49 U.S.C. § 101 : US Code - Section 101: Purpose

Search 49 U.S.C. § 101 : US Code - Section 101: Purpose

(a) The national objectives of general welfare, economic growth
and stability, and security of the United States require the
development of transportation policies and programs that contribute
to providing fast, safe, efficient, and convenient transportation
at the lowest cost consistent with those and other national
objectives, including the efficient use and conservation of the
resources of the United States.
(b) A Department of Transportation is necessary in the public
interest and to -
(1) ensure the coordinated and effective administration of the
transportation programs of the United States Government;
(2) make easier the development and improvement of coordinated
transportation service to be provided by private enterprise to
the greatest extent feasible;
(3) encourage cooperation of Federal, State, and local
governments, carriers, labor, and other interested persons to
achieve transportation objectives;
(4) stimulate technological advances in transportation, through
research and development or otherwise;
(5) provide general leadership in identifying and solving
transportation problems; and
(6) develop and recommend to the President and Congress
transportation policies and programs to achieve transportation
objectives considering the needs of the public, users, carriers,
industry, labor, and national defense.