Federal System Alternative Funding Pilot

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will establish a Federal System Funding Alternative Advisory Board (Board) to establish a pilot program to demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee (Fee). The pilot program will test the design, acceptance, implementation, and financial sustainability of a Fee; address the need for additional revenue for surface transportation infrastructure and a Fee; and provide recommendations relating to the adoption and implementation of a Fee.

In carrying out the pilot program, DOT shall provide different methods that volunteer participants can choose from to track motor vehicle miles traveled and solicit volunteer participants from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. DOT shall test vehicle-miles-traveled collection tools, revenue collection methodologies, and public-awareness campaigns regarding the pilot program. DOT shall establish Fees for passenger motor vehicles, light trucks, and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Amounts may vary between vehicle types and weight classes to reflect estimated impacts on infrastructure, safety, congestion, the environment, or other related social impacts.

DOT shall establish the Board by February 13, 2022, with Board findings relevant to implementing the Fee pilot program due to Congress one year later. DOT announced a solicitation of membership to the Board on October 3, 2023. DOT must report findings to Congress annually upon program commencement, with funding authorized through fiscal year 2026.

(Reference Public Law 117-58 and 23 U.S. Code 503)