# ![](media/image1.png) 

#  

##### Fall Edition 2006

Jody McCullough

Transportation Planner, FHWA Office of Planning

Co-Editor

Ben Williams

Metropolitan Planning Specialist, FHWA Resource Center

Co-Editor

We are always looking for feedback on how to make this newsletter more
valuable to our readers. Please take our 10-minute survey about the
Newsletter at

<http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB225QS9B95VZ> or send any
suggestions to Jody McCullough <jody.mccullough@dot.gov> or Ben Williams
<ben.williams@fhwa.dot.gov> . .

**SAFETEA-LU Planning Impacts 1**

**New Division Resources 1**

**Asset Management 2**

**Long Range Planning Guidance 2**

**Tool Kit for Integrating Land Use 3**

**TMIP Peer Reviews 3**

**Planning & Environment Linkages Website 3**

**Preserve America Grants 4**

**New Air Quality Standard 4**

**Census Data & Pooled Fund 4**

**Air Quality Newsletter 4**

**Division Happenings 4**

**Freight Planning 5**

**Trail Maps & CDs 5**

**Congestion Management 5**

**Small Community & Rural Area Case Studies 5**

**NHI Instructors Needed 6**

**Urban Street Symposium 6**

**FHWA/FTA Planner's Seminars 6**

**Let's Talk Planning 6**

**Resource Center Vacancy 7**

##### Scheduled Training Opportunities 7 

**Calendar of Events 8**

##### 

##### Statewide and Metropolitan Planning NPRM

The comment period for the FHWA/FTA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on
statewide and metropolitan transportation planning and programming
closed on September 7, 2006. Approximately 150 sets of comments were
provided to the docket. FHWA/FTA currently are reviewing and analyzing
the NPRM comments. The intent is to have the Final Rule published in the
[Federal Register]{.underline} in early calendar year 2007.

##### SAFETEA-LU Truck Parking

##### 

##### The FHWA is soliciting FY 2006 candidate grant applications from States for the Truck Parking Facilities Grant Program. This program was established to address the shortage of long-term truck parking on the National Highway System. Grants will be awarded to States submitting applications that demonstrate a need for assistance in carrying out one or more eligible projects as described in the Federal Register Notice, dated August 28, 2006 \[[**HTML**](http://wwwcf.fhwa.dot.gov/exit.cfm?link=http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2006_register%26docid=E6%9614254), [**PDF**](http://wwwcf.fhwa.dot.gov/exit.cfm?link=http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2006_register%26docid=E6%9614254.pdf) 59KB\], and will be administered as projects on a Federal-Aid System under Chapter 1 of Title 23, United States Code. The FHWA Division Office must receive applications no later than November 27, 2006. Questions concerning this program should be addressed to William Mahorney, 202-366-6817 ([**Bill.Mahorney@dot.gov**](mailto:Bill.Mahorney@dot.gov)), or to Julie Strawhorn, 202-366-4415 ([**Julie.Strawhorn@dot.gov**](mailto:Julie.Strawhorn@dot.gov)) of the Office of Freight Management and Operations

**Planning Community of Practice**

A new resource has been made available to FHWA's planning staff. Similar
to other Communities of Practice (CoP) within FHWA, it is currently only
available inside the Federal network. It can be found at:
<http://knowledge.fhwa.dot.gov/planning> .

The CoP is being launched with an initial focus on a few critical
planning topics. Initial theme areas are: Fiscal constraint, SAFETEA-LU
Update Cycles, SAFETEA-LU Planning and Environmental Provisions,
SAFETEA-LU Overall Planning Issues; and Planning Grants and
Administration. We also encourage all FHWA Planners to sign up for the
\"The Planning Interchange\" as we hope this portion of the site will
replicate the informal discussion of the current Field Planners email
group. The Field Planners list will still remain active, but the primary
focus will now be on disseminating official agency wide messages.  Your
use, feedback and input are critical to the Planning CoP\'s long term
success. If you have any ideas or suggestions for how to increase its
utility and effectiveness, please contact a members of the development
team listed on the CoP web site.

# Updated TMA Certification Database

An enhanced version of the FHWA/FTA Transportation Management Area (TMA)
Planning Certification Database is now available. The Database now
features a number of new and enhanced capabilities as well as
improvements recommended by a team of FTA/FHWA field staffs, based
largely on experiences from use of the initial Database that was
introduced in 2004. As with the previous version, the system is only
accessible to FHWA and FTA planning staffs. If you have any questions
about (or further suggestions on enhancing) the Database, please contact
John Humeston at (404) 562-3667 or Danyell Diggs at (202) 366-9629 in
the Office of Planning.

**A[sset]{.smallcaps} M[anagement]{.smallcaps} [and]{.smallcaps}
P[lanning]{.smallcaps}**

The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division in cooperation with the
National Park Service (NPS) conducted a pilot study of the application
of an automated Pavement Management System (PMS) to assist in the
development of a prototype Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for
the Park Roads and Parkways program of the NPS Northeast Region. The
pilot study incorporated Asset Management practices including both
Pavement Management Systems (PMS) and Bridge Management Systems (BMS)
into a transportation planning process to influence transportation
decision making from economical and technical points of view. However,
the PMS and BMS were not the only driving factors in identifying the NPS
Northeast Region's project priorities.

Historically, a "Worst First" approach has been used to develop a
prioritized list of road projects. This study utilized the "Right
Fix-Right Time" systematic approach to the selection of the projects.
Using the PMS, the study team was able to perform a network-level
analysis to determine maintenance and rehabilitation needs, forecast
future impacts for various funding options, and develop a prioritized
list of candidate projects by conducting an optimization analysis.
Finally, the PMS analytical recommendations assist in the decision
making process to develop a multi- year program of prioritized projects
that balanced pavement preservation with other maintenance and
rehabilitation activities, as well as bridge and safety needs, and
politically sensitive priorities to meet Congressional and
Administration concerns.

The program of projects produced by the PMS and BMS should be viewed as
network-level analysis results that could assist planners and decision
makers. However, the design for individual projects should be finalized
through project-level design by considering localized conditions. For
more information or copies of the "Pilot Study Report" please contact
Nastaran Saadatmand <nastaran.saadatmand@fhwa.dot.gov> or Jim Amenta
<james.amenta@fhwa.dot.gov>

**Inflation Rates Used**

The FHWA Office of Planning sent out guidance on August 18, 2006 on how
to use inflation rates to develop future cost estimates as part of
fiscal constraint for metropolitan long-range transportation plans,
Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs), and Statewide Transportation
Improvement Programs (STIPs).  The guidance was developed in cooperation
with FTA\'s Office of Planning and Environment.\
\
For metropolitan long-range transportation plans, TIPs, and STIPs, FHWA
and FTA generally would be comfortable if States used a four (4) percent
annual inflation rate for construction costs for 2007 and beyond, for
both highways and transit.  While this is current practice for FTA\'s
major programs, FHWA has not established a comparable rate.  Recognizing
that circumstances may vary from State-to-State, as well as between
highway and transit projects, a State may assume a lower or higher rate
based on their circumstances.  As part of the financial analysis that
accompanies metropolitan long-range transportation plans, TIPs, and
STIPs, a brief explanation of the inflation rate that is assumed should
be provided.  This explanation need not be elaborate, merely
reasonable.\
\
We recognize that cost escalation and inflation rates are not an \"exact
science.\"  In fact, several proprietary sources are available for
States to utilize in forecasting highway and street construction costs
in relation to the Consumer Price Index.  If you have any questions or
need additional assistance on this issue, please contact Harlan Miller,
Office of Planning, at (202) 366-0847 or <Harlan.Miller@dot.gov>.

**Constrained Long Range Transportation Plans: Projects with Phases
Outside the 20-Year Horizon**

The FHWA Office of Planning sent out guidance August 1, 2006 to respond
to State Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning
Organizations (MPO) that have recently inquired about the implications
of projects that have phases that are outside of the 20-year horizon of
the transportation plan. Specifically, they have asked what are the
fiscal constraint requirements and the effect on FHWA/FTA's ability to
authorize project phases that are within the 20-year horizon of the
transportation plan when there are phases of the project that are beyond
the 20-year horizon.

FHWA's Office Of Planning provided this response which applies only in
air quality attainment areas. In an attainment area, the only work that
would have to be shown in the 20-year transportation plan would be the
activities that the state or local agencies would be asking FHWA/FTA to
[authorize]{.underline} within the 20-year horizon of the transportation
plan. These activities would be subject to fiscal constraint (i.e. the
state/MPO would have to identify the intended and realistic revenue
source(s) reasonably expected to be available to cover the expected
costs of those activities). Costs for project phases to be authorized
[outside]{.underline} the 20-year horizon would not be subject to fiscal
constraint for the transportation plan. However, the next update of the
transportation plan would have to show any additional work, such as
construction, if it falls within the 20-year horizon of the next long
range transportation plan - - and it would become subject to fiscal
constraint at that time.

If you have any questions on this clarifying information, please contact
Harlan Miller at <Harlan.miller@dot.gov> of the Planning Oversight and
Stewardship Team.

**Tool Kit for Integrating Land Use and Transportation Decision-Making**

An updated and enhanced version of the "Tool Kit for Integrating Land
Use and Transportation Decision-Making" is now available online. The
objective of this tool kit is to provide a user-friendly, web-based
source of methods, strategies, and procedures for integrating land use
and transportation planning, decision-making, and project
implementation. The tool kit is made up of three sections: 1) the
[Tools]{.underline}, which includes brief descriptions of over 30 tools,
along with implementation examples and sources of additional
information; 2) the [Case Studies]{.underline}, which provides a
detailed look at how land use and planning tools have been effectively
applied in practice; and 3) [Resources and Links]{.underline}, which
provides additional information on tools for integrating transportation
and land use decision-making. You'll find all that and more by clicking
on
[**http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/landuse/index.htm**](http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/landuse/index.htm).
Take advantage of the resources and noteworthy practices pulled together
from around the country that will assist your MPOs, State DOTs, and
other customers to better address the linking of land use and
transportation planning.

Designing and developing a travel forecasting model tailored to a
region's planning needs is a complex undertaking. Focused workshops, or
peer reviews, are often used by transportation agencies to assist in the
planning, implementation, and review of updates to their model-related
procedures. Along with the networking, ideas, and recommendations, a
peer review can provide to the agency an independent measure of how its
model procedures compare with general modeling practices.

FHWA's Travel Model Improvement Program (TMIP)
([http://tmip.fhwa.dot.gov](http://tmip.fhwa.dot.gov/)) recognizes the
practical value of peer reviews. TMIP has provided flexible assistance
to MPO's and State DOT's since 2003 through suggesting peer reviewers,
managing and funding peer reviewers' travel, and writing meeting
proceedings. Sponsorship is provided on a funds-available basis and
preference is given to model update efforts in the planning and design
stages.

The travel model peer review program is taking applications. Interested
agencies should consult the web site
(<http://tmip.fhwa.dot.gov/services/peer_review_program/>) and work with
their respective FWHA division planning staff to initiate the process.
For more information, contact Brian Gardner (HEPI-30) at (202) 366-4061
or <brian.gardner@dot.gov>.

**Planning and Environment Linkages Website**

The FHWA has developed a new website called *Planning and Environment
Linkages*, available at
<http://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/integ/index.asp>. Planning and
Environment Linkages represents an approach to transportation
decision-making that considers environmental, community, and economic
goals early in the planning stage and carries those considerations
through project development, design, and construction. The approach can
result in a more seamless decision process that minimizes duplication of
effort, promotes environmental stewardship, and reduces delays in
project implementation.

The new website provides a variety of information resources on Planning
and Environment Linkages, including:

-   An overview of Planning and Environment Linkage concepts and
    benefits.

-   Tips on identifying the actions needed to implement the approach,
    including ones that address change management, data and analysis
    tools, interagency coordination, and decision process opportunities.

-   Ways to get started, including links to training, workshops, and
    other technical assistance.

-   Effective practices to demonstrate a wide range of activities that
    agencies have already undertaken to implement the approach.

-   Links to other related resources, including Context Sensitive
    Solutions, Green Highways, Eco-Logical, GIS in Transportation, and
    relevant NCHRP reports.

-   Relevant guidance, regulations, and provisions from SAFETEA-LU
    Sections 6001 and 6002.

For more information or to provide feedback on the website, please
contact Chester Fung at <chester.fung@dot.gov> or Michael Culp at
<michael.culp@dot.gov>.

**Grant Announcement \-- Fish and Wildlife Service Preserve America
Grant Program**

The National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation announce their Preserve America grant program. Preserve
America is a national initiative that directs Federal agencies to
account for the economic and educational value of their historic
properties (www.preserveamerica.gov). These properties, which encompass
historic buildings, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, and
museum collections, are integral parts of the habitats contained within
Refuges. Understanding their importance will only enhance the capability
of the NWRS to conserve all of its resources.

 

The grants, which range from \$10,000 to \$15,000, are competitive and
aimed at funding national wildlife refuge educational and interpretive
projects that focus on history and historic sites and collections and
how they contribute to our conservation and understanding of natural
resources. Please take a look at the Recent News section of the FWS
homepage
([http://historicpreservation.fws.gov](http://historicpreservation.fws.gov/))
for more information and a link to the RFP. Contact:

Eugene Marino, Service Archaeologist

National Wildlife Refuge System

Division of Visitor Services and Communications

4401 N Fairfax Drive

Arlington VA 22203

703-358-2173 (phone); 202-253-3876 (mobile); 703-358-2517 (fax) or
<eugene_marino@fws.gov>

## EPA publishes new Particulate standard

EPA published regulations that revised the standard for the fine
particulate NAAQS on September 28, 2006. The final action significantly
changes EPA\'s previous daily fine particle standard (PM~2.5)~ by nearly
50 percent - from 65 micrograms of particles per cubic meter to 35
micrograms of particles per cubic meter of air. EPA is retaining the
annual standard for fine particulates at 15 micrograms of particles per
cubic meter. The action should force the creation of a number of new
non-attainment areas. However, it is not likely that any new
nonattainment areas would be designated before 2010. EPA is retaining
the existing daily PM~10~ standard of 150 micrograms per cubic meter.
For more information see: <http://epa.gov/pm/naaqsrev2006.html>
[.]{.underline}

**2005 American Community Survey (ACS) Data Released**

On August 29, 2006, the Census Bureau (CB) released economic data from
the 2005 ACS and covering the following characteristics:

1.  o Income

    o Employment status

    o Journey to work

Data was released for geographic areas with population more than 65,000.

On October 3, 2006, CB will release housing characteristics including
tenure, vehicle ownership, and place-of-work tables. Data can be
accessed via the American Factfinder at:
<http://factfinder.census.gov/>.

The Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) Working Group is also
working on developing profiles for the nation, large cities, and MSAs
based on the November 2004 geographic definition of Core Based
Statistical Areas used to tabulate 2005 ACS data). These profiles will
cover selected journey-to-work tables from 1990, 2000, and 2005 ACS
data. The profiles will be posted on the CTPP page at
<http://www.dot.gov/ctpp> under Data Products.

# New CTPP Pooled Fund Project

A proposal for the latest AASHTO pooled fund project "Census
Transportation Planning Products" will be discussed and voted upon by
AASHTO SCOP and AASHTO at their meeting on October 28, 2006 in Portland,
Oregon. FHWA has already approved a waiver of the Federal matching funds
for the project.

Over the five-year period (2007-2011) the CTPP pooled fund project will
support a family of activities including data products, on-demand
technical assistance, training, and research. Total national costs for a
five-year CTPP (2007 through 2011) would be approximately \$5.9 million.
Details on it can be found on the TRB Subcommittee on Census Data
website at <http://trbcensus.com/SCOP> .

**FHWA Texas Division Participates in Linking Planning and NEPA Workshop
in San Marcos, Texas**

The FHWA Texas Division participated in several interagency workshops on
"Linking Planning and NEPA" sponsored TXDOT, the environmental resource
Agencies and the MPOs.

Efforts focusing on how to better coordinate MPO long-range
transportation plan revision efforts with the NEPA project-level
mitigation and environmental streamlining requirements through EPA's new
GIS-ST screening tool, data sharing, interagency consultation, and
interagency cross-training were also discussed and explored during this
workshop. It resulted in four individual MPO action plans and several
research efforts on adapting screening tools to metropolitan planning
purposes. A summary of the recommendations are on FHWA's Planning and
Environment Linkages website at
<http://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/integ/int_texas.asp>. The EPA
Region 6 web link to the new GIS-ST screening tool is available at:
[www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6en/xp/enxp2a3.htm](http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6en/xp/enxp2a3.htm)

For more information, Contact**:** Kirk Fauver, (512) 536-5952 or
<kirk.fauver@fhwa.dot.gov>.

![](media/image2.png){width="0.875in" height="0.5583333333333333in"}

\"

**[FHWA Talking Freight Seminars]{.underline}**

Have you participated in any of the monthly Talking Freight Seminars? If
not, you are missing out on a tremendous opportunity to hear from some
of the best speakers and most knowledgeable experts from around the
globe on issues that are impacting all of our lives. Increases in
Freight and goods movement are quickly outstripping increases in typical
vehicular traffic in most metropolitan regions. To help disseminate
timely information to State DOTs, MPOs, shippers, universities, FHWA
field offices etc, FHWA sponsors the Talking Freight seminars monthly
via a web conference format. You view the PowerPoint presentations over
the Internet while listening to the presenters over the telephone. You
do not even have to leave your desk to participate. Past sessions have
included subjects as diverse as; how to incorporate Freight in the
Transportation Planning Process, Freight security issues, Freight
Performance measurement, etc. Every Talking Freight seminar held since
July 2003 is archived and accessible from the website.

Please plan on joining us for the next session of Talking Freight,
October 18, 2006 (1-2:30 pm EDT/10-11:30 am Pacific). The subject is
"Planning for Hazardous Materials."

To register for these seminars, or to view archived seminars, please
visit [http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/freightplanning/talking.htm]{.underline}.
You will need to register for each seminar individually by clicking on
the \"Enroll\" link to the right of the seminar information. The first
hour of each seminar is dedicated to the presentations and the remaining
30 minutes are for audience questions and answers. For more information
please contact Spencer Stevens at (717) 221-4512.

# Freight Security Awareness Training CD Now Available

The challenge of balancing freight transportation security against
freight transportation efficiency has attracted significant attention
and resources from local, state, Federal agencies involved in ensuring
the security of the Nation\'s freight shipments. The self-paced training
provides baseline information to State Departments of Transportation,
Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and other freight stakeholders
regarding freight flows and how security requirements may effect those
movements; the processes by which freight shipments are cleared for
entry into the United States; the agencies involved in freight security;
and the programs and initiatives affecting freight security.  Please
email Crystal Jones (<Crystal.Jones@dot.gov>) to order your CD and to
provide feedback on the training.

**Underground Railroad Bicycle Route Maps Available:** Adventure Cycling
announced the completion of maps for the southern section of its newest
and most unique creation - the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. See
[www.adventurecycling.org/sales/20060810ugrr_page.cfm](http://www.adventurecycling.org/sales/20060810ugrr_page.cfm).

 

**Mountain Bike DVD Available**: The US Forest Service released a DVD
called \"Building Mountain Bike Trails: Sustainable Singletrack\". It is
available through FHWA\'s Recreational Trails Program Publications Order
form: see
[www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/trailpub.htm](http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/trailpub.htm).

FHWA and FTA have announced the availability of three case studies
focusing on the Congestion Management Process (CMP) as it has been
developed and implemented by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
for Transportation Management Areas (TMAs) across the country. They are
available from the FHWA and FTA Planning for Operations website at
[[http://www.plan4operations.dot.gov/]{.underline}](http://www.plan4operations.dot.gov/).
These case studies highlight a range of practices to advance the
Congestion Management Process as part of metropolitan transportation
planning. They highlight how the CMP can be made more meaningful by
linking it to the transportation planning process, transportation
operations, and the NEPA process. The FHWA and FTA are also working on
guidance for the CMP for use by FHWA/FTA field offices, MPOs, and State
DOTs that will be issued in early 2007.

For further information, please contact Harlan Miller at (202) 366-0847
or <harlan.miller@dot.gov> or Ken Petty at (202) 366-6654 or
[kenneth.petty@dot.gov](mailto:Kenneth.Petty@dot.gov) .

The FHWA Office of Planning with support of the Texas Transportation
Institute, a part of the Texas A&M University System, and review by the
FTA Office of Systems Planning and Regional Offices and FHWA Division
Offices developed research on innovative transportation planning
practices by States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations for
coordinating with rapidly growing small communities and rural areas. The
study results are located at
[http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/metro/rapurbov.htm]{.underline}.

Key findings from case studies on how to strengthen involvement of rural
stakeholders in the metropolitan planning process include: (1)
Anticipate growth and urbanization; (2) Build on existing planning
processes and documents; (3) Create agencies, boards and partnerships
thoughtfully; (4) Determine a direction before starting out; (5) Involve
stakeholders early; (6) Prepare for changes in funding. Case studies
are: Lake County, FL; Dalton, GA; Coeur d\'Alene, ID; Bowling Green, KY;
St. George, UT; and Austin-Round Rock, TX. For more information, please
contact David Kuehn in the Office of Planning at 202-366-6072 or
<david.kuehn@dot.gov>.

##### 

##### 

##### 

The NHI Course 142042, Fundamentals of Environmental Justice/Title VI,
is looking for new federal instructors. This is a great opportunity to
broaden your professional experience and meet new people. The two-day
course is taught four to six times each year by two federal instructors.
People who are interested need to have taken the NHI Instructors
Development Course. A background in NEPA and project development or
right-of-way as well as planning is an advantage. For more information,
please contact David Kuehn in the Office of Planning 202-366-6072 or
<david.kuehn@dot.gov>.

##### 

![](media/image3.wmf){width="2.875in" height="1.28125in"}

The **Transportation Research Board Urban Street Symposium** issued a
Call for Abstracts. See
[www.trb.org/conferences/USS3/CFA.pdf](http://www.trb.org/conferences/USS3/CFA.pdf).

**2006 FHWA/FTA Planners' Seminar**

The 2006 Planners' Seminar really drew the crowds. At the opening
session on the morning of April 19th, 191 people filled the conference
room at the Wyndham Washington, DC Hotel, the highest number of
attendees ever recorded at a Seminar. That was the auspicious kick off
of two and half busy days of sessions and discussions covering topics
from the latest on implementation of SAFETEA-LU, to what Federal Lands
Highway Division planners are up to these days, to planning for and
responding to natural disasters and emergencies, and to a demonstration
of the most current version of the TMA certification review database.
Concurrent (breakout) sessions addressed such issues as financial
constraint, integrating environmental concerns into the planning
process, visualization and land use planning, coordinating human
services transportation, and what planners need to know about advanced
right of way acquisition. On Thursday afternoon, attendees were directed
to visit the Nassif Building to attend program office "Open Houses" and
software demonstrations, to meet face-to-face with HQ staff, and to
attend separate meetings held by and for FHWA division planners and FTA
field and HQ staffs.

The Seminar attendees were also visited on Friday morning, April 21, by
the then Acting FHWA Administrator, Rick Capka. He spoke and answered
questions for nearly an hour addressing a myriad of issues relating to
provisions of SAFETEA-LU, federal transportation program emphasis areas,
and related topics.

**Availability of 2006 Planners Seminar Proceedings**

Summaries of the Planners' Seminar proceedings are available on the
Planning Community of Practice website at:
http://knowledge.fhwa.dot.gov/planning. If you have any questions about
obtaining copies of the presentation slides or how to get in touch with
any of the speakers, please contact Robin Smith at 720-973-3072 or
<robin.smith@dot.gov> or

Planning Meetings and Conferences and the Planning Interchange/Field
Email Group.

 

##### 2007 Field Planners Workshop 

The Texas Division is organizing the next Division Planners Meeting to
be held in Austin, Texas during the week of June 18- 22, 2007. Division
Offices are advised to check the FHWA Resource Center Planning intranet
page (http://rc.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/) periodically for the details
about the hotel logistics and agenda that will be posted as they become
available.

**Let's Talk Planning**

The Let's Talk Planning conferences can be held on NHI's BreezeCentral
web conferencing in addition to videoconferencing. FHWA, and FTA strive
to provide the FHWA Division Offices and FTA Regions with current
information, technical assistance and clarification to the topics that
you suggest. Please send any requests or ideas to Jocelyn Jones at
410-962-2486 or <Jocelyn.Jones@dot.gov> or Jody McCullough at
202-366-2825 or <Jody.McCullough@dot.gov>

The next session of the Let's Talk Planning series will be held December
14, 2006 on the FHWA/FTA Transportation Management Area (TMA) Planning
Certification Database.

## Let's Talk Planning: Visualization for Planning 

The latest session of the Let's Talk Planning series was a September
14^th^ webconference focusing on visualization in transportation
planning. The PowerPoint presentations, and visualization examples
materials are posted on the Resource Center ftp server. For more
information contact Ben Williams at 404-562-3671 or
<Ben.Williams@dot.gov>.

# 

# Resource Center Vacancy

The (FHWA) Resource Center Planning Technical Services Team has a
vacancy for a Community Planner. This person would serve as a
metropolitan and statewide transportation-planning expert with a special
focus on fiscal constraint and financial planning. This position may be
duty stationed at any of the three Resource Center locations in the
following cities: Baltimore, MD, Lakewood, CO, or Atlanta, GA.

The closing date is October 23, 2006. For more information see:
<http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=48335308>

**Next Quarter's Workshops & Training Courses**

##### Resource Center 

For information see contacts at
<http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/resourcecenter/teams/planning/index.cfm>.

10/17/2006-10/18/2006 An Introduction to Mobile 6.2,\
Mobile Source Emission Modeling, Montgomery, AL\
Contact: Mike Roberts 404-392-9892

Early December 2006, GIS for Environmental Streamlining and Stewardship,
Atlanta, GA. Contact Carlos Gonzolez 404-562-3639

Mid-January 2007; Engaging the Private Sector In Freight PlanningTexas;
Contact Jocelyn Jones 410-962-2486

**National Transit Institute**

For registration instructions see:
<http://www.ntionline.com/CourseDates.asp>

11/2/2006-11/3/2006 **[Managing the Cost of ADA Paratransit
Services](http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.ASP?CourseNumber=ID017)**
Orlando, FL

11/6/2006-11/7/2006 **[Comprehensive ADA Paratransit
Eligibility](http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.ASP?CourseNumber=FP011)**
Miami, FL

11/15/2006-11/16/2006 **[Comprehensive ADA Paratransit
Eligibility](http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.ASP?CourseNumber=FP011)**
Tucson, AZ

11/28/2006- 11/30/2006[**Introduction to Transportation/Air Quality
Conformity**](http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.ASP?CourseNumber=FP213)
Chicago, IL

12/12/2006-12/14/2006 **[Introduction to Transportation/Air Quality
Conformity](http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.ASP?CourseNumber=FP213)**
New York, NY.

##### National Highway Institute

##### **Try out the new NHI Web site!**

<http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/home.aspx> Also, you can now check on the
schedule of web conferences at
<http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/eventcalendar.aspx>.

10/10/2006-10-12/2006 Beyond Compliance: Historic Preservation in
Transportation Project Development Phoenix, AZ Contact: Annie Parris
602-712-8461

10/10/2006- 10/11/2006 Bicycle Facility Design Santa Fe, NM. Contact:
Tim Rogers 505-827-0050

10/12/06- 10/13/2006 Las Cruces, NM. Contact: Tim Rogers 505-827-0050

10/17/2006-10/19/2006 Context Sensitive Solutions Atlanta, GA Contact:
Rick Smith 404-651-6509

10/17/2006-10/18/2006 Administration of FHWA Planning and Research
Grants New York City, NY. Contact Sandy Lupe 518-457-8526

10/24/2006-10/25/2006 Highway Program Financing Jefferson City, MO
Contact: Cathy Scribner\
573-522-9284

10/24/2006-10/25/2006 Applying GIS and Spatial Data Technologies to
Transportation Contact Rick Smith 404-651-6509

10/25/2006-10/27/2006 Beyond Compliance: Historic Preservation in
Transportation Project Development Nashville, TN. Contact: Tammy Sellers
615-741-5367

10/30/2006-11/03/2006 Introduction to Urban Travel Demand Forecasting
Anchorage, AK. Contact: Simon Howell\
907-451-5482

11/07/2006-11/09/2006 NEPA and Transportation Decisionmaking Lincoln,
NE. Contact: Carrie Williams\
402-479-4870

11/07/2006-11/09/2006 NEPA and Transportation Decisionmaking
Albuquerque, MN. Contact: Curt Frischkorn\
505-827-5416

11/07/2006-11/09/2006 Implications of Air Quality Planning for
Transportation Houston, TX. Contact: Andrew DeCandis\
832-681-2549

11/08/2006-11/09/2006 Fundamentals of Title VI/Environmental Justice
Jefferson City, MO. Contact: Carolyn Bartel 573-638-2604

11/08/2006-11/09/2006 Water Quality Management of Highway Runoff West
Greenwich, RI Contact: Jeffrey Cathcart 401-874-9405

11/08/2006-11/09/2006 Safety Conscious Planning: Planning it Safe Dover,
DE Contact: Lawrence Klepner 302-831-6241

11/14/2006-11/15/2006 Pedestrian Facility Design Frankfort, KY. Contact:
Donna Williams 800-455-5573

11/14/2006-11/15/2006 Highway Program Financing Sacramento, CA. Contact:
Jason Dietz 916-498-5886

11/14/2006-11/15/2006 Highway Program Financing West Greenwich, RI
Contact: Jeffrey Cathcart 401-874-9405

11/16/2006-11/17/2006 Highway Program Financing Sacramento, CA. Contact:
Jason Dietz 916-498-5886

12/05/2006-12/07/2006 Beyond Compliance: Historic Preservation in
Transportation Project Development Denver, CO. Contact: Richard Santos
720-963-3009

12/05/2006-12/06/2006 Design and Implementation of Erosion and Sediment
Control Little Rock, AR. Contact: Jerry Rogers 501-569-2116

12/05/2006-12/06/2006 Highway Program Financing San Diego, CA. Contact:
Jason Dietz 916-498-5886

12/06/2006-12/07/2006 Water Quality Management of Highway Runoff Lansing
MI. Contact: Terri LaVoy\
517-322-6792

12/11/2006-12/15/2006 Introduction to Urban Travel Demand Forecasting
Lansing MI. Contact: Terri LaVoy\
517-322-6792

4/12/2007-4/13/2007 Integrating Freight in the Transportation Planning
Process, Nashville, TN Contact: Theresa Hutchins (615) 781-5770

**Travel Model Improvement Program Workshops**

For more detail see: <http://tmip.fhwa.dot.gov/conf_courses/> or
contact: Penelope Weinberger 202-366-4054 <penelope.weinberger@dot.gov>.
For the NHI travel demand courses see the NHI list.

10/2/2006-10/5/2006 Introduction to Urban Travel Demand Forecasting
Richmond, VA Contact Paul Agarello 804-786-2531

Fall 2006 Introduction to Urban Travel Demand Forecasting Denver, CO

Fall 2006 Activity and Tour Based Forecasting Seminar San Diego, CA

Fall 2006 Travel Model Calibration, Validation and Reasonableness
Checking Seminar San Diego, CA

Fall 2006 Forecasting Land Use Activities Seminar San Diego, CA

![](media/image4.wmf){width="0.625in" height="0.3909722222222222in"}

 

11/12/2006-11/14/2006 TRB's Key Issues in Transportation Programming:
2nd National Conference, Seattle, WA
<http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=4e1043b0-9a96-4f1e-9400-1074d6a7ec58>

10/18/2006-10/19/ 2006, State Trail Administrators Meeting, Quad Cities
Iowa/Illinois\
[www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/stam2006/](http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/stam2006/).

National Trails Symposium, Quad Cities IA/IL, October 19-22,
2006.** **The early registration deadline is August 31st. See
[www.americantrails.org/quad/](http://www.americantrails.org/quad/).

11/22/2006- 11/25/2006\
17th National Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation Conference
Stevenson, WA\
Contact: Peter Shaw at pshaw@nas.edu

10/23/2006-10/26/2006 International Visualization in transportation
Symposium & Workshop Denver, CO <http://www.trbvis.org/>

Oct 25 - Oct 31, 2006\
AASHTO Annual Meeting\
Portland, OR\
<HannahW@aashto.org>

Rail\~Volution 2006

 The twelfth annual conference will be held in Chicago, Illinois
November 4-8, 2006.   

[www.railvolution.com/CallForPapers.html](http://www.railvolution.com/CallForPapers.html).

11/12/2006-11/16/2006 NatureServes' Southeastern Region Natural Heritage
Conference, Ramada Inn Tallahassee, FL.
<http://www.natureserve.org/visitLocal/conferencesTraining.jsp>

Jan 21 - Jan 25, 2007\
[Transportation Research Board 86th Annual
Meeting](http://wwwcf.fhwa.dot.gov/exit.cfm?link=http://www.trb.org)\
Washington, DC

Mar 17 - Mar 18, 2007\
National OHV Program Managers Workshop\
Ontario, CA\
Co-sponsored by: National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council and
FHWA\'s Recreational Trails Program Contact: Bob Walker (406) 444-4584

3/25/2007-3/28/2007 AASHTO/ FHWA/FTA/BTS Geospatial Information Systems
for Transportation Symposium Nashville, TN. For more information see
[www.gis-t.org](http://www.gis-t.org/).

Apr 14 - Apr 18, 2007\
[American Planning Association Annual National Planning
Conference](http://wwwcf.fhwa.dot.gov/exit.cfm?link=http://www.planning.org/conferences/future.htm)\
Philadelphia, PA\
<Conference@planning.org>

5/17/2007-5/18/2007 2007 New England Rural Transportation Workshop
Woodstock, VT,

May 6-9, 2007\
[11th National Transportation Planning Applications
Conference](http://gulliver.trb.org/calendar/event.asp?id=270)\
Daytona Beach, FL

June 23 - 26, 2007

National Association of Regional Councils

41st Annual Conference and Exhibition\
Orlando, FL. See [www.narc.org](http://www.narc.org/)

June 24-27, 2007\
[9th International Conference on Low-Volume
Roads](http://www.trb.org/conferences/9lvr)\
Austin, TX

June 24-27, 2007\
[3rd Urban Street
Symposium](http://www.trb.org/conferences/USS3/CFA.pdf)\
Seattle, WA

July 7-9, 2007

TRB 2007 Joint Summer Meeting\
Chicago, Illinois

July 9-11, 2007 TRB\
[2007 Transportation Planning and Air Quality
Conference\*](http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/educweb/transaq/transaq2007.htm)\
Orlando, FL

National Association of Counties Annual Conference

July 13-17, 2007**\
**Richmond, Virginia see [www.naco.org](http://www.naco.org/)

National Asociation of Development Organizations

2007 Annual Training Conference\
Saturday, August 25-Tuesday, August 28 2007\
Austin, TX, see <http://www.nado.org/>