The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsors the Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) Program as a means for interested states, FHWA, and other organizations to partner to solve common transportation-related problems. To qualify as a pooled fund study, more than one state transportation agency, Federal agency, local agency such as a municipality or metropolitan planning organization, college or university, or a private company must find the subject important enough to commit funds or other resources to the project.

State and federal transportation agencies may initiate pooled fund studies. Local and regional transportation agencies, private industry, foundations, and colleges and universities may partner with any or all of the sponsoring agencies to conduct pooled fund projects.