Federal highway rules for Appalachia are about to disappear

The Federal Highway Administration plans to cancel a 1974 rule that set specific requirements for federal-aid contracts in the Appalachian region. This means highway projects in those states will now follow the same rules as the rest of the country.

For nearly 50 years, federal highway money for the Appalachian region came with its own set of rules. These rules covered things like how contracts were awarded and managed. Removing them means that a distinct regulatory layer for a specific geographic area will vanish, simplifying the process for contractors and state transportation departments.