SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PROGRAM |
Year
|
1997*
|
1998
|
1999
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003 |
Authorization
|
$101.6M
|
$96M
|
$97M
|
$97M
|
$98M
|
$101M
|
$103M |
* Funded from General Operating Expenses
Program Purpose
The Surface Transportation Research program funds research, development, and technology transfer activities with respect to all phases of transportation planning and development and motor carrier transportation, in addition to testing and development activities.
Funding
Provides contract authority funding for research and technology (R&T). [5001(a)(1)] Funding previously provided for R&T through annual appropriations for General Operating Expenses (GOE) is no longer available for research and technology activities.
- R&T funds continue to be subject to the overall Federal-aid obligation limitation, but will no longer receive limitation equal to 100 percent of available funding. They will now be included in the formula distribution of the limitation and will receive a prorated share on the same basis as other Federal-aid programs. [1102(c)(5)]
- R&T obligations will now also be subject to a separate limitation within the overall Federal-aid obligation limitation. [5002]
- Limitation set aside for research programs may be carried over for 3 years. [1102(e), TRA 9002(b)(2)]
Program Activities
Requires the Surface Transportation Research program to include research, technology development, and technology transfer in the following areas [5102]:
- performance indicators for the nations surface transportation infrastructure
- materials, methods, and testing to improve the durability of surface transportation infrastructure
- technologies to reduce cost and minimize disruption due to construction activities and natural disasters
- non-destructive evaluation equipment
- dynamic simulation models of surface transportation systems
- highway geometrics, structures, and vehicle size and weight standards
- telecommuting and linkages between transportation, information technology, and community development and the impact of technological change and economic restructuring on travel demand
- life cycle cost analysis
- standardized estimates of useful life of advanced materials
- traffic calming measures
- safety-enhancing equipment
The following programs and studies are specifically authorized
- An Advanced Research program to address longer-term, higher-risk research that shows potential for substantial national benefits. No specific funding amount is designated. [5102]
- The Long Term Pavement Performance program is continued at $10 million/year for FYs 1998-2003. [5001(c)(1)(A), 5102]
- A Seismic Research program is continued at the University of Buffalo National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research at $2 million/year for FYs 1998-2003. [5001(c)(1)(B), 5102]
- An Infrastructure Investment Needs Report is required biennially. No specific funding amount is designated. [5102]
- A program of research on improved methods of using concrete pavement in the construction, reconstruction, and repair of Federal-aid highways is authorized at $5 million/year for FYs 1998-2003. [5001(c)(1)(D)]
- A study is required to determine the goals, purposes, research agenda, and projects, administrative structure, and fiscal needs for a new strategic highway research program . No specific funding amount is designated. [5112]
International Highway Transportation Outreach
Continued at $500,000/year for FYs 1998-2003. [5001(c)(1)(C)]
The purpose of this program is to [5106]
- Inform the U.S. highway community of technological innovations in foreign countries that could significantly improve highway transportation in the U.S.
- promote U.S. highway transportation expertise, goods, and services in foreign countries.
- increase transfer of U.S. highway transportation technology to foreign countries.
Designated Surface Transportation Research Projects
The following projects are specifically identified to be funded from Surface Transportation Research funds authorized under Section 5001(a)(1):
Under University Grants:
- Seismic Research at the University of California at San Diego at $1 million in each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002 [5116(a)]
- Global Climate Research at the University of Alabama at Huntsville at $200,000 in each of fiscal years 1999 through 2003 [5116(b)]
- Asphalt Research at Auburn University at $250,000 in each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000 [5116(c)]
Under the Transportation Technology Innovation and Demonstration program:
- Corrosion Control and Prevention at $500,000 in each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000 [5117(b)(4)]
- Fundamental Properties of Asphalts and Modified Asphalts at the Western Research Institute of the University of Wyoming at $1 million in fiscal year 1998 and $3 million in each of fiscal years 1999 through 2003 [5117(b)(5), TRA 9011(h)]
- A Recycled Materials Resource Center at the University of New Hampshire at $1.5 million in each of fiscal years 1998 through 2003 [5117(b)(8)]
September 14, 1998