DECLARATIONS OF POLICY WITH RESPECT TO FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY PROGRAM.

SEC. 116. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY WITH RESPECT TO FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY PROGRAM. (a) Acceleration of Program.—It is hereby declared to be in the national interest, to accelerate the construction of the Federal-aid highway systems, including the Interstate System, since many of such highways, or portions thereof, are in fact inadequate to meet the needs of local and interstate commerce, the national and the civil defense. (b) Completion of Interstate System Progress Report on Federal-Aid Highway Program.—It is further declared that one of the most important objectives of this Act is the prompt completion of the Interstate System. Insofar as possible in consonance with this objective, existing highways located on an interstate route shall be used to the extent that such use is practicable, suitable, and feasible, it being the intent that local needs, to the extent practicable, suitable, and feasible, shall be given equal consideration with the needs of interstate commerce. The Secretary of Commerce is hereby directed to submit to the Congress not later than February 1, 1959, a report on the progress made in attaining the objectives set forth in this subsection and in subsection (a), together with recommendations. (c) Public Hearings.—Any State highway department which submits plans for a Federal-aid highway project involving the bypassing of, or going through, any city, town, or village, either incorporated or unincorporated, shall certify to the Commissioner of Public Roads that it has had public hearings, or has afforded the opportunity for such hearings, and has considered the economic effects of such a location: Provided, That, if such hearings have been held, a copy of the tran-70 Stat. 386script of said hearings shall be submitted to the Commissioner of Public Roads, together with the certification. (d) Participation by Small Business Enterprises.—It is hereby declared to be in the national interest to encourage and develop the actual and potential capacity of small business and to utilize this important segment of our economy to the fullest practicable extent in construction of the Federal-aid highway systems, including the Interstate System. In order to carry out that intent and encourage full and free competition, the Secretary of Commerce should assist, insofar as feasible, small business enterprises in obtaining contracts in connection with the prosecution of the highway program.