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Abstract

This article examines the current methodology for collecting state transportation expenditure data as reported in Highway Statistics, a publication of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Statistics Program. Currently, the transportation data cover state-administered highways (interstates, arterials, collectors, and local roads under state control) and mass transportation systems. Highway Statistics is the only comprehensive report of these state transportation expenditures. The data published in the report play an essential role in the development of transportation policy, legislative documents, and in academic research. Growing demand for accountability of government agencies has increased the visibility of and the need to scrutinize such data. Data are examined with respect to three factors: the data reporting process, data reliability, and the suitability of data for cataloging current transportation trends. The study finds that FHWA-published expenditure data are often misreported, misinterpreted, and misused. The article concludes with suggestions for refining the data-reporting process, improving data relevance, and minimizing future misuse of data.

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State Transportation Expenditure Reporting

Abstract

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