accomplished within 180 days after the actual occurrence of the natural disaster or catastrophic failure may amount to 100 percent of the costs thereof; and (2) the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction of forest highways, forest development roads and trails, park roads and trails, parkways, public lands highways, public lands development roads and trails, and Indian reservation roads may amount to 100 percent of the cost thereof. The total cost of a project may not exceed the cost of repair or reconstruction of a comparable facility. As used in this section with respect to bridges and in section 144 of this title, 'a comparable facility' shall mean a facility which meets the current geometric and construction standards required for the types and volume of traffic which such facility will carry over its design life."

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(3), redesignated subsecs. (h) and (i) as (g) and (h), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (g). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (g) read as follows: "At the request of any State, the Secretary may from time to time enter into agreements with such State to reimburse the State for the Federal share of the costs of preliminary and construction engineering at an agreed percentage of actual construction costs for each project, in lieu of the actual engineering costs for such project. The Secretary shall annually review each such agreement to insure that such percentage reasonably represents the engineering costs actually incurred by such State."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(3), (4), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i) and struck out "and the Appalachian development highway system program under section 14501 of title 40" after "authorized by section 125" in par. (1)(A).

Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(5), added subsecs. (j) and (k) and struck out former subsecs. (j) and (k) which read as follows:

"(j) Use of Federal Land Management Agency Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds appropriated to any Federal land management agency may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any project the Federal share of which is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49.

"(k) Use of Federal Lands Highways Program Funds.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Federal lands highways program under section 204 may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any project that is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49 and that provides access to or within Federal or Indian lands."

Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(3), redesignated subsecs. (k) and (l) as (j) and (k), respectively.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 112–141, §1508(3), redesignated subsec. (l) as (k).

2007—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–140 struck out "for Certain Safety Projects" after "Share" in subsec. heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted par. (1) heading, and added par. (2).

2005—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–59, §1947, inserted "traffic circles (also known as 'roundabouts')," after "traffic control signalization,".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–59, §1111(b)(2), substituted "such highway" for "such system" in first sentence.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 109–59, §1116(c), inserted "and the Appalachian development highway system program under section 14501 of title 40" after "section 125".

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, §1905, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, and substituted subpars. (B) and (C) for "Such public, quasi-public, or private agencies shall have built, improved, or maintained such facilities without Federal funds."

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 109–59, §1119(a)(1), struck out "Federal-aid highway" before "project" and substituted "this title or chapter 53 of title 49" for "section 104".

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 109–59, §1119(a)(2), substituted "this title or chapter 53 of title 49" for "section 104".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–178, §1111(a)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, realigned margins, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–178, §1111(a)(2), inserted at end of concluding provisions "In the case of any project subject to this subsection, a State may determine a lower Federal share than the Federal share determined under the preceding sentences of this subsection."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–178, §1111(b), inserted "or transit vehicles" after "emergency vehicles" in first sentence.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178, §1113(c), formerly §1113(d), renumbered §1113(c) by Pub. L. 105–206, §9006(a)(2), substituted "and (b)" for "and (c)" and "180 days" for "90 days".

Pub. L. 105–178, §1113(a), substituted "highway" for "highway system" in first sentence.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–178, §1212(a)(2)(A)(ii), substituted "State transportation departments" for "State highway departments".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(f)(1), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, §9002(i), redesignated subsec. (j), relating to use of Federal land management agency funds, as (k).

Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(a), added subsec. (j) relating to use of Federal land management agency funds.

Pub. L. 105–178, §1111(c), added subsec. (j) relating to credit for non-Federal share.

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(f)(1), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, §9002(i), redesignated subsec. (j), relating to use of Federal land management agency funds, as (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).

Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(a), added subsec. (k).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 105–178, §1115(f)(1), as added by Pub. L. 105–206, §9002(i), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l).

1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–205 inserted "rail-highway crossing closure," after "carpooling and vanpooling,".

1995—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–59 inserted "safety rest areas," after "signalization," and inserted sentence at end defining "safety rest area".

1991—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(a), added subsecs. (a) to (c) and struck out former subsec. (a) which contained provisions relating to Federal share of Federal-aid primary, secondary and urban system projects, former subsec. (b) which contained provisions relating to Federal share of Interstate System projects financed with funds authorized to be appropriated prior to June 29, 1956, and former subsec. (c) which contained provisions relating to Federal share of Interstate System projects financed with funds made available under section 108(b) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–240, §1022(a), which directed the substitution of "180 days" for "90 days" in subsec. (d) as redesignated, could not be executed because the phrase "90 days" does not appear in subsec. (d) as redesignated.

Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(3), which directed the substitution of "and (b)" for "and (c)" in subsec. (d) as redesignated, could not be executed because the phrase "and (c)" does not appear in subsec. (d) as redesignated.

Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(a), (b)(2), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which related to Federal share for projects for railway-highway crossing elimination, traffic control signalization, pavement marking, carpooling and vanpooling, and installation of traffic signs, highway lights, guardrails, and impact attenuators.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(2), redesignated subsecs. (g) to (i) as (f) to (h), respectively. Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (n) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (h).

Subsecs. (j) to (m). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(1), struck out subsec. (j) which related to Federal share of project financed under section 307(c) of this title, subsec. (k) which related to Federal share of projects under sections 143 and 155 of this title and projects for priority primary routes under section 147 of this title, subsec. (l) which related to Federal share of projects to reconstruct, resurface, restore and rehabilitate highways which incurred substantial use as result of transportation activities to meet national energy requirements, and subsec. (m) which related to Federal share of Great River Road projects under section 148 of this title.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 102–240, §1021(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (n) as (i).

1987—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(a), inserted "or for installation of traffic signs, highway lights, guardrails, or impact attenuators" after "vanpooling".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(c)(1), inserted heading and amended first sentence generally. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: "The Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction provided for by funds made available under section 125 of this title shall not exceed 100 per centum of the cost thereof: Provided, That the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction of forest highways, forest development roads and trails, park roads and trails, parkways, public lands highways, public lands development roads and trails, and Indian reservation roads may amount to 100 per centum of the cost thereof."

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(b), redesignated subsec. (i) relating to Federal share payable on account of any project financed under section 307(c) of this title, as subsec. (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(b), (d)(1), redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k) and substituted "(j)" for "(i)", "and 155" for ", 148, and 155," and "100–3" for "97–61". Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(b), redesignated former subsec. (k) as (l).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(d)(2), added subsec. (m).

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 100–17, §117(e), added subsec. (n).

1983—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 98–78 inserted ", and for funds allocated under the provisions of section 155 of this title and obligated subsequent to January 6, 1983," after "Representatives".

1983—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–424, §117(a), inserted provision at end that, notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Federal share payable on account of any project financed with primary funds on the Interstate System for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing shall be the percentage provided in this subsection.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–424, §117(b), inserted "or for pavement marking" after "signalization", and provision that the Federal share payable on account of any project for traffic control signalization under section 103(e)(4) of this title may amount to 100 per centum of the cost of construction of such project.

Pub. L. 97–424, §123(a), inserted "or for commuter carpooling and vanpooling" before ", may amount to 100 per centum".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–424, §153(f), substituted "100 per centum" for "75 per centum" after "shall not exceed", struck out provision that in the case of any State containing nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, and public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved) exclusive of national forests and national parks and monuments exceeding 5 per centum of the total area of all lands therein, the Federal share would be increased by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of all such lands in such State is of its total area, struck out ", whether or not such highways, roads, or trails are on any Federal-aid highway system" after "may amount to 100 per centum of the cost thereof", substituted provision that the total cost of a project may not exceed the cost of repair or reconstruction of a comparable facility for provision that the Secretary might increase the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction under this section up to 100 per centum of the replacement cost of a comparable facility if he determined it to be in the public interest, and struck out provision that any project agreement for which the final voucher had not been approved by the Secretary on or before the date of this Act might be modified to provide for the Federal share authorized herein.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–424, §156(c), added subsec. (i) relating to Federal share payable for any project financed under section 307(c) of this title.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–424, §117(c), added subsec. (j).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 97–424, §109(b), added subsec. (k).

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–599, §129(a), substituted "75 per centum" for "70 per centum" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–599 §§117, 129(b), inserted "and for any project for traffic control signalization," after "section 130 of this title,", and substituted "75 per centum" for "70 per centum."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–599, §129(c), substituted "75 per centum" for "70 per centum" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–599, §129(i), added subsec. (i) relating to Federal share payable for any project in the Virgin Islands, etc.

1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–605, §§106(f), 108(a), inserted reference to the Federal-aid urban system, and substituted "70 per centum" for "50 per centum" in two places.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–605, §108(a), substituted "70 per centum" for "50 per centum".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 91–605, §§108(a), 109(b), inserted definition of "a comparable facility" and substituted "70 per centum" for "50 per centum".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 91–605, §128, added subsec. (h).

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–495, §34, made provision for an election by the States as to the formula it desired to have its Federal share computed under by adding an optional formula permitting an increase in the Federal share by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of specified lands is of the State's total, but not so as to increase the share beyond 95 percent of the total cost of the project, with States exercising the option required to enter into an agreement to use the difference solely for highway construction purposes.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 90–495, §27(b), authorized the Secretary to increase the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction under this section up to 100 per centum of the replacement cost of a comparable facility if he determines that it is in the public interest.

1966—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 89–574 added parkways, public land highways, public lands development roads, and trails to the list of road projects on the repair or reconstruction of which the Federal share payable may amount to 100 per centum of the cost.

1964—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 88–658 provided that in case of any State containing nontaxable Indian lands, and public domain lands exclusive of national forests and national parks and monuments exceeding 5 per centum of the total area of all lands therein, the Federal share shall be increased by a percentage of the remaining cost equal to the percentage that the area of all such lands in such State, is of its total area.

1960—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–657 substituted "nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, and public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved) exclusive of national forests and national parks and monuments" for "unappropriated and unreserved public lands and nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal".

1959—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–70, §21(e)(4), substituted "subsection (d) of this section" for "subsections (d) and (h) of this section".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 86–342 provided that the Federal share payable on account of any repair or reconstruction of forest highways, forest development roads and trails, park roads and trails, and Indian reservation roads may amount to 100 per centum of the cost thereof, whether or not such highways, roads or trails are on any Federal-aid highway system.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 86–70, §21(d)(4), repealed subsec. (h) which related to contributions by the Territory of Alaska and to the expenditure of Federal funds apportioned to the Territory of Alaska and funds contributed by the Territory.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Except as otherwise provided, amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1408(c), as added by Pub. L. 114–113, div. L, title IV, §421, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2908, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to projects to repair or reconstruct facilities damaged as a result of a natural disaster or catastrophic failure described in section 125(a) of title 23, United States Code, occurring on or after October 1, 2015."

[Pub. L. 114–113, div. L, title IV, §421, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2908, provided that the enactment by section 421 of section 1408(c) of Pub. L. 114–94, set out above, is effective as of Dec. 4, 2015, and as if included in Pub. L. 114–94 as enacted.]

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–140 effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 effective simultaneously with enactment of Pub. L. 105–178 and to be treated as included in Pub. L. 105–178 at time of enactment, and provisions of Pub. L. 105–178, as in effect on day before July 22, 1998, that are amended by title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 to be treated as not enacted, see section 9016 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by section 1021 of Pub. L. 102–240 effective Dec. 18, 1991, and applicable to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after Sept. 30, 1991, and, with certain exceptions, not applicable to funds appropriated or made available on or before Sept. 30, 1991, see section 1100 of Pub. L. 102–240, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1022(c), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1951, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 125 of this title] shall only apply to natural disasters and catastrophic failures occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1991]."

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §117(c)(2), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 155, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to all natural disasters and catastrophic failures which occur after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 2, 1987]."

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §129(h), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2708, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) through (g) of this section [amending this section and sections 148, 155, 215, and 406 of this title] shall take effect with respect to obligations incurred after the date of enactment of this section [Nov. 6, 1978]."

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–605, title I, §108(b), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1718, as amended by Pub. L. 93–87, title I, §153, Aug. 13, 1973, 87 Stat. 276, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall take effect with respect to all obligations incurred after June 30, 1973."

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by section 27(b) of Pub. L. 90–495 applicable to repair or construction with respect to which project agreements have been entered into on or before Jan. 1, 1968, see section 27(c) of Pub. L. 90–495, set out as a note under section 125 of this title.

Amendment by section 34 of Pub. L. 90–495 effective Aug. 23, 1968, see section 37 of Pub. L. 90–495, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1959 Amendment

Amendment by section 21(d)(4) of Pub. L. 86–70 effective July 1, 1959, see section 21(d) of Pub. L. 86–70, set out as a note under section 103 of this title.

Amendment by section 21(e)(4) of Pub. L. 86–70 effective July 1, 1959, see section 12(e) of Pub. L. 86–70, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Credit for Non-Federal Share

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1044, Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1994, provided that:

"(a) Eligibility.—A State may use as a credit toward the non-Federal matching share requirement for all programs under this Act [see Short Title of 1991 Amendment note set out under section 101 of Title 49, Transportation] and title 23, United States Code, toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce. Such public, quasi-public or private agencies shall have built, improved, or maintained such facilities without Federal funds.

"(b) Maintenance of Effort.—The credit for any non-Federal share shall not reduce nor replace State monies required to match Federal funds for any program pursuant to this Act or title 23, United States Code. In receiving a credit for non-Federal capital expenditures under this section, a State shall enter into such agreements as the Secretary may require to ensure that such State will maintain its non-Federal transportation capital expenditures at or above the average level of such expenditures for the preceding three fiscal years.

"(c) Treatment.—Use of such credit for a non-Federal share shall not expose such agencies from which the credit is received to additional liability, additional regulation or additional administrative oversight. When credit is applied from chartered multi-State agencies, such credit shall be applied equally to all charter States. The public, quasi-public, and private agencies from which the credit for which the non-Federal share is calculated shall not be subject to any additional Federal design standards, laws or regulations as a result of providing non-Federal match other than those to which such agency is already subject."

Temporary Matching Fund Waiver

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1054, Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2001, provided that:

"(a) Waiver of Matching Share.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Federal share of any qualifying project approved by the Secretary under title 23, United States Code, and of any qualifying project for which the United States becomes obligated to pay under title 23, United States Code, during the period beginning on October 1, 1991, and ending September 30, 1993, shall be the percentage of the construction cost as the State requests, up to and including 100 percent.

"(b) Repayment.—The total amount of increases in the Federal share made pursuant to subsection (a) for any State shall be repaid to the United States by the State on or before March 30, 1994. Payments shall be deposited in the Highway Trust Fund and repaid amounts shall be credited to the appropriate apportionment accounts of the State.

"(c) Deduction From Apportionments.—If a State has not made the repayment as required by subsection (b), the Secretary shall deduct from funds apportioned to the State under title 23, United States Code, in each of the fiscal years 1995 and 1996, a pro rata share of each category of apportioned funds. The amount which shall be deducted in each fiscal year shall be equal to 50 percent of the amount needed for repayment. Any amount deducted under this subsection shall be reapportioned for fiscal years 1995 and 1996 in accordance with title 23, United States Code, to those States which have not received a higher Federal share under this section and to those States which have made the repayment required by subsection (b).

"(d) Qualifying Project Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'qualifying project' means a project approved by the Secretary after the effective date of this title [Dec. 18, 1991], or a project for which the United States becomes obligated to pay after such effective date, and for which the Governor of the State submitting the project has certified, in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary, that sufficient funds are not available to pay the cost of the non-Federal share of the project."

Incentive Program for Use of Coal Ash

Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §117(f), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 156, provided that in fiscal years 1987 to 1991, the Federal share of the cost of highway or bridge construction projects using significant amounts of coal ash would be increased by 5 percent, but not to exceed 95 percent of the cost.

Obligations for Projects Resulting From Natural Disasters or Catastrophic Failures; Emergency Relief; Federal Share

Pub. L. 97–424, title I, §153(g), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2133, provided that: "All obligations for projects resulting from a natural disaster or catastrophic failure which the Secretary finds to be eligible for emergency relief subsequent to the date of enactment of this subsection [Jan. 6, 1983] shall provide for the Federal share required by subsection (f) of section 120 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this section."

Federal Share of Projects Approved During Period Beginning February 12, 1975, and Ending September 30, 1975

Pub. L. 94–30, §§1, 2, June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 171, as amended by Pub. L. 94–280, title I, §145, May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 446, provided for Federal share of projects approved under section 106(a) of this title, and projects for which United States becomes obligated under former section 117 of this title during the period beginning Feb. 12, 1975, and ending Sept. 30, 1975, and repayment schedule for States from Jan. 1, 1977, through Jan. 1, 1979.

Review and Analysis of Excise Taxes Dedicated to Highway Trust Fund

Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §507, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2761, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, shall—

"(1) review and analyze each excise tax now dedicated to the Highway Trust Fund with respect to such factors as ease or difficulty of administration of such tax and the compliance burdens imposed on taxpayers by such tax, and

"(2) on or before April 15, 1982, report to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate as to the matters set forth in paragraph (1) and other findings, as well as recommendations on—

"(A) improvements in excise taxation which would enhance tax administration, equity, and compliance, or

"(B) a new system of raising revenues to fund the Highway Trust Fund which would meet the objectives set forth in subparagraph (A).

The recommendations described in paragraph (2) shall be formulated in conjunction with the recommendations of the cost allocation study under section 506 set out as note under section 307 of this title of the equitable distribution of the highway excise taxes.

"(b) Interim Reports.—The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, shall file an interim report with the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate on or before April 15, 1980, and a second interim report on or before April 15, 1981."

Highway Trust Fund

Act June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §209, 70 Stat. 397, as amended by Pub. L. 86–342, title II, §202, Sept. 21, 1959, 73 Stat. 615; Pub. L. 86–346, title I, §104(5), Sept. 22, 1959, 73 Stat. 622; Pub. L. 86–440, §1(c), Apr. 22, 1960, 74 Stat. 81; Pub. L. 87–61, title II, §207, June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 128; Pub. L. 88–578, title II, §202, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 904; Pub. L. 89–44, title II, §210, title VIII, §809(e), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 144, 168; Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §§207(e), 208(g), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 249, 252; Pub. L. 91–605, title III, §301, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1743; Pub. L. 94–273, §18, Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 379; Pub. L. 94–280, title III, §301, May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §§503(a), 504(a), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2757; Pub. L. 95–618, title II, §233(b)(2)(E), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3191; Pub. L. 96–451, title II, §203(a), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1988; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §531(b), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2191; Pub. L. 97–449, §2(a), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2439, provided that:

"(a) [Repealed. Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §531(b), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2191. Subsec. (a) provided for the creation of a Highway Trust Fund.]

"(b) Declaration of Policy.—It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress that if it hereafter appears—

"(1) that the total receipts of the Trust Fund (exclusive of advances under subsection (d) will be less than the total expenditures from such Fund (exclusive of repayments of such advances); or

"(2) that the distribution of the tax burden among the various classes of persons using the Federal-aid highways, or otherwise deriving benefits from such highways, is not equitable, the Congress shall enact legislation in order to bring about a balance of total receipts and total expenditures, or such equitable distribution, as the case may be.

"(c) to (g) [Repealed. Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §531(b), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2191. Subsecs. (c) to (g) provided generally for the transfer of the equivalent of the receipts of certain taxes to the Fund, for additional appropriations to the Fund, for its management, methods and purposes of expenditures, and for adjustment of apportionments regarding the Fund.]"

Pub. L. 96–451, title II, §203(b), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1988, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending former subsec. (f)(5) of section 209 of Act June 29, 1956] shall apply to taxes received on or after October 1, 1980."

Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §504(b), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2758, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending former subsec. (g) of section 209 of Act June 29, 1956] shall apply to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1978."

Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §208(g), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 252, which added subsec. (c)(5) of section 209 of the Act of June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, 70 Stat. 397, was repealed by Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §281(b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 566.

Percentage of Funds Contributed by Alaska

Pub. L. 86–70, §21(d)(4), June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 145, which repealed subsec. (h) of this section, provided in part that the provisions of subsec. (h) relating to the percentage of funds to be contributed by Alaska shall continue to apply to funds apportioned to Alaska for fiscal year 1960 and prior fiscal years.


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