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STEP: A Federal Research Program - conducting research that links to practice

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FY 2010 Annual Report

Conducting Research that Links to Practice

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.

Since 2006, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has administered the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) to encourage new, strategic and applied research on the relationship between surface transportation planning and the environment. Federal, State, and other stakeholders are involved throughout the STEP process to shape, refine, and implement research agendas.

This publication provides an overview of the STEP's accomplishments during Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. Detailed information about outreach activities and specific research projects can be found in the appendices.

Linking Research to Practice

STEP funding allows researchers to carry out timely investigations and analyses, translate and synthesize research from other initiatives into practice, and fund quick turn-around efforts that advance key strategies to address national priorities.

STEP funds support projects with three different, but interrelated functions:

• Conducting Research Studies - Several projects collect and analyze scientific or technical data about species and habitat, construction materials, travel patterns, and other topics. Researchers in academia, at State Departments of Transportation, or in other State agencies carry out this work to create a foundation for applied projects that implement findings and new practices.
• Developing and Deploying Tools, Technologies and Practices - Many projects build on the technical and scientific foundation established by STEP-funded projects. These activities translate research findings into action though the establishment of demonstration and pilot programs, the documentation of best practices, and other activities.
• Connecting the Community and Transferring Knowledge - Other projects facilitate dialogue and links among transportation professionals. National associations and Federal, State, and local agencies host peer exchanges, summits, conferences, and similar events. They also develop training materials, build websites, and partner with stakeholders to share critical information.

STEP's Legislative History

Section 5207 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) established the STEP. Congress mandated a 50 percent non-Federal match to encourage collaboration with partners and increase the scope of research that can be undertaken. In cases where projects are funded through a competitive bid process, the requirement may be waived.

Efficient Management of a Successful Program

SAFETEA-LU and continuing resolutions authorized $16.875 million annually to implement the STEP. After adjusting for obligation limitations, rescissions, and the over-designation of Title V Research in SAFETEA-LU, $14.6 million was available for the FY2010 STEP.

Through STEP, FHWA invests in projects in 18 "emphasis areas" that fall into four broad research categories: environment, planning, real estate services, and tools to support environment and planning. The projects funded in FY2010 enhance the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice in planning, environment, and realty.

STEP Emphasis Areas