Implementation of Electronic Right-of-Way Management Systems Versus Paper Systems (June 2015)
Implementing an electronic right-of-way management system can be potentially costly and complex. HEPR initiated this research study for transportation professionals in public agencies to use to obtain leadership buy-in supporting the implementation of an integrated, electronic right-of-way management system. The goal of this research project is to compare and contrast the relative strengths and challenges associated with using both an electronic system and a "paper" system and then to identify and document the business case associated with the implementation of an electronic system.
Business Relocation Assistance
2010 study of the actual costs businesses incur as a result of having to relocate for a public transportation project and determine the costs that would be reimbursable if reestablishment expense payments were not limited to the current Federal statutory maximum amount of $10,000.
2019 Nationwide Residential Real Estate Market Data Analysis - Final Report Publication
This investigative study gathered nationwide comparative and finite sales price data from private sources on a per market basis within each State to identify and document where and to what extent market values have not recovered, or have met or exceeded those values that existed prior to the historically unique 2008 U.S. real estate market crash. The historically unique negative equity housing situation resulting from the 2008 U.S. real estate market crash created circumstances that justified the FHWA's 2009 temporary negative equity waiver. This waiver provided a modified methodology of the calculation for a RHP under 49 CFR 24.401(b)(1) that ensures a comparable replacement dwelling was available within the economic means of displaced owner occupants, as required by the Uniform Act. The Office of Real Estate Services routinely conducted outreach with its State and Federal partners and stakeholders for insight about local residential real estate market conditions after issuing the temporary waiver in 2009. The FHWA generally extended its authorization of the temporary waiver for Federal-aid highway projects in 2 year increments, however, following this and a subsequent research effort, determined that single family residential real estate sale prices in each of the States had generally recovered to precrash levels, and a reauthorization of the temporary waiver beyond the June 30, 2021 expiration date was no longer needed.
Early Acquisition: Statewide Land Use, Environment and Transportation Planning Requirements (08/2018)
This report describes how State Department of Transportation have interpreted and implemented 23 U.S.C. 108(c)(3)(C), which requires "a mandatory comprehensive and coordinated land use, environment, and transportation planning process under State law and the acquisition is certified by the Governor as consistent with the State plans before the acquisition.
Implementation of Electronic Right-of-Way Management Systems Versus Paper Systems (06/2015)
Implementing an electronic right-of-way management system can be potentially costly and complex. HEPR initiated this research study for transportation professionals in public agencies to use to obtain leadership buy-in supporting the implementation of an integrated, electronic right-of-way management system. The goal of this research project is to compare and contrast the relative strengths and challenges associated with using both an electronic system and a "paper" system and then to identify and document the business case associated with the implementation of an electronic system.
Notices and Offers by Electronic Methods: Process Streamlining (PDF 2.6 MB) (10/2015)
The research report reviews and evaluates the feasibility of streamlining the acquisition process through the use of electronic methods to deliver notices and offers to owners and tenants without jeopardizing their rights under the Uniform Act.
Option Contracts Research Study (12/2017)
The purpose of this report is to explore how and when Federal agencies and State DOT's can best take advantage of real estate option techniques for real property acquisitions afforded under the of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) amendments to the Uniform Act.
Project Development Guide
The (PDG) contains a practical approach to right-of-way Federal-aid project requirements with mini-case studies on how others have handled a variety of right-of-way problems.
Right-of-Way Cost Estimation Processes - State of the Practice
This report documents the state of the practice in right-of-way cost estimation among State Departments of Transportation and identifies potential options, requirements, and barriers to an improved electronic cost estimation calculator.
Coordination with Railroads to Facilitate Acquisition of ROW (06/2012)
There has been an emerging national trend for increasingly difficult and time consuming right-of-way (ROW) access agreements and acquisitions of smaller parcels from railroads. The frequent complaint is that railroads are slow to process requests for access rights and State Departments of Transportation (SDOTs) have a difficult time reaching an amicable negotiated settlement. This 2012 research effort explores ways in which SDOT ROW access agreements and real estate acquisitions from railroads could be expedited to the benefit of all stakeholders and the safety and convenience of the traveling public. This project was confined to research of this problem in the northeastern United States, specifically those States through which the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) operates its Northeast Corridor.
State of the Practice Synthesis Report (07/2003)
This 2003 "State of the Practice" synthesis report is the first of three products developed for the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) project, "Integrating and Streamlining Transportation Development and Decision-making." The project focuses on the integration of the disciplines of planning, environment, engineering and real estate in the development of transportation solutions. Findings in this report were developed based on a review of available literature, an analysis of results from the FHWA Integration Solutions Survey, and the input and suggestions from a Sounding Board of nationwide transportation professionals.
Integration and Streamlining Transportation Development and Decision Making: Recommendation (12/2003)
This link is to the Integration and Streamlining Transportation Development and Decision Making: December 2003 Recommendations Report. It provides recommendations for how the process of transportation decision-making can be improved by better integrating the different disciplines in transportation agencies and how FHWA can facilitate that process.
2008 FHWA Incentive Payments Peer Exchange Report (or PDF, 134 KB)
Several State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have made use of incentive payments and this report shared their insights and lessons learned. Each agency developed a unique procedure that reflects its needs. The FHWA does not recommend one procedure over another, and use of incentive payments by an agency is voluntary. The participant list at the end of the report contains contact information.
2004 Wisconsin Real Estate Peer Exchange Report
Representatives from six state DOTs, along with FHWA representatives from Illinois and Washington D.C., gathered in Madison, Wisconsin to share procedural best practices in the areas of valuation methodologies; consulting and in-house staffing; local public agency and staffing alternatives; and property management.
European Right-of-Way and Utilities Best Practices
As right-of-way acquisition and utilities coordination grow more complex, transportation agencies in the United States are under pressure to streamline the process of providing cleared right-of-way for highway projects. The Federal Highway Administration, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a scanning study of England, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands to review best practices in right-of-way and utilities services. The scanning team's recommendations in this 2002 report for U.S. application include encouraging property owner input by involving owners in the design phase and using an in-depth interview process, creating a voluntary land consolidation pilot program, developing education programs for right-of-way professionals, and promoting greater coordination and communication between State transportation departments and utilities.
Right-of-Way and Utilities Pilot Project Summary and Evaluation
A team was formed to encourage state DOTs to pilot procedures evaluated during the 2000 European trip (scan). Several state DOTs initiated pilots in 2001 and have analyzed the results. This report contains information for each pilot that includes evaluations and lessons learned. Pilots covered the following initiatives: waiver of appraisals, modified appraisal reviews, acquisition and relocation incentive payments, conflict of interest, land consolidation, and preliminary engineering cost reimbursement for utilities.
Visualization for Right-of-Way Acquisition (November 2011)
Report of interviews with agencies and consultants on their past use of visualization - the benefits and barriers associated with more fully using visualization for ROW acquisition, among other topics.
Relocation
Project Development Guide
The (PDG) contains a practical approach to right-of-way Federal-aid project requirements with mini-case studies on how others have handled a variety of right-of-way problems.
2008 FHWA Incentive Payments Peer Exchange Report (or PDF, 134 KB)
Several State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have made use of incentive payments and this report shared their insights and lessons learned. Each agency developed a unique procedure that reflects its needs. The FHWA does not recommend one procedure over another, and use of incentive payments by an agency is voluntary. The participant list at the end of the report contains contact information.
Property Management
Project Development Guide
The (PDG) contains a practical approach to right-of-way Federal-aid project requirements with mini-case studies on how others have handled a variety of right-of-way problems.
2004 Wisconsin Real Estate Peer Exchange Report
Representatives from six state DOTs, along with FHWA representatives from Illinois and Washington D.C., gathered in Madison, Wisconsin to share procedural best practices in the areas of valuation methodologies; consulting and in-house staffing; local public agency and staffing alternatives; and property management.
European Right-of-Way and Utilities Best Practices
As right-of-way acquisition and utilities coordination grow more complex, transportation agencies in the United States are under pressure to streamline the process of providing cleared right-of-way for highway projects. The Federal Highway Administration, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a scanning study of England, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands to review best practices in right-of-way and utilities services. The scanning team's recommendations in this 2002 report for U.S. application include encouraging property owner input by involving owners in the design phase and using an in-depth interview process, creating a voluntary land consolidation pilot program, developing education programs for right-of-way professionals, and promoting greater coordination and communication between State transportation departments and utilities.
Right-of-Way and Utilities Pilot Project Summary and Evaluation
A team was formed to encourage state DOTs to pilot procedures evaluated during the 2000 European trip (scan). Several state DOTs initiated pilots in 2001 and have analyzed the results. This report contains information for each pilot that includes evaluations and lessons learned. Pilots covered the following initiatives: waiver of appraisals, modified appraisal reviews, acquisition and relocation incentive payments, conflict of interest, land consolidation, and preliminary engineering cost reimbursement for utilities.
Archive
Joint Development Study
The purpose of this 1996 study was to explore and explain transportation uses of joint development. The Study is comprised of a glossary, literature review, and joint development case studies. The case studies include: Boston Central Artery Project, Allied Junction Multi-Modal Station Development, N.J., Washington State and Seattle Air-Rights and Public/Private Financing, San Diego Light Rail, Air Rights and Privatized Financing and Pensacola Highway I-110 Project.
3D Stereo Imagery as a Right of Way Tool for Access Permitting
Good access management requires a solid geo-spatial and temporal understanding of the area being managed. Aerial photography and GIS can be important access management tools. This paper describes the results of research and development efforts aimed at applying emerging GIS technologies to access management problems.
Evaluation of State Condemnation Processes
This 2005 report provides a summary of the research project, findings and recommendations of the study of the effectiveness and impacts of FHWA's Implementation of the 49 CFR 24.102(c) (2) Appraisal Waiver.
An Outdoor Advertising Control Language Guide (January 2006)
Guide to promote uniform language and common definitions in the execution of the outdoor advertising control (OAC) program and to enhance communication between the FHWA, the States, the outdoor advertising industry, and other stakeholders.
Geographic Information System (GIS) Implementation in Right-of-Way Programs
Right-of-Way
2008 Follow-up Geographic Information System (GIS) Implementation in Right-of-Way Program
To continue promoting the advancement of transportation agencies' geospatial technology use for ROW purposes, FHWA's Office of Interstate and Border Planning and Office of Real Estate Services sponsored a second peer exchange in 2008, following up on the 2007 event. This report provides a summary of the presentations made and conversations held at the 2008 peer exchange. It should serve as a resource for other DOTs and transportation agencies looking to learn more about the implementation of GIS for ROW. The report concludes with a section on the lessons participants stated having learned and recommendations they make for moving forward.
2007 Geographic Information System (GIS) Implementation in Right-of-Way Program
This report provides a summary of the presentations made and discussions taking place at the 2007 peer exchange. It can serve as a resource for other DOTs and transportation agencies looking to learn more about successful implementations - or planned implementations - of GIS for ROW. Lessons learned by the participating DOTs can be found in the concluding section.
2004 Geographic Information System Implementation of State Department of Transportation Right-of-Way Programs
The use of Geographic information system (GIS) as a decision-support tool has been increasing steadily since the early 1990's. A number of the state transportation departments (DOTs) currently use GIS to implement programs involving spatial analysis and mapping. This report, based on the case study of eight state DOTs, documents the extent GIS technology is used in the various right-of-way functional areas, and the pros and cons associated with such endeavors. A combination of literature review, survey and interview on GIS application in right-of-way revealed that, although the use of GIS technology is still very much localized and in its infancy, the state DOTs are aware of the opportunities GIS presents in streamlining the implementation processes of right-of-way programs.
