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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

This Stewardship and Oversight Agreement clarifies the roles and responsibilities of both Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in implementing the Federal-aid Highway Program. In situations where the ODOT has accepted the responsibility for project oversight through the exemptions provided in Title 23 USC 106, the ODOT is to have an action that takes the place of the prior role of FHWA. The Stewardship and Oversight Agreement is intended to result in the efficient and effective management of public funds and to ensure that the Federal-aid Highway Program is delivered consistent with laws, regulations, policies, and good business practices.

Since 1991, Federal highway legislation has allowed the delegation of project level responsibilities to States for actions in design, plans, specifications, estimates, contract awards, and inspections of projects. This Stewardship and Oversight Agreement is the documentation of the exemptions, under Section 106 of Title 23, from direct Federal oversight that are desired and accepted by ODOT and recognized by FHWA. The exemption options of Section 106 are desirable for ODOT for the streamlining of processes. Exemptions are desirable for FHWA because reduced project-level involvement allows for more effective application of resources. Not withstanding the Agreement, FHWA retains overall responsibility for all aspects of Federal-aid programs and an Agreement does not preclude FHWA's access to and review of a Federal-aid project at any time and does not replace the provisions of Title23, USC. While Federal law allows a State DOT to assume certain project approvals and authorities, the FHWA is ultimately accountable for ensuring that the Federal-aid Highway Program is delivered consistent with established requirements.

The Stewardship and Oversight Agreement contains chapters on 18 broad program areas that address most of the main elements of the Federal-aid highway program, based on regulations and national policies. These program area chapters are arranged in alphabetical order based on a representative name given to the program area. Most of these program names reflect common divisions of work related to highway projects, such as design, construction, maintenance, etc.

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