Public Engagement

ToolkitGlossaryUploaded

List of terms to help users understand Toolkit materials.

A nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing highway and transportation departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It represents all five transportation modes: air, highways, public transportation, rail and water. Its primary goal is to foster the development, operation and maintenance of an integrated national transportation system.

An Act to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. The legislation defines, under Title II, the responsibilities of and requirements for transportation providers to make transportation accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Used as a method to determine how many vehicles travel on a road on a given day over a year’s time. This allows traffic planners to prioritize projects by comparing traffic counts to determine need.

Used as a method to determine how many vehicles travel on a road on a given day. This allows traffic planners to prioritize projects by comparing traffic counts to determine need.

The original Clean Air Act was passed in 1963, but the national air pollution control program is actually based on the 1970 version of the law. The more recent 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments are the most far-reaching revisions of the 1970 law.

A broad linear geographical tract of land that follows a general directional flow connecting major sources of trips that may contain a number of streets, highways and transit route alignments. Often, new transport lines are built alongside existing ones to minimize pollution.

Establishes the nation's overall transportation policy. Under its umbrella there are ten administrations whose jurisdictions include highway planning, development and construction; urban mass transit; railroads; aviation; and the safety of waterways, ports, highways, and oil and gas pipelines. The Department of Transportation (DOT) was established by act of October 15, 1966, as amended (49 U.S.C. 102 and 102 note), "to assure the coordinated, effective administration of the transportation programs of the Federal Government" and to develop "national transportation policies and programs conducive to the provision of fast, safe, efficient, and convenient transportation at the lowest cost consistent therewith."

That act (action or inaction), whether intentional or unintentional, in any program or activity of a Federal aid recipient, sub recipient, or contractor that results in disparate treatment, disparate impact, or perpetuating the effects of prior discrimination, based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

A document prepared, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to determine whether a project would significantly affect the environment and require a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Environmental justice assures that services and benefits allow for meaningful participation and are fairly distributed to avoid discrimination.

FAA provides a safe, secure, and efficient global aerospace system that contributes to national security and the promotion of US aerospace safety. As the leading authority in the international aerospace community, FAA is responsive to the dynamic nature of customer needs, economic conditions, and environmental concerns.

The purpose of the Federal Railroad Administration is to promulgate and enforce rail safety regulations, administer railroad financial assistance programs, conduct research and development in support of improved railroad safety and national rail transportation policy, provide for the rehabilitation of Northeast corridor rail passenger service, and consolidate government support of rail transportation activities. The FRA was created pursuant to section 3(e)(1) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 (49 U.S.C. app. 1652).

A branch of the US Department of Transportation that is the principal source of federal financial assistance to America's communities for planning, development, and improvement of public or mass transportation systems. FTA provides leadership, technical assistance, and financial resources for safe, technologically advanced public transportation to enhance mobility and accessibility, to improve the Nation's communities and natural environment, and to strengthen the national economy. (Formerly the Urban Mass Transportation Administration) operates under the authority of the Federal Transit Act, as amended (49 U.S.C. app. 1601 et seq.). The Federal Transit Act was repealed on July 5, 1994, and the Federal transit laws were codified and re-enacted as chapter 53 of Title 49, United States Code. The Federal Transit Administration was established as a component of the Department of Transportation by section 3 of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1968 (5 U.S.C. app.), effective July 1, 1968. The missions of the Administration are 1) to assist in the development of improved mass transportation facilities, equipment, techniques, and methods, with the cooperation of mass transportation companies both public and private. 2) to encourage the planning and establishment of areawide urban mass transportation systems needed for economical and desirable urban development, with the cooperation of mass transportation companies both public and private. and 3) to provide assistance to State and local governments and their instrumentalities in financing such systems, to be operated by public or private mass transportation companies as determined by local needs; and 4) to provide financial assistance to State and local governments to help implement national goals relating to mobility for elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged persons.

An environmental document to show why a proposed project would not have a significant impact on the environment and thus would not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A FONSI is based on the results of an Environmental Assessment (EA).

A divided arterial highway designed for the unimpeded flow of large traffic volumes. Access to a freeway is rigorously controlled and intersection grade separations are required.