(a) Subject to the availability of state and federal funds, it is the intent of the legislature to further the purposes of the United States Congress as expressed in 23 U.S.C. Sections 134, 135, 146, and 149 and in Section 1012(b) of Pub. L. No. 102-240, as amended, to improve safety, conserve fuel, decrease traffic congestion during rush hours, improve air quality, develop innovative techniques to finance transportation projects, and enhance the use of existing highways and facilities.
(b) The legislature declares that it is necessary, to further the purposes described by Subsection (a), to provide for the participation of the department, including the expenditure of available funds by the department, in projects and facilities for the purpose of congestion mitigation.