US's FHWA to support innovative state transportation projects

The US's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced the creation of the Office of Innovative Program Delivery, which will provide US states with stronger and more effective federal support to deliver transportation projects.

According to a statement on the FHWA website, the Office of Innovative Program Delivery will work with individual state's departments of transportation to help them "explore opportunities with innovative financing and congestion pricing" and tap into the US$ 400 billion in private funds it said are available worldwide for investment in transportation infrastructure.

Existing FHWA activities, such as public private partnerships, innovative financing, experimental projects and tolling authorities will be merged into the new office, which will improve access and communication for states.

The Office of Innovative Program Delivery will provide national leadership and advice for states pursuing innovative and non-traditional transportation projects.