FHWA Resource Center
RC Success Stories
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
Your Link To Successful Solutions For Today's Transportation
NOVEMBER, 2001
Making A Way For States To Share More Efficiently
In an effort to increase and provide training and qualification support, the South East Task Group on Technician Training and Qualification (SETFTTQ) has established a resourceful way for states to obtain applicable information for their programs. SETFTTQ is an information sharing and resource group that was established by SAASHTO's Regional Quality Workshop for Materials and Construction steering committee. The group is to facilitate value added information among states seeking to improve their materials testing and certification programs.
The group has met regularly since November 1999 and created expert teams in the areas of administration, asphalt, concrete, soils, and aggregates. Each of these teams worked to collect information about member state's training curriculum and materials test methods being utilized. In addition, information regarding certification areas, responsibilities/duties, prerequisites, tests methods and procedures, availability of training materials and length of qualification is also available.
The recently developed technician training group matrix developed by the task force is very helpful. This product was developed to show the differences and commonalities between the state programs.
KEY BENEFITS:
- Easily Accessible Program Information
- Information Resource Sharing
- Identify Best State Practice
- Saves Time And Builds Networking
Opportunity:
Increased Efficiency through coordinating development of training manuals.
The matrix also identifies test procedures that are being conducted by member states and how these procedures are different. It shows areas of agreement that could become the basis for the development of joint regional training manuals. Most participants agree that it is more efficient and cost effective to update one manual as opposed to 12 different manuals. Tom Malerk, Florida DOT, the task force Chairman, stated, another benefit of this activity is that it has caused some states to ask the question, "Do we really need this in our testing methods?" Therefore, SETFTTQ efforts are making a noticeable difference improving the efficiency of their testing programs. The task force has evolved into an information sharing resource group that will assist states as they develop their respective training programs.
The Southern Resource Center serves as a liaison representative to the task force and continues to support the group by providing resources and expertise.
For more information contact:
Tom Malerk, State Materials Engineer, Florida DOT, 352-337-3170
tom.malerk@dot.state.fl.us
Michael Smith, Materials Engineer, Resource Center, 404-562-3694
michael.smith@fhwa.dot.gov
SUCCESS FLASH
Alabama's DA Receives Historical Award
On September 28th, in Montgomery, Alabama, Joe Wilkerson, Federal Highway (FHWA) Division Administrator of Alabama was presented the State's "Historical Distinguished Service Award" for his outstanding contributions to historic preservation in Alabama. This award represents the outstanding programs and effort that Mr. Wilkerson and his staff have managed during his FHWA service in the State.
While overseeing the delivery of the ISTEA and the TEA-21 programs, which fund a variety of significant historic preservation projects in Alabama, FHWA's Alabama Division helped the state fund major historical preservations. The preservation projects included train depots/ stations, bridges, and archaeology and bus stations. One of Alabama's most prominent projects is the rails-to-trails multi-phased Chief Ladiga Trail that will eventually connect with a similar trail in Georgia.
Congratulations!
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