2020 US Code
Title 23 - Highways
Chapter 1 - Federal-Aid Highways
Sec. 129 - Toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries

(a) Basic Program.—

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 301 of this title, the Secretary may permit Federal participation under this title in the construction of a project constituting an approach to a ferry, whether toll or free, the route of which is a public road and has not been designated as a route on the Interstate System. Such ferry may be either publicly or privately owned and operated, but the operating authority and the amount of fares charged for passage shall be under the control of a State agency or official, and all revenues derived from publicly owned or operated ferries shall be applied to payment of the cost of construction or acquisition thereof, including debt service, and to actual and necessary costs of operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement.

(c) Notwithstanding section 301 of this title, the Secretary may permit Federal participation under this title in the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities, whether toll or free, subject to the following conditions:

(Pub. L. 85–767, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 86–657, §§5, 8(a), July 14, 1960, 74 Stat. 523, 524; Pub. L. 90–495, §28, Aug. 23, 1968, 82 Stat. 829; Pub. L. 91–605, title I, §§133, 139, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1732, 1736; Pub. L. 92–434, §7, Sept. 26, 1972, 86 Stat. 732; Pub. L. 93–87, title I, §§118, 132, 139, Aug. 13, 1973, 87 Stat. 259, 267, 270; Pub. L. 93–643, §108, Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2284; Pub. L. 94–280, title I, §121, May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §120, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2700; Pub. L. 100–17, title I, §120(a), (b), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 157, 158; Pub. L. 100–202, §101(l) [title III, §347(d)], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–358, 1329–388; Pub. L. 100–457, title III, §§326, 335, Sept. 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 2150, 2153; Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1012(a), (c), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1936, 1938; Pub. L. 102–388, title IV, §410, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 104–59, title III, §313(a)–(c), Nov. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 585, 586; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §§1106(c)(1)(C), 1207(a), 1211(f), formerly 1211(g), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 136, 185, 189; Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §9003(d)(5), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 840; Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1801(f), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1456; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §1512(a), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 567; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §§1112(c), 1411(a), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1346, 1412.)

For the effective date of title I of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), see section 1100 of Pub. L. 102–240, set out as an Effective Date of 1991 Amendment note under section 104 of this title.

The date of enactment of the MAP–21, referred to in subsec. (a)(8), is deemed to be Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a), (b) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment notes under section 101 of this title.

2015—Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, §1411(a)(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "shall ensure that" for "shall use" and inserted "are used" before "only for".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 114–94, §1411(a)(2), redesignated par. (5) as (4) and struck out former par. (4) which related to limitations on conversion of high occupancy vehicle facilities on interstate system.

Subsec. (a)(4)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, §1411(a)(3), substituted "Federal-aid highways" for "Federal-aid system".

Subsec. (a)(5) to (8). Pub. L. 114–94, §1411(a)(2), redesignated pars. (6) to (9) as (5) to (8), respectively. Former par. (5) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 114–94, §1411(a)(4), added par. (9). Former par. (9) redesignated (8).

Subsec. (a)(10)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 114–94, §1411(a)(5), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpars. (C) and (D) as (D) and (E), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, §1112(c)(1), inserted "or on a public transit ferry eligible under chapter 53 of title 49" after "Interstate System".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 114–94, §1112(c)(2), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "The ferry" for "Such ferry", and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 114–94, §1112(c)(3), substituted "repair," for "and repair,".

Subsec. (c)(6), (7). Pub. L. 114–94, §1112(c)(4), added pars. (6) and (7) and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: "No such ferry shall be sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of without the approval of the Secretary. The Federal share of any proceeds from such a disposition shall be credited to the unprogramed balance of Federal-aid highway funds of the same class last apportioned to such State. Any amount so credited shall be in addition to all other funds then apportioned to such State and available for expenditure in accordance with the provisions of this title."

2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–141 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) related to basic program and consisted of pars. (1) to (8).

2005—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "any territory of the United States" for "the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico" in two places.

1998—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–178, §1106(c)(1)(C), substituted "which is a public road and has not" for "which has been classified as a public road and has not" in first sentence.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 105–178, §1207(a), substituted "owned or operated or majority publicly owned if the Secretary determines with respect to a majority publicly owned ferry or ferry terminal facility that such ferry boat or ferry terminal facility provides substantial public benefits." for "owned."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–178, §1211(f), formerly §1211(g), as renumbered by Pub. L. 105–206, §9003(d)(5), struck out subsec. (d) which related to pilot toll collection program.

1995—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 104–59, §313(a), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows:

"(5) Limitation on federal share.—Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the Federal share payable for construction of a highway, bridge, tunnel, or approach thereto or conversion of a highway, bridge, or tunnel to a toll facility under this subsection shall be such percentage as the State determines but not to exceed 50 percent. The Federal share payable for construction of a new bridge, tunnel, or approach thereto or for reconstruction or replacement of a bridge, tunnel, or approach thereto shall be such percentage as the Secretary determines but not to exceed 80 percent. In the case of a toll facility subject to an agreement under section 119 or 129, the Federal share payable on any project for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, or reconstructing such facility shall be 80 percent until the scheduled expiration of such agreement (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991)."

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 104–59, §313(b), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows:

"(7) Loans.—A State may loan all or part of the Federal share of a toll project under this section to a public or private agency constructing a toll facility. Such loan may be made only after all Federal environmental requirements have been complied with and permits obtained. The amount loaned shall be subordinated to other debt financing for the facility except for loans made by the State or any other public agency to the agency constructing the facility. Funds loaned pursuant to this section may be obligated for projects eligible under this section. The repayment of any such loan shall commence not more than 5 years after the facility has opened to traffic. Any such loan shall bear interest at the average rate the State's pooled investment fund earned in the 52 weeks preceding the start of repayment. The term of any such loan shall not exceed 30 years from the time the loan was obligated. Amounts repaid to a State from any loan made under this section may be obligated for any purpose for which the loaned funds were available. The Secretary shall establish procedures and guidelines for making such loans."

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 104–59, §313(c), inserted before period at end of first sentence "or between a point in a State and a point in the Dominion of Canada" and in second sentence substituted "Hawaii," for "Hawaii and" and inserted ", operations between a point in a State and a point in the Dominion of Canada," after "Puerto Rico".

1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–388, §410(1), which directed the substitution of "classified as a public road" for "approved under section 103(b) or (b) of this title as a part of one of the Federal-aid systems", was executed by making the substitution for "approved under section 103(b) or (c) of this title as a part of one of the Federal-aid systems" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–388, §410(2), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "The operation of the ferry shall be on a route which has been approved under section 103(b) or (c) of this title as a part of one of the Federal-aid systems within the State and has not been designated as a route on the Interstate System."

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(a), amended subsec. (a) generally, substituting present provisions for provisions authorizing Federal participation in construction or acquisition of toll bridges, tunnels and approaches, provided that facility was publicly owned and operated by State or public authority, and State or authority agreed that all tolls, less those used to offset cost of operation and maintenance, were to be applied to repayment of State or authority for cost of construction or acquisition, that no tolls were to be charged after such repayment, and that facility was to be free of charge thereafter, except in case of bridge connecting United States with foreign country.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c)(1), (2), redesignated subsec. (f) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which authorized Secretary to approve toll roads, bridges and tunnels as part of Interstate System, authorized expenditure of Federal-aid highway funds on toll roads after they became toll-free, and required agreements between Secretary and State highway departments on construction of Interstate projects to forbid construction of toll roads, but not toll bridges and tunnels, on interstate highway route without official concurrence of Secretary, after June 30, 1968.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c), redesignated subsec. (g) as (c), inserted "and ferry terminal facilities" after "boats" in introductory provisions, added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "Such ferry shall be publicly owned and operated.", in par. (4), inserted "or other public entity" after "State" and ", debt service, negotiated management fees, and, in the case of a privately operated toll ferry, for a reasonable rate of return" before period at end, and struck out former subsec. (c) which made available funds authorized for expenditure on Federal-aid highway systems for projects approaching toll roads, bridges or tunnels up to point where project had use irrespective of use for toll road, bridge or tunnel.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c)(1), (2), redesignated subsec. (j) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which made available funds authorized for expenditure on Interstate System for Interstate System projects approaching toll road and having no other use, if agreement was reached that section of toll road would become free to public upon collection of tolls sufficient to liquidate cost of road and outstanding bonds and cost of maintenance, operation and debt service during period of toll collection, and that there was a reasonably satisfactory alternative free route available to bypass toll section.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c)(1), struck out subsec. (e) which authorized Secretary to permit Federal participation in reconstruction and improvement of two-lane toll road designated as part of the Interstate System before June 30, 1973, as necessary to bring such road to standards of Interstate System, provided that toll road authority agreed that no new indebtedness to be liquidated by tolls was to be incurred, that all tolls be used for operation and maintenance and to repay outstanding bonds, and that, upon liquidation of such bonds, the road was to become free to public.

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c)(2), redesignated subsecs. (f) and (g) as (b) and (c), respectively.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c)(1), struck out subsec. (h) which provided that, in case of interstate toll bridge on Federal-aid primary system, except Interstate System, owned by State or political subdivision, that became toll-free by Jan. 1, 1975, because of purchase or construction by State before Jan. 1, 1975, funds would be made available under section 104(b)(1) and (3) of this title to pay Federal share of lesser of value of bridge (after deducting portion of value already attributable to Federal funds) or amount by which principal amount of outstanding unpaid bonds issued for construction or acquisition of bridge exceeded amount accumulated for their amortization, on date bridge became free to public.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c)(1), struck out subsec. (i) which authorized Secretary to permit Federal participation, through funds for Federal-aid highway system, other than Interstate System, in engineering and fiscal assessments, traffic analyses, network studies, etc., to determine whether privately owned toll bridges should be acquired by a State or subdivision.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c)(2), redesignated subsec. (j) as (d).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 102–240, §1012(c)(1), struck out subsec. (k) which required operators of toll roads, tunnels, ferries and bridges on Federal-aid highway system to biennially certify to Governor of State that facilities were adequately maintained and that operator had ability to fund such facilities that were not adequately maintained without using Federal-aid highway funds, and which required Governor of each State to report biennially to Secretary on facilities required to so certify.

1988—Subsec. (j)(1), (3). Pub. L. 100–457, §335, amended Pub. L. 100–202, §101(l) [title III, §347(d)(1), (2)(A), (C)], see 1987 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (j)(6). Pub. L. 100–457, §326(1), inserted "(and, in the case of the State of Texas, the Texas Turnpike Authority)" after "State highway department".

Subsec. (j)(10). Pub. L. 100–457, §326(2), added par. (10).

1987—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 100–17, §120(a), added subsec. (j).

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 100–202, §101(l) [title III, §347(d)(1)], as amended by Pub. L. 100–457, §335, which directed the amendment of par. (1) by substituting "(9)" for "(9)" was executed by substituting "9" for "7" as the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 100–202, §101(l) [title III, §347(d)(2)(A)], as amended by Pub. L. 100–457, §335, which directed the amendment of par. (3) by substituting "(9)" for "(7)" was executed by substituting "9" for "7" as the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 100–202, §101(l) [title III, §347(d)(2)(B)–(D)], as amended by Pub. L. 100–457, §335, substituted "States of Pennsylvania and West Virginia" for "State of Pennsylvania" in two places and inserted "States of Georgia and West Virginia," and "The toll facility in Orange County, California, may be located in more than 1 highway corridor to relieve congestion on existing interstate routes in such County."

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 100–17, §120(b), added subsec. (k).

1978—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–599 added subsec. (i).

1976—Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 94–280 authorized ferry operations within the islands which comprise the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and excepted ferry operations between the islands which comprise the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from the prohibition of ferry operations in foreign or international waters.

1975—Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 93–643 substituted "operations between the islands which comprise the State of Hawaii and operations between any two points in Alaska and between Alaska and Washington, including stops at appropriate points in the Dominion of Canada" for "operations between the islands which comprise the State of Hawaii and operations between the States of Alaska and Washington, or between any two points within the State of Alaska".

1973—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–87, §118(a), inserted third sentence providing that when any toll road which the Secretary has approved as a part of the Interstate System is made a toll-free facility, Federal-aid highway funds apportioned under section 104(b)(5) of this title may be expended for the construction, reconstruction, or improvement of that road to meet the standards adopted for the improvement of projects located on the Interstate System.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 93–87, §118(b), struck from first sentence "on the date of enactment of this subsection" before "as he may find necessary" and substituted in third sentence "1973" for "1968".

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 93–87, §139, redesignated the second subsec. (f) as (g) and in par. (5) substituted "may be operated" for "shall be operated", inserted "(including the islands which comprise the State of Hawaii)" after "within the State", and excepted operations between the islands which comprise the State of Hawaii and operations between the States of Alaska and Washington, or between any two points within the State of Alaska from the prohibition against ferry operations in foreign or international waters.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 93–87, §132, added subsec. (h).

1972—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 92–434 substituted "or" for "and" making text read "maintained or operated", and required domestic and foreign tolls for international bridges, and that the tolls be limited to amount necessary for maintenance, repair, and operation thereof.

1970—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 91–605, §133, added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e), pertaining to ferry approaches, redesignated (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 91–605, §§133, 139, redesignated subsec. (e), relating to ferry approaches, as (f) and added a second subsec. (f) relating to ferry boats.

1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–495 required that, after June 30, 1968, as a condition for the addition of toll highway facilities on the Interstate System, the approval of the Secretary is required, with an affirmative finding that the construction of the road as a toll facility rather than a toll-free facility is in the public interest, but with such limitation on the construction of toll facilities not to extend to toll bridges and tunnels.

1960—Pub. L. 86–657, §5(b), included ferries in section catchline.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–657, §8(a), struck out "under prior Acts" after "Funds authorized".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 86–657, §5(a), added subsec. (e).

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.

Title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 effective simultaneously with enactment of Pub. L. 105–178 and to be treated as included in Pub. L. 105–178 at time of enactment, and provisions of Pub. L. 105–178, as in effect on day before July 22, 1998, that are amended by title IX of Pub. L. 105–206 to be treated as not enacted, see section 9016 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–240 effective Dec. 18, 1991, and applicable to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after Sept. 30, 1991, and, with certain exceptions, not applicable to funds appropriated or made available on or before Sept. 30, 1991, see section 1100 of Pub. L. 102–240, set out as a note under section 104 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–495 effective Aug. 23, 1968, see section 37 of Pub. L. 90–495, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §1512(b), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 572, provided that: "Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act [see section 3(a), (b) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment notes under section 101 of this title], all toll facilities on the Federal-aid highways shall implement technologies or business practices that provide for the interoperability of electronic toll collection programs."

Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1604(b), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1250, as amended by Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1419(b), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1423, provided that:

"(1) Definitions.—In this subsection, the following definitions apply:

"(2) Demonstration program.—Notwithstanding sections 129 and 301 of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary [of Transportation] shall carry out 15 demonstration projects during the period of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 to permit States, public authorities, or a [sic] public or private entities designated by States, to collect a toll from motor vehicles at an eligible toll facility for any highway, bridge, or tunnel, including facilities on the Interstate System—

"(3) Limitation on use of revenues.—

"(4) Eligibility.—To be eligible to participate in the program under this subsection, a State, public authority, or private entity designated by a State shall provide to the Secretary [of Transportation]—

"(5) Automation.—Fees collected from motorists using an express lane shall be collected only through the use of noncash electronic technology that optimizes the free flow of traffic on the tolled facility.

"(6) Interoperability.—

"(7) Reporting.—

Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1411(d), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1416, provided that: "The Secretary [of Transporation] may approve an application submitted under section 1604(c) of SAFETEA–LU (Public Law 109–59; 119 Stat. 1253) [set out as a note below] if the application, or any part of the application, was submitted before the deadline specified in section 1604(c)(8) of that Act."

Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1604(c), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1253, provided that:

"(1) Establishment.—The Secretary [of Transportation] shall establish and implement an Interstate System construction toll pilot program under which the Secretary, notwithstanding sections 129 and 301 of title 23, United States Code, may permit a State or an interstate compact of States to collect tolls on a highway, bridge, or tunnel on the Interstate System for the purpose of constructing Interstate highways.

"(2) Limitation on number of facilities.—The Secretary [of Transportation] may permit the collection of tolls under this section on three facilities on the Interstate System.

"(3) Eligibility.—To be eligible to participate in the pilot program, a State shall submit to the Secretary [of Transportation] an application that contains, at a minimum, the following:

"(4) Selection criteria.—The Secretary [of Transportation] may approve the application of a State under paragraph (3) only if the Secretary determines that—

"(5) Prohibition on noncompete agreements.—Before the Secretary [of Transportation] may permit a State to participate in the pilot program, the State must enter into an agreement with the Secretary that provides that the State will not enter into an agreement with a private person under which the State is prevented from improving or expanding the capacity of public roads adjacent to the toll facility to address conditions resulting from traffic diverted to such roads from the toll facility, including—

"(6) Limitations on use of revenues; audits.—Before the Secretary [of Transportation] may permit a State to participate in the pilot program, the State must enter into an agreement with the Secretary that provides that—

"(7) Limitation on use of interstate maintenance funds.—During the term of the pilot program, funds apportioned for Interstate maintenance under [former] section 104(b)(4) of title 23, United States Code, may not be used on a facility for which tolls are being collected under the program.

"(8) Program term.—The Secretary [of Transportation] may approve an application of a State for permission to collect a toll under this section only if the application is received by the Secretary before the last day of the 10-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 2005].

"(9) Interstate system defined.—In this section, the term 'Interstate System' has the meaning such term has under section 101 of title 23, United States Code."

Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1801(e), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1456, as amended by Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title I, §1121(b), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 494; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1112(b), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1346, provided that:

"(1) Establishment.—The Secretary [of Transportation], acting through the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, shall establish and maintain a national ferry database.

"(2) Contents.—The database shall contain current information regarding ferry systems, including information regarding routes, vessels, passengers and vehicles carried, funding sources, including any Federal, State, and local government funding sources, and such other information as the Secretary considers useful.

"(3) Update report.—Using information collected through the database, the Secretary shall periodically modify as appropriate the report submitted under section 1207(c) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century [Pub. L. 105–178] (23 U.S.C. 129 note; 112 Stat. 185–186).

"(4) Requirements.—The Secretary shall—

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1207(c), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 185, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall conduct a study of ferry transportation in the United States and its possessions—

"(2) Report.—The Secretary shall submit a report on the results of the study to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate."

Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1216(b), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 212, as amended by Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title I, §1411(c), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1415, provided that:

"(1) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish and implement an Interstate System reconstruction and rehabilitation pilot program under which the Secretary, notwithstanding sections 129 and 301 of title 23, United States Code, may permit a State to collect tolls on a highway, bridge, or tunnel on the Interstate System for the purpose of reconstructing and rehabilitating Interstate highway corridors that could not otherwise be adequately maintained or functionally improved without the collection of tolls.

"(2) Limitation on number of facilities.—The Secretary may permit the collection of tolls under this subsection on 3 facilities on the Interstate System. Each of such facilities shall be located in a different State.

"(3) Eligibility.—To be eligible to participate in the pilot program, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application that contains, at a minimum, the following:

"(4) Selection criteria.—The Secretary may approve the application of a State under paragraph (3) only if the Secretary determines that—

"(5) Limitations on use of revenues; audits.—Before the Secretary may permit a State to participate in the pilot program, the State must enter into an agreement with the Secretary that provides that—

"(6) Requirements for project completion.—

"(7) Definition.—In this subsection, the term 'provisional approval' or 'provisionally approved' means the approval by the Secretary of a partial application under this subsection, including the reservation of a slot in the pilot program.

"(8) Limitation on use of interstate maintenance funds.—During the term of the pilot program, funds apportioned for Interstate maintenance under [former] section 104(b)(4) of title 23, United States Code, may not be used on a facility for which tolls are being collected under the program.

"(9) Program term.—The Secretary shall conduct the pilot program under this subsection for a term to be determined by the Secretary, but not less than 10 years.

"(10) Interstate system defined.—In this subsection, the term 'Interstate System' has the meaning such term has under section 101 of title 23, United States Code."

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1012(d), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1939, provided that: "Unless modified under section 129(a)(6) [now 129(a)(5)] of such title [this title], as amended by subsection (a) of this section, agreements entered into under section 119(e) or 129 of such title before the effective date of this title [Dec. 18, 1991] and in effect on the day before such effective date shall continue in effect on and after such effective date in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and such section 119(e) or 129."

Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1064, Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2005, as amended by Pub. L. 102–388, title III, §332, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1550; Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1207(b), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 185, which directed the Secretary to carry out a program for construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities in accordance with section 129(c) of this title, was repealed by Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §1801(c), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1456. See section 147 of this title.

Pub. L. 95–599, title I, §164, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2721, as amended by Pub. L. 96–106, §16, Nov. 19, 1979, 93 Stat. 798, directed Secretary of Transportation to report not later than July 1, 1980, respecting extent of outstanding bonded indebtedness for each State as of Jan. 1, 1979, incurred by each State or public authority prior to June 29, 1956, for road construction or portions incorporated within Interstate System, and methods of allocating bonded indebtedness and removal of toll provisions.

Pub. L. 91–605, title I, §131, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1732, provided that: "The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to amend any agreement heretofore entered into under the provisions of section 129(d) of title 23, United States Code, in order to permit the continuation of tolls on the existing Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike to finance the construction within the existing termini of such turnpike of two lanes thereon in addition to the lanes in existence on the date of enactment of this section [Dec. 31, 1970] necessary to meet traffic and highway safety requirements. Any amended agreement entered into for such purposes shall provide assurances that the existing turnpike (including the additional lanes) shall become free to the public upon the collection of tolls sufficient to liquidate all construction costs, and the costs of maintenance, operation, and debt service during the period of toll collections to liquidate such construction costs, but in no event shall tolls be collected after date of maturity of those bonds outstanding on the date of enactment of this section [Dec. 31, 1970] issued for construction of such turnpike having the latest maturity date."