Other Federal Requirements

Human Environment

Americans with Disabilities Act—The American Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life including jobs, schools, transportation, and areas open to the public. The purpose of the law is to ensure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

The Civil Rights Act—42 U.S.C. 2000d-d4, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and requires equal access to employment and public places.

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)—The NHPA is intended to preserve historical and archaeological sites in the U.S. Section 106 of the NHPA requires agencies using federal funds to identify historic properties and consider the effects of their projects on those historic properties. Under Section 4(f) agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation must avoid use of historic sites.

Title 23 USC § 109—This section of the United States Code provides that design standards for projects on the National Highway System (NHS) must be approved by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation in cooperation with the State highway departments. The Secretary has delegated this authority to the Federal Highway Administrator.

Title 23 U.S.C. § 109(h)—This section of the United States Code establishes guidelines designed to assure that possible adverse economic, social, and environmental effects related to any proposed Federal-aid project have been considered and that final decisions are made in the best overall public interest.

Title 23 U.S.C. § 109(i)—This section of the United States Code provides authority for the establishment of highway noise standards.

• The FHWA Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty maintains a website with resources and information on highway traffic noise.

Title 23 U.S.C. § 217—This section of the United States Code provides the funding mechanisms, planning requirements, and policy tools necessary to create more walkable and bicycle-friendly communities.

• The FHWA’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program promotes safe, comfortable, and convenient walking and bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. We support pedestrian and bicycle transportation through funding, policy guidance, program management, and resource development.

ADDITIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

GUIDANCE

RESOURCES