摘要: |
In 1997, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) will be reauthorized, and the formula for distributing federal highway funds to states is likely to be a key issue in the reauthorization process. One reason for the upcoming formula debate is that the current allocation process is not reflective of current federal objectives in transportation. Alternative proposals for distributing federal highway funds have already been introduced to Congress. ISTEA reauthorization will provide Congress with an opportunity to review the federal objectives in transportation and to reflect these objectives in the distribution of federal highway funds to states. In preparation for this debate, alternative scenarios for distributing federal highway funds are explored, and the scenarios are evaluated on the basis of the present overarching federal objectives in transportation. Included in this process is an evaluation of formula factors, such as lane miles and vehicle miles traveled, that make up individual scenarios. The goal is to encourage debate on and add to the discussion of how federal highway funds are or should be distributed to states. |