Forest Highway Program Rules Get the Ax from FHWA
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Rule
Summary
The Federal Highway Administration is officially ending the rules for the Forest Highway Program starting December 17, 2025. This change affects anyone involved in building or maintaining forest highways, simplifying how these projects are managed and funded. It means less red tape and a fresh start for forest road projects, with no new money changes announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Forest Highway Rules Removed
On December 17, 2025, the Federal Highway Administration removed the regulations in 23 CFR part 660, subpart A that governed the Forest Highway Program. If you build or maintain forest highways, the rule removes those specific regulatory requirements and may cut paperwork and compliance steps tied to those rules.
No Change to Funding Appropriations
The rescission does not create new funding or change existing appropriations. Eligible expenses for forest-related roads can continue to be funded under the Tribal Transportation Program (23 U.S.C. 202), Federal Lands Transportation Program (23 U.S.C. 203), and Federal Lands Access Program (23 U.S.C. 204).
Agency Certifies Minimal Small-Business Impact
FHWA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this rescission will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, so no regulatory flexibility analysis was required. FHWA also said any monetary benefits or costs from the change would be minimal.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17904, National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
FHWA, FRA, and FTA (collectively referred to as the "Agencies") are finalizing the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, which revised the Agencies' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 implementing regulations in light of the removal of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FR Act) of 2023, known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, and the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. The Agencies provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and comment on the IFR. This final rule addresses public comments received and finalizes the IFR with minor technical changes.
2026-20210, Application From the State of Georgia to the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program and Proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Assigning Environmental Responsibilities to the State
Georgia wants to take charge of the environmental reviews for its federal highway projects instead of the federal government doing it. If approved, Georgia’s Department of Transportation will handle these reviews with some federal oversight, speeding up project delivery and possibly saving time and money. The public can share their thoughts on this plan until November 2, 2026.
2026-19140, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Highway in Georgia
Georgia is getting a big upgrade on I-75 with new commercial vehicle lanes stretching about 41 miles through five counties. This project is officially approved, so construction can move forward, making travel smoother and safer for trucks and drivers alike. If anyone wants to challenge these decisions, they must act by February 16, 2027, or it’s a no-go!
2026-19098, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Highway in Georgia
Georgia’s Federal Highway Administration just gave the green light to improve Lee Road Extension in Douglas County. They’ll widen roads, rebuild intersections, and add a cool new multi-lane roundabout to make driving smoother and safer. If you want to challenge this plan, you’ve got until February 16, 2027, to speak up—after that, it’s a done deal!
2026-19028, Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments for a New Information Collection
The Federal Highway Administration wants your thoughts on a new form to help manage a grant program for fixing county-owned bridges over water structures. This program, started by Congress in 2026, aims to make bridges safer and improve water delivery. If you’re involved with these bridges, now’s the time to comment before October 19, 2026—no cost changes yet, just gathering info!
2026-19085, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Highway Projects in Texas
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and federal agencies have given the green light to several new highway projects across Texas. These projects now have all the necessary permits and approvals, and anyone wanting to challenge these decisions must do so by February 16, 2027. This means smoother roads are coming, and the clock is ticking for any legal challenges!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19904, Rescinding Regulations Regarding Management Systems Pertaining to the Forest Service and the Forest Highway Program
The Federal Highway Administration is wiping away old rules about managing roads in National Forests and Grasslands, saying they’re no longer needed. This change affects anyone involved with the Forest Service and Forest Highway Program and kicks in on December 17, 2025. It won’t cost extra money but will simplify how these roads are managed going forward.
Next: 2025-19906, Rescinding Regulations Regarding Management Systems Pertaining to the National Park Service and the Park Roads and Parkways Program
The Federal Highway Administration is wiping away old rules about managing roads and bridges in National Parks and parkways, saying they’re no longer needed. This change affects the National Park Service and the Federal Lands Highway Program and kicks in on December 17, 2025. It won’t cost extra money but will simplify how these parks handle their road systems.