### Question
How is the "lead agency" defined?


### Answer
The term **lead agency** is defined in *23 U.S.C. § 139* as follows -

> the Department of Transportation and, if applicable, any State or local governmental entity serving as a joint lead agency pursuant to this section

#### Citation:
  - *23 U.S.C. § 139*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 1-FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS**

