Section 2: Definitions
The following words and terms, when used in this Appendix B, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)
A federal program, established and administered in accordance with 23 United States Code 104 and federal regulations, which provides federal funds for a project in a non-attainment area that contributes to the attainment of a natural ambient air quality standard or will have certified benefits to air quality.
Construction cost
All direct and indirect costs identified by the department’s cost accounting system to a highway improvement or other transportation project, other than for right of way acquisition, preliminary engineering, and construction engineering.
Construction engineering cost/expenses
Engineering or project administration costs and expenses incurred, including indirect costs and expenses identified by the department’s cost accounting system, on a highway improvement or other transportation project after contract award.
Eligible utilities
Costs of utility adjustments, required by a highway improvement or other transportation project, that are eligible, in accordance with federal and state law, for reimbursement by the department.
Farm and Ranch to Market (FM/RM) System Route
A road on the system of roads designated by the commission under Transportation Code, 201.104.
Federal funds
Financial assistance provided by the federal government for highway improvement and other transportation projects.
Highway improvement project
A project which provides for the design, construction, improvement, or enhancement of a public road, including bridges, culverts, or other appurtenances related to public roads, either on or off the state highway system.
Hurricane Evacuation Route
A designation given to a roadway that serves as the primary route for use by the public in the event of a hurricane or other evacuation event and includes appropriate signing, traffic flow indicators, and auxiliary travel lanes.
Local government
Any county, city, other political subdivision of this state, or special district that has the authority to finance a highway improvement or other transportation project.
Local government project
A highway improvement project for which at least one preliminary engineering or construction activity is performed or managed by a local government for which the local government is reimbursed with State or Federal funds by the department.
Local On-system Improvement Project
A project which provides for the design, construction, improvement or enhancement of a roadway on the State Highway System that is fully funded by and performed or managed by a local government that upon completion is maintained by the department.
Local participation
Financial assistance provided by a local government to participate in costs associated with highway improvement or other transportation projects.
Matching funds/participation ratio
Those portions of funds required or chargeable for the contribution toward a highway improvement or other transportation project’s cost by a local government.
National Highway System (NHS)
A part of the National Intermodal Transportation System consisting of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and those principal arterial roads which are essential for interstate and regional commerce and travel, national defense, intermodal transfer facilities, and international commerce and border crossings as designated by the United States Congress by criteria set forth in federal law.
National System of Interstate and Defense Highways (Interstate Highway System)
A system of roads and bridges that constitute a part of the National Highway System designated by the United States Congress as essential for interstate and regional commerce and travel, national defense, intermodal transfer facilities, and international commerce and border crossings.
Off-State Highway System Bridge Program
A federally mandated program by which federal funds are made available to replace or rehabilitate bridges under the jurisdiction of a local government and not on the state highway system.
Off-state highway system routes
Those routes not designated on the state highway system which are the responsibility of local governments.
Off-System Turnpike Project
A tolled highway not on the state highway system.
Off-State Highway System Safe Routes to School Program
A program that makes federal funds available to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety of school age children in and around school areas on facilities under the jurisdiction of a local government and not on the state highway system.
Off-State Highway System Safety Program
A federally mandated program by which federal funds are made available for safety improvements to facilities under the jurisdiction of a local government and not on the state highway system.
On-State Highway System Bridge Program
A federally mandated program by which federal funds are made available to replace or rehabilitate bridges on the state highway system.
On-State Highway System Safe Routes to School Program
A program that makes federal or state funds available to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety of school age children in and around school areas on the state highway system.
On-State Highway System Safety Program
A federally mandated program by which federal or state funds are made available for safety improvements on the state highway system.
On-System Turnpike Project
A tolled state highway.
Other Transportation Project
A transportation improvement project or a transportation-related program that includes some or all of its funding from the Federal Highway Administration or the Texas Department of Transportation that is not on the State Highway System or the National Highway System.
Phase 1 Trunk System Corridor
Corridors of the Texas Trunk System prioritized for project development by the commission.
Preliminary engineering cost/expenses
Costs and expenses incurred, including indirect costs and expenses identified by the department’s cost accounting system, on a highway improvement project before construction contract award.
Right of way costs
All direct and indirect costs identified by the department’s cost accounting system for the acquisition of land or an interest in land necessary for the development of a highway improvement or other transportation project (including access rights to abutting properties, eligible utility relocation/adjustment costs, and other direct expenses when specified in the agreement).
Right of way procurement
That process identified with the acquisition of real property, access rights, mineral rights, and easements permitted in accordance with state law for the construction of approved highway improvement projects.
State funds
Money received by the department, other than federal funds, funds in excess of minimum requirements, or local participation, to be expended for highway improvement and other transportation projects.
State highway system
The system of highways in the state included in a comprehensive plan prepared by the department’s executive director under the direction and with the approval of the commission in accordance with Transportation Code, 201.103.
State highway system routes
Those state numbered routes designated as part of the state highway system.
State Improvement Project
A highway improvement project for which all preliminary engineering and construction activity is performed by or managed by the department.
State Park Road Program
A program by which state funds are utilized to construct roads within or adjacent to public facilities administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Statewide Mobility Corridor
A transportation corridor or network designated by the commission that provides for or substantially affects significant multi-regional, intrastate, or interstate travel needs.
Surface Transportation Program
A federal-aid program where states may obligate federal funds to projects related to certain public roads.
Texas Trunk System
A rural highway network as described in 16.56 of this title (relating to Texas Highway Trunk System).
Transportation Alternatives Program
A federally mandated program identified in 43 TAC 11.300 et seq. of this title (relating to Transportation Alternatives Program), providing federal funding for transportation projects and activities that enhance the intermodal transportation systems and facilities within the state for the enjoyment of the users of those systems.
Transportation Alternatives-Set Aside Program
A federally mandated program identified in 43 TAC 11.400 et seq. of this title (relating to Transportation Alternatives-Set Aside Program), providing federal funding for transportation projects and activities that enhance the intermodal transportation systems and facilities within the state for the enjoyment of the users of those systems.
Transportation Enhancement Program
A federally mandated program identified in 11.200 et seq. of this title (relating to Transportation Enhancement Program), providing federal funding for transportation projects and activities that enhance the intermodal transportation systems and facilities with the state for the enjoyment of the users of those systems.
United States (U.S.) System Route
Those routes designated on the state highway system as U.S. highways and eligible for federal-aid funds as set forth in federal law and regulations.
Utility relocation/adjustment costs
Costs of work related to the adjustment, relocation, and removal of utility facilities accomplished in accordance with 21.21 of this title (relating to State Participation in Relocation, Adjustment, and/or Removal) and Chapter 21, Subchapter C of this title (relating to Utility Accommodation).