
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 49USC5501]

 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
              SUBTITLE III--GENERAL AND INTERMODAL PROGRAMS
 
                  CHAPTER 55--INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION
 
                          SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL
 
Sec. 5501. National Intermodal Transportation System policy

    (a) General.--It is the policy of the United States Government to 
develop a National Intermodal Transportation System that is economically 
efficient and environmentally sound, provides the foundation for the 
United States to compete in the global economy, and will move 
individuals and property in an energy efficient way.
    (b) System Characteristics.--(1) The National Intermodal 
Transportation System shall consist of all forms of transportation in a 
unified, interconnected manner, including the transportation systems of 
the future, to reduce energy consumption and air pollution while 
promoting economic development and supporting the United States' 
preeminent position in international commerce.
    (2) The National Intermodal Transportation System shall include a 
National Highway System consisting of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of 
Interstate and Defense Highways and those principal arterial roads that 
are essential for interstate and regional commerce and travel, national 
defense, intermodal transfer facilities, and international commerce and 
border crossings.
    (3) The National Intermodal Transportation System shall include 
significant improvements in public transportation necessary to achieve 
national goals for improved air quality, energy conservation, 
international competitiveness, and mobility for elderly individuals, 
individuals with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged 
individuals in urban and rural areas of the United States.
    (4) The National Intermodal Transportation System shall provide 
improved access to ports and airports, the Nation's link to commerce.
    (5) The National Intermodal Transportation System shall give special 
emphasis to the contributions of the transportation sectors to increased 
productivity growth. Social benefits must be considered with particular 
attention to the external benefits of reduced air pollution, reduced 
traffic congestion, and other aspects of the quality of life in the 
United States.
    (6) The National Intermodal Transportation System must be operated 
and maintained with insistent attention to the concepts of innovation, 
competition, energy efficiency, productivity, growth, and 
accountability. Practices that resulted in the lengthy and overly costly 
construction of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and 
Defense Highways must be confronted and stopped.
    (7) The National Intermodal Transportation System shall be adapted 
to ``intelligent vehicles'', ``magnetic levitation systems'', and other 
new technologies, wherever feasible and economical, with benefit cost 
estimates given special emphasis on safety considerations and techniques 
for cost allocation.
    (8) When appropriate, the National Intermodal Transportation System 
will be financed, as regards Government apportionments and 
reimbursements, by the Highway Trust Fund. Financial assistance will be 
provided to State and local governments and their instrumentalities to 
help carry out national goals related to mobility for elderly 
individuals, individuals with disabilities, and economically 
disadvantaged individuals.
    (9) The National Intermodal Transportation System must be the 
centerpiece of a national investment commitment to create the new wealth 
of the United States for the 21st century.
    (c) Distribution and Posting.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
distribute copies of the policy in subsections (a) and (b) of this 
section to each employee of the Department of Transportation and ensure 
that the policy is posted in all offices of the Department.

(Pub. L. 103-272, Sec. 1(d), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 848.)

                                          Historical and Revision Notes
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           Revised  Section                    Source (U.S. Code)              
 Source (Statutes at Large)
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5501..................................  49:101 (note).                   Dec. 1
8, 1991, Pub. L. 102-240, Sec.
                                                                          2, 10
5 Stat. 1914.
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    In this section, the words ``Dwight D. Eisenhower System of 
Interstate and Defense Highways'' are substituted for ``National System 
of Interstate and Defense Highways'' because of the Act of October 15, 
1990 (Public Law 101-427, 104 Stat. 927).
