GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY
DOT Performance Goal: Safer, more efficient and cost effective movement of passengers and cargo throughout international and domestic transportation systems, including U.S. Ports of entry, modal and intermodal supply chains.
This funding request contributes to the DOT Global Connectivity strategic objective and the performance outcome goal to achieve safer, more efficient and cost effective movement of passengers and cargo.`
Number of freight corridors with an annual decrease in the average buffer index rating greater than the national average.
| 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | N/T | 5 | 25 | 25 |
| Actual | 3 | 5 |
INBOUND - Number of U.S. border crossings with increase in reliability.
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Actual | 1 |
OUTBOUND - Number of U.S. border crossings with increase in reliability.
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 5 | TBD | TBD |
| Actual | 4 |
Funding for this performance goal:
| STRATEGIC GOALS & OUTCOMES by Performance Measure |
FY 2007 ENACTED | FY 2008 ENACTED | FY 2009 REQUEST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY STRATEGIC GOAL | |||
| Increase the Efficiency of Passenger and Cargo Movement | |||
| a. Number of freight corridors with annual decrease in the average buffer index rating | 441,495 | 469,209 | 446,599 |
| Number of NHS border crossings with an increase reliability (both in- and out-bound) | 441,495 | 469,209 | 446,599 |
| c. Other | ----- | ----- | ----- |
| Subtotal, Performance Outcome | 882,990 | 938,418 | 893,198 |
This request will allow the FHWA to fund the development and dissemination of the analytic capability and professional capacity needed by Federal, State, international and private sector partners to understand, plan for, and accommodate freight movement, support U.S. foreign policy priorities and initiatives including expanded opportunities and access for U.S. transportation industry, and support the FHWA’s efforts to coordinate highway transportation infrastructure and operations with planned changes at U.S. land borders. This includes data analysis tools, network performance metrics, improved freight modeling capability, professional capacity building, continuation of grants for both multi-State corridor and border efforts, linkages between investment decisions and impacts on land ports of entry, linkages between freight transportation and our national and regional economies, and improved bi-national planning. States and MPOs will also use these resources to improve freight movement into and through major trade transport gateways and hubs, improve the transportation infrastructure that connects these gateways to the Nation's mainline transportation networks, and relieve congestion related to high levels of truck traffic.
Performance Issue
The U.S. transportation system is an integral component of our national economy, enabling the movement of $2 trillion in goods every year. In 2003 our Nation’s transportation system carried almost 500 million people between the U.S. and Canada and the U.S. and Mexico. International trade currently accounts for about 25 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product and this figure is anticipated to grow to 35 percent in the next 20 years. As the economy continues to expand its connection to global trade, the ability to move goods into and out of the U.S., through the transportation system, only increases in importance. Significant volumes of freight move through key corridors and border crossings of our transportation network. Free flowing corridors and land border crossings are vital to our nation’s economy and defense. Yet this vital component is showing increasing signs of strain. Current congestion levels on our transportation system are beginning to adversely affect the movement of goods.
The border regions with Canada and Mexico are of particular interest to the economy of the United States. Taking into consideration combined imports and exports, Canada and Mexico are our top two trading partners. In 2001, the surface modes carried $547.3 billion in trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. These volumes immediately impact our border communities as well as the Nation as a whole. On the Canadian border, for example, an estimated 50 percent of the freight traffic crossing the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor is locally bound to serve the auto industry, which is as vital to the economy of the Detroit area as it is to the nation. Along the Mexican border, the development of the Maquiladora (Mexican assembly plants that manufacture finished goods for export) industry in the Mexican border communities of San Diego and El Paso has been the engine for economic growth in northern Mexico through job creation and exports, as well as the growth of cross border trade. In addition to the freight movement, almost one million people each day move through our land borders for a variety of reasons that range from recreation and tourism, to access to health care, to employment and visiting family and friends.
Travel time and the variability of travel time on sections of the transportation network with significant volumes of freight are key indicators of how efficiently the U.S. is able to move its goods. The FHWA began measuring travel speeds along significant freight corridors in FY 2005. Data collection expanded to 25 freight corridors in FY 2006-FY 2007. The buffer index, a measure of travel time reliability, represents the extra time freight carriers should add to their average travel time in order to ensure on-time arrival, at least 95 percent of the time, for an end-to-end trip along the corridor. The extra time is added to account for any unexpected delay. The buffer index, which is expressed as a percentage, decreases as trip reliability improves. As travel speed measurements used to calculate an average travel speed along any given corridor become more consistent and reliable, the number of corridors with a declining annual buffer index rating should also increase.
As illustrated in Table A, travel speed measurements are used to calculate the average travel speed and average buffer index for the five Interstate corridors in which data are collected. For FY 2007, the 2006 data are used. The annual average travel speed for the five corridors measured remained constant when compared to the previous year; no corridor had a decline in average annual speed greater than 1 mph. The annual average buffer index for two of the five corridors declined in a positive direction. Three of the five corridors had an increase in annual average buffer index. The FY 2007 target, which was based on reducing the buffer index in 100 percent of the corridors monitored in 2006, was not met. To improve system performance and reliability, we will continue to work with partner agencies to encourage implementation of operational strategies and to execute the freight projects related infrastructure provisions of SAFETEA-LU. In 2008, data will be available for 25 corridors. With this data for the most freight significant interstate corridors, we will establish a national average with the target to have 50 percent or more of the 25 corridors perform better than the national average.
| Corridor Name | Description (Start and End Locations) | Average Travel Speed (miles per hour) | Average Buffer Index (percent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-5 | San Diego, CA (Mexican Border) to Blaine, WA (Canadian Border) |
49.7 mph |
18.9 % |
| I-10 | Santa Monica, CA to Jacksonville, FL |
55.9 mph |
20.8 % |
| I-45 | Galveston, TX to Dallas, TX |
54.1 mph |
30.8 % |
| I-65 | Mobile, AL to Gary, IN |
57.7 mph |
6.8 % |
| I-70 | Cove Fort, UT to Baltimore, MD |
54.3 mph |
11.1 % |
Note: The buffer index represents the extra time freight carriers should add to their average travel time in order to ensure on-time arrival, at least 95 percent of the time, for an end-to-end trip along the corridor. |
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Another key indicator of the transportation system performance is the crossing time for commercial motor vehicles entering and leaving the U.S. at ports-of-entry with Mexico and Canada. To develop a baseline measure of border crossing time, the FHWA is working toward benchmarking outbound and inbound crossing times at selected northern and southern borders. Between May 2006 and April 2007, the annual average crossing time and annual average buffer index were measured for five U.S.-Canadian border crossings. Baseline data for these measures are shown in Table B. Inbound and outbound crossing times include commercial trucks moving within two miles of the border crossing area. In FY 2008, performance measures that encompass a larger portion of the transportation network in the border area, i.e., further distances out from the port of entry, will be developed. Ways to reliably measure travel times will also be examined during FY 2008 for several U.S./Mexico border crossings. Concurrent with benchmarking activities, the FHWA continues to collaborate with other public and private agencies to develop strategies that produce positive results using the benchmarks.
| Border Crossing | Average Annual Crossing Time (U.S. Inbound), in minutes | Average Annual Buffer Index (U.S. Inbound), as a percentage | Average Annual Crossing Time (U.S. Outbound), in minutes | Average Annual Buffer Index (U.S. Outbound), as a percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambassador Bridge, Michigan | 42.8 | 225.5 | 28.2 | 262.2 |
| Blaine, Washington | 36.4 | 238.6 | 30.9 | 255.8 |
| Champlain, New York | 73.2 | 132.0 | 43.4 | 174.0 |
| Peace Bridge, New York | 32.8 | 136.2 | 18.9 | 250.4 |
| Pembina, North Dakota | 179.4 | 96.6 | 16.3 | 164.9 |
Note: The buffer index represents the extra time freight carriers should add to their average crossing time in order to ensure the their crossing time will be equal to or less than the average, at least 95 percent of the time. |
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Anticipated FY 2008 Accomplishments
The FHWA will continue to work with transportation investment decision makers to ensure they have the needed information, analytic capability and professional capacity to advance transportation projects that improve freight mobility. The FHWA will:
- Continue to engage State and MPO stakeholders in the development freight professional capacity building through the Freight Professional Development (FPD) Program to ensure that this program is responsive to identified needs in the transportation community.
- Continue to advance the usage of the freight data and freight performance measures in local decision-making. We will continue to work with States and MPOs in developing methods for acquiring and integrating local and national data in support of local project analysis.
- Work with State DOTs to advance improved commercial motor vehicle size and weight enforcement opportunities that improve freight throughput. This will include the usage of weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology, virtual weigh stations and electronic permitting of oversize/overweight permits.
- Actively promote the adoption of the Electronic Freight Management’s information transfer protocols into select supply chains.
- Implement a prioritized list of Freight Model Improvement Program (FMIP) research projects.
- Continue the work of improving our forecasting ability, which is critical to long term planning at the national, State and local level, by advancing our capacity to identify and analyze emerging trends.
- Increase the efficiency of freight movement by working with State and local partners to identify, evaluate, and improve the condition and performance of intermodal connectors.
- Actively assist States and MPOs to build public or private coalitions, both regional and local, that help integrate freight into transportation planning decision-making.
- Encourage the use of implementing technologies by States and MPOs to promote efficient movement of people and goods flows through international land ports-of-entry.
- Develop and advance institutional protocols to improve integration of transportation concerns in the movement of goods and people at international land ports-of-entry.
- Continue border technology exchange, collaboration and resource sharing mechanisms among border agencies.
- Examine methods to collect data at U.S./Mexico border to help measure crossing travel times.
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FHWA National Performance Objectives Improve travel time reliability for freight movements at Ports-Of-Entry and along corridors. Improve efficiency and reliability of good and people movement at international land border facilities. |
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DOT Performance Goals Safer, more efficient and cost effective movement of passengers and cargo throughout international and domestic transportation systems, including U.S. Ports of entry, modal and intermodal supply chains. |
| Figure 8. Relationship between Freight and Border Program Objectives and Outcomes | ||
Safety, System Performance and 21st Century Solutions
Improving International Border Crossings — In FY 2008, funds will be used for a Domestic Border Issues Conference, the completion of a case study of the Caltrans/Baja California Border Master Plan, activities related to the Record of Decision for the Detroit/Windsor International Crossing Initiative, examining data collection tools for the southern border, and support of a variety of regional workshops.
International Scan Program - Freight Mobility and Intermodal Connectivity Innovative Practices – In conjunction with AASHTO and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), an implementation plan from the Freight Mobility and Intermodal Connectivity Innovative Practices in China scan will be advanced.
Data Collection- Freight Mobility – In FY 2008, funds will be used to modify and supplement data collected by States to focus more on system performance and freight mobility. The expected outcome is better, more complete measures of system performance and utilization, and asset management. New data collection efforts will begin in January 2008.
Issue Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Exploratory Advanced Research – In FY 2008, funds will be used to issue a second BAA. The expected outcome is the competitive selection of research proposals with the potential for transformational improvements to the durability, efficiency, environmental impact, productivity and safety aspects of the highway and intermodal transportation system. The initial selection of projects from the second BAA is expected byJuly 2008.
Create a new process and methodology for developing, conducting, and delivering high-risk, breakthrough research within the agency’s R&T program – In FY 2008, funds will be used to continue the implementation of the Scanning and Convening Plan developed in FY 2007. The breakthrough innovations and technologies identified in FY 2007 will determine FHWA research proposals to be competed for further investigation and possible application to advance transformational change. The expected completion date for the FHWA competition is December 2008.
FY 2009 Performance Budget Request
Federal-aid Highway Program
The FHWA will continue to collaborate with State and local government agencies and the private sector to ensure more effective planning, improved data collection, modeling and analysis, and infrastructure and operational improvements. The FHWA will continue to refine the Frame Analysis Framework (FAF) and FPD, continue to implement the products of the FMIP effort, and continue to create opportunities for joint planning with a variety of State, local and other Federal agencies.
Coordinated planning and collaboration with the General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Homeland Scrutiny (DHS), State Departments of Transportation and MPOs, Canada, and Mexico will be continued so that better and more informed decisions for land ports of entry can be made. To carry out these efforts, the FHWA, GSA and DHS will sponsor joint conferences and training opportunities.
Border Planning, Operations, and Technology program funds, as well as research funds, will be used to improve bi-national transportation planning for the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada. The FHWA will work to foster communications and coordination among GSA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Border States by continuing the Joint Working Committee with Mexico and the Transportation Border Working Group with Canada. Participating in various interagency task forces such as the Border Station Partnership Council, the Border Governors, the U.S./Mexico Bridges and Borders Committee, and the Customs Border Infrastructure Modeling Working Group will help to improve communications.
The FHWA will also encourage States and MPOs at or near international land borders to use funds for highway and multi-modal planning or environmental studies; cross-border port of entry and safety inspection improvements, including operational enhancements as well as technology applications, transfer and information exchange activities, and right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction projects.
The Trans Texas Corridor, Texas, project is estimated at over $180 billion over a 50-year implementation period and consists of a new 600 mile multi-use corridor from the Oklahoma border to the Mexico border. This proposed corridor may include toll roads, high-speed passenger and freight rail, regional freight and commuter rail, and utility transportation for water, petroleum, gas and telecommunications. A Comprehensive Development Agreement was procured through a Public Private Partnership. This major project will respond to the continuation of rapid population growth, which will result in a substantial increase in the number of vehicles using Texas highways.
Research and ITS
Research and ITS funds will be used to help reduce barriers to trade in the transportation of goods and services and allow more efficient movement of cargo throughout the international borders. Methods of improvement include GPS applications, use of GIS applications, sensor and communications technologies, ITS technologies for freight tracking and monitoring, promotion of the Border Information Flow Architecture on both borders, and systems management and operations.
The FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research program will explore longer-term, higher risk research with potentially dramatic breakthroughs for the next generation of intermodal and freight transportation, addressing such issues as improved intermodal connections, innovations to create real-time traffic control and ensure productive global supply-chain freight logistics, and improved Geographic Information System (GIS) applications.
Limitation on Administrative Expenses
FTE and administrative resources associated with this strategic initiative are as follows:
51 FTE and $8.8 million
Responsible Officials:
Ms. Mary Phillips, Associate Administrator for Policy and Governmental Affairs.
Mr. Jeffrey F. Paniati, Associate Administrator for Operations
Ms. Gloria Shepherd, Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment, and Realty
DOT Performance Goal: Enhanced competitiveness of U.S. transport providers and manufacturers in the global marketplace.
Number of technology/information exchange agreements that promote U.S. transportation industry (target is 3 new or expanded agreements by 2011).
| 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | N/T | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Actual | 2 |
4 |
This funding request contributes to the DOT Global Connectivity strategic objective and the performance outcome goal to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. transport providers and manufacturers in the global marketplace.
| STRATEGIC GOALS & OUTCOMES by Performance Measure |
FY 2007 ENACTED | FY 2008 ENACTED | FY 2009 REQUEST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. GLOABAL CONNECTIVITY STRATEGIC GOAL | |||
| Enhanced Competitiveness | |||
| a. Number of technolgy/infformation exchange agreement that promote U.S. highway transportation industry. | 367,352 | 383,865 | 363,765 |
| b. Other | ----- | ----- | ----- |
| Subtotal, Performance Outcome | 367,352 | 383,865 | 363,765 |
| Total-Global Conectivity Goal | 1,250,642 | 1,322,283 | 1,256,963 |
This request will allow the FHWA to fund the development and dissemination of the analytic capability and professional capacity needed by Federal, State, international, and private sector partners to support Departmental and U.S. foreign policy priorities and initiatives including expanded opportunities and access for U.S. transportation industry. This funding will also be used to support international adaptation of U.S. standards and specifications, thereby providing more opportunities for the U.S. private sector.
Performance Issue
Increasingly, the DOT and the FHWA provides direct support for U.S. Foreign policy priorities and initiatives, especially expanded opportunities and access for U.S. transportation industry. Currently, the Agency is providing technical assistance to countries such as Iraq, Kuwait, China, Israel, Russia, Brazil, and Argentina, thereby expanding opportunities for the U.S. private sector.
Through the International Scanning Program (in cooperation with AASHTO and NCHRP) and international partnerships, new technologies and best practices that were developed elsewhere are more quickly adopted in the U.S., thus enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. transport providers and manufacturers. As an example, over 250 million tons of Stone Matrix Asphalt has been placed in the U.S. since the technology was introduced 15 years ago. With just a 25 percent increase in the life of a pavement surface as a result of the adoption of this technology, over $50 million is saved annually according to the National Center for Asphalt Technology. Additionally, findings from the April 2004 Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems Scan led to developments used in rapid responses to hurricane damage in both Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Requests for technical assistance from government agencies and private organizations in other countries continue to increase. The Agency provides technical assistance and information exchange in response and frequently gains from these exchanges; partnering with a variety of firms and trade associations to access markets has led to millions of dollars in sales of U.S. technology.
Anticipated FY 2008 Accomplishments
- Continue the International Scanning program. Three Scans took place in FY 2007; Warm Mix Asphalt Technologies, Bridge Inspection Quality Control, Freight Mobility and Intermodal Connectivity – Asia. It is anticipated that implementation activities related to these Scans will occur in FY 2008. The Scans planned for FY 2008 include: Best Practices to Accommodate Older Road Users; Transportation Research Program Management;Public Private Partnerships; andIntegrating and Streamlining Right-of-Way and Utility Processes with Planning, Environment and Design.
- Finalize cooperative memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with strategically and economically important countries and continue implementation of existing MOUs. This should produce opportunities for U.S. Highway transportation stakeholders.
- Initiatives may include exchanges with Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, the Netherlands, Russia, Mexico and Latin American partners and other activities in support of the Congestion Initiative and the Departmental goals of Safety and Global Connectivity.
Safety, System Performance and 21st Century Solutions
International Scan Program - In conjunction with AASHTO and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), funds will be used in FY 2007-FY 2008 to conduct international research scans on Older Driver Safety, Public Private Partnerships, Freight Mobility and Intermodal Connectivity Innovative Practices, and Warm Mix Asphalt Technologies. Safety and congestion topics will also be incorporated into exchange activities and MOU implementation.
FY 2009 Performance Budget Request
Federal-aid Highway Program
Funds will be used to continue the International Technology Scanning Program, a cooperative program with AASHTO and NCHRP which accesses and evaluates innovative foreign technologies and practices that could significantly benefit U.S. Highway transportation systems. This approach allows for advanced technology to be adapted and put into practice much more efficiently without spending scarce research funds to recreate advances already developed by other countries. Scan reports will be circulated throughout the country to State and local transportation officials and the private sector.
Depending on availability of funds, the FHWA will work with existing partners to expand the number of technology exchange centers and engage in technical and information exchange activities, as well as priority technical training, in selected countries such as Iraq and Kuwait. The FHWA will support the Border Technology Exchange Program that functions in a multilateral manner along the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada. Funds will be used to facilitate critical communication between U.S. Agencies and international counterparts, both bilaterally and through international forums.
Funds will be used to increase efforts on projects that will bring more immediate benefits to the United States, aiding private sector efforts in other countries, adoption of U.S.-endorsed standards, developing targeted bilateral agreements versus multilateral agreements, and best practices that may benefit State DOTs and transportation companies operating in the United States. FHWA will work with other federal entities in supporting strategic foreign policy goals, such as those in the Middle East, opening opportunities for the U.S. private sector as well. The FHWA intends to coordinate and State partners, establish partnerships between U.S. States and their foreign counterparts.
The FHWA will continue to facilitate technical exchanges and relationships leading to the use of international technologies and best practices. The FHWA expects to open opportunities for the private sector through its various programs, exchange information and technology with our counterparts abroad, and share the best and most current technologies and best practices with the U.S. transportation community by facilitating twinning relationships that benefit U.S., State, and international partners.
Limitation on Administrative Expenses
FTE and administrative resources associated with this strategic initiative are as follows:
21 FTE and $3.4 million
Responsible Officials:
Ms. Mary Phillips, Associate Administrator for Policy and Governmental Affairs.
Mr. Jeffrey F. Paniati, Associate Administrator for Operations
Ms. Gloria Shepherd, Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment, and Realty
