Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 119.djvu/1491

 PUBLIC LAW 109–59—AUG. 10, 2005

119 STAT. 1473

concerning essential attributes of Highway Trust Fund revenue alternatives are considered; (D) consult with representatives of State departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations and other key interested stakeholders in conducting the study to ensure that— (i) the views of the stakeholders on alternative revenue sources to support State transportation improvement programs are considered; and (ii) any recommended Federal financing strategy takes into account State financial requirements; and (E) based on the study, make specific recommendations regarding— (i) actions that should be taken to develop alternative revenue sources to support the Highway Trust Fund; and (ii) the time frame for taking those actions. (4) RELATED WORK.—To the maximum extent practicable, the study shall build on related work that has been completed by— (A) the Secretary; (B) the Secretary of Energy; (C) the Transportation Research Board, including the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the recent study conducted by the Transportation Research Board on alternatives to the fuel tax to support highway program financing; and (D) other entities and persons. (5) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS.—With respect to surface transportation needs, the investigation and study shall specifically address— (A) the current condition and performance of the Interstate System (including the physical condition of bridges and pavements and operational characteristics and performance), relying primarily on existing data sources; (B) the future of the Interstate System, based on a range of legislative and policy approaches for 15-, 30-, and 50-year time periods; (C) the expected demographics and business uses that impact the surface transportation system; (D) the expected use of the surface transportation system, including the effects of changing vehicle types, modes of transportation, fleet size and weights, and traffic volumes; (E) desirable design policies and standards for future improvements of the surface transportation system, including additional access points; (F) the identification of urban, rural, national, and interregional needs for the surface transportation system; (G) the potential for expansion, upgrades, or other changes to the surface transportation system, including— (i) deployment of advanced materials and intelligent technologies; (ii) critical multistate, urban, and rural corridors needing capacity, safety, and operational enhancements; (iii) improvements to intermodal linkages;

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