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3. Within the HSIP, what safety elements are "sun setting" and which are emerging? <br /> The most significant change is the elevation of the HSIP as a new "core funding" program <br /> administered by FHWA, defined by 23USC148. This new section replaces the previous <br /> 23USC152 (hazard elimination program), and will incorporate hazard elimination program <br /> elements as well as establish eligibility for additional types of highway safety improvement <br /> projects. As part of the new HSIP, each State's apportionment of HSIP funds is subject to a set <br /> aside for construction and operational improvements on high-risk rural roads and for railway- <br /> highway crossings. <br /> 4. How does the new HSIP differ from the old HSIP? <br /> The "new" HSIP (23USC 148) is established as an FHWA "core" program with separate funding. <br /> Prior to SAFETEA-LU, States were required to carry out a highway safety improvement <br /> program to reduce the number and severity ofhighway-related crashes and to decrease the <br /> potential for crashes on all highways. The requirements for the previous HSIP, as specified in <br /> the Code of <br /> Federal Regulations, Title 23, Part 924, were to consist of components for planning, <br /> implementation, and evaluation of safety programs and projects. Several categorical safety <br /> programs, including the Hazard Elimination Program and the Highway-Rail Grade Crossings <br /> Program, provided funding for the implementation of countermeasures. Under TEA-21, these <br /> programs were funded as a set-aside from Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds. <br /> The new HSIP is eligible for additional funds from the Equity Bonus program, but HSIP funds <br /> are now subject to lapse. Funds are apportioned through a formula based on each State's share <br /> of lane miles and vehicle miles traveled on Federal-aid highways and fatalities on the Federal-aid <br /> system in each State. The new HSIP requires a State transportation department to develop a <br /> Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) with a process that is data driven, comprehensive, and <br /> includes consultation with other key safety stakeholders in the State. Also new is the sub- <br /> allocation (set-aside) within each State for construction and operational improvements on High <br /> Risk Rural Roads. <br /> 5. Does the, new Highway Safety Improvement Program provide "dedicated" Obligation <br /> Authority? <br /> <br /> No. The new Highway Safety Improvement Program is a "core" program in the same way that <br /> the National Highway System, the Surface Transportation Program, and the Interstate <br /> Maintenance Program are "core" programs. The Obligation Authority issued to a State (with <br /> certain exceptions) may be utilized at the State's discretion for any core program with sufficient <br /> unobligated Contract Authority. <br /> <br /> FHWA Office of Safety; 9/14/05 Page 2 of 8 <br /> <br />