What is the primary role of FHWA?

The primary role of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is to manage federal funds for transportation. This encompasses the allocation and oversight of federal funding for highway construction, maintenance, and improvements across the United States. The FHWA plays a crucial role in ensuring that states and localities receive the necessary financial resources to develop an efficient and safe transportation infrastructure. Managing federal funds also involves directing financial support towards projects that align with national transportation policy goals and priorities, helping to enhance mobility and safety on the nation's roadways.

While promoting urban public transit, overseeing road and highway safety, and ensuring compliance with environmental guidelines are important activities within the broader transportation landscape, these functions are typically carried out in conjunction with other agencies, or as part of more localized or specific initiatives. The management of federal funds is a central and defining responsibility of the FHWA.