54 U.S.C. § 101523 — Procedures applicable to transportation plans and projects

(a) During Formulation of Plan. While creating any transportation plan authorized under section 101521, the Secretary^* must: (1) give public notice of the plan, by publishing it in the Federal Register and in a local newspaper or periodical near the affected System unit^*; and (2) after giving that notice, hold a public meeting at a location convenient to the affected unit.

(b) Prior to Implementation of Project. Before starting any project built from that plan, the Secretary must: (1) set up procedures — including public meetings — that give State and local governments and the public fair notice and a chance to comment on the proposed project; and (2) if the project would cost more than $100,000 in any fiscal year, submit a detailed report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources.

(c) Waiting Period. When that $100,000 report is required, the Secretary must wait before moving forward. The Secretary can start the project only after 60 days have passed since submitting the report — not counting any days when the Senate or House was in recess for more than three days in a row.