Information on SAFETEA-LU Section 1927

• Introduction
• The Corridors
• Origin of Section 1927
• Statutory Language
• Interstate Designation
• New Rural Interstates
• Travel Time Saving
• Travel Safety
• Construction Costs
• FAQs
• Procurement

Origin of Section 1927

Based on a review of legislation, newspaper articles and information from the State of Georgia, the FHWA's understanding of the origin of this section is as follows:

1. This section of law has its origin in legislation calling for the US DOT to study two new highway routes originally introduced in 2004. A bill calling for the US DOT to study the "3rd Infantry Division Highway" route was introduced by former U.S. Representative Max Burns* who represented the 12^th U.S. Congressional District in Georgia, with other Georgia Representatives Charlie Norwood** (9^th), Jack Kingston (1^st), David Scott (13^th), Sanford D. Bishop (2^nd) and Denise L. Majette* and by Representatives John J. Duncan (TN-2nd), Gresham J. Barrett (SC-3^rd)), Mike Rogers (AL-3^rd)), Jo Bonner (AL-1^st)), and Charles W. "Chip" Pickering (MS-3^rd)). Georgia Senators Saxby Chambliss and Zell Bryan Miller* introduced a nearly identical bill.
2. In 2005, Georgia Representatives Norwood, Kingston and Lynn A. Westmoreland (8^th), introduced virtually the same bill, as did Georgia Senators Chambliss and Johnny Isakson.
3. Similarly, a bill calling for the US DOT to study the "14^th Amendment Highway" was introduced in 2004 by the same Georgia Representatives as for the "3rd Infantry Division Highway" plus Georgia Representative Jim Marshall (3^rd) and was also introduced by Senators Chambliss and Miller. In 2005, Representatives Norwood, Kingston, Marshall and Westmoreland introduced essentially the same bill as did Senators Chambliss and Miller along with Mississippi Senators Trent Lott and Thad Cochran. The language of these two bills eventually became part of SAFETEA-LU and was supported by essentially the entire congressional delegation of the State of Georgia (Senators and Representatives).

* The noted individuals were in the 108th Congress (January 2003-2005) but not the 109th Congress (Jan 2005-2007). All others were in both.

**Congressman Charlie Norwood, who was reelected in November 2006, died in February 2007.