(a) The State Department of Transportation may submit a written request to the FHWA that a project be converted to a regular Federal-aid project at any time provided that sufficient Federal-aid funds and obligation authority are available.

(b) Subsequent to FHWA approval the State Department of Transportation may claim reimbursement for the Federal share of project costs incurred, provided the project agreement has been executed. If the State Department of Transportation has previously submitted a final voucher, the FHWA will process the voucher for payment.