" The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) provides about $40 billion to the states annually to build and maintain highways and bridges through the federal-aid highway program. While this program has grown and changed over time, the federal-state relationship has been consistently one of "partnership" since 1916. DOT's FHWA has offices in all 50 states that have developed close working relationships with states. Legislation approved by the Senate in March 2012 would establish a more performance-based highway program, introducing performance measures for highways and bridges and requiring FHWA to monitor states' progress in meeting those measures. As requested, GAO examined (1) how the federal-aid highway program and FHWA's oversight have changed over time; (2) the extent to which FHWA's partnership approach produces benefits; (3) the extent to which FHWA's partnership approach poses risks; and (4) how FHWA's partnership with state DOTs could affect a transition toward a performance-based highway program. To do this work, GAO conducted site visits and a survey, reviewed relevant documentation, and interviewed FHWA and state officials. "