This paper deals with local government participation in the existing federal aid urban system (FAUS) highway program. The role of local elected officials in programming FAUS projects provides some guidance for a future highway program directed toward urban area highway needs. A description of the FAUS program in north-eastern Illinois illustrates how local FAUS programs are generally administered in a major urban area. Data on FAUS programs in other large and small, growing and mature regions were gathered through a questionnaire distributed to selected metropolitan planning organisations (MPOs). Responses provided by MPO staff and the authors' experience with the north-eastern Illinois FAUS program are the basis for an evaluation of the FAUS program. The evaluation includes a discussion of local FAUS program strengths and weaknesses and some recommendations for future federal legislation.
Samenvatting