Partial Distribution of Fiscal Year 2004 Indian Reservation Roads Funds

We are issuing a rule requiring that we immediately distribute $25 million of fiscal year 2004 Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) funds to projects on or near Indian reservations using the relative need formula. This partial distribution reflects the funds the Federal Highway Administration has allocated to the Department of the Interior and is based on funding appropriated by a continuing resolution and the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2003 in effect until February 29, 2004. We are using the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Price Trends report for the relative need formula distribution process, with appropriate modifications to address non-reporting States. This distribution will allow an immediate allocation of funds based on an existing formula, final allocations will be dependent on a final authorization of highway trust funds and a fiscal year 2004 appropriations.