The
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) supports state and local governments to develop and maintain the country's highway system by providing financial and technical assistance. Maryland's military installations, like installations throughout the country, rely on highway systems to transport personnel and equipment in support of mission readiness.
Compatibility Factors relevant to the Federal Highway Administration: Air Quality, Anti-terrorism/Force Protection, Communication/Coordination, Frequency Spectrum Capacity/Impedance/Interference, Infrastructure Extensions + Capacity, Land/Air Space Competition, Land Use, Legislative Initiatives, Public Services, Roadway Capacity, Safety Zones, Vertical Obstructions
Relevant Programs and Plans
The
Defense Access Road Program (DAR) coordinates highway project collaboration between the FHWA, DoD, and military installations.
The DAR Program allows the DoD to pay its share of highway improvement costs related to military base impacts, such as
increases in personnel, gate relocation, or a new, particularly large, deployment of vehicles. DAR projects are initiated
by a military installation and its needs are forwarded to the
Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). Alone, or in collaboration with FHWA, the SDDC prepares
a needs evaluation of potential improvements, cost estimates, and a scope of work. If the project receives congressional
approval for DAR funding, the funds are transferred from DoD to FHWA. The DAR Program supported the MD 355 crossing and
roadway improvements at NSA Bethesda.
FHWA's Resource Center (RC) provides technical assistance, program support, and training to
state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, military installations, and other transportation partners.
Transportation projects that support compatible use can be aided by experienced agency professionals. Maryland communities
and military installations looking to advance a transportation project, but require assistance, should
contact the RC. Experienced staff professionals can help with
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews, strategic transportation planning, employee training, pedestrian
safety, transportation asset management, and other topics.
