Department of Transportation

About the DOT – Founded: The Department of Transportation was established by an act of Congress on October 15, The Department’s first official day of operation was April 1, – Mission: Serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future. Vital Statistics – Secretary: Anthony Foxx – Number of Employees: 55,000 – Budget: $70 Billion

Department of Transportation Agencies – Office of the Secretary (OST) – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Office of Inspector General (OIG) – Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) – Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) – Federal Transit Administration (FTA) – Surface Transportation Board (STB) – Maritime Administration (MARAD)

Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Who We Are and What We Do – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees the safety of civil aviation. The safety mission of the FAA is first and foremost and includes the issuance and enforcement of regulations and standards related to the manufacture, operation, certification and maintenance of aircraft. The agency is responsible for the rating and certification of airmen and for certification of airports serving air carriers. It also regulates a program to protect the security of civil aviation, and enforces regulations under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act for shipments by air. – The FAA, which operates a network of airport towers, air route traffic control centers, and flight service stations, develops air traffic rules, allocates the use of airspace, and provides for the security control of air traffic to meet national defense requirements. Other responsibilities include the construction or installation of visual and electronic aids to air navigation and promotion of aviation safety internationally. The FAA, which regulates and encourages the U.S. commercial space transportation industry, also licenses commercial space launch facilities and private sector launches.. National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Who We Are and What We Do – NHTSA is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. This is accomplished by setting and enforcing safety performance standards for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, and through grants to state and local governments to enable them to conduct effective local highway safety programs. – NHTSA investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps states and local communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers, promotes the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags, investigates odometer fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations and provides consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics. – NHTSA also conducts research on driver behavior and traffic safety, to develop the most efficient and effective means of bringing about safety improvements..