FHWA's STEP: Conducting Research That Links to Practice

1. Federal Highway Administration’s (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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 1

2. Agenda 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

3. What is FHWA’s 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

4. STEP 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

5. Legislative 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

6. How 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: Kentucky’s 2008 Regional Air Quality Conference The GIS & ROW Peer Exchange II www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 6

7. How is FHWA’s 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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 7

8. Who gets FHWA’s STEP money? • STEP funds can be awarded to: • State governments • Metropolitan planning organizations • Local governments • Universities • Federal agencies • Private sector www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 8

9. How are FHWA’s 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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 9

10. FHWA’s 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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 10

11. Stakeholder 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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 11

12. STEP Stakeholders • Tier I Stakeholders: • Federal Agencies and Tribes • Tier II Stakeholders: • State and Local Government • Tier III Stakeholders: • Nongovernmental Transportation and Environmental Stakeholders www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 12

13. How Do Stakeholders Participate in FHWA’s 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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 13

14. Implementation 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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 14

15. Overview 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

16. STEP Emphasis Areas www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 16

17. The 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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 17

18. Air 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

19. Global 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

20. Bicycle/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

21. Noise 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

22. The 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

23. Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat/Brownfields Research Highlights Chloride Study International Best Management Practices (BMP) Stormwater Database www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 23

24. Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat/Brownfields Research Highlights FHWA ESA Section 7 Consultation Web SiteESAFHWA.ORG Indiana Bat Northeast States Literature Synthesis www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 24

25. Water/Wetlands/Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat/Brownfields 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. 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 FHWA Grants for “Eco-Logical:An Ecosystem Approach to Developing Infrastructure Projects” 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

27. Environmental Streamlining & Stewardship Research Highlights • Green Highways Partnership – Watershed Resource Registry • HQ Liaisons – New EPA position, Peer Exchange, Funded positions study • Communities of Practice: Re:NEPA, Successes in Streamlining • SAFETEA-LU Performance (6002, 6005, 6009, EDTS, National Survey) 27

28. Environmental 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

29. Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) Research Highlights • CSS Clearinghouse • Building a Community of Practice through • www.contextsensitivesolutions.org • CSS Webinar Series • CSS National Dialog 29

30. Historic 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 30

31. The 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

32. Outdoor 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

33. Outdoor 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

34. The 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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 34

35. Other 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

36. 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 Other Activities that Support Local/Tribal Planning Capacity Building Research Highlights 36 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP

37. 2010 Other Activities that Support Local/ Tribal Planning Capacity Building Research Highlights 2010 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 37

38. Congestion Research Highlights Research underway Guidebook and Outreach on Integrating Management & Operations (M&O) strategies in Congestion Management Process (CMP): An Objectives-driven, Performance-based Approach Model CMP Implementation Guidebook Model Metropolitan Transportation Plan with Integrated M&O 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

39. Congestion 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

40. Update the following: Public Involvement Website Community Impact Assessment Website Publication, “A Citizen's Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking” Public Involvement, Environmental Justice, Visualization in Planning Research Highlights 40 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP

41. Freight 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

42. Safety Research Highlights www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 42

43. Travel ModelingResearch Highlights • Training • Outreach • TMIP Web Knowledge and Information Exchange: The Black Box Series • Support TRB in National Travel Forecasting Steering Committee 43

44. The 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 & OutreachContact: Felicia Young www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 44

45. U.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

46. National 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

47. Geographical 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 47

48. Program 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

49. Thank You for Participating!If you have any questions about STEP or this webinar, please send an e-mail to Felicia.Young@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 www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP 49