The language for the Traffic Congestion Relief Act was taken from New Jersey Senate Bill 16, which was signed into law by Governor Whitman on July 20, 2000 after it received overwhelming bi-partisan support in the State Legislature. 

The bill re-approved the state Transportation Trust Fund that administers future transportation development, and was amended to include key provisions that dealt with suburban sprawl, such as the requirement that older roads be repaired before new ones can be built.  The bill also required legislative approval of all new highways, and included provisions dealing with additional bike paths and replacement of diesel buses.

Every state has its own department of transportation which receives federal funding for roads and highways.  Most of the planning for road building and improvements are made at the state level by the DOT.  To find out more information about the DOT in your state, go to Defenders of Wildlife interactive state map.
 

When designing any federal project, including the construction of a new road, agencies must consider the needs of several different interests. You can find a list of the most important laws that apply to transportation and wildlife by clicking here.