PPB System Implications on Future Highway Program

The popular PPB (planning, programming, budgeting) System, still principally a concept and admittedly imperfect, will guide executive and legislative representatives in the future in evaluating alternative programs and making decisions for long-term commitment of government resources. Funds are allocated to programs in relation to effectiveness of a program over alternative programs in attainment of the objective. Simple in concept, complex in application, the System requires detailed evaluation of individual projects or increments making up alternative programs, plus recognition that all program benefits cannot be quantified in dollars. Some applications of the System to highway programs are illustrated, showing advantages and disadvantages. Highway engineers can contribute from their experience and established techniques of cost-effectiveness evaluations for highway program elements. Despite competitive aspects of the System, support for highway programs and acceptance of decisions of highway administrators can be encouraged through use of the PPB System.