The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is a division of the United States Department of Transportation that specializes in highway transportation. The agency's major activities are grouped into two programs: the Federal-aid Highway Program and the Federal Lands Highway Program. The FHWA's role in the Federal-aid Highway Program is to oversee federal funds used for constructing and maintaining the National Highway System (NHS), which includes the Interstate Highway System and other roads that are important to the nation's economy, defense, and mobility. The Federal Lands Highway Program provides funding for roads and bridges on federal lands, such as national parks and forests. The FHWA also conducts research and provides technical assistance to state and local governments on transportation issues.