Title: Federal Highway Administrations FWHA Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Res
1Federal Highway Administrations (FWHA)Surface
Transportation Environment and Planning
Cooperative Research Program (STEP)
STEP A Federal Research Program Conducting
Research That Links to Practice Webinar May 13,
2009
1
2Agenda
- Welcome Remarks from the HEP Associate
Administrator - STEP Program Overview
- STEP Emphasis Area Research Highlights
Presentations - Questions Answers Session
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
2
3What is FHWAs STEP?
- STEP Background
- Federally-administered nationally oriented
research program -
- Authorized in Section 5207 of the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act A Legacy of Users (SAFETEA-LU)
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
3
4STEP Objectives
- Improve understanding of the complex relationship
between surface transportation, planning, and the
environment - Identify, address, and reassess national research
priorities for environment, planning and realty -
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
4
5Legislative Guidance
- SAFETEA-LU requires, to the maximum extent
practicable, that - Best projects and researchers based on merit,
open solicitations, and selection by a panel of
appropriate experts - DOT has a qualified, permanent core staff
- Stakeholders are involved in program governance
and - No duplication with the Future Strategic Highway
Research Program (Section 5210 of SAFETEA-LU)
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
5
6How can FHWA Field Staff/Partners Participate in
STEP?
- Identify research needs/gaps
- Encourage state, local partners to submit
feedback - Facilitate deployment/implementation of research
products - Co-sponsor - peer reviews, workshops, and
conferences - Recent Examples
- Kentuckys 2008 Regional Air Quality Conference
- The GIS ROW Peer Exchange II
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
6
7How is FHWAs STEP funded?
- SAFETEA-LU authorized 16.875 million per year
for FY2006-2009 - Part of Title V Research funds authorized in
5101(a)(1) - Title V Research over designated (i.e. funds
designated exceed funds authorized
7
8Who gets FHWAs STEP money?
- STEP funds can be awarded to
- State governments
- Metropolitan planning organizations
- Local governments
- Universities
- Federal agencies
- Private sector
8
9How are FHWAs STEP funds awarded?
- A variety of procurement mechanisms are used to
award STEP funds - Broad Agency Announcements are used to obtain
broad diverse perspectives and options for
advancing research initiatives
9
10FHWAs STEP Funds Match Requirement
- Congress mandated a 50 non-Federal share for
grants cooperative agreements - Non-Federal match requirement does not apply to
contracts or Federal Interagency Agreements - SAFETEA-LU does not allow University
Transportation Center or State Planning and
Research funds to be used as the non-Federal
match for STEP - Primary source of funding for all FHWA Planning
and Environment research - Support research that impacts a broad array of
stakeholders
10
11Stakeholder Involvement
- On-going outreach stakeholder feedback are used
to refine implement the national STEP research
agenda - Outreach activities include
- National workshops
- Annual community of practice conferences
- Program advisory groups
- Peer reviews
- Website
- Meetings convened by STEP emphasis area contacts
11
12STEP Stakeholders
- Tier I Stakeholders
- Federal Agencies and Tribes
- Tier II Stakeholders
- State and Local Government
- Tier III Stakeholders
- Nongovernmental Transportation and Environmental
Stakeholders
12
13How Do Stakeholders Participate in FHWAs STEP
Research Program?
- Review FY2010 STEP Strategy
- Develop suggested lines of research
- Submit feedback
- Review Annual Plan
- Monitor FedBizOpps.gov
- Contact work with STEP emphasis areas
13
14Implementation Timeline
- Winter
- Begin to implement current fiscal year
- Spring
- Refine STEP Implementation Strategy
- Publish Federal Register Notice
- Update website to solicit feedback on next fiscal
year STEP activities - Spring/Summer
- Develop priorities for and fund critical research
- Develop next draft fiscal year STEP Plan
- Fall/Winter
- Post current fiscal year plan on STEP website
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15Overview of FY09 STEP Activities
- A Federal Register notice in June 2008 requested
public comment on FY09 STEP Implementation
Strategy - 424 comments were received
- 14.5 million is available for FY09
- STEP Plan posted on STEP Web site January 2009
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
15
16STEP Emphasis Areas
16
17The Office of Natural Human Environment
- Presenter Mark Ferroni
- STEP Emphasis Areas
- Air Quality Contact Cecilia Ho
- Global Climate Change Contact Diane Turchetta
- Bicycle/Pedestrian and Health Contact Gabe
Rousseau - Noise Contact Mark Ferroni
17
18Air Quality Research Highlights
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
Evaluation Study - Evaluation and Dissemination of Conformity
Practices - Mobile Source Air Toxics Near Roadway
Dissemination Study - Conference Support
- Northern Transportation and Air Quality Summit
2008 - AASHTO Air Quality Practitioners Conference 2008
- Transportation and Air Quality Emissions Analysis
Broad Agency Announcement solicitation - Air Quality Health Effects and Highway Proximity
(Health Effects Institute) - Contact Cecilia Ho
18
19Global Climate Change Research Highlights
- Adaptation Research
- Phase II of the Gulf Coast Study
- Working group on Global Climate Change (GCC)
impacts - Develop framework to conduct assessments
- Mitigation Research
- 13-agency workgroup on Transportation, Land Use
and GCC - Two pilot projects on carbon sequestration in
rights-of-way - Study to reduce energy use through planning for
mega-regions - Develop sustainability evaluation and planning
guidance - Contact Diane Turchetta
19
20Bicycle/Pedestrian and Health Research
Highlights
- Research goals
- Identify and promote best practices
- Evaluate environmental and health benefits of
increased walking and bicycling - Improve data and modeling of walking and
bicycling trips - Current projects
- National Transportation Enhancements
Clearinghouse - FHWA/AASHTO International Scan on Walking and
Bicycling - Continued support for the Nonmotorized
Transportation Pilot Program - Contact Gabe Rousseau
20
21Noise Research Highlights
- FHWA Traffic Noise Model
- Development of Version 3.0
- Testing and Validation
- Increased Ldn Capabilities (HUD)
- Pavement Validation Study
- Tire/Pavement Noise
- Temperature Effects Study
- TPF-5(135) Participation
- Contact Mark Ferroni
21
22The Office of Project Development
Environmental Review
- Presenter Shari Schaftlein
- STEP Emphasis Areas
- Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/ Contact Carol Adkins
- Wildlife/Habitat/Brownfields
- Environmental Streamlining Contact Shari
Schaftlein - Stewardship
- Context Sensitive Solutions Contact Shari
Schaftlein - (CSS)
- Historic Preservation Contact MaryAnn Naber
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
22
23Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat/Brownf
ields Research Highlights
- Chloride Study
- International Best Management Practices (BMP)
Stormwater Database
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
23
24Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat/Brownf
ields Research Highlights
- FHWA ESA Section 7 Consultation Web
SiteESAFHWA.ORG - Indiana Bat Northeast States Literature Synthesis
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
24
25Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat/Brownf
ields Research Highlights
- Wildlife Vehicle Collision Study-Congressional
Report, Best Practices Manual - International Conferenceon Ecology
TransportationAdapting to Change - September 13-17, 2009 Duluth, Minnesota
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
25
26 FHWA Grants for Eco-Logical An Ecosystem
Approach to Developing Infrastructure Projects
- Funded Research Underway
- Integrate transportation and
environmental - planning through to project
level efforts - for economic, environmental,
societal needs objectives - 1.4 million to fund work through 2011
- 14 projects selected from nationwide
solicitation - Diversity of funded recipients across the
nation - State and local transportation agencies,
- State resource agencies,
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs),
- Local governments,
- Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs),
- Academia (University)
- Future Grant Cycles Anticipated
Map of locations of funded recipients (Map
prepared by the Volpe Center)
26
Multi-Agency Eco-Logical publication online at
http//www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/ecological/eco
_entry.asp
27Environmental Streamlining Stewardship
Research Highlights
- Green Highways Partnership Watershed Resource
Registry - HQ Liaisons New EPA position, Peer Exchange,
Funded positions study - Communities of Practice ReNEPA, Successes in
Streamlining - SAFETEA-LU Performance (6002, 6005, 6009, EDTS,
National Survey)
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28Environmental Streamlining Stewardship
Research Highlights
- Planning and Environment Linkages
- Conservation Transportation Planning Workshop
- Visualization case studies and workshop
- Linking Planning National Environmental Policy
Act support tools - Adaptation
- Conflict Resolution Course, Consultant Services
- 4(f) NHI training
28
29Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) Research
Highlights
- CSS Clearinghouse
- Building a Community of Practice through
- www.contextsensitivesolutions.org
- CSS Webinar Series
- CSS National Dialog
29
30Historic Preservation Research Highlights
- Ongoing Historic Preservation Research
- IAG w/ Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
(ACHP) for Research and Innovation - Advanced 106 seminar
- On-deck Historic Preservation Research
- Best practices for PEL for historic properties
- Post WWII housing
- Peer exchange for DOT liaisons
- Tribal experience training
- Best practices for historic bridge management
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31The Office of Real Estate Services
- Presenter Carolyn James
- STEP Emphasis Areas
- Outdoor Advertising/Realty Program Contact
Carolyn James
http//www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/index.htm
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
31
32Outdoor Advertising/Realty Research Highlights
- Identification and Development of Local Public
Agency (LPA) Stewardship Tools and Techniques - The Commercial Electronic Variable Message Sign
(CEVMS) Study
http//www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/index.htm
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
32
33Outdoor Advertising/Realty Research Highlights
- Outreach and Informational Dissemination Programs
- FHWA International Right Of Way and Utilities
Scan - Real Estate Exchange
- The 11th Annual Education Conference on the
Control of Outdoor Advertising - Excellence in ROW Awards
- Federal Agency Update
- Additional Research Highlights
- Right of Way, Design-Build, and Acquisition
Models - Relocation Assistance Retrospective Study
- Integrating Visualization Technologies into the
Right-of-Way Processes - The International Scan in September 2008
- Peer Exchange - Use of Incentive Payments in
Right-of-Way Acquisition and Relocation Programs
- Identifying Research Questions on the Impact of
Outdoor Advertising to the Economy of the
Surrounding Area - Neutral Assessment of the National Outdoor
Advertising Control Program - National Policy
Dialogue - Development of a Right Of Way Competency
Navigator and Capacity Building and Training
Curriculum Clearinghouse - http//www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/index.htm
33
34The Office of Planning
- Presenter Kenneth Petty
- STEP Emphasis Areas
- Other Activities that Support State/Local/ Contact
Robert Ritter - Tribal Planning Capacity Building Planning
- Congestion Contact Harlan Miller
- Public Involvement, Environmental Contact
Brenda Kragh - Justice, Visualization in Planning
- Freight Planning Contact Spencer Stevens
- Safety Planning Contact Lorrie Lau
- Travel Modeling Contact Fred Ducca
-
34
35Other Activities that Support Local/Tribal
Planning Capacity Building Research Highlights
- Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB)
Program - TPCB Program Briefing Book for Transportation
Decisionmakers, Officials and Staff - For more information, visit www.planning.dot.gov
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
35
36Other Activities that Support Local/Tribal
Planning Capacity Building Research Highlights
- Tribal Planning Modules Information Tools for
Tribal Governments - www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/tribaltrans/index.htm
- Reservation Road Planner Tribal Board Game
- www.roadplanner.org
36
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
37Other Activities that Support Local/ Tribal
Planning Capacity Building Research Highlights
2010
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
37
38Congestion Research Highlights
- Research underway
- Guidebook and Outreach on Integrating Management
Operations (MO) strategies in Congestion
Management Process (CMP) An Objectives-driven,
Performance-based Approach - Model CMP Implementation Guidebook
- Model Metropolitan Transportation Plan with
Integrated MO and Safety Objectives - Reference Document on Statewide Opportunities for
Linking Planning and Operations - Incorporation of Travel Demand Management (TDM)
in CMP - Massive Sensor Based Congestion Management System
for Transportation - Active Management Screening Tool
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
38
39Congestion Research Highlights
- Ongoing
- Support and Maintenance of the Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) Deployment Analysis
System (IDAS) - Completed
- Scan of Congestion Pricing and Managed Lanes in
the U.S. -
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
39
40Public Involvement, Environmental Justice,
Visualization in Planning Research Highlights
- Update the following
- Public Involvement Website
- Community Impact Assessment Website
- Publication, A Citizen's Guide to Transportation
Decisionmaking
40
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
41Freight Planning Research Highlights
- AASHTO/FHWA Freight Transportation
Partnership III Meeting - A Guidebook and Peer Exchanges on
Engaging Private Sector in Freight
Transportation Planning - Truck Freight Performance Measures and
Their Integration to CMP in the Puget Sound
Area - International Scan on Policy and Program
Structure of National and International
Freight Corridor Programs
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
41
42Safety Research Highlights
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
42
43- Travel Modeling Research Highlights
- Training
- Outreach
-
- TMIP Web Knowledge and Information Exchange The
Black Box Series - Support TRB in National Travel Forecasting
Steering Committee
43
44The Office of Interstate Border Planning
- Presenter Roger Petzold
- STEP Emphasis Areas
- U.S./Canada U.S./Mexico Border
Planning Contact Roger Petzold - National Security, Defense, Contact Stefan
Natzke - Interstate Planning
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Contact
Mark Sarmiento - STEP Program Management Outreach Contact
Felicia Young
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
44
45U.S./Canada U.S./Mexico Border Research
Highlights
- Border Master Plan
- Develop Bi-National Border Master Plans along the
Southern Border - Border Wait Times
- U.S./Canada Border Wait Time Pilot
- U.S./Mexico Border Delay and Crossing Times for
Freight (4 locations)
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
45
46National Security, Defense Interstate Planning
Research Highlights
- Highway System and Corridor Support
- Support functions for economic development
research - National Highway System Designation and Product
Development
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
46
47Geographical Information Systems Research
Highlights
- GIS for Improved Decision Making
- Peer Exchanges
- Newsletters
- Webcasts
- More information at http//gis.fhwa.dot.gov
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
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48Program Management Outreach
- Open Solicitation Comment Period (June 2009-
September 2009) - Upcoming STEP Events
- Outreach Materials
- Collaboration with Field Staff
www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP
48
49Thank You for Participating!If you have any
questions about STEP or this webinar, please send
an e-mail to Felicia.Young_at_dot.gov. To contact
emphasis areas directly, please visit for the
most up-to-date contact information
www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/contacts.htm
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