The federal Highway Safety Act [23 U.S.C. § 401 et seq.] has authorized appropriations for a number of programs relating to projects for the improvement of highway safety and the reduction of traffic congestion. Such programs include the rail-highway crossings program; the pavement marking demonstration program; projects for high-hazard locations, including, but not limited to, projects for bicycle and pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures in those locations; a program for the elimination of roadside obstacles; and the federal-aid safe roads demonstration program. The Department of Transportation has been implementing these programs successfully for many years. The purpose of this subchapter is to authorize the Department of Transportation to include a “Safe Routes to School” program in its implementation of these federal programs in this State. The Secretary, the Department of Transportation, the county governments, and governing bodies of the incorporated municipalities in this State are authorized to do all things necessary in their respective jurisdictions to secure and expend such federal funds in accordance with the intent of the federal act and of this subchapter.