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STEP Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Report

Appendix B: 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 FY2012 based on stakeholder feedback and other national priorities. A summary table is provided below. Complete descriptions of each research activity recommended in FY2012 can be found on the STEP website at www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/resources/research_plans/fy12rp.cfm.

* Total includes one Financial Management and Program Assistance research recommendation

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 FY2012 research accomplishments by emphasis area, including those funded with prior year funding, 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 FY2012 but are not yet complete and some accomplishments occurred in FY2012 but were funded in prior years.

Emphasis Areas Related to Environment

Air Quality and Climate Change

Emphasis Area Contacts: Cecilia Ho and Diane Turchetta

Level of FY2012 Funding: $1,640,000

• Transportation Air Quality Research, Analysis, Tools Development, and Training (FY2012: $640,000). FHWA supported three major areas of air quality research in FY2012:
  1. Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) Model Sensitivity Studies - FHWA evaluated the sensitivity of selected MOVES2010b emissions model input variables for both regional and project level air quality analyses. The Regional Level Sensitivity Analysis, completed in November of 2012, produced a final report intended to convey to air quality and transportation practitioners how the inclusion of locally generated data can enhance the accuracy of their emissions estimates. The Project Level Sensitivity Analysis, currently underway, will produce a final report to supplement established guidance and also provide specific insight into the Model's operation regarding vehicle specific particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions calculations.
  2. Project level Air Quality Analyses - FHWA completed modeling and technical documentation to support the agency's CO categorical hot-spot finding. FHWA also outlined projects and inputs that may be needed to pursue to a PM categorical hot-spot finding in the future.
  3. On-Road Mobile Source Emissions Research - FHWA provided research support for Health Effects Institute's (HEI's) research related to on-road mobile source emissions. HEI published five reports this past year relating to on-road motor vehicle emissions in the United States on: (1) the health effects of new diesel exhaust technology; (2) sources of nanoparticles; (3) the health effects of ambient ultrafine pollution; (4) air quality improvements under the Clean Air Act; and (5) potential air toxics hot spots. HEI also announced the newly formed HEI Diesel Epidemiology Project Panel, which will evaluate the strengths and limitations of current epidemiologic evidence to estimate the cancer risks associated with exposures to diesel exhaust.
     • Climate Change and Transportation (FY2012: $500,000). FHWA completed and began testing the Energy and Emissions Reduction Policy Analysis Tool (EERPAT), a tool designed to help State DOTs to estimate transportation-related statewide energy use and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). EERPAT is available at www.planning.dot.gov/FHWA_tool. FHWA also completed the Reference Sourcebook for Reducing GHGs from Transportation Sources, available at www.planning.dot.gov/FHWA_tool/reference_sourcebook.pdf. The reference provides needed information to transportation practitioners on potential GHGs that may be achieved by implementing a variety of policies and projects.
     • Sustainable Transportation (FY2012: $250,000). Based on robust pilot testing, FHWA modified, refined, and launched version 1.0 of the Infrastructure Voluntary Evaluation Sustainability Tool (INVEST). FHWA highlighted several enhancements to INVEST during a virtual launch event in October 2012. With the completion of INVEST version 1.0, FHWA also began funding twelve pilot projects with State DOTs, MPOs, and local governments to implement the tool. These pilot implementations are intended to lead to sustainability improvements in an agency's practices, projects and procedures. Information about INVEST is available at www.sustainablehighways.org.

The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2012 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.

• Climate Change and Transportation (Prior Year Funding: $500,000). FHWA conducted five pilot projects with State DOTs and MPOs (New Jersey, California, Washington, Hawaii, and Virginia) to test its Conceptual Framework for Climate Change and Extreme Weather Vulnerability Assessment. FHWA documented the results of these pilots and will use them to improve and add to the Framework. FHWA also hosted six peer exchanges in cooperation with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Framework is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sustainability/resilience/publications/vulnerability_assessment_framework.

Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat

Emphasis Area Contact: Marlys Osterhues

Level of FY2012 Funding: $1,014,090

The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2012 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.

• Land and Water Conservation Fund: Section 6(f)(3) - Temporary Non-Conforming Use and Transportation Projects (Prior Year Funding: $89,234.16). On September 17, 2012, FHWA awarded a Task Order to identify strategies for resolving project issues related to perceived delays and increased costs associated with transportation projects involving Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Section 6(f) - specifically (3) Temporary Non-Conforming Use. FHWA hosted a kick-off meeting on October 25, 2012 at which the consultant and FHWA teams reviewed a draft work plan and approved a schedule for the project. The period of performance for this Task Order is one year.

Historic Preservation

Emphasis Area Contact: MaryAnn Naber

Level of FY2012 Funding: $200,000

• Research and Innovation Agreement with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) (FY2012: $50,000). FHWA investigated best practices for innovative compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to ensure efficient project delivery. FHWA developed tools to help agencies develop effective programmatic agreements, promote early coordination, and improve the outcome of the process for all parties participating. Notable accomplishments for FY12 include coordination and development of a nation-wide program comment for post-1945 concrete and steel bridges. The program comment acts, in effect, as an exemption from project-by-project review for all bridges that meet the program criteria.

• Planning and Environmental Linkages for Historic Preservation (FY2012: $69,973). FHWA identified and updated best practices for integrating planning and environmental review in order to more efficiently deliver transportation projects affecting historic resources. The project produced a report Planning and Environmental Linkages for Historic Preservation, which describes best practices in 13 states through brief case studies. The report is available on the FHWA Environmental Toolkit website at www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/env_topics/historic_pres/documents/HistPres_PEL_report.aspx. FHWA also developed and delivered a pilot state workshop in North Carolina in October of 2012 that explored the various approaches for process improvements and developing a State action plan.

• Successful Practices for Effective Tribal Consultation (FY2012: $25,000). During FY2012, FHWA supported a research project in cooperation with the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) focused on showcasing successful practices in tribal consultation with Federally recognized tribes and providing guidance on how to build and maintain successful tribal consultation programs. The sources of these successful practices and guidance will include, but will not be limited to programs implemented by FHWA division offices, State DOTs, local transportation planning organizations and agencies, and Federally recognized tribes. In FY2012, the project team reviewed available literature and resources on tribal consultation and compiled a technical memorandum of the results.

Livability and Environmental Justice

Emphasis Area Contact: Sharlene Reed and Shana Baker

Level of FY2012 Funding: $400,000

• Promoting Best Practices on Transportation and Livability Linkages (FY2012: $400,000). FHWA has conducted the following livability and environmental justice efforts, in coordination with the USDOT Volpe Center:
  • In April 2012, the FHWA Office of Human Environment launched the Fostering Livable Communities newsletter. The quarterly online newsletter provides transportation professionals with real-world examples to help them improve the relationship between transportation and communities through safe access to jobs, affordable housing, and quality schools. The newsletters share effective practices and resources that may be of use to both practitioners and the public. Archived issues of the newsletter are available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/newsletter.
  • The FHWA Office of Human Environment hosted two webinars: Advancing Livability with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in July 2012 and Effective Practices in Planning for Livable Communities at Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in November 2012. The Advancing Livability with GIS webinar provided planning and development practitioners with a better understanding of the potential applications of geospatial technologies for advancing livability principles. The Effective Practices in Planning for Livable Communities at MPOs webinar explored several innovative MPO programs to promote livability that were highlighted at the 2010 peer exchange in Atlanta, Georgia sponsored by the 2010 FHWA/FTA Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program.
  • FHWA developed and delivered a training event on environmental justice in July 2012. The final outcome of the environmental justice training event was described in the Environmental Justice Training Summary, which was posted on the FHWA Environmental Justice Website in December 2012.

Bicycles/Pedestrians

Emphasis Area Contact: Shana Baker; Christopher Douwes

Level of FY2012 Funding: $550,000

The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2012 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian STUFF (Prior Year Funding: $398,950). FHWA continued a cooperative agreement with the University of North Carolina's Highway Safety Research Center for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC). PBIC provided a suite of websites on pedestrian and bicycle planning, design, operation, and examples; technical assistance to professionals (including support for State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators); publications related to bicycling and walking; webinars on design guides, health, and safety; and a new report on bike sharing programs. Information about PBIC is available at www.pedbikeinfo.org.

FHWA also continued a cooperative agreement with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy for the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC). NTEC maintains a Transportation Enhancements website (www.ta-clearinghouse.info/index) that provides program information, project examples, publications, an annual report on Transportation Enhancements spending, and support for State Transportation Enhancement Program Managers.

Noise

Emphasis Area Contact: Mark Ferroni

Level of FY2012 Funding: $310,000

• Highway Traffic Noise: Research, Training and Communication (FY2012: $310,000). In FY2012, FHWA pursued two highway traffic noise research efforts:
  • Traffic Noise Model (TMN) Version 3.0: FHWA developed a beta version of TNM 3.0 with fully developed acoustical code. FHWA also performed sensitivity testing and developed a consistency test suite for end users that includes a key of acceptable margins. FHWA expects to complete TNM 3.0 by the end of FY2013.
  • Land Use Evaluation Methodologies: FHWA commenced research on including land use evaluation methodologies under Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 772: Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise. This effort began to explore how to analyze noise barrier criteria and identify opportunities for streamlining through programmatic agreements within the noise study process. FHWA plans to complete this effort during FY2013.

Environmental Streamlining/Stewardship

Emphasis Area Contact: Bruce Bender

Level of FY2012 Funding: $1,604,496

• Advancing Innovations in FHWA's Environmental Review Process (This is a group of projects that includes: Improved Analytical Methods for Addressing Stormwater Impacts to Water Quality; Further Deployment of Environmental Corridor Optimization - Planning Alignment (ECO PAL) Technology in Association with the Mississippi DOT; Green Highways Partnership Digest Development; and Visual Impact/Visualization Guidance Updates) (FY2012: $533,864). FHWA awarded a contract for the Visual Impact Assessment Guidance Update on September 19, 2012 and held a kick-off meeting on October 16, 2012. FHWA also hosted a kickoff meeting for the Green Highways Partnership Digest on July 31, 2012 and established an intra-agency workgroup to lead the Digest. The group has met monthly to discuss ways to increase subscribership and make sure information gets to stakeholders.

• Section 4(f) National Highway Institute Training Course (FY2012: $160,000). FHWA plans to develop a course to assist FHWA staff, project sponsors, and stakeholders in understanding and applying the concepts of Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 in the context of transportation project development. FHWA released a request for proposals for development of the course curricula and awarded a contract in the fourth quarter of 2012. Course development will commence before the end of calendar year 2012.

• Environmental Justice and NEPA - Case Studies (FY2012: $218,000). FHWA developed ten case studies that illustrate best practices in performing environmental justice analyses during the environmental review process. The case studies are complete and will be posted to the FHWA Environmental Justice website in FY2013; a final report and slide presentation will also be finalized in FY2013.

The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2012 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.

• Advancing Tools Used for Decision Support and Impact Analyses for Transportation (Prior Year Funding: $130,042). On September 19, 2012 FHWA awarded a Task Order to identify State DOT Visual Impact Assessment procedures, methods, and practices; document the current use of FHWA's Visual Impact Assessment Guidance; and to update FHWA's Visual Impact Assessment for Highway Projects guidance document. HEPE held a kickoff meeting on October 16, 2012 at which the consultant and FHWA teams were introduced, a draft Work plan was reviewed, and a schedule for moving forward was approved. The period of performance for this Task Order is one year.

• Electronic National Environmental Policy Act (e-NEPA) (Prior Year Funding: $492,949). During FY2012, HEPE project team met on a weekly basis to keep the development of e-NEPA on track. The project team, FHWA Division Offices, and five pilot states (Arizona, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin) completed four iterative tests of the application. Development of e-NEPA reached approximately 90 percent completion and FHWA anticipates that the final application will be released during FY2013.

• National Transportation Liaison Community of Practice (Prior Year Funding: $130,000). FHWA developed the Transportation Liaison Community of Practice to enrich the streamlining and coordination services that liaisons provide to resource agencies and DOTs by enabling the sharing of best practices and exchanging of knowledge and resources. The website includes a resource library, a subject matter expert list, quarterly profiles on liaisons, a calendar of events, and a news bulletin. The newest addition, added in October 2012, is a discussion board where liaisons can ask questions and share information on project-specific questions and best practices. The Community of Practice website is open to liaisons, liaison managers, State DOTs, MPOs, and FHWA division staff. The website is located at: www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/env_initiatives/liaisonCOP/default.aspx.

• Practitioner Level Programmatic Agreement Workshops (Prior Year Funding: $106,347). In September 2012, FHWA held two of three planned workshops to advance programmatic solutions for environmental regulation. These workshops, which were held after an initial teleconference and subsequent webinar, brought together State DOT, FHWA headquarters and Division employees, and Federal resource and regulatory personnel to discuss and outline the next steps in developing programmatic agreements in their region of the country. A post-workshop webinar is to take place for both workshop groups in December 2012. This webinar will update the group on the advances made after the workshop was completed.

FHWA will host the third workshop of the series in May 2013. FHWA also plans to host seven additional workshops in 2013 for the remaining portions of the country.

Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS)

Emphasis Area Contact: Bruce Bender

Level of FY2012 Funding: $380,000

The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2012 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.

• CSS Clearinghouse (Prior Year Funding: $307,269). FHWA continued to support the CSS Clearinghouse and also promoted CSS principles through a project on designing walkable urban thoroughfares, a CSS webinar series, and CSS National Dialog workshops:
  • Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach focuses on a need to advance the practice of context sensitive design for major urban streets, drawing on principles and techniques used by practitioners from the new urbanist and smart growth movements. The intent of this joint project was to encourage street and network design that creates and strengthens places that are truly multi-modal, feature walkability, and support compact, mixed use environments.
  • Webinars: FHWA hosted three CSS webinars: CSS and Tools for Visualization on June 11, 2012, Implementing Trails in the Urban, Suburban, and Rural Context on April 17, 2012, and Americans with Disabilities Act and Context Sensitive Solutions on January 5, 2012.
  • CSS National Dialog Workshops: FHWA hosted a CSS National Dialog workshop in Springfield, Illinois on September 27, 2012. The workshop provided an overview of CSS principles and examples of project successes. Additional information on the webinars can be found at the CSS website at www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/css/webinars/.

Emphasis Areas Related to Planning

Congestion

Emphasis Area Contact: Egan Smith

Level of FY2012 Funding: $100,000

• Guidebook for Equity Analysis (Congestion Pricing) (FY2012: $50,000; Office of Operations: $50,000). FHWA began development of a Guidebook for Equity Analysis that will enable transportation agencies to better assess and mitigate equity impacts of road pricing projects on local communities, commuters, and system users. Development of the Guidebook for Equity Analysis (congestion pricing) began in Fiscal Year 2011 with a literature review, research, and interviews with experts. In FY2012, FHWA held a workshop on the Guidebook in October 2011 and as of April 20, 2012 a draft document was under review.

Safety Planning

Emphasis Area Contact: Sarah Sun

Level of FY2012 Funding: $200,000

• Developing Advanced Spatial Analytical Tools in Transportation Safety Planning: Examining Planning zones and Trip Data for Accurate and Efficient Transportation Safety Planning (FY2012: $200,000). The purpose of this research is to establish the suitability of the current traffic-related zoning approach in the new generation planning method: Transportation Safety Planning (TSP). Through this project, FHWA is exploring effective and efficient uses in TSP of existing key determinants in traditional transportation planning such as trip generation/distribution data and developing a prototype for a scientific yet practical analysis toolbox to advance TSP practice at various levels. University of Central Florida submitted a draft final report for this study in Fall 2012. FHWA is currently reviewing and finalizing this study.

Freight Planning

Emphasis Area Contact: Spencer Stevens

Level of FY2012 Funding: $200,000

There were no FY2012 accomplishments in this area.

Performance-Based Planning

Emphasis Area Contact: Harlan Miller

Level of FY2012 Funding: $200,000

Performance-Based Planning (FY2012: $200,000). FHWA hosted three one-day workshops with external stakeholders focused on performance-based planning and programming with State DOTs, MPOs, and transit agencies in southeastern states on March 29, 2012, New England states on June 19, 2012, and intermountain west states on September 18, 2012. FHWA also commenced development of a guidebook focused on performance-based planning and programming.

Public Involvement and Visualization in Planning

Emphasis Area Contact: Frederick Bowers

Level of FY2012 Funding: $200,000

• Public Involvement and Visualization in Planning (FY2012: $200,000). FHWA provided two Scenario Planning workshops and two Scenario Planning webinars to assist transportation agencies in applying and better utilizing scenario planning techniques. Also, FHWA completed a report entitled Linking Regional Safety, offered a training module called LEL Safety and Planning Linkages, and organized four Megaregion national planning conference calls. Additionally, working with the USDOT Volpe Center, FHWA finished MPO Planning for Healthy Communities, a white paper that identifies an integrated and flexible approach to how MPOs and their partners can consider aspects of health during the transportation planning process. Two webinars were also administered to showcase the highlights of this white paper. Finally, FHWA, again working with the USDOT Volpe Center, began work on a State DOT Planning for Healthy Communities report and an Economic MPO Best Practice report.

Other Activities that Support State/Local/Tribal Planning Capacity Building

Emphasis Area Contact: Kenneth Petty

Level of FY2012 Funding: $1,375,000

• Tribal Transportation Planning Module Series (FY2012: $138,268). FHWA developed five new modules for the Five Tribal Transportation Planning Module Training Series, adding to the existing six modules. The Series is designed to assist transportation professionals responsible for planning for the capital, operating, and maintenance needs on Tribal lands. All 11 modules are available at http://www.tribalplanning.fhwa.dot.gov/training_series.aspx.

• Project Prioritization and Performance-based Planning Efforts in Rural and Small Metropolitan Regions (FY 2012: $100,000). This project supported research on project prioritization methods and performance-based planning in rural and small metropolitan regions. The research identified the methods and extent to which organizations such as rural transportation planning organizations (often called RPOs or RTPOs) and smaller metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) rank regional transportation priorities and whether performance measures played a role in the regional planning efforts that occur under contract to state departments of transportation (DOTs). This project provided a resource for regional transportation planning professionals to identify and overcome barriers to project prioritization and performance-based planning, as well as methods to employ such initiatives within their regional planning processes and documents.

• The Architecture of the Megaregion (Prior Year Funding: $274,476). This project provide a basis of knowledge of the current state of thinking on regional and statewide transportation planning structures and opportunities for megaregion planning, and to acquire a full understanding of opportunities and challenges from the viewpoint of the practitioner, academic and policy maker. Expanded literature review of the current and historical structure and function of local, regional, statewide, and trans-boundary transportation planning and financing to megaregion planning in the U.S. The review included a targeted exploration of megaregion initiatives in other infrastructure sectors, for example, the regional greenhouse gas initiative among the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, for valuable lessons learned. And identification of multi-scalar projects of national significance that served as test cases (e.g. high-speed rail). In FY2012, FHWA completed a draft of the report.

• Symposium for Rural Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): Assessing the Structure and Benefits of Collaboration (FY 2012: $25,000). This project assessed RPO and MPO collaboration. A symposium was held that concentrated on various institutional arrangements that promote RPO / MPO collaborations, provide best practice case study examples, and provide attendees (and others as the symposium proceedings will be recorded and shared with a broad audience of interested stakeholders) with relevant information and examples for RPOs and MPOs to replicate.

• Incorporating Livability into Rural and Small Metropolitan Transportation Planning (FY 2012: $100,000). This project used symposium findings and recommendations to study livability as applicable in rural and small metropolitan areas.

• Transportation Planner's Accessibility Toolkit (FY 2012: $249,750). The project developed and deployed simple but powerful analytical tools to support improved transportation planning. These tools took the form of a web-based tool that calculated the accessibility changes associated with improvements and demographic changes. Available to a broader set of planners than those who perform travel demand modeling.

• Linking Transportation Planning with Public Health: An Ecological-Based Paradigm for Institutional Collaboration (FY 2012: $121,713). This project developed an ecological-based planning paradigm to promote greater collaboration among transportation planning agencies and public health agencies. The proposed paradigm included a set of policy suggestions, practical procedures, and technical instruments for facilitating communications between the two communities in order to develop shared visions for urban growth and the development of transportation infrastructure.

• Open-Source Dynamic Traffic Assignment Tool (FY 2012: $357,651). This project created a tool designed for use by planners to evaluate different safety enhancement strategies to reduce frequency and effects of crash events that cause travel times to fluctuate in an unpredictable manner from day to day. It also provided practitioners with a tool that quantifies safety prediction and reliability performance measures.

• Global Climate Change Workshops for MPOs and State DOTs (FY 2012: $100,396). The project supported introductory workshops for State DOTs and MPOs designed to accelerate global climate change awareness and initiatives among State DOTs, MPOs and other associated State agencies.

• Developing the Capacity of Local and Regional Stakeholders to Create, Integrate and Implement Federal Livability Goals (FY 2012: $250,000). This project conducted research to structure and identify current livability activities and challenges; constructive research to develop solutions, tools, strategies and mechanisms; and empirical research to test the feasibility of the tools developed.

• Technical Assistance Resource Guide for State and Local Transportation GHG Planning (FY 2012: $94,743). This project prepared a Resource Guide to aid state DOTs, MPOs and local governments to determine what technical assistance and tools are available, or anticipated to be available in the short term, and how and when to use them in planning, implementation and measurement of GHG reduction efforts.

• Creating Livable Places Understanding the "Development Game" to Increase Livability (FY 2012: $125,000). This project identified opportunities to incorporate Livability Principles into metropolitan planning (especially the long range transportation plan) and to increase coordination among federally required regional and local plans.

U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico Border Planning

Emphasis Area Contact: Roger Petzold

Level of FY2012 Funding: $1,120,000

• Host U.S./Canada Transportation Border Working Group (TBWG) Bi-Annual Meeting (FY2012: $25,000). TBWG works to facilitate the safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods across the Canada-U.S. border. The TBWG brings together multiple transportation and border agencies, and other organizations, to coordinate transportation planning, policy implementation, and the deployment of technology to enhance border infrastructure and operations. As such, this forum fosters on-going communication, information sharing, and the exchange of best practices to improve the transportation and the safety and security systems that connect our two countries. FHWA conducted the following activities in FY2012 as part of TBWG:
• Bi-Annual Meeting: FHWA hosted the TBWG's 2013 meeting in Seattle, Washington. The major theme of the meeting was the Beyond the Border Initiative that both the U.S. and Canada governments have been working to coordinate. Additionally, a bus tour of the Port of Seattle was held to allow meeting participants the opportunity to see how goods are transported from ships and loaded to other modes of transportation.
• Webinars: FHWA's Border and Interstate Team conducted webinars of both TBWG Meetings in which FHWA participated. The first Webinar was a broadcast of the Bi-Annual meeting that was held in Seattle, Washington that included "gavel to gavel" coverage of all presentations given during the meeting. The Third Webinar was a broadcast of the Ottawa TBWG Meeting and was also a "gavel to gavel" broadcast of all presentations.
• Host U.S. Mexico Joint Working Committee (JWC) Bi-Annual Meeting (FY2012: $25,000). FHWA hosted one of the JWC's two meetings in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 20 and 21, 2012 for approximately 65 people from both countries. The JWC discussed their most current work plan and other issues of interest to both countries. This support also included simultaneous interpretation.
• U.S./Canada TBWG Support (FY2012: $200,000). In Support of the TBWG Mission, the Border and Interstate Planning Team participated in extensive outreach activities to maintain professional associations with many of the border agencies and/or organizations that exist along the border with Canada. As an active partner in these endeavors, the Border and Interstate Planning Team maintains an up-to-date perspective of current border issues by actively participating in the following activities:
  • Invitational Travel: In this current fiscal climate of limited travel funds, FHWA provides invitational travel opportunities for some state and MPO border partners to travel to meetings and conferences to share their border expertise and transfer technologies by giving presentations. FHWA has offered invitational travel for attendance of TBWG meetings within the United States and Transportation Research Board meetings in Washington, DC.
  • Eastern Border Transportation Coalition (EBTC): The EBTC is one of FHWA's most active border partners, encompassing the U.S border states from Michigan to Maine, excluding New Hampshire, and the Canadian Border Provinces from Ontario east to Nova Scotia. The EBTC has an annual meeting that alternates annually between the U.S. and Canada. The last meeting was in Halifax, Nova Scotia where FHWA provided a presentation on agency efforts on the Border Wait Time Pilot that the U.S. and Canada are jointly employing.
  • Origin-Destination Database of Border Traffic Flow Workshops: FHWA has entered into a contract with the Province of Ontario to access micro origin-destination data to effectively plan for infrastructure needs at ports of entry along the U.S./Canada border. This endeavor will provide support to the Ontario of Transportation for Ontario (MTO) to host a series of workshops in the U.S. to share MTO's border data and transfer the data to American States to replicate best practices.
  • Research Gathering: The Border and Interstate Team attends various border and freight related meetings around the country to gather research related topics to enhance FHWA's border program and provide state-of-the -art technology perspectives to FHWA's border partners and the border community as a whole. Examples of such meetings are Transportation Research Board Meetings, Upper Midwest Freight Coalition Meetings, Canada - America Border Trade Alliance Meetings, and Logistical Conferences where freight movement across the U.S./Canada Border is an emphasis area of consideration.
• U.S/Mexico JWC Support (FY2012: $150,000). The FHWA Office of Planning continued to support the JWC website including adding new sections (Regional Border Master Plans & Border Wait-time) and posting the new reports and studies completed by the JWC. The JWC website can be found at: hwww.borderplanning.fhwa.dot.gov/mexico.
• Greening Transportation at the Border - Livability and Sustainability (FY2012: $200,000). The FHWA Office of Planning conducted a study that developed an analysis template for emissions associated with the land ports of entry along the U.S./Mexico border, and demonstrated its use through two case studies. Results from the case studies identify candidate best practices and performance measures for use as an input during the initial phases of development for projects that alter the border infrastructure or the operational characteristics of the ports of entry.
• Peer Exchange - Northern Border (FY2012: $10,000). FHWA hosted a one day peer exchange in Oakdale, Minnesota on June 14, 2012 that provided an overview of the international border bridge project development process. This exchange was conceived in part based on a request from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to receive technical assistance for a planned international border bridge project. The Maine Department of Transportation (Maine DOT) was judged to be a match for the issues Minnesota wished to learn more about by virtue of their recent development of a major bridge project between Calais, Maine and St. Stephen, New Brunswick. The FHWA Border Team worked with the FHWA Minnesota Division and MnDOT to organize the exchange. The FHWA Border Team also worked with Maine DOT to coordinate a workshop format and list of topics for the exchange. Other states involved in current or future international border bridge projects were also invited to the event. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Vermont Agency of Transportation were active participants. Staff members from the General Services Administration were also on hand to offer their experiences and expertise in border project management issues. Based on attendee feedback, which is captured in the Peer Exchange Final Report, the event was a success.

National Security, Defense, and Interstate Planning

Emphasis Area Contact: Stefan Natzke

Level of FY2012 Funding: $80,000

There were no FY2012 accomplishments in this area.

Emphasis Areas Related to Real Estate Services

Real Estate Program Stewardship

Emphasis Area Contact: Arnold Feldman

Level of FY2012 Funding: $795,000

• Support of Stakeholder and Partner Outreach and Informational Dissemination Programs (FY2012: $195,000). FHWA Office of Real Estate (HEPR) services supported a number of diverse activities to promote stakeholder engagement, information dissemination and resource development. HEPR relies on three primary information conduits for stakeholder and partner outreach: its website (www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/), newsletters, and a community of practice. STEP funding supported the updating, editing, and development of the Office of Real Estate Services website, dissemination of two newsletters, and support for the Real Estate Exchange community of practice. Additionally HEPR sponsored and supported two national right-of-way meetings.

• Development of Case Studies in Practices that State DOTs Use to Provide Stewardship and Oversight of the Local Public Agency (LPA) Program (FY2012: $200,000). HEPR led a number of LPA workshops using workshop material previously developed under the STEP program. HEPR will develop a statement of work to address needs identified during these workshops. HEPR plans to launch a contract for this effort in Spring 2013.

• Alternative Uses of Energy in the Highway Right of Way (ROW) (FY2012: $200,000). FHWA published and posted the report Alternative Uses of Highway Right-of-Way-Accommodating Renewable Energy Technologies and Alternative Fuel Facilities on the HEPR website in January 2012. The final report is available at Alternate Use of Highway Right-of-Way. HEPR also hosted a webinar for stakeholders on August 21, 2012.

FHWA published a project paper in the 2012 Environment issue of Transportation Research Board (TRB) Transportation Research Record; the paper can be found at pubsindex.trb.org/view.aspx?id=1129039. The research paper received the 2012 RITA Award for Best Paper/Presentation in November 2012.

The overall research effort lead to HEPR's initiation of a pilot project to support stakeholders, nationally, in their efforts to plan, develop, and execute projects that use highway ROW to accommodate renewable energy technologies.

• A Study of Reverse Mortgages in Relocation Assistance (FY2012: $200,000). FHWA formed a working group and held its first conference call on November 16, 2012. The purpose of the study is to identify the unique issues and challenges associated with acquiring and relocating individuals with reverse, or Home Equity Conversion (HECM), mortgages that are displaced as a result of Federally-funded projects. FHWA intends to distribute a report by June 2013 and a functioning Mortgage Interest Differential Payment (MIDP) calculator by August 2013. Group members include representatives of AASHTO Relocation Technical Council, International Right-of-Way Association Relocation Committee, FTA, HUD, FAA, State DOTs, FHWA, and O.R. Colan Associates.

The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2012 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.

• Voluntary Acquisitions under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 - Identification of Implementation Challenges (Prior Year Funding: $100,000). HEPR completed a final report and submitted it to the FHWA Office of Public Affairs for review; the report will be published once it has been approved by the Offices of Public Affairs and Chief Counsel. Based on the findings of the report, FHWA is considering a revision to current implementation guidance FHWA plans to hold a webinar discussing the findings in early 2013.

• Realty Acquisition and Relocation Incentive Payments - Putting a Flexibility into Practice: A "How-To" Guide (Prior Year Funding: $150,000). HEPR completed the report Realty Acquisition and Relocation Assistance Incentive Payments: The Flexibility Put to Practice in Fall 2012. The report will be published on HEPR's website pending approval by the Offices of Public Affairs and Chief Counsel. HEPR plans to conduct an extensive marketing effort, including a webinar to discuss findings, in early 2013.

• The Property Management Tools and Techniques: Models for the Effective Management of Real Property Assets at State Departments of Transportation (Prior Year Funding: $150,000). HEPR published the report Property Management Tools and Techniques: Models for the Effective Management of Real Property Assets at State Departments of Transportation in September 2012. The report outlines property management best practices and is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/publications/property_management_tools. HEPR plans to sponsor a webinar for stakeholders to highlight the report findings in March 2013.

• Coordination with Railroads to Facilitate Acquisition of ROW (Prior Year Funding: $80,000). HEPR completed the report Coordination with Railroads to Facilitate Acquisition of ROW in June 2012. The research identifies means of streamlining and accelerating right-of-way acquisition from Amtrak along the Northeast Corridor. The final report is available at www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/publications/row_railroad_coordination and HEPR presented the results to northern FHWA Division Offices and State DOTs in December 2012.

Emphasis Areas Related to Tools to Support Planning and Environment

Travel Modeling

Emphasis Area Contact: Sarah Sun

Level of FY2012 Funding: $1,325,000

• General Travel Model Improvement Program (TMIP) Promotion, Outreach and Capacity Building (FY2012: $500,000). TMIP works with agencies and other members of the transportation planning and modeling community to improve information sharing and support the best available tools and methods. TMIP seeks to innovate, educate, and advocate for best practices by sponsoring its Web Knowledge and Information Exchange, Peer Review Program, on-going research activities, and the use of web-based technologies to connect and collaborate with our user community. FHWA conducted the following activities in FY2012 as part of TMIP:
  • Webinars: TMIP's Web Knowledge and Information Exchange webinar series delivered fourteen webinars on the following topics: Activity-Based Modeling (twelve sessions) every three weeks from February through September 2012; Smart Phones and Travel Behavior in April 2012; and Forecasting Land Use Activities - Creating and Visualizing Land Use Forecasting Scenarios on December 15, 2011. Recordings of the webinar sessions are available at: www.tmiponline.org/Clearinghouse/Item-Types/Recorded-Webinar.
  • Peer Reviews: The peer review program provides an opportunity for planning agencies to invite an expert peer review panel to review their data, models and methods to ensure that the technical processes they are applying meet standards of professional practice and meet Federal, State, or local planning requirements. TMIP supports peer reviews by assisting agencies in panel assembly, logistics, and funding for travel. In FY2012, TMIP conducted five peer reviews in Arizona, Michigan, Washington, California, and Georgia. Final reports from these peer reviews are available upon request.
  • At-A-Glance Series: TMIP introduced a new At-A-Glance brochure series that will be released quarterly among the TMIP user community. The At-A-Glance brochures are one to two page documents designed to highlight program initiatives, research and topics of interest to the TMIP community. In FY2012, TMIP released its first At-A-Glance brochure highlighting activity-based modeling resources. The Activity-Based Modeling Resources At-A-Glance can be found at: content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USDOTFHWAHEP/2012/10/15/file_attachments/167762/Activity-Based-Modeling_Resources_At-A-Glance.pdf
  • TMIP FHWA Website: In FY2012, TMIP updated and improved its web-presence within the broader FHWA website. The improvements include new TMIP branding, better organized content as well as new features designed to engage and serve the TMIP users community. The new and improved TMIP website can be found at: www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/tmip
• Nonmotorized Analysis Tools (FY2012: $275,000). FHWA designed, tested, and implemented open source tools and a web-based extensible software framework for bicycle and pedestrian travel analysis.
• Travel Data (FY2012:$150,000). FHWA collected and archived new Global Positioning System (GPS) travel survey studies and made these datasets available for research on hybrid electric vehicle design, fuel utilization, and air quality studies, in addition to more traditional transportation planning applications. A national infrastructure dataset has been added to the center so that relationships to the GPS-based travel can be more easily studied. FHWA conducted outreach through a presentation at the Household Travel Survey Symposium and the development of a video to be included on the project website.
• TMIP Performance-Based Planning Toolbox (FY2012: $30,000). FHWA commenced work on developing the TMIP Performance-Based Transportation Planning Toolbox in August 2012. FHWA reviewed related tools, literature, and relevant recent and current efforts by FHWA. FHWA also hosted an in-person kick-off meeting in Washington, D.C. and developed a draft conceptual design and scope of work. These preliminary efforts ensure a firm foundation for this original project to create a reference resource for the selection and application of analytical tools and methods to support data-driven, performance-based transportation planning that incorporates risk management principles.

GIS/Spatial Information for Improved Decision Making

Emphasis Area Contact: Mark Sarmiento

Level of FY2012 Funding: $100,000

• GIS Applications in Transportation Case Studies, Best Practices, Peer Exchanges, and National Highway Planning Network Enhancements (FY2012: $100,000). FHWA completed two case study reports. One summarized the use among transportation agencies of GIS and highway noise analysis, while the other focused on the deployment of internet-based mapping portals based in GIS. FHWA also hosted a GIS-Noise Analysis Peer Exchange to support the first case study report. Information about these activities is available at www.gis.fhwa.dot.gov. Finally, FHWA awarded a contract in September 2012 for a project to enhance the National Highway Planning Network.

The following research activities had accomplishments in FY2012 but were funded through prior years of STEP funding.

• GIS in Transportation Webcasts and Newsletters (Prior Year Funding: $10,000). FHWA hosted four webcasts and four newsletters in FY2012 focused on innovative and noteworthy applications of GIS among transportation agencies. Four webcasts and four newsletters were produced in FY 2012. Each highlighted a specific GIS application occurring at a transportation agency. Archived newsletter issues and summaries of each webcast are available on FHWA's GIS in Transportation website at www.gis.fhwa.dot.gov.

Program Management and Outreach

Emphasis Area Contact: Patricia Cazenas

Level of FY2012 Funding: $1,000,000

• Program Management and Outreach (FY 2012: $1,000,000). Accomplishments included the following:
  • Presented at numerous national meetings;
  • Conducted two webinars on Federal Requirements for the Enhanced National Highway System and one webinar on the relationship between transportation planning and health, which included emphasis area information along with discussions on the STEP program;
  • Produced STEP program highlights fact sheets;
  • Participated in the TRB Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.;
  • Submitted information to the U.S. DOT Research Hub, a searchable database of the latest agency-sponsored research, development, and technology projects. The database acts as a central location for information on projects funded by U.S. DOT operating administrations and provides links to research reports and other products;
  • Posted a Federal Register notice to solicit feedback for the STEP Research Plans;
  • Provided website support for FHWA's Office of Planning, Environment and Realty's research and programs. STEP documents posted on the website (www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step) include: STEP Federal Register notice, STEP Implementation Strategies, and STEP webinar summaries. The website is used by emphasis area contacts to better share new information about STEP events and products;
  • Coordinated development and implementation of research initiatives with SHRP2 and the National Cooperative Research Highway Program (NCHRP); and
  • Processed approximately 338 procurement requests and 15 allocation memos to initiate STEP research initiatives. Timely reports were provided regarding the status of research initiatives, including the National Science Foundation/FEDWeb report and the annual Minority Institutions of Higher Education report.