---
kind: "section"
citation: "23 U.S.C. § 602"
title: "23"
title_heading: "Highways"
number: "602"
heading: "Determination of eligibility and project selection"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/23/602"
units:
  - "Chapter 6 — Infrastructure Finance"
---

# §602. Determination of eligibility and project selection

- (a) **Eligibility.—**
  - (1) **In general.—** A [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) shall be eligible to receive credit assistance under the TIFIA program if—
    - (A) the entity proposing to carry out the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) submits a letter of interest prior to submission of a formal application for the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20); and
    - (B) the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) meets the criteria described in this subsection.
  - (2) **Creditworthiness.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** To be eligible for assistance under the TIFIA program, a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) shall satisfy applicable creditworthiness standards, which, at a minimum, shall include—
      - (i) a rate covenant, if applicable;
      - (ii) adequate coverage requirements to ensure repayment;
      - (iii) an investment grade rating from at least 2 rating agencies on debt senior to the Federal credit instrument; and
      - (iv) an investment-grade rating from at least 2 rating agencies on the Federal credit instrument, subject to the condition that, with respect to [clause (iii)](#a-2-A-iii), if the total amount of the senior debt and the Federal credit instrument is less than $150,000,000, 1 rating agency opinion for each of the senior debt and Federal credit instrument shall be sufficient.
    - (B) **Senior debt.—** Notwithstanding [subparagraph (A)](#a-2-A), in a case in which the Federal credit instrument is senior debt, the Federal credit instrument shall be required to receive an investment grade rating from at least 2 rating agencies, unless the total amount of other senior debt and the Federal credit instrument is less than $150,000,000, in which case 1 rating agency opinion shall be sufficient.
  - (3) **Inclusion in transportation plans and programs.—** A [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) shall satisfy the applicable planning and programming requirements of sections [134](/usc/23/134.md) and [135](/usc/23/135.md) at such time as an agreement to make available a Federal credit instrument is entered into under the TIFIA program.
  - (4) **Application.—** A [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28), local government, [public authority](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-22), public-private partnership, or any other legal entity undertaking the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) and authorized by the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall submit a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) application that is acceptable to the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27).
  - (5) **Eligible project cost parameters.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#a-5-B), a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) under the TIFIA program shall have eligible [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) costs that are reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed the lesser of—
      - (i) $50,000,000; and
      - (ii) 33⅓ percent of the amount of Federal [highway](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-11) funds apportioned for the most recently completed fiscal year to the [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28) in which the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) is located.
    - (B) **Exceptions.—**
      - (i) **Intelligent transportation systems.—** In the case of a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) principally involving the installation of an intelligent transportation system, eligible [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $15,000,000.
      - (ii) **Transit-oriented development projects.—** In the case of a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) described in [section 601(a)(12)(E)](/usc/23/601.md?p=a-12-E), eligible [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $10,000,000.
      - (iii) **Rural projects.—** In the case of a rural infrastructure [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) or a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) capitalizing a rural [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) fund, eligible [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $10,000,000, but not to exceed $100,000,000.
      - (iv) **Local infrastructure projects.—** Eligible [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $10,000,000 in the case of a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) or program of [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20)—
        - (I) in which the applicant is a local government, [public authority](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-22), or instrumentality of local government;
        - (II) located on a facility owned by a local government; or
        - (III) for which the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) determines that a local government is substantially involved in the development of the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20).
  - (6) **Dedicated revenue sources.—** The applicable Federal credit instrument shall be repayable, in whole or in part, from—
    - (A) tolls;
    - (B) user fees;
    - (C) payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership; or
    - (D) other dedicated revenue sources that also secure or fund the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) obligations.
  - (7) **Public sponsorship of private entities.—** In the case of a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) that is undertaken by an entity that is not a [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28) or local government or an agency or instrumentality of a [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28) or local government, the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) that the entity is undertaking shall be publicly sponsored as provided in [paragraph (3)](#a-3).
  - (8) **Applications where obligor will be identified later.—** A [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28), local government, agency or instrumentality of a [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28) or local government, or [public authority](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-22) may submit to the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) an application under [paragraph (4)](#a-4), under which a private party to a public-private partnership will be—
    - (A) the obligor; and
    - (B) identified later through completion of a procurement and selection of the private party.
  - (9) **Beneficial effects.—** The [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall determine that financial assistance for the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) under the TIFIA program will—
    - (A) foster, if appropriate, partnerships that attract public and private investment for the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20);
    - (B) enable the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) to proceed at an earlier date than the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) would otherwise be able to proceed or reduce the lifecycle costs (including debt service costs) of the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20); and
    - (C) reduce the contribution of Federal grant assistance for the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20).
  - (10) **Project readiness.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#a-10-B), to be eligible for assistance under the TIFIA program, the applicant shall demonstrate a reasonable expectation that the contracting process for [construction](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-4) of the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) can commence by no later than 90 days after the date on which a Federal credit instrument is obligated for the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) under the TIFIA program.
    - (B) **Rural projects fund.—** In the case of a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) capitalizing a rural [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) fund, the [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28) infrastructure bank shall demonstrate, not later than 2 years after the date on which a secured loan is obligated for the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) under the TIFIA program, that the bank has executed a loan agreement with a borrower for a rural infrastructure [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) in accordance with section 610. After the demonstration is made, the bank may draw upon the secured loan. At the end of the 2-year period, to the extent the bank has not used the loan commitment, the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) may extend the term of the loan or withdraw the loan commitment.
  - (11) **Public-private partnerships.—** In the case of a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) to be carried out through a public-private partnership, the public partner shall have—
    - (A) conducted a value for money analysis or similar comparative analysis; and
    - (B) determined the appropriateness of the public-private partnership agreement.
- (b) **Selection Among Eligible Projects.—**
  - (1) **Establishment.—** The [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall establish a rolling application process under which [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) that are eligible to receive credit assistance under [subsection (a)](#a) shall receive credit assistance on terms acceptable to the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27), if adequate funds are available to cover the subsidy costs associated with the Federal credit instrument.
  - (2) **Master credit agreements.—**
    - (A) **Program of related projects.—** The [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) may enter into a master credit agreement for a program of related [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) secured by a common security pledge on terms acceptable to the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27).
    - (B) **Adequate funding not available.—** If the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) fully obligates funding to eligible [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) for a fiscal year and adequate funding is not available to fund a credit instrument, a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) sponsor of an eligible [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) may elect to enter into a master credit agreement and wait to execute a credit instrument until the fiscal year for which additional funds are available to receive credit assistance.
  - (3) **Preliminary rating opinion letter.—** The [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall require each [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) applicant to provide a preliminary rating opinion letter from at least 1 rating agency—
    - (A) indicating that the senior obligations of the [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20), which may be the Federal credit instrument, have the potential to achieve an investment-grade rating; and
    - (B) including a preliminary rating opinion on the Federal credit instrument.
- (c) **Federal Requirements.—**
  - (1) **In general.—** In addition to the requirements of this title for [highway](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-11) [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20), the requirements of [chapter 53](/usc/49/chstIII/ch53.md) of title 49 for transit [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20), the requirements of [section 5333(a) of title 49](/usc/49/5333.md?p=a) for rail [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20), and the requirements of sections [47112(b)](/usc/49/47112.md?p=b) and [50101](/usc/49/50101.md) of title 49 for airport-related [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20), the following provisions of law shall apply to funds made available under the TIFIA program and [projects](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) assisted with those funds:
    - (A) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ([42 U.S.C. 2000d](/usc/42/2000d.md) et seq.).
    - (B) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ([42 U.S.C. 4321](/usc/42/4321.md) et seq.).
    - (C) The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 ([42 U.S.C. 4601](/usc/42/4601.md) et seq.).
  - (2) **NEPA.—** No funding shall be obligated for a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) that has not received an environmental categorical exclusion, a finding of no significant impact, or a record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ([42 U.S.C. 4321](/usc/42/4321.md) et seq.).
  - (3) **Payment and performance security.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** The [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall ensure that the design and [construction](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-4) of a [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) carried out with assistance under the TIFIA program shall have appropriate payment and performance security, regardless of whether the obligor is a [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28), local government, agency or instrumentality of a [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28) or local government, [public authority](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-22), or private party.
    - (B) **Written determination.—** If payment and performance security is required to be furnished by applicable [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28) or local statute or regulation, the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) may accept such payment and performance security requirements applicable to the obligor if the Federal interest with respect to Federal funds and other [project](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-20) risk related to design and [construction](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-4) is adequately protected.
    - (C) **No determination or applicable requirements.—** If there are no payment and performance security requirements applicable to the obligor, the security under [section 3131(b) of title 40](/usc/40/3131.md?p=b) or an equivalent [State](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-28) or local requirement, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27), shall be required.
- (d) **Application Processing Procedures.—**
  - (1) **Processing timelines.—** Except in the case of an application described in [subsection (a)(8)](#a-8) and to the maximum extent practicable, the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall provide an applicant with a specific estimate of the timeline for the approval or disapproval of the application of the applicant, which, to the maximum extent practicable, the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall endeavor to complete by not later than 150 days after the date on which the applicant submits a letter of interest to the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27).
  - (2) **Notice of complete application.—** Not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of an application under this section, the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall provide to the applicant a written notice to inform the applicant whether—
    - (A) the application is complete; or
    - (B) additional information or materials are needed to complete the application.
  - (3) **Approval or denial of application.—** Not later than 60 days after the date of issuance of the written notice under [paragraph (2)](#d-2), the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) shall provide to the applicant a written notice informing the applicant whether the [Secretary](/usc/23/101.md?p=a-27) has approved or disapproved the application.
- (e) **Development Phase Activities.—** Any credit instrument secured under the TIFIA program may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the cost of development phase activities as described in [section 601(a)(2)(A)](/usc/23/601.md?p=a-2-A).

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 105–178, title I, § 1503(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 243, § 182; renumbered § 602 and amended Pub. L. 109–59, title I, §§ 1601(b), (c), 1602(b)(2), (5), (d), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1240, 1247; Pub. L. 112–141, div. A, title II, § 2002, July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 611; Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title II, § 2001(b), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1440; Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title I, § 11508(d)(3), title II, §§ 12001(b)–(d), (g), 12002(a), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 588, 618, 619, 622.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(A), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter V (§ 2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(B), (2), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§ 4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(C), is act Jan. 2, 1971, Pub. L. 91–646, 84 Stat. 1894, and which is classified principally to chapter 61 (§ 4601 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4601 of Title 42 and Tables.

### Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 117–58, § 12001(b)(1), substituted “an investment-grade rating” for “a rating” and “$150,000,000” for “$75,000,000”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, § 12001(b)(2), substituted “is senior debt” for “is the senior debt” and “total amount of other senior debt and the Federal credit instrument is less than $150,000,000” for “credit instrument is for an amount less than $75,000,000”.

Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 117–58, § 11508(d)(3), added par. (11).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, § 12001(c), substituted “the requirements of section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail projects, and the requirements of sections 47112(b) and 50101 of title 49 for airport-related projects,” for “and the requirements of section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail projects,” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 117–58, § 12002(a), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–58, § 12001(d), added par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively, and, in par. (3), substituted “paragraph (2)” for “paragraph (1)”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–58, § 12001(g), substituted “section 601(a)(2)(A)” for “section 601(a)(1)(A)”.

2015—Subsec. (a)(1), (2)(A), (3). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(1)(A)–(C), substituted “the TIFIA program” for “this chapter”.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(1)(D)(i), substituted “Eligible project cost parameters” for “Eligible project costs” in heading.

Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(1)(D)(ii)(I), substituted “subparagraph (B), a project under the TIFIA program” for “subparagraph (B), to be eligible for assistance under this chapter, a project” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(1)(D)(ii)(II), added cl. (i) and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows:

“(I) $50,000,000; or

“(II) in the case of a rural infrastructure project, $25,000,000; and”.

Subsec. (a)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(1)(D)(ii)(III), struck out “assistance” after “highway”.

Subsec. (a)(5)(B). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(1)(D)(iii), substituted “Exceptions” for “Intelligent transportation system projects” in heading, designated existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted cl. (i) heading, and added cls. (ii) to (iv).

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(1)(E), substituted “the TIFIA program” for “this chapter” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(1)(F), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. (A) heading, substituted “Except as provided in subparagraph (B), to be eligible” for “To be eligible”, “the TIFIA program” for “this chapter” in two places, and “no later than” for “not later than”, and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(2), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “If the Secretary fully obligates funding to eligible projects in a fiscal year, and adequate funding is not available to fund a credit instrument, a project sponsor of an eligible project may elect to enter into a master credit agreement and wait until the earlier of—

“(A) the following fiscal year; and

“(B) the fiscal year during which additional funds are available to receive credit assistance.”

Subsecs. (c)(1), (e). Pub. L. 114–94, § 2001(b)(3), (4), substituted “the TIFIA program” for “this chapter”.

2012—Pub. L. 112–141 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to determination of eligibility and project selection, consisting of subsecs. (a) to (c).

2005—Pub. L. 109–59, § 1602(d), renumbered section 182 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1602(b)(5), substituted “this chapter” for “this subchapter” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1602(b)(5), substituted “this chapter” for “this subchapter”.

Pub. L. 109–59, § 1601(b)(1), added par. (1) and struck out heading and text of former par. (1). Text read as follows: “The project—

“(A) shall be included in the State transportation plan required under section 135; and

“(B) at such time as an agreement to make available a Federal credit instrument is entered into under this subchapter, shall be included in the approved State transportation improvement program required under section 134.”

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1601(b)(1), added par. (2) and struck out heading and text of former par. (2). Text read as follows: “A State, a local servicer identified under section 185(a), or the entity undertaking the project shall submit a project application to the Secretary.”

Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1602(b)(5), substituted “this chapter” for “this subchapter” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1601(b)(2), substituted “$50,000,000” for “$100,000,000”.

Subsec. (a)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1601(b)(3), substituted “33⅓” for “50”.

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1601(b)(4), substituted “$15,000,000” for “$30,000,000”.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1601(b)(5), substituted “The Federal credit instrument” for “Project financing” and inserted “that also secure the project obligations” before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1601(c)(1), substituted “eligibility requirements” for “eligibility criteria”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iii), (iv), (vi). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1602(b)(5), substituted “this chapter” for “this subchapter”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(viii). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1602(b)(2), inserted “and chapter 1” after “this chapter”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1601(c)(2), inserted “, which may be the Federal credit instrument,” after “obligations”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–59, § 1602(b)(5), substituted “this chapter” for “this subchapter” in introductory provisions.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by section 11508(d)(3) of Pub. L. 117–58 only applicable to a public-private partnership agreement entered into on or after Nov. 15, 2021, see section 11508(e) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out in a Requirements for Transportation Projects Carried Out Through Public-Private Partnerships note under section 106 of this title.

Amendment by section 12001(b)–(d), (g) of Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, except as otherwise provided, see section 10003 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Pub. L. 117–58, div. A, title II, § 12002(b), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 622, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to any agreement for credit assistance entered into on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021].”

### Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2015, see section 1003 of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

### Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of this title.