What is the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)?
Our Administration is a major agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). As a cabinet-level organization of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government, the DOT is led by a presidential appointee-the Secretary of Transportation. The top-level official at FHWA is the Administrator, who reports directly to the Secretary of Transportation.
What is the role of the FHWA?
FHWA is charged with the broad responsibility of ensuring that America's roads and highways continue to be the safest and most technologically up-to-date. Although State, local, and tribal governments own most of the Nation's highways, we provide financial and technical support to them for constructing, improving, and preserving America's highway system.
How does the FHWA accomplish its mission?
FHWA carries out the Federal highway programs in partnership with the State and local agencies to meet the Nation's transportation needs. FHWA adds value to the delivery of the Federal highway programs by administering and overseeing these programs to ensure that Federal funds are used efficiently.
How is the FHWA structured?
FHWA consists of a headquarters office in Washington, DC; a division office in each State (including four metropolitan offices), the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; a resource center (with four locations); and three Federal Lands Highway division offices.
![Map showing FHWA Field Offices in the U.S.](images/fieldofc.gif)
The Washington Headquarters provides leadership on strategic initiatives, sets overall policy, and provides program direction for the Agency. The Federal-aid Highway Program is administered through the 52 Federal-aid Division Offices.
The FHWA Resource Center works in partnership with the division offices in delivering the Federal-aid Highway Program to the State and local agencies. The FHWA Resource Center staff provides expert technical assistance, technology deployment, and training on a full range of transportation disciplines.
The Federal Lands Highway Program is managed by three Federal Lands Highway Division Offices.