DOT Issues Guidance on State Freight Plans and Advisory Committees
Published Date: 2/24/2026
Notice
Summary
States that get money for freight projects must update their State Freight Plans to include new rules from recent laws. This guidance helps states plan smarter and work better with freight experts, but following it is voluntary. The new advice kicks in on February 24, 2026, and aims to make freight travel smoother and safer across all transport types.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Four-Year Update Requirement Blocks NHFP Funding
States that get National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) money must update their State Freight Plan at least once every four years. If a State's four-year update cycle has expired and the State has not developed its Plan consistent with requirements, the State may not obligate NHFP funds (23 U.S.C. 167(h)(4)). This guidance is effective February 24, 2026.
Freight Investment Plans Must Be Fiscally Constrained
A State's Freight Investment Plan may only list a project or a phase of a project if funding for completion can reasonably be anticipated within the time period identified in the Freight Investment Plan (49 U.S.C. 70202(c)(2)). Projects that are not included in the fiscally constrained Freight Investment Plan generally cannot be funded with NHFP funds when obligating those funds.
Required 8-Year Forecast Horizon for State Freight Plans
State Freight Plans must address an 8-year forecast period (49 U.S.C. 70202(d)); the FAST Act previously required a 5-year horizon. DOT strongly encourages States to supplement the statutory 8-year forecast with longer outlooks (for example, a 20-year outlook) where practical.
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