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The FHWA's responsibilities for project and program oversight has changed throughout the years as our State departments of transportation partners matured and program levels increased. The increased flexibility afforded by highway legislation during the past several years does not reduce our overall responsibility associated with administering Federal-aid programs and projects consistent with laws, regulations, and policies. It does, however, impact the way we conduct our oversight.

In evaluating changes brought about by ISTEA and TEA-21, FHWA with the input of its partners, recently re-framed its national guidance on stewardship and oversight of Federal-aid programs and project responsibilities.. One of the greatest needs identified during this process was that the Federal-aid regulations and policies utilized to carry forth appropriate, but flexible oversight, needed to be updated. With the high turnover of personnel, the need for sample procedures and technical guidance was also highlighted.

As a result, I have assembled a team of field and Headquarters personnel to undertake this task. This team will work under Bill Hakala as Team Leader and Jim Sorenson as Program Manager. I am asking that the team consider current program regulations, policies and agency positions relative to the construction program and project oversight. The members of this team include *:

We wish to bring together this working group to review and revise the current program guidance to include updating regulations, policies, procedures and technical guidance and to identify areas for further revision or development. Additionally, to make them accessible to the field, in a simple and efficient format, this will begin immediately and is expected to be fairly fast moving. We are scheduling an initial meeting for December/January and anticipate completing work on this program area by Spring 2002. We anticipate 2B3 meetings with assignments that can be developed over the email by sub groups or teams. Travel will be facilitated by the Office of Asset Management. I am available to discuss any thoughts or concerns you may have on this subject or please feel free to contact Jim Sorenson at 202-366-1333 or James.Sorenson@fhwa.dot.gov.

*12/10/01 Jose Ramirez, Design and Construction Engineer, Federal Lands Highway Office added to team