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"STEP: A Federal Research Program - Conducting Research That Links to Practice" - Webinar
May 13, 2009
Welcome to the "Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program – STEP: A Federal Research Program - Conducting Research that Links to Practice" Webinar.
My name is Felicia Young. I am a Team Leader within the Office of Interstate and Border Planning within FHWA's Office of Environment, Planning and Realty and program manager of the STEP. I will be your moderator for today's webinar.
This webinar is intended to provide FHWA staff with an overview of the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program, the STEP process, and information about future activities.
The session will last approximately one hour with thirty minutes dedicated to questions and answers.
Today's STEP webinar will start with a few welcome remarks from HEP Associate Administrator Gloria Shepherd.
Following the remarks, Jill Hochman will provide an overview of the STEP. We will then hear highlights of research underway within STEP.
Afterwards, I will facilitate a question and answer session. Again, please feel free to send your questions using the Chat feature directly to me at any point during the presentation. The questions and answers will be addressed at the end of the presentations.
I would like to welcome everyone to today's webinar. I hope that you will find today's STEP presentation educational and will want to share this information with your stakeholders.
Speaker Notes:
STEP is also the primary source of SAFETEA-LU funds available to conduct all FHWA research on planning and environmental issues.
SAFETEA-LU also has some specific requirements about how STEP is to be carried out. The law requires, to the maximum extent practicable, that:
We expect that STEP, or some similar program, will be included in the next surface transportation authorization legislation and are looking ahead to planning for the FY2010 STEP. Your feedback today will be valuable as we continue efforts to implement the STEP and plan for future research activities.
Recent Examples:
Today's Webinar should help to increase involvement of field staff in the STEP. Ways that field staff can participate in the STEP include:
Two examples of FHWA field participation in STEP outreach initiatives are:
Today you will also hear about initiatives planned or underway in the STEP program that would be appropriate for FHWA field staff participation. We look forward to continuing to work with you to implement the STEP. Your active involvement helps to ensure that STEP continues to develop cutting-edge research that addresses stakeholder needs and enhances the delivery of the FHWA Federal Aid Program.
We are often asked about how FHWA's STEP is funded.
SAFETEA-LU authorized $16.875 million per year for FY2006-2009 for the STEP program.
Part of Title V Research – funds authorized in 5101(a)(1)
Title V Research – over designated (i.e. funds designated exceed funds authorized
One question we are often is asked by our stakeholders is "Who gets FHWA's STEP money?"
STEP funds are available to
Another question we are often asked is "How are FHWA's STEP funds awarded?"
A variety of procurement mechanisms are used to award STEP funds including:
Broad Agency Announcements are used to obtain broad & diverse perspectives and options for advancing research initiatives. This information is posted on FedBizOpps.gov
Information regarding requests for proposals is also posted on the STEP website as it becomes available.
FHWA's STEP funds match requirements include:
FHWA's STEP funding challenges include:
Must encompass existing national mandates, mandated studies and projects
Support research that impacts a broad array of stakeholders
We realize that there are pros and cons to the current match requirement. This requirement is set in the reauthorization legislation and does not allow us much flexibility.
How are stakeholders involved in the STEP research program?
STEP Tier 1 Stakeholders include Federal Agencies and Tribes such as:
STEP Tier II Stakeholders include State and Local Government such as:
STEP Tier III Stakeholders include Nongovernmental Transportation and Environmental groups such as:
The following tips allow stakeholders to provide feedback and become involved in the STEP program.
The first step is to REVIEW THE STEP STRATEGY- This strategy outlines the proposed research priorities for the forthcoming fiscal year. This strategy can help stakeholders understand how potential suggested lines of research might fit within the scope of the strategy that can be found on the STEP Website.
The second step is to DEVELOP SUGGESTED LINES OF RESEARCH - After reviewing the STEP strategy, stakeholders should develop proposed research topics within the parameters of the STEP Implementation Strategy. Suggested lines of research should be related to STEP's research priorities.
Third, stakeholders should SUBMIT FEEDBACK - Once suggested lines of research are developed, stakeholders should submit this information and proposed research topics using the STEP Web site. Stakeholders should note that these submissions are not considered formal research proposals.
After submitting feedback, stakeholders should REVIEW THE ANNUAL PLAN once it is approved by the Associate Administrator and posted to the website.
After the STEP Plan has been approved, individual emphasis area contacts will develop specific requests for proposals as appropriate for research projects that are included in the STEP Plan. STEP research funding opportunities will be posted at https://www.fbo.gov/.
Stakeholders should monitor FEDBIZOPPS.GOV.
Lastly, stakeholder should always be in contact with STEP EMPHASIS AREAS - Stakeholders should contact individual STEP emphasis area contacts on an on-going basis to discuss the status of research in a specific emphasis area.
FHWA's STEP Implementation Timelines is as follows:
Winter
Spring
Spring/Summer
Fall/Winter
In preparation for FY09 activities, FHWA opened the public comment period in June 2008. FHWA received 424 comments.
$14.5 million is available for FY09 STEP.
The FY09 STEP plan was posted on the STEP Web site at the beginning of the year.
This diagram is a visual of the different STEP Emphasis Areas. From this diagram you will see the emphasis areas that fall within environment, planning and tools to support these areas.
You will now hear from representatives from the different STEP emphasis areas. Our hope is that you will learn more about the emphasis areas' goals, current research activities and future research initiatives.
STEP emphasis areas
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Evaluation Study analyzed 67 CMAQ-funded projects. This study is a result of SAFETEA-LU's Section 1808, Congress' requirement of the U.S. Department of Transportation, with the EPA, to evaluate the impacts of CMAQ-funded projects.
Please visit: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/cmaqpgs/safetealu1808/index.htm
Evaluation and Dissemination of Conformity Practices provided a web site that serves as an easily searchable repository of examples of transportation conformity documents and processes that could be replicated in other areas of the country. The initial web site and functionality was presented at the Northern Transportation and Air Quality Summit 2008 and the 2008 FHWA Environmental Conference.
Please visit: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/conformity/practices/index.cfm
Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) Near Roadway Dissemination Study- In June 2005, FHWA, Nevada DOT, and Sierra Club entered into a Settlement Agreement to end Sierra Club's appeal of the court's finding in favor of FHWA in the matter of an NEPA document for the expansion to US95. FHWA agreed to perform a study of the behavior of concentrations of mobile source air toxics (MSAT) in the near road environment.
It took almost two years from the date the Settlement Agreement was signed to have an agreed upon Study Protocol and to enter an Interagency Agreement with the USEPA. It took another 18 months to have the trailers built, purchase and calibrate the equipment, find our first site, gain access to that site, prepare/improve the site so as to be able to place the trailers there to begin collecting samples. The first year of the monitoring study got underway in December 2008. Please visit http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/airtoxicmsat/index.htm
Sponsor a number of air quality conference including:
Northern Transportation and Air Quality Summit 2008: Nearly 130 air quality and transportation professionals from Northern and Mid-Atlantic States met for the first Northern Transportation and Air Quality Summit (NTAQS) in Baltimore, MD, August 13-15. The NTAQS brought together stakeholders from the fields of transportation and air quality to discuss the current and upcoming regulatory environment, new technologies, and current practices. The 3-day conference began on a Wednesday afternoon with a basic orientation on the Mobile Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES), the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest air-quality modeling software led by FHWA and EPA staff. Please visit: www.marama.org/ntaqs/
AASHTO Air Quality Practitioners Conference, Albany, NY, November 17-20, 2008: represented by all state DOT air quality staff
On-going Air Quality Research:
Transportation and Air Quality Emissions Analysis – Broad Agency Announcement solicitation
FHWA recently issued a "Transportation and Air Quality Emissions Analysis" BAA solicitation for research and development projects that could lead to better understanding and advances for tools and methodologies in conducting emissions analysis for transportation projects in the United States. Four research focus areas have been identified: 1) Testing, Evaluation and Validation of New Emission Models and Methodologies, 2) Research on Conducting Project Level Analysis, 3) Air Quality and Transportation Conformity Outreach and Communication, and 4) Fleet Data for On-road Mobile Sources Emissions Inventory. For more information of this BAA, visit: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=eafc5e40a859919a7fae0b8cd846f51d&tab=core&_cview=0&cck=1&au=&ck=
Air Quality Health Effects and Highway Proximity (Health Effects Institute): The goals of this research are to critically summarize and clearly and concisely synthesize the state of scientific knowledge regarding the potential for adverse human health impacts and highway proximity. Research findings will be published in a public document that will address the goals and specific needs of FHWA as listed below. Reports from this work will assist decision-makers on the strength of the scientific evidence relating current and future vehicle emissions to negative health outcomes and provide a solid foundation for future policy decisions.
FHWA Climate Change-Related Research
Adaptation Research:
FHWA has multiple efforts underway to address the impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure and is developing strategies to adapt to those impacts in the future. Examples include:
Phase II of the Gulf Coast Study, which will develop risk assessment tools and more detailed information on the impacts of climate change on transportation.
Mitigation Research:
Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation can be reduced through more efficient vehicles, low carbon transportation fuels, a more efficient transportation system, and slowing the growth of vehicle miles traveled (VMT). FHWA is focused on the system efficiencies and the reduction in the growth of VMT as the areas where the agency has the most direct effect. Examples include:
Total FY09 budget 270k, an increase from 70k the past two fiscal years.
Research goals:
Identify and promote best practices
Evaluate environmental and health benefits of increased walking and bicycling
Improve data and modeling of walking and bicycling trips
Current projects:
FHWA/AASHTO International Scan on Walking and Bicycling
Continued support for the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program
Contact: Gabe Rousseau
FHWA Traffic Noise Model Version 3.0 Development
The FHWA TNM Version 3.0 has been under development since mid-2004. If Version 3.0 is not funded to completion, the FHWA TNM will reach a point where the software will no longer operate with advancing computer technology. The FHWA TNM Version 3.0 will contemporize the code to prevent an obsolete model due to platform incompatibility; re-organize the code to allow for more efficient future software development and maintenance; and update/removal of an aging third party database that is becoming obsolete.
The FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM) is required by 23 CFR 772 to be used on Federal Aid Highway projects and is also used internationally as state-of-the-art highway traffic noise prediction and noise barrier design tool. All FHWA TNM work is driven by state acceptance, which requires ongoing software development, verification of satisfactory performance, and guidance on its use. The FHWA TNM Version 3.0 is anticipated for completion in mid to late 2010.
Testing and Validation of FHWA Traffic Noise Model Version 3.0
This research will include testing and validation efforts associated with the FHWA TNM version 3.0.
FHWA Traffic Noise Model Increased Ldn Capability
This research project was initially going to be jointly funded by the HUD. Currently, FHWA TNM can calculate LDN but the input is not flexible for TNM users. In the LDN traffic input dialogue box, the Average Daily Traffic (ADT) is entered, and then the vehicle counts are divided into percentages of the ADT by time of day (either day or night). FHWA TNM requires the daytime percentage and nighttime percentage to each add up to 100%. The LDN calculation assumes that the traffic counts for the daytime period are equal for each of the 15 hours of the daytime period, and the traffic counts are equal for each of the 9 hours of the nighttime period. HUD requires different input parameters with more detailed traffic information. Modifying these input parameters reduces the burdens of environmental requirements for HUD constituents and for FHWA TNM users.
FHWA Traffic Noise Model/Pavement Validation Study
This research will begin by determining the validity of the FHWA TNM v2.5 in relation to varying the pavement type. The validity of introducing more advanced pavement affects into future versions of the FHWA TNM is also needed. This will be done by performing validation studies, which involve data collection, FHWA TNM modeling, and the comparison of measured and predicted data.
Tire/Pavement Noise Measurements: Temperature Effects Study
The influence of temperature on tire/pavement noise is being investigated in order to provide guidance on correcting for temperature variations in measured sound levels. Several traffic noise and vehicle pass-by data sets with broad variation in temperatures are being examined to help determine trends relating to the effects of temperature. For the data examined to date, the effects of temperature appear to be fairly small; as such, care is being taken to apply the proper statistics to determine validity of the observed effect. Results are showing that there generally appears to be a trend of slightly decreasing sound levels with increasing temperatures, although the strength of the effect varies by temperature measurement medium (air or pavement), vehicle type, pavement type, and pavement age. The variation is enough to warrant an initial recommendation for not applying a general temperature correction to measured data.
Tire/Pavement Noise Research Consortium Pooled Fund TPF-5(135):
The ultimate goal is to incorporate pavement type into the FHWA Traffic Noise Model.
Shari will now provide more details about research initiatives with the Office of Project Development & Environmental Review.
STEP emphasis areas that operate under The Office of Project Development & Environmental Review include:
Chloride (Cl) Study
National Synthesis on Potential Sources, Fate and Transport, and Potential Effects of Chloride in Surface- and Groundwater-Resources of the Conterminous United States
In the water quality area, especially in the northern region of the country with the need to use deicing materials, chlorides have been receiving increasing attention as the population growth makes increasing demands on available water resources and water quality is affected by not only deicing materials but also other human induced activities including private septic systems and water softeners. But when we think of salt loading to the environment we often think of salt trucks on the highway, but road salt only accounts for about less than a third of the annual anthropogenic chloride loads.
The objective of this recent research through STEP is to provide water-resource managers and decision makers with the information necessary to evaluate potential natural and human induced Cl sources in a watershed. The study with develop and provide a characterization of natural Cl concentrations can provide a baseline to evaluate the salt tolerance of the natural ecosystem and to evaluate the probability of water-quality exceedances without anthropogenic inputs. Characterization of anthropogenic Cl concentrations and loads can provide information necessary to estimate Cl inputs on the basis of land-use information. This information, which can be used to identify and evaluate the magnitude of potential sources of Cl, may be used by water-resource managers to evaluate methods to reduce various Cl sources throughout the watershed so that the number of water-quality exceedances may be reduced.
Study will develop a synthesis of information and estimation techniques for the fate and transport of CL in a watershed
International Best Management Practices (BMP) Stormwater Database
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FHWA ESA Section 7 Consultation Web Site- ESAFHWA.ORG
Indiana Bat Northeast States Literature Synthesis
A need for greater knowledge about the Indiana bat's behavioral trends, biological needs, and habitat requirements in the Northeast United States has been identified by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in order to properly assess the species in regards to section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act. This knowledge is also needed to identify and implement best management practices for transportation projects that have the potential to affect the recovery of the species.
Most section 7 Consultations include Informal and Formal Consultations, in which the best available scientific and commercial data is used to determine the effects of the proposed action (project) on the species or its critical habitat. This requires the sponsoring agency (FHWA) to conduct exhaustive reviews of the available scientific information, which often results in duplication of efforts between various projects. This Literature Review and Distribution Analysis attempts to compile this information into one document that can be used as a "starting point" for transportation projects in the Northeast that require section 7 consultations for the Indiana bat.
This literature review and distribution analysis identifies and summarizes the best available information concerning the Indiana bat in the Northeast U.S., including its physical characteristics, distribution, life history, and ecology. As a result of this literature review and a corresponding internet survey, in which more than 30 biologists and other Indiana bat experts participated, the available information was critiqued, data gaps were identified, and conservation measures were discussed and evaluated.
The Indiana bat was officially listed as an endangered species in 1967. Since then the overall population estimate has decreased from almost 900,000 to about 450,000
Population trends vary by region. Historically, the Indiana bat population was found primarily in Kentucky and Missouri, which had nearly 75 percent of the population. Currently, the northern population outnumbers the southern by a ratio of 1.5:1, which is at least partially attributable to significant population declines in Kentucky and Missouri. Indiana bat populations increased by nearly 50 percent between 1965 and 2005 in the Northeast region and the 2005 census data indicate that approximately 9.3 percent of the Indiana bat population (42,745 out of a total of 457,374) is located in the Northeast United States.
Potential effects of highway projects include conversion of land use, removal of roost trees, loss of foraging habitat, effects on travel corridors, and vehicle strikes. In addition a new disease, "White Nose Syndrome" has caused significant mortality among Indiana bats, as well as other bat species. Their population status continues to decline. FHWA recently completed a literature review of the ecology of Indiana bats in the Northeast. It will be available on the website soon.
Wildlife Vehicle Collision Congressional study and training manual: The Congressional study documented the growing problem of Wildlife Vehicle collisions which account from 1-2 million accidents per year. The report highlights counter measures to reduce the incidence of collisions. Fencing with crossing structures and animal detection systems were found to be effective wildlife vehicle collision reduction measures.
The Best Practices Manual may be accessed online at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/hconnect/wvc/index.htm.
The Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Report to Congress is available online at http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/08034/
(Note: As of May, 2009, these publications are temporarily unavailable online.)
The Best Practices Manual builds on the findings of the Report to Congress. It covers the complete range of strategies for programs to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, from statewide and regional planning through site-specific mitigation. The manual includes:
The manual provides design and implementation guidelines for wildlife fencing, wildlife underpasses and overpasses, animal detection systems, vegetation management, and wildlife culling.
The international Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET) has occurred in locations across America Including Lake Paced, NY, San Diego, A, Little Rock Arkansas to name just a few. This conference is usually attended by over 400 people from around the world anxious to learn about the latest research and creative approaches to making transportation projects blend into our environment and wherever possible provide environmental enhancements. http://www.icoet.net/ICOET2009.asp
Funded Research Underway
Integrate transportation and environmental planning through to project level efforts for economic, environmental, & societal needs & objectives
Future Grant Cycles Anticipated |
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Multi-agency Eco-Logical publication online at : http://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/ecological/eco_entry.asp
Background Information:
WHAT IS AN ECOSYSTEM ? 8 Federal Agencies Agree:
An interconnected community of living things and the physical environment within which they interact (humans included)
Eco-Logical uses an ecosystem approach that fulfills relevant statures while pursuing improved practices.
An inter-agency steering team and strategy, including 8 federal agencies. 3 state transportation agencies, & 1 toll agencydeveloped the "Eco-Logical" framework and written publication - with signatures from Headquarters' offices from the 8 federal agencies including:
FHWA 2007 Administrator's Award to: "Eco-Logical" Inter-agency Steering Team
Green Highways Partnership (GHP)
Website: http://www.greenhighways.org
Watershed Resource Registry (WRR)
HQ Liaison
New EPA Liaison in the Water Program is Laura Bachle, AICP, OW-FHWA Liaison
Communities of Practice: The newsletters and websites present an opportunity to highlight good state practices
SAFETEA-LU Performance: Section 6002 March data being compiled for management (data is solicited from Field in March & Sept); Section 6005 audit occurs in July – this finishes the 2 year review.
CSS Clearinghouse - Building a Community of Practice through - Over 1000 registered site users
WEBINAR
The Dialog will be spearheaded by a series of five, one-day workshops to be held in various locations across the country. Each workshop will focus on a particular aspect of CSS, and use transportation projects or programs to highlight CSS best practices and provide a springboard for discussion and interaction. The workshop topics will vary, depending on the topics of most interest to the local workshop audience and the specific best practices selected for presentation. Potential topics could include effective and meaningful community engagement; facility design or construction that harmonizes with the existing natural and community context; or the use of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team to develop a project design or program. The workshops will be fully documented and the documentation will be made widely available. The workshops are tentatively planned to be held from July 2009 through December 2009.
Big tent approach to the Steering Committee and Dialog – wide range of traditional partners and new ones Scenic America, U.S. EPA Headquarters, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), Project for Public Spaces, Center for Neighborhood Technology, NYC DOT, American Council of Engineering Companies, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., Congress for the New Urbanism, FHWA –RC, HEPN, HIPA, HSA, Arkansas ,Texas Division, North Dakota, Indiana, NCDOT Tennessee DOT, Oregon State University, Caltrans Headquarters, University of Minnesota, Center for Transportation Studies, City of Terrell, University of Connecticut, USDA Forest Service Engineering, Minnesota DOT
The goals of the dialog are to:
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Ongoing efforts in the Historic Preservation emphasis area have included an interagency agreement with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) for research and innovation in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. In the course of providing technical assistance with numerous Programmatic Agreements (PA), the FHWA liaison at the ACHP has developed a series of best practices available on the internet, a checklist for how to craft PAs, and a separate webpage on the ACHP site for FHWA programs and projects. (http://www.achp.gov/fhwa.html) The interagency partnership has also outlined a program alternative intended to streamline the Section 106 process for common mid-20th century reinforced concrete and steel bridge types that otherwise might have to be individually considered as potential historic resources.
Current STEP funds have been programmed for additional initiatives to provide needed research, dissemination of previous studies, and peer exchange opportunities. Once the NCHRP study now in progress to identify best practices for linking planning and environmental considerations for historic properties is concluded this summer, STEP funds will be used to support any follow up work that is identified and to disseminate the results. Funds have also been programmed to support the highly sought NCHRP project to develop a "model" historic context for post WWII housing. As these resources are achieving the 50 year age at an exponentially increasing rate, a sound methodology will be essential for ensuring their efficient consideration as part of the Section 106 process.
Several DOT/FHWA supported liaisons housed within State Historic Preservation Offices will be given the opportunity to attend summer TRB meetings to benefit from the interaction with their professional peers in the transportation field, while FHWA and DOT staff will receive the benefit of interaction to receive a tribal perspective on transportation project development. Finally, since well over half of the FHWA projects adversely affecting historic resources involve historic bridges, a series of best practices for their management is in order.
A separate effort with the ACHP produced the curriculum and several pilot presentation of a day-long advanced Section 106 seminar aimed at experienced practitioners who needed additional training for complex and controversial 106 cases. This seminar is now available by request to HQ.
http://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/histpres/index.asp
The Office of Real Estate Services
Identification and Development of Local Public Agency Stewardship Tools and Techniques
This research program's goal is to identify and evaluate successful LPA stewardship and oversight programs and the common challenges that are faced by both the State DOTs and LPAs. A series of teleconferences were held utilizing a representative cross section of stakeholders who are associated with this program area. The information gathered during this research indicated that additional course work and training are required in order to mitigate these common challenges. The Office of Real Estate Services is partnering with the National Highway Institute (NHI) to develop training material and a NHI instructor led course which will be utilized in addressing all aspects of the LPA program as it relates to right – of –way. The course can therefore be readily marketed and utilized by the State DOTs and LPA's to assist in the successful implementation of this program area. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/REALESTATE/research.htm
The Commercial Electronic Variable Message Sign (CEVMS) Study
Evaluates driver attention and distraction and their potential risks to safety and its role in congestion.
Phase 1:Identified and evaluated the most significant measures and issues involved. The report is available at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/cevms.htm
Phase 2: Currently underway with an extensive search for two sites to conduct the field data.
FHWA will analyze the results of this study to identify subsequent guidance, regulatory changes, or suggested legislative proposals to react to the findings of this report. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/cevms.htm
The next slide will highlight stakeholder outreach and partnership activities and other Realty research projects.
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/index.htm
Outreach and Informational Dissemination Programs
Additional Outdoor Advertising/Realty Research Highlights
STEP emphasis areas
Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Program
Provides information, training, and technical assistance to help transportation professionals create plans and programs that respond to the needs of the many users of their local transportation systems
The TPCB Peer Program provides opportunities for transportation planning professionals to share experiences and noteworthy, solution-based ideas and is designed to meet the specific needs of state, regional, local, or tribal governments
http://www.planning.dot.gov/peer.asp#about
Tribal Planning Modules: Information Tools for Tribal Governments
Reservation Road Planner: Tribal Board Game
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/tpea/index.htm
Congestion Management:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/congestion/
(Identical to slide text.)
Update the following:
STEP Public Involvement, Environmental Justice, Visualization in Planning Research Highlights
Update the following:
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STEP Freight Planning Research Highlights
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/freightplanning/
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Safety Planning Website
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/scp/index.htm
Safety Planning
http://tsp.trb.org/assets/web_fact_sheet_index.pdf
Transportation Safety Planning Fact Sheet
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/tsp/fact_sheet.cfm
Goals of Travel Modeling:
Conduct outreach and education to advance the state of the practice by way of training, disseminating ideas, engaging stakeholders, and facilitating research implementation; Promote research on modeling; and Improve model quality
Travel Modeling
Outreach – Engaging Stakeholders
TMIP Web Knowledge and Information Exchange: The Black Box Series
Improving the basic practice of travel forecasting in the following four areas:
Other Major Activities: Support TRB in National Travel Forecasting Steering Committee, Develop handbook of practice, Recommended in NAS Report, Update Travel Model Validation Manual, Census Transportation Planning Product 2
Kenneth: I would like to now introduce Roger Petzold who will discuss Border Wait Time Studies and Tools to Support Environment and Planning.
STEP Emphasis Areas
FHWA has used STEP funds to work in a bi-national way to enhance the planning capacity and develop new techniques to manage our investment in transportation infrastructure and operations in the border region. The following is a few of the examples
US/Canada and US/Mexico Border Planning – Research Initiatives
US/Mexico
Support for North American Freight Flow Conference/Understanding Change/Improving Data Sources
Support JWC work plan activities:
Border Travel Time Studies:
San Diego CA (GPS)
El Paso (RFID)
Nogales AZ (GPS/RFID)
Laredo, TX (RFID)
Safety Initiative
Improve Travel Demand Model in the Border Region
Border Master Plan Studies
Impact of Border Crossing on Regional Transportation Plan and Local Transportation Network
Ecological Considerations and Wildlife Corridors in the Border Region
Green Border Initiative
Border Technology Exchange Program Support
US/Canada
Development of Joint Border Wait Time Performance Measure
Border Congestion Initiative – Cascade Gateway Expanded Cross Border Advanced Information System
Support TBWG work plan activities:
Economic Impact of the Border on Transportation
Support for the Border Portion of the Canadian Truck Road side survey
Support Northern Border Data Enhancement Study
Support TBWG Regional Workshops
NHS project results in annual release of an NHS network coding CD.
Highway System and Corridor Support
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/nhs/
FHWA has used STEP funds to help State DOTs learn how their peers have used GIS and other geospatial technologies to help them make better transportation decisions.
We've been promoting the use of GIS and other geospatial technologies through
Peer Exchanges, Case Studies, and Best Practice Reports
Past Peer Exchanges
GIS ROW I & II, GIS-Planning and Environment Linkages, GIS-Environmental Streamlining
Upcoming Peer Exchanges
GIS-Bike/Ped, May 12th & 12th, 2009 in Miami FL, Miami-Dade MPO hosting
GIS/Visualization, July 8th & 9th, 2009 in Raleigh NC, NCDOT hosting
GIS-EcoLogical, July 22nd & 23rd, 2009 in Austin TX, CAPCOG hosting
Summary reports for each of the peer exchanges will be made available on the GIS in Transportation website
Quarterly newsletters and webcasts, website database
Newsletters - Winter 2009 and Spring 2009, upcoming Summer 2009 will be available around late June early July on website http://gis.fhwa.dot.gov
Webcasts - November 2008, February 2009, next one will be May/June 2009, notes available on website
Website contains a database of GIS application efforts underway at State DOTs and MPOs
These research initiatives are cooperative efforts between FHWA States and MPOs
More information at http://gis.fhwa.dot.gov
We look forward to receiving your feedback regarding the STEP and to your increased involvement in the STEP implementation. We have developed several polling questions to solicit feedback today regarding your interest in receiving additional information about specific emphasis areas.
If you have any questions about STEP or this webinar, please send an e-mail to Felicia.Young@dot.gov.
To contact emphasis areas directly, please visit for the most up-to-date contact information: www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/contacts.htm.
Thank you for participating in today's session.
If you have any questions about STEP or this webinar, please send an e-mail to Felicia Young at felicia.young@dot.gov.
To provide Suggestions or Comments for this web page contact Phil Roke at phil.roke@dot.gov.
