2009 Annual Report
Section III: Research Highlights
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Planning, Environment and Realty's (HEP) Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) ended on September 30, 2012. For current HEP research information, please see HEP's research web site.
STEP emphasis area contacts and program staff identified research activities for FY2009 based on stakeholder feedback and other national priorities. A summary table is provided below. Complete descriptions of each research activity recommended in FY2009 can be found on the STEP website at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/resources/fy_09_report/index.cfm.
| Emphasis Area |
Number of Research Recommendations |
FY2009 STEP Budget |
| ENVIRONMENT EMPHASIS AREAS |
| Air Quality and Global Climate Change |
4 |
$1,250,000 |
| Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat/ Brownfields |
9 |
$1,070,000 |
| Historic Preservation |
2 |
$225,000 |
| Bicycle/Pedestrian and Health |
3 |
$270,000 |
| Noise |
1 |
$390,000 |
| Outdoor Advertising Control/Realty Program Management |
6 |
$585,000 |
| Environmental Streamlining/Stewardship |
8 |
$1,663,500 |
| Context Sensitive Solutions |
2 |
$500,000 |
| PLANNING EMPHASIS AREAS |
| Congestion |
1 |
$750,000 |
| Safety Planning |
1 |
$100,000 |
| Freight Planning |
1 |
$200,000 |
| Public Involvement, Environmental Justice, Visualization in Planning |
1 |
$200,000 |
| Other Activities that Support State/Local/Tribal Planning Capacity Building |
9 |
$2,600,000 |
| U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico Border Planning |
2 |
$525,000 |
| National Security, Defense and Interstate Planning |
4 |
$600,000 |
| TOOLS TO SUPPORT PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT EMPHASIS AREAS |
| GIS/Spatial Information for Improved Decision Making |
5 |
$405,000 |
| Travel Modeling |
1 |
$1,170,000 |
| PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND OUTREACH |
3 |
$1,000,000 |
| |
|
|
| HEP ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR |
|
$1,185,934 |
| TOTAL |
67 |
$14,689,434 |
STEP funds contributed to substantial advancements in research and tools to support transportation planning and the environment. In addition, STEP research projects have leveraged funds from other sources to complete this work. Several emphasis areas were involved in successful cost-sharing partnerships.
Descriptions of FY2009 research accomplishments by emphasis area, including those funded with FY2006, FY2007, or FY2008 funds, are listed below. These descriptions include accomplishments from both short-term and ongoing projects. The total budget for an emphasis area may not equal the sum of individual projects described in this report, as some projects started in FY2009 but are not yet complete and some accomplishments occurred in FY2009 but were funded in prior years.
Emphasis Areas Related to Environment
Emphasis Area Contacts: Cecilia Ho and Diane Turchetta
Level of FY2009 Funding: $1,250,000
- Air Quality and Climate Change Research, Outreach, and Communication. (FY2009: $300,000). Accomplishments included development of the FHWA Highways and Climate Change website and brochure, the 10 Simple Steps to Reducing Climate Change flyer, the USDOT Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse website, and research on air quality health effects and highway proximity.
- Carbon Sequestration Pilot Program. (FY2009: $80,000). Work was conducted in close partnership with the New Mexico and Minnesota DOTs to develop a decision-support tool that evaluated the potential for large-scale sequestration in these States and others. In addition, the agencies developed national-level estimates of right-of-way (ROW) acreage and identified the percentages of these areas that are available for sequestration activities.
- Improving Vehicle Fleet, Activity, and Emissions Data for On-Road Mobile Sources Emissions Inventories. (FY2009: $340,000). Through this research effort, FHWA evaluated data and developed tools for estimating better vehicle fleet data (i.e., fleet composition, age, and mileage accumulation) as well as heavy-duty truck operating activities (i.e., miles traveled and idling hours). Ultimately, the products of this research will help transportation practitioners implement the new regulatory emissions model, MOVES, which is used for transportation conformity analyses.
- Modifying Link-Level Emissions Modeling Procedures for Applications within the MOVES Framework. (FY2009: $142,008). This research provided methods for converting data for use with the MOVES model and general information regarding anticipated emission inventory changes related to the current model. Furthermore, the research identified additional data collection and research needs to fully utilize the modeling capabilities of MOVES.
- Advances in Project Level Analysis. (FY2009: $109,000). This research developed and evaluated appropriate input data specific to MOVES. Ultimately, the research products will provide transportation practitioners with alternatives to using default data. These alternatives are expected to produce more accurate estimates of the localized air quality impacts of transportation projects.
- Evaluating Traffic, Emission, and Dispersion Characteristics Related to Categorical Hot-Spot Findings. (FY2009: $94,430). This research supported assessment of dispersion models with respect to MOVES, characterization of traffic, emissions, and concentration impacts, and exploration of the potential for a categorical finding based on project parameters.
- Moving Cooler Support. (FY2009: $75,000). This study provided information on the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of approximately 50 strategies related to travel behavior and system efficiency. The study also estimated costs and cost savings from these strategies, the GHG reduction from bundles of related strategies, and the equity impact of these measures.
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Evaluation and Assessment Study. (Prior Year Funding: $310,000 (Phases 1 and 2)). Through Section 1808 of SAFETEA-LU, Congress required the USDOT and USEPA to study the impacts of CMAQ projects on air quality and congestion. This study satisfies the legislative requirement by assessing a cross-section of CMAQ-funded projects and conducting seven field studies of State and local CMAQ practices. In FY2009, Phase 1 of the study was completed and results published. Phase 2 was drafted and edited; the final version was published online at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/research/safetea-lu_phase_2/index.cfm.
- Evaluation and Dissemination of Conformity Practices. (Prior Year Funding: $272,377). The FHWA Resource Center and USEPA continued to develop a conformity practices website. The website serves as an easily searchable repository of examples of transportation conformity documents and processes that could be replicated in other areas of the country. Carbon monoxide screening protocols were added to the examples and further enhancements were made to the website. The website was highlighted at several conferences and announced monthly in the Transportation Conformity Highlights newsletter. The website is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/conformity/practices/.
- National Near Road Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) Study. (Prior Year Funding: $298,000).
This effort was conducted to determine if data enhancements and cost savings could be realized by purchasing gas chromatographs (GC) and installing them in the study's monitor trailers, with the goal of reducing the use of resource intensive canister and cartridge monitoring methods. The first part of the effort involved purchasing, installing, running, and analyzing one GC. Due to the success of the first GC, three additional GCs were purchased and installed and are now running in all four trailers.
Emphasis Area Contact: Patricia Cazenas
Level of FY2009 Funding: $1,070,000
- Supporting Peer and Research Exchange at Conferences, Workshops, and Technical Panels, (FY2009: $100,000). To promote peer and research exchanges, funding support was provided to develop or host the following conferences:
- 2009 National Wetlands Award Program.
- 2009 Natural Areas Association Symposium.
- 2009 National Mitigation and Ecosystem Banking Conference; and
- 2009 Transportation Liaison Peer Exchange Workshop at the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET).
FHWA participated in a domestic scan tour focused on best management practices (BMPs) in addressing the national pollutant discharge elimination system and other water quality issues in highway system management. The scan was conducted in cooperation with AASHTO and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). The purpose of the scan was to facilitate information sharing and technology exchange among transportation agencies and explore innovation and alternative methods of practices.
- Research and Innovation Agreements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). (FY2009: $250,000). FHWA extended an existing research and innovation agreement with USFWS. The purpose of the agreement is to conduct research and promote innovation into the highway program with respect to fish and wildlife laws. This research effort developed programmatic guidance and facilitated improvements to the environmental review process. The effort also enhanced inter-agency coordination among FHWA, USFWS, and State DOTs.
- Advancing Tools Used for Decision Support and Impact Analyses for Transportation, Wildlife, and Ecological Systems. (FY2009: $100,000). FHWA continued developing and enhancing ESAFHWA.org, a Web-based streamlining tool developed to improve the Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation process. The purpose of the website is to improve the quality and consistency of biological assessments and communication among the FHWA, State DOTs, and resource agencies. This Web-based tool is now being used nationally and has received excellent user reviews.
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.
- International Stormwater BMPs Database. (Prior Year Funding: $150,000). This research and database provided currently available information on BMPs for use in selection, design, and performance of stormwater management facilities. FHWA continued to operate and maintain the database, clearinghouse and webpage. This research is currently accessible through the website at http://www.bmpdatabase.org.
- Structural Acoustic Analysis of Piles. (Prior Year Funding: $25,000). The purpose of this research project, for which FHWA provided support, was to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified Temporary Noise Attenuation Pile (TNAP) to reduce underwater sound levels from pile driving operations. The goal was to decrease the noise from pile driving by at least 35 decibels ten meters from the pile. This modified TNAP will be tested at the Vashon ferry terminal dolphin replacement project.
- FHWA Pollutant Loadings Model. (Prior Year Funding: $150,000). FHWA and the U.S. Geological Survey are cooperating on a national project to evaluate and update the existing 1990 FHWA Pollutant Loadings Model, which predicts pollutant loadings and impacts from highway stormwater runoff. The model is being finalized and training materials are being developed. This effort builds on and enhances the 1990 FHWA model.
- Wildlife Vehicle Collision (WVC) Reduction Study; Deer-Vehicle Crash (DVC) Information and Research Center Support; and Improvements to Fish and Wildlife Habitat Connectivity. (Prior Year Funding: $34,000 from STEP and $37,500 from pooled funds). The report on WVCs was submitted to the U.S. Congress. The WVC Best Practices Manual was completed. The third component of the study, the development of a training course to accompany the manual, will also be completed. Additional activities included:
- Investigation of methods to identify and prioritize DVC locations of concern. This project continued to document current methods used by State DOTs to identify DVC "hot spots," evaluated these methods, and recommended a set of best practices for advancing DVC-related safety management systems. This evaluation was focused on the nine States that contribute funds to the DVC Information and Research Center and 15 additional States selected by the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative.
- Road Kill Observation Collection System (ROCS). This project systematically collected WVC data to help quantify the magnitude of the problem and help record potential changes in WVCs over time. Desktop software was developed for the ROCS system to display data on maps or other images, summarize data, and support data analysis and reporting. A central repository for ROCS digital data was established. The repository is securely stored for contributors from multiple agencies or multiple jurisdictions within the same agency.
- Protocol and Tool for Corridor Vegetation Inventories. (Prior Year Funding: $50,000). This project tested a protocol and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to determine the effectiveness of a handheld tool for inventorying vegetation on highway corridors. The GPS tool is compatible with other protocols for vegetation management, which helps ensure that the tool can address invasive plants and native plant restoration.
- Cooperative Weed Management Seminars. (Prior Year Funding: $50,000). The seminars focused on sharing with States some emerging solutions to the spread of invasive plants or noxious weeds. In addition, the seminars focused on how to examine, analyze, and document the effectiveness of various solutions in controlling weeds. The effort also provided an opportunity to leverage research and technology transfer funds with other agencies and local governments that are participating in cooperative weed management.
Historic Preservation
Emphasis Area Contact: MaryAnn Naber
Level of FY2009 Funding: $225,000
- Research and Innovation Agreement with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). (FY2009: $200,000). FHWA promoted environmental stewardship and streamlining by developing and executing statewide agreements and research on concrete bridges. FHWA created and enhanced an ACHP webpage for FHWA program issues and implemented demonstration research and demonstration projects to resolve complex consultation issues.
- Workshop on Communicating, Consulting, and Cooperating with Indian Tribes on State Transportation Projects: The Role of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). (FY2009: $6,750). This research effort provided practical assistance to inform State and Tribal transportation department personnel on multicultural approaches to intergovernmental communication, consultation, and cooperation on transportation in a peer exchange setting. Participants included 11 Federally recognized Tribes and staff from FHWA, State DOTs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other Federal agencies.
- Peer Exchange for State DOT and SHPO Liaisons at the Summer Meeting of the TRB ADC50 Committee on Archeology and Historic Preservation. (FY2009: $6,000). This effort provided funding for several State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) liaisons in State DOTs to attend the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Summer Meeting. The meeting supported information-sharing among the SHPOs and the realization that liaisons' decisions have significant consequences for transportation planning and project delivery. Additionally, agency representatives developed a mutual understanding that encouraged cooperation and fostered innovations for maintaining lines of communication. Ideas presented during the meeting included development of an online toolkit, webinars geared to SHPOs, technology transfer among agencies, and peer exchanges to maintain dialogue and consistency on key issues.
Emphasis Area Contact: Gabe Rousseau
Level of FY2009 Funding: $270,000
- Outreach and Best Practices on Bicycle and Pedestrian Issues. (FY2009: $200,000 ). In conjunction with AASHTO and the NCHRP, FHWA funded and conducted the International Scan on Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety and Mobility. The final report on the scan is available at http://international.fhwa.dot.gov/pubs/pl10028/. STEP funds also continued to support the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse at http://www.enhancements.org.
- Evaluating the Health and Environmental Benefits of Increased Walking and Bicycling. (FY2009: $40,000 ). Research efforts continued on the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP), which studies how improved rates of walking and bicycling promote better health and a cleaner environment. Short summaries about the efforts were published online at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/ntpp/index.cfm.
Improved Data and Modeling for Walking and Bicycling Trips. (FY2009: $30,000 ). Research efforts continued on the NTPP. The NTPP is using various types of data collection to better measure walking and bicycling trips. Short summaries about these research efforts, including walking and bicycling counts, were published online at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/ntpp/index.cfm.
Emphasis Area Contact: Mark Ferroni
Level of FY2009 Funding: $390,000
- Testing and Validation of FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) Version 3.0. (FY2009: $390,000). This effort involves continued development of the FHWA TNM version 3.0. It includes, but is not limited to, developing and refining the multi-lane input tool for TNM roadways, improving TNM report outputs into multiple file formats, and developing various cross-sectional views of analysis areas, such as the skew view. Testing and validation will begin and will be ongoing in FY2010.
Emphasis Area Contact: Carolyn James and MaryJane Daluge
Level of FY2009 Funding: $585,000
- Support of Stakeholder and Partner Outreach and Informational Dissemination Programs. (FY2009: $50,000). Outreach efforts included co-sponsorship of two national meetings, which were attended by ROW and outdoor advertising control professionals, 12 Federal agencies, and 24 State agencies. Outreach also included sponsorship of the Real Estate Community of Practice, which is available at https://collaboration.fhwa.dot.gov/dot/fhwa/rex/default.aspx.
- Development of a ROW Competency Navigator and Capacity Building and Training Curriculum Clearinghouse provided on the FHWA Website. (FY2009: $100,000). Research efforts resulted in the development of a Competency Navigator Tool to help identify training resources and competency building tools for ROW and outdoor advertising control functions. The Navigator will further agencies' efforts to develop ROW professional competency. It will also serve as a resource for partners as well as internal and external customers in defining and developing ROW core competencies. The Navigator can be found at: /real_estate/rcb_navigator/.
- Real Estate Acquisition Guide. (FY2009: $23,000). An update was completed to the Real Estate Acquisition Guide for LPAs. The LPA guide functions as a desktop reference guide for LPAs who acquire realty from Federal-aid projects. The guide can also serve as a self-directed and abbreviated instructional course for LPAs. The revised guide is available online at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/local_public_agencies/lpa_guide/.
- Use of Incentive Payments in ROW Acquisition and Relocation Programs. (FY2009: $25,000). A study was conducted on the use of new tools to streamline acquisition and relocation through voluntary incentive payments. Through this research, FHWA identified criteria used by State DOTs or LPAs to implement incentive programs and evaluated program results or savings. FHWA shared BMPs, criteria, guides, and tools with States considering an incentive program. A report was posted at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/uniform_act/acquisition/incpeerexch.cfm.
Emphasis Area Contact: Shari Schaftlein
Level of FY2009 Funding: $1,663,500
- Assessment of the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Pilot Program: Evaluating FHWA's role in the NEPA Process. (FY2009: $50,000). Through this research, FHWA performed two onsite audits of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) under the pilot program. In addition, the effort included audit planning, preparing the audit team, developing logistics for the onsite audit, and interviewing Caltrans staff. The audit team reviewed documents, compiled and finalized the findings, and drafted and finalized audit reports for publication in the Federal Register.
- Environmental Streamlining Outreach and Technology Transfer. (FY2009: $163,500). FHWA has made substantial investments in developing methods, tools, and techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of environmental decision-making. Through this research effort, FHWA supported several ongoing technology transfer and outreach initiatives:
- Advancing Innovations in FHWA's Environmental Review Process. (FY2009: $350,000). FHWA undertook a number of initiatives to advance innovations in the environmental review process:
- Monitored and documented the impact of the SAFETEA-LU environmental review process. Compiled an internal report on the effectiveness of SAFETEA-LU Section 6002 environmental provisions.
- Continued the development of performance measurement systems, including the Environmental Document Tracking System, to gather timeliness and project management data.
- Provided support to the Adaptation Working Group to develop the FHWA strategy on adaptation.
- Supported the development of a training course on the consideration of environmental factors in construction.
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.
- Leveraging FHWA and State DOT Environmental Research Projects. (Prior Year Funding: $105,000). FHWA undertook the following efforts that leveraged environmental research activities underway by other Federal and State entities:
- Provided $100,000 in support of the NCHRP Project 25-33, Evaluation of Methodologies for Visual Impact Assessments (VIA). The objectives of this research were to: 1) evaluate State DOT VIA procedures, methods, and practices that satisfy or exceed NEPA and other requirements; 2) document the use of the FHWA methodology and methodologies from other agencies, as well as other approaches used by State DOTs; 3) describe decision-making frameworks used by State DOTs to undertake specific VIA techniques for specific projects; 4) document proven successful methods; 5) describe best practices illustrated by model case studies; and 6) document promising new developments and lessons learned.
- Co-sponsored NCHRP20-68A Scan 07-01, the Domestic Scan on Best Practices in Project Delivery Management. Six States shared innovations in project management, performance measures, contracting practices and community involvement. Numerous FHWA office representatives participated in the scan and FHWA provided facilities to support a series of five webinars on the findings.
- Organized and supported an advisory panel to review and comment on a Mississippi-led remote sensing research project funded by USDOT and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration. The effort compared and quantified benefits of new and innovative approaches versus traditional methods for completing tasks in transportation planning and completing environmental studies integral to the project development process.
- Environmental Competency Building (ECB). (Prior Year Funding: $55,000). This research effort addressed the current and future multidisciplinary professional development needs of transportation and environmental professionals. FHWA provided continued support to the ongoing ECB program and developed a field entrants' guide for FHWA environmental practitioners. The guide is available at http://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/ecb/search.aspx.
- Advancing Innovations in FHWA's Environmental Review Process. (Prior Year Funding: $480,000). FHWA undertook a number of new initiatives to advance innovations in the environmental review process:
- Supported the development of a watershed resource registry, which piloted a tool to evaluate watershed conditions and created a database of watershed sites for the protection of high quality resources, restoration of impaired resources, and the establishment of treatment systems and BMPs.
- Initiated a contract to provide additional support to the Section 4(f) implementation study team, which is developing two reports to Congress on the implementation of Section 4(f) statute changes.
- Supported a range of activities to promote and enhance coordination with other State and Federal resource and permitting agencies. These activities included:
- Completed the State Transportation Liaison Funded Positions Study. The report is available at https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/Pubs_resources_tools/publications/fundedPositionsReport/report.aspx.
- Hosted two national liaison peer exchanges in conjunction with research meetings (including the TRB ADC10 summer meeting and ICOET).
- Established a new USEPA Headquarters research and innovation liaison position within the USEPA Office of Water. This position helps coordinate and monitor policy initiatives and programs, coordinates research, supports outreach on best practices and training opportunities, and supports USEPA regions.
- Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL).[1] (Prior Year Funding: $195,000). Provided assistance to decision makers, transportation officials, and staff to resolve complex issues faced when addressing transportation needs in support of planning and environmental linkages. FHWA conducted the following activities in support of this research effort:
- Developed a paper entitled Eco-Logical: An Ecosystem Approach to Developing Transportation Infrastructure Projects in a Changing Environment. The paper, which was presented at ICOET, was developed as an output of the Eco-Logicalgrant program and the interagency working group. The paper and presentation focused on three case studies to understand how the Eco-Logical approach is working in practice.
- Developed a guide to assist State DOTs and MPOs in developing programs to measure progress toward linking transportation planning and environmental analysis. The guide outlined a framework for establishing measures that transportation agencies can utilize to develop their own measurement programs. To illustrate implementation of the framework, the guide provided four sample objectives. The guide is available at https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/env_initiatives/pel/meas_progress.aspx.
- Conducted three sessions of a web conference titled PEL 101 Webcast: The Tools for Adopting and Implementing a PEL Approach.
- Hosted an environmental consultation peer exchange to showcase examples of how State DOTs and MPOs conduct consultations with resource agencies. The peer exchange also identified approaches and notable practices that can facilitate integration of transportation planning and the environmental review process, while fully meeting the consultation requirements of SAFETEA-LU Section 6001.
- Hosted four Linking Conservation and Transportation Planning workshops.
- Through a USFWS service agreement, support was provided to develop and present transportation and conservation planning modules through courses and workshops offered by the Conservation Fund's Conservation Leadership Network.
Context Sensitive Solutions
Emphasis Area Contact: Shari Schaftlein
Level of FY2009 Funding: $500,000
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.
- Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) Clearinghouse. (Prior Year Funding: $450,000). Since the new CSS Clearinghouse concept was initiated, substantial progress was made in advancing CSS as a tool for efficient program delivery and developing quality projects in support of livable communities and sustainable transportation. The Clearinghouse successfully raised the profile of FHWA's CSS initiative and reached out to other organizations to leverage resources and build new partnerships. The Clearinghouse is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/css/.
The Clearinghouse launched its new Professional Seminar Series and hosted three webinars on sustainable stormwater management, complete streets, and livability. A fourth webinar was conducted to unveil the new Guide to Building CSS Knowledge and Skills for Successful Project Delivery (the "CSS Training Guide").
Three newsletters were written and distributed. The newsletters focused on design flexibility, CSS in corridor planning, sustainability, the CSS Training Guide, complete streets, bicycle/pedestrian activities, and the CSS National Dialog. Additionally, new content was added to the CSS website, including 17 new case studies, 42 calendar items, 68 news items, 80 publications, and 15 web links.
- CSS National Dialog. (Prior Year Funding: $100,000). The CSS National Dialog was launched. A 34-member steering committee was formed to guide the National Dialog. The committee is comprised of a wide range of partner agencies, State DOTs, and other organizations committed to CSS principles. The CSS National Dialog website is available at http://www.cssnationaldialog.org/index.asp.
The project served as a catalyst for exchanging ideas and will build momentum for wider implementation of CSS in the transportation industry. The steering committee conducted a nationwide solicitation of CSS best practices, garnering 92 submissions that will be shared with transportation professionals and stakeholders via the CSS Clearinghouse. The committee reviewed submissions, chose several to highlight, and shaped agendas for a series of one-day National Dialog workshops.
The workshops will be held in various locations nationwide. Each workshop will highlight several of the CSS best practices submittals. Transportation projects, plans, and programs will be used to initiate discussion and interaction.
- CSS Primer. (Prior Year Funding: $111,000). The CSS Primer, a new, colorful, concise, and useful publication, was finalized and disseminated. The primer contained fundamental information about the definition, principles, benefits, and application of CSS at multiple jurisdictional and procedural levels. The document was intended as an outreach and education tool for broad distribution at conferences, training events, and other forums. The CSS Primer is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/css/resources/cssprimer/.
- Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Publication - CSS in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities. (Prior Year Funding: $108,000). An ITE guidebook on CSS for walkable urban thoroughfares was developed and adopted as a proposed recommended practice. The guidebook is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/css/resources/urbantfwc/.
Emphasis Areas Related to Planning
Emphasis Area Contact: Harlan Miller
Level of FY2009 Funding: $750,000
- Statewide Opportunities for Integrating Operations and Safety into Multimodal Planning. (FY2009: $290,000). FHWA and AASHTO developed Statewide Opportunities for Linking Planning and Operations: A Primer to raise awareness of the benefits and opportunities of coordinating planning and operations activities within State DOTs. As a follow up, FHWA collaborated with FTA to develop a reference manual titled Statewide Opportunities for Integrating Operations and Safety into Multimodal Planning. An initial peer exchange workshop was conducted with a select group of State DOT stakeholders with expertise in operations and safety. The peer exchange workgroup assisted in the development of an outline for the reference manual. A draft version of the reference manual was prepared. Three peer exchange webinars are planned with two stakeholder groups comprised of State DOT representatives. The webinars will focus on discussion of the draft reference manual.
- Innovative Methods of Applying Analysis Tools in Planning for Operations. (FY2009: $100,000). To promote the use of innovative tools as well as demonstrate and encourage innovation in the use of analysis methods for linking planning and operations, case studies were developed with an executive brochure. To encourage message delivery, an innovative analysis workshop was developed and a pilot workshop held to gauge delivery of the product to stakeholders.
- Defining and Demonstrating Model Transportation Plans Incorporating Management and Operations (M&O) and Associated Safety Benefits. (FY2009: $250,000). An initial peer exchange workshop was conducted with a group of MPO stakeholders. The peer exchange workgroup assisted in the development of an outline for an associated reference manual. A draft version of the manual was prepared. A second peer exchange workshop with the same stakeholders was conducted to review the draft manual, which is currently being finalized.
- Advancing Planning For Operations: A Guidebook for an Objectives-Driven, Performance-Based Approach to Integrating Operations in Metropolitan Transportation Planning. (FY2009: $108,000). In collaboration with AMPO, FHWA and FTA conducted the final review of the combined interim guidebooks on M&O and the congestion management process (CMP). In addition, the following activities were conducted:
- Workshops. A workshop was held to advance the integration of the CMP and M&O strategies in metropolitan transportation planning. The workshop participants shared information that will equip transportation planners and operators from MPOs, State DOTs, transit agencies, and local operating agencies to lead transitions toward an objectives-driven, performance-based approach in their regions, in accordance with SAFETEA-LU in advancing planning for operations. Participants were provided with opportunities to discuss the initiative with FHWA, FTA, and peers; additionally, participants provided feedback on the interim guidebooks.
- National Highway Institute (NHI) courses. FHWA and FTA continued updating NHI courses to feature an objectives-driven, performance-based approach to transportation planning for operations and the CMP. Additionally, plans were developed to create and develop a one-and-a-half-day course on advancing planning for operations in metropolitan areas.
- o Professional Capacity Building. To aid in outreach, several materials were developed, including fact sheets, case studies, slideshows, and other compilations of examples of the objectives-driven performance-based approach. These materials are linked to the Professional Capacity Building website to facilitate easy access by the transportation community.
- Executive Brochure. To coincide with the development of the guidebooks, an executive brochure is being developed. The brochure focuses on raising awareness about the objectives-driven, performance-based approach at the executive management level.
Emphasis Area Contact: Lorrie Lau
Level of FY2009 Funding: $100,000
- Making the Case for Transportation Safety-Ideas for Decision Makers. (FY2009: $60,000). FHWA compiled noteworthy transportation safety practices that were implemented by stakeholders, executives, managers, and practitioners. The noteworthy practices include 20 case studies detailing what States, Tribal governments, MPOs, transit agencies, and their partners have implemented, and described key accomplishments, results, and additional resources. The report is available at http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Making_the_Case_for_Transportation_Safety_Ideas_fo_160275.aspx.
- Safety Performance Measures Primer. (FY2009: $33,000). The report, which was titled A Primer on Safety Performance Measures and the Transportation Planning Process, documented how to employ safety performance measures during the transportation planning process. The report outlines the benefits of using safety performance measures in planning, as well as basic information providing background on these measures. Seven case studies were included that highlighted the experience and application of States and MPOs in the development and use of safety performance measures. The report also included a high-level, step-by-step approach for developing safety performance measures. The report is available at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/tsp/fhwahep09043/.
- Safety Desk Reference. (FY2009: $100,000). The Safety Desk Reference was updated to serve as a companion to NCHRP Report 500 (Guidance for Implementation of the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan). The document describes an overview of transportation safety planning, the potential roles that transportation planners can advance, a framework for incorporating safety into the transportation planning process, available resources, and a menu of safety strategies. The document is available at http://nijc.org/datasheets/ttap/TTAP_Resourceitem.asp?Resource_ID_Number=790.
- NHI/National Transit Institute Transportation Safety Planning Course. (FY2009: In-kind support). The Safety Conscious Planning two-day course was updated to include SAFETEA-LU requirements on the State Highway Safety Plan and safety planning. All technical reviews and a pilot will be completed; the course will be offered through the NHI website.
- Safety Fact Sheets. (FY2009: In-kind support). The fact sheets highlighted biennial data reported by individual States on safety conditions, tracked fatality and injury rates, and provided information on the leading safety issues for each State.
- Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) Implementation Process Model (IPM). (FY2009: In-kind support). Through this effort, FHWA produced the IPM, a model and template that helps States to implement their SHSP. The IPM also provides guidance to States to collaborate with partners-including safety organizations, enforcement agencies, and MPOs-to develop a strategic plan.
Emphasis Area Contact: Spencer Stevens
Level of FY2009 Funding: $200,000
- Freight Planning. (FY2009: $200,000). FHWA conducted research to promote activities on the integration of freight into the transportation planning and programming processes at the State and metropolitan levels. Examples of such research include:
- Delivery of the Financing Freight Improvements workshop.
- Development of a Guidebook for Engaging the Private Sector in FreightTransportation Planning. The guidebook is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/freight_planning/guidebook/index.cfm.
- Integration of the "Evaluation of Freight Corridor Projects" research into the CMP.
- Development of a Freight and Land Use Resource Guide/Handbook and related workshops.
- Development of a Freight and the Environment Guidebook.
- Development of a Freight and Air Quality Handbook.
- Planning for the 2010 International Scan on Policy and Program Structure of National and International Freight Corridor Programs.
- Planning for the FHWA/AASHTO Freight Partnership IV meeting, which will be hosted by the Mid-America Regional Council in Kansas City, Missouri.
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding. Accomplishments can be reported for four freight projects, all of which have been arranged through the BAA process.
Public Involvement, Environmental Justice, Visualization in Planning
Emphasis Area Contact: Frederick Bowers and Brenda Kragh
Level of FY2009 Funding: $200,000
- Community Impact Assessment (CIA) Website Support. (FY2009: $13,000). FHWA supported the CIA website, which is administered by the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. The CIA website serves as an information clearinghouse for transportation officials, regional development professionals, and public stakeholders who are interested in evaluating the effects of transportation planning and project implementation on a community and its quality of life.
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.
- Public Involvement Website Support. (FY2009: In-kind support). FHWA supported the Public Involvement website, which provides information to stakeholders on potential transportation project impacts to the community. The website also provides information on how project sponsors can incorporate early and continuing public involvement to better identify potential impacts to the community and address these issues early in project development. Early and continuing public involvement can help support attempts to avoid or minimize impacts in a manner that is acceptable to all parties involved.
- Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking. (FY2009: In-kind support). FHWA updated the Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking to help interested parties understand how transportation decisions are made at the local, State, and national levels and help stakeholders take advantage of opportunities to contribute ideas. The guide is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/publications/transportation_decision_making/.
Emphasis Area Contact: Kenneth Petty
Level of FY2009 Funding: $2,600,000
- Best Practices in Transportation Planning: Performance Measures, Environmental Mitigation, and Fiscal Constraint. (FY2009: $360,000). In FY2009, research examined how States and MPOs responded to SAFETEA-LU requirements and identified best practices in transportation planning, specifically in the areas of performance measures, environmental mitigation, long-range transportation planning, and fiscal constraint.
- Peer Exchange Executive Roundtable: Performance-Based Planning and Programming. (FY2009: $141,000). The objective of the executive roundtable was to organize, facilitate, and report on performance-based transportation planning and programming. The roundtable provided an opportunity for FHWA and its partners to identify a workable definition for performance-based planning and programming by framing a realistic, achievable, performance-based planning and programming approach.
Management Practices in Developing Fiscal Constraint for Statewide Transportation Improvement Programs (STIPs), Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs), and Metropolitan Transportation Plans (MTPs). (FY2009: $25,000). The objective of the domestic scan on management practices was to identify best practices and research the economic forecasting processes necessary to develop accurate financial forecasts. The audience included all transportation professionals involved in estimating project costs, forecasting revenue, developing financial plans, TIPs, STIPs, and MTPs, and demonstrating statutorily required financial constraint.
- Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) Peer Program Development and Coordination. (FY2009: $100,000). Professionals at all levels need resources that help them gather knowledge, build skills, and stay aware of the state-of-the-practice. The TPCB Peer Program responded to this need by organizing, facilitating, and documenting events to share noteworthy practices among agencies facing an increasingly complex transportation planning environment. During peer events, transportation planning staff interacted with peers to share information, accomplishments, and lessons learned from the field and address shared planning challenges.
- TPCB Program Website. (FY2009: $115,000). The TPCB Program is a joint venture of FHWA and FTA. TPCB delivered products and services that provided information, training, and technical assistance to the transportation professionals responsible for planning for the capital, operating, and maintenance needs of the nation's surface transportation system. The TPCB website served as a one-stop clearinghouse for state-of-the-practice transportation planning information and resources. The website offered planning news and events, regulations, policies, training information, technical resources, and peer exchange reports. The website is available at http://www.planning.dot.gov/.
- Capturing and Reflecting True Transportation System Operating and Lifecycle Costs in the Planning Process. (FY2009: $42,000). The concept of transportation asset management is a relatively new concept in the transportation field. However, the concept has many, well-documented benefits. This working paper provided a comprehensive synthesis of literature on transportation asset management and how it has affected the conditions of highway infrastructure and the financial health of transportation agencies.
- Land Use Toolkit Support. (FY2009: $30,000). FHWA updated the FHWA-hosted Linking Land Use and Transportation Planning Toolkit with current information about consensus, collaboration building, and development of outreach and information dissemination strategies. The toolkit is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/processes/land_use/toolkit.cfm.
- Megaregions. (FY2009: $30,000). FHWA developed a white paper on issues related to development of a Federal megaregions planning framework and policies that considered key concepts. The white paper also discussed examples of successful megaregion planning, issues related to developing a megaregion planning framework, observations, and implications for emerging Federal and State policies related to livability, sustainability, performance measures, and climate change. The white paper is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/megaregions/reports/megaregions_report_2008/.
- Assessment Survey of the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plans. (FY2009: $75,000). Through this research, FHWA examined how States responded to SAFETEA-LU requirements and identified best practices in transportation planning as reflected in State long-range transportation plans.
- Scenario Planning Workshops. (FY2009: $105,000). The project involved development of the next generation of scenario planning workshops that are participative and include interactive exercises. The project also included research on emerging transportation trends and innovative scenario planning practices. Data collected will be used to redesign and pilot a new scenario planning workshop. More information on scenario planning workshops is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/scenario_and_visualization/scenario_planning/.
- Visualization. (FY2009: $100,000). FHWA developed and tested a pilot project that incorporated benefit and cost analysis in the visualization of transportation alternatives.
- Tribal Modules. (FY2009: $50,000). FHWA developed the Tribal Transportation Planning Module Training Series to provide modules for eight planning topics. The modules were designed to assist transportation professionals on planning for capital, operating, and maintenance needs on Tribal lands.
Emphasis Area Contact: Roger Petzold
Level of FY2009 Funding: $525,000
- U.S./Mexico Transportation Joint Working Committee. (FY2009: $250,000). See www.borderplanning.fhwa.dot.gov/mexico.asp for additional information. Project accomplishments included the following:
- Conducted border travel time studies to provide baseline information. These baseline data will be used to develop performance measures to evaluate the success of improvement projects, policies, and strategies. The following four pilots are underway:
- El Paso Border Wait Time Study.
- San Diego Border Wait Time Study (completed).
- Nogales Border Wait Time Study.
- Pharr Border Wait Time Study.
- Completed Bottlenecks Study Phase II+ for Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
- Conducted two traffic studies (for Nogales, Arizona and Pharr, Texas).
- Hosted a traffic forecasting and travel demand modeling peer exchange meeting to improve planning along the U.S./Mexico border.
- Completed the regional border master plan along the U.S./Mexico border between California and Baja California. This is the first in a series of comprehensive transportation border master plans for the border regions.
- U.S./Canada Transportation Border Working Group (TPWG). (FY2009: $275,000). Project accomplishments included:
- Conducted a study on the cost of delay to transportation along the U.S./Canada border. This study developed a methodology to quantify delay cost on a regional basis.
- Conducted a border data needs workshop. The workshop evaluated currently available data, potential new data sources, and identified data gaps. Based on this input, a report was developed on actions to take to fill the data gaps.
- Conducted a study of data needs and sources along the U.S./Canada border for enhanced transportation planning and operations. This study is a follow up to the enhanced border data needs workshop.
- Enhanced information exchange by developing a TBWG "Border Glossary" website section and updating the "Links" and "Library" sections of the website.
- Developed an online inventory of land border crossings. Completed data entry for 120 land border crossings (including facilities and infrastructure projects) to coordinate infrastructure investments along the border.
- Conducted a regional border workshop. Quebec and New York conducted a workshop to discuss ways to enhance transportation in the border region. A second workshop is scheduled.
- Conducted the binational border wait time study with the USDOT, Transport Canada, the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, and the Canadian Border Service Administration. This joint study defined a standard way to measure border wait time. Two pilots will be conducted.
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.
- National Border Planning Activities. (Prior Year Funding: $30,000). Project accomplishments included conducting a national conference titled "North American Freight Flow Conference: Understanding Changes and Improving Data Sources." This conference was held in Irvine, California, with participation from transportation agencies from the U.S./Mexico and U.S./Canada regions. The purpose of the conference was to identify improved ways to change freight plans between the three countries.
Emphasis Area Contact: Stefan Natzke
Level of FY2009 Funding: $600,000
- National Highway System (NHS) Designation and Product Development. (FY2009: $160,000). In FY2009, this research continued to update NHS maps and the NHS geospatial information system network. Official NHS maps for numerous States were updated. The updates are available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/.
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.
- Monitoring of Case Studies: Interstate and NHS Economic Development. (Prior Year Funding: $97,000). A report was developed including an inventory and review of websites and information as well as recommendations for improvement. Research is being conducted in coordination with the Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) Project C03 (Interactions between Transportation Capacity, Economic Systems, and Land Use merged with Integrating Economic Considerations Project Development) and Project C11 (Development of Improved Economic Analysis Tools Based on Recommendations from Project C03). The report findings and coordinated SHRP2 research resulted in the selection and enhancement of two study corridors for use on the FHWA economic development website. These enhancements will be highlighted on updated study webpages. Upon approval, these webpages will be posted and used as templates for other studies.
Emphasis Areas Related to Tools to Support Planning and Environment
Emphasis Area Contact: Sarah Sun
Level of FY2009 Funding: $1,170,000
- Support Ongoing Travel Model Improvement Program (TMIP) Efforts. (FY2009: $500,000). TMIP outreach consisted of providing travel modeling webinars, supporting the TRB transportation planning conference, providing virtual technical support, and supporting the travel modeling document clearinghouse, the TMIP website, and email list. Detailed descriptions of activities are available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/tmip/.
- Peer Review Program and Peer Exchange. (FY2009: $250,000). Travel models help practitioners make well-informed transportation policy decisions by illustrating the likely effects of policy changes on the transportation network. Travel models can also show how changes in employment, population, land use, development patterns, and investments in transportation infrastructure might affect travel in a region. A model's data and design have to be sufficient to generate reasonable forecasts under a variety of scenarios. A peer review is one of the best ways to assess a model's capabilities. A peer review also provides opportunities to obtain feedback on how to address the modeling requirements necessary to support informed policy decisions. TMIP's Peer Review Program works with modeling experts around the country to review transportation planning agencies' models. These experts make recommendations on how agencies should proceed with model enhancements to ensure that techniques being developed or implemented meet current and future needs. The TMIP Peer Review Program supported four peer reviews in 2009. Reports are available at http://tmiponline.org/Clearinghouse/Item-Types/Peer-Review-Report.aspx.
- Census and National Household Travel Survey Microdata Research and Technical Assistance. (FY2009: $90,000). Four out of five profile sheets were prepared and are posted on the AASHTO webpage at http://ctpp.transportation.org/Pages/profiles.aspx. These profiles incorporate data from the American Community Survey (2005-2007) three-year data, the CTPP 2000, and the 2000 Census. The remaining profile is being prepared by the Census Bureau. When completed, all materials will be converted to hypertext markup language and posted on the FHWA webpage.
- Travel Forecasting Resources. (FY2009: $220,000). FHWA and TRB are building a dynamic, community-developed reference for travel forecasting. It is a unique initiative for both organizations. The effort began in 2009 and consensus building and coordination continued into 2010. A rollout is planned for the January 2011 TRB Annual Meeting.
Emphasis Area Contact: Mark Sarmiento
Level of FY2009 Funding: $405,000
- Best Practices and Case Studies. (FY2009: $90,000 ). Four case studies are planned. The first case study was developed and focused on best practices, benefits, challenges, and lessons learned in the use of web 2.0 transportation-related technologies. The report is available at http://www.gis.fhwa.dot.gov/reports.asp.
- Peer Exchanges. (FY2009: $140,000 ). FHWA conducted two peer exchanges focused on geospatial technology applications in transportation, including bicycle/pedestrian applications and geospatial applications used in an ecosystem approach to develop infrastructure projects. Summary reports of the peer exchanges were completed and are available at http://www.gis.fhwa.dot.gov. Three remaining peer exchanges are planned.
- Webcasts on the Application of GIS and Spatial Information. (FY2009: $25,000). Four quarterly webcasts were delivered on the following topics:
- Enterprise GIS (by Florida DOT).
- Multi-level linear referencing systems (by Iowa DOT).
- The evolution of the Maryland State Highway Administration's (SHA) road centerline and the One Maryland, One Map initiative (by Maryland SHA and the Maryland Governor's Office).
- Multi-level linear referencing systems and the Event GeoLocator application (by Nevada DOT).
- Enhancement of the GIS Screening Tool. (FY2009: $100,000 ). FHWA is supporting the USEPA Region 6 to expand their GIS screening tool to add data on four states bordering Texas, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The purpose of the tool is to assist USEPA's Region 6 NEPA Program in expanding its capability to assess and evaluate potential environmental impacts resulting from highway construction activities.
The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2009 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.
- Applications of Three Dimensional (3D)/GIS Visualization Peer Exchange. (Prior Year Funding: $30,000). A peer exchange was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, and focused on applications of 3D/GIS visualization technologies and techniques. The peer exchange was hosted by the North Carolina DOT with representatives from North Carolina as well as the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Caltrans, Minnesota DOT, New York State DOT, Volusia County MPO, and Washington State DOT. A summary report of the peer exchange was developed.
Program Management and Outreach
Emphasis Area Contact: Felicia Young
Level of FY2009 Funding: $1,000,000
[1] This was a cross-cutting project in both Environmental Streamlining/Stewardship and Other Activities that Support State/Local/Tribal Planning Capacity Building emphasis areas. Therefore, the project accomplishments listed here reflect accomplishments made within both emphasis areas.
