(a) This part implements the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 7701 et seq. and Executive Order (E.O.) 12699, “Seismic Safety of Federal and Federally-Assisted or Regulated New Building Construction” (3 CFR, 1990 Comp., p. 269). Under the Executive Order the DOT is given the responsibility for developing and implementing its own mission-appropriate and cost-effective regulations governing seismic safety.

(b) This part applies to new DOT owned buildings and to new DOT leased, assisted and regulated buildings. The purpose of this part is to reduce risk to lives of the building occupants, improve the capabilities of essential buildings to function during or after an earthquake, and to reduce earthquake losses of public buildings and investments.

(c) This part may be further implemented by the DOT Operating Administrations.