|
1998 FHWA
|
On June 9, 1998, President Clinton signed the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), which contains record levels of
investment and several fiscal innovations. The new law upholds the President's commitment
to rebuild America and includes a strong emphasis on safety, our top transportation
priority.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is working with the other agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation on an aggressive effort to implement this law, beginning with extensive outreach to our state and local partners and customers. Secretary Slater's landmark Strategic Plan, which has drawn praise from Congress and elsewhere in the Government, establishes transportation goals for the next 10 years. FHWA, in turn, has developed a Strategic Plan and Performance Plan, which target specific activities to support those goals.
The highway system of the 21st century will be founded on technology. To maintain the transportation systems of tomorrow, we must combine the record level of resources that TEA-21 provides with a strong research, development, and technology program. Research and technological development remain the core functions of the FHWA. They are also absolute necessities for a safe, modern, and efficient transportation system that employs not only the best materials and practices but also takes advantage of the latest communication and computer technology.
The FHWA's leadership in research and technology is recognized around the world, with internationally renowned experts and many outstanding programs. The agency's reorganization, begun this year, includes designating four Resource Centers to provide a strong career track for many of these experts and to help us forge even stronger ties to our transportation partners, such as universities, state and local transportation agencies, and the private sector.
This report summarizes the highlights of our research and technology program in fiscal year (FY) 1998. The FHWA looks forward to continuing its progress in these areas in FY 1999 and the years ahead as we work together to meet America's transportation needs and to embrace a coming century of challenge and change.
--Kenneth R. Wykle,
Federal Highway Administrator