In 1998, Congress enacted a new law governing the disbursement of federal funds to local transportation projects.   It is named TEA-21, for the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century.   This act stipulates that seven factors must be included in the decision making process leading to development of a transportation plan. Overall, the factors must guide development of the long range plan that specifies a framework for the future transportation system, and must also be used in decisions about the implementation of individual projects that will move forward in the plan. The factors are:

• Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area of the metropolitan area, especially by global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
• Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users
• Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users
• Increase accessibility and mobility options for people and freight,
  Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy, conservation and improve quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
• Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight
• Promote efficient system management and operation
• Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.

A new Federal Transportation Act is now under consideration by Congress and is expected to be adopted in 2005.  A major consideration in this Act is Safety Planning. In addition to the seven planning factors, future documents will also undertake this initiative in the development of the Plan.