The FHWA has two major program components, the Federal-Aid Highway Program and the Federal Lands Highway Program with an annual budget of approximately $45 billion, and is comprised of approximately 2800 employees located in its headquarters (Washington, D.C.) and field office locations.
The FHWA administrator leads the FHWA and has immediate supervisory control over four non-career senior executives (political appointees), one career senior executive, a special assistant, and an executive assistant.
• Determines and establishes FHWA program policies, objectives and priorities to accomplish the FHWA mission
• Exercises overall direction, control and evaluation of headquarters and field organizations, program activities and performance
• Directs the development of and approves broad legislative, budgetary, fiscal and program proposals and plans
• Takes personnel management actions of major significance such as those relating to changes in basic organization pattern, appointment of key personnel, allocation of resources, and matters of special or political interest or sensitivity
• Oversees highway safety programs, research and development
• Manages highway design, construction, maintenance and traffic control devices
• Provides resources for identification and surveillance of accident locations as well as highway-related aspects of pedestrian safety (49 U.S.C. § 104)
• Additional duties and powers prescribed by the secretary