Who is Involved With SAFETEA? Links to involved Legislators, Agencies, and Interest Groups

What Legislators, Agencies, and Interest Groups Are Involved With the Policy Process?

There are a number of groups involved with the transportation policy process.

The "Iron Triangle" of Transportation Legislation - Creating the Transportation Policy

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) - This is the interest group that deals with transportation. They review SAFETEA and may suggest changes. They have found and removed legislation in the past regarding increased funding for historic bridges.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) - This is the Federal agency that works with and reviews SAFETEA

House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure - This is the committee in the U.S. House of Representatives that works with transportation-related legislation, including SAFETEA. The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit is the specific subcommittee within the Transportation and Infrastructure committee that deals with SAFETEA.

US Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation - This is the Senate committee that deals with SAFETEA and other surface transportation legislation.

State Entities - Putting the Policy To Work

State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) - Click here for a directory. - These implement the policies that are set forth, including any historic bridge program that is developed. All are today required to conduct historic bridge inventories but developing a historic bridge program is at their discretion.

State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) - Click here for a directory. - These work with states in regards to historic structures, including bridges. They will assess structures for historic significance, and some people within them may understand the importance for a historic bridge program and be supportive in that regard.