[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 23, Volume 1]
[Revised as of April 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 23CFR420.205]

[Page 88]
 
                           TITLE 23--HIGHWAYS
 
 CHAPTER I--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 420--PLANNING AND RESEARCH PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION--Table of Contents
 
    Subpart B--Research, Development and Technology Transfer Program 
                               Management
 
Sec. 420.205  What is the FHWA's policy for research, development, and technology transfer funding?

    (a) It is the FHWA's policy to administer the RD&T program 
activities utilizing FHWA planning and research funds consistent with 
the policy specified in Sec. 420.105 and the following general 
principles in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section.
    (b) The State DOTs must provide information necessary for peer 
exchanges.
    (c) The State DOTs are encouraged to develop, establish, and 
implement an RD&T program, funded with Federal and State DOT resources 
that anticipates and addresses transportation concerns before they 
become critical problems. Further, the State DOTs are encouraged to 
include in this program development and technology transfer programs to 
share the results of their own research efforts and promote the use of 
new technology.
    (d) To promote effective use of available resources, the State DOTs 
are encouraged to cooperate with other State DOTs, the FHWA, and other 
appropriate agencies to achieve RD&T objectives established at the 
national level and to develop a technology transfer program to promote 
and use those results. This includes contributing to cooperative RD&T 
programs such as the NCHRP, the TRB, and transportation pooled fund 
studies as a means of addressing national and regional issues and as a 
means of leveraging funds.
    (e) The State DOTs will be allowed the authority and flexibility to 
manage and direct their RD&T activities as presented in their work 
programs, and to initiate RD&T activities supported by FHWA planning and 
research funds, subject to the limitation of Federal funds and to 
compliance with program conditions set forth in subpart A of this part 
and Sec. 420.207.
    (f) The State DOTs will have primary responsibility for managing 
RD&T activities supported with FHWA planning and research funds carried 
out by other State agencies and organizations and for ensuring that such 
funds are expended for purposes consistent with this subpart.
    (g) Each State DOT must develop, establish, and implement a 
management process that ensures effective use of available FHWA planning 
and research funds for RD&T activities on a statewide basis. Each State 
DOT is permitted to tailor its management process to meet State or local 
needs; however, the process must comply with the minimum requirements 
and conditions of this subpart.
    (h) The State DOTs are encouraged to make effective use of the FHWA 
Division, Resource Center, and Headquarters office expertise in 
developing and carrying out their RD&T activities. Participation of the 
FHWA on advisory panels and in program exchange meetings is encouraged.