# Presentation: 756141

## SAFETEA-LU  Operations, ITS, and Freight Provisions

- 	                        Jeffrey F. Paniati
-                                              Office of Operations
-                              Federal Highway Administration
-                          U.S. Department of Transportation

**    ****Transportation Research Board 85****th**** Annual Meeting**
-  Session #660:  Transportation, Operations: Progress and Challenges
-   **	****	****     ****Washington, D.C.**
**                        *****                     ******January 25, 2006***

## Agenda – SAFETEA-LU

-  System Management and Operations
-  Congestion Management
-  Real-Time Information
-  ITS
-  Freight

**Notes:**
 Reauthorization overview from the perspective of system management and operations, congestion mitigation, ITS, and freight provisions in the bill.  While there are separate provisions related to each of these areas, as you can imagine, there is also significant overlap and intertwining of these issues.

 If you actually try to find provisions related to these areas within the 800+ pages of SAFETEA-LU, what you will find is that they are scattered throughout the bill.  With the exception of an ITS section, most of the other provisions are scattered throughout the legislation.  In this presentation you will find references to section numbers in case you are interested in reading the details of that provision for yourself.

## Overall Observations

- Incorporation of system management and operations.
- Significant focus on congestion mitigation, including:
- Congestion management
- Real-time information
- ITS
- Strong recognition of importance of freight investment, albeit with significant earmarking.
- Continued support for ITS R&D; ITS Deployment mainstreamed.

**Notes:**
I want to start off with a few observations and then will walk  through some specifics.

 SAFETEA-LU takes several important steps forward—
 First, it incorporates and supports system management and operations in a number of ways.
 Second, it puts significant focus on congestion mitigation, including congestion management, real-time information, and ITS.
  Third, it significantly increases attention to freight needs and issues.  In TEA-21 you would be hard pressed to find much specific investment or support for freight interests.  That is not the case with SAFETEA-LU.
 Finally, it provides continued support for ITS R&D while mainstreaming ITS Deployment.

## System Management and Operations

- Transportation Planning (6001)
- Specific requirement to include “operational and management strategies” in metropolitan transportation plan.
- Renames CMS as Congestion Management Process and includes specific reference to the need to provide for “effective management and operations” and “implementation of operational management strategies.”
- Specific requirement to include “capital, operations and management strategies investments, procedures, and other measures to ensure the preservation and most efficient use of the existing system,” in statewide plans.
* **Planning regulations under development, to be issued as NPRM spring 2006.  Guidance for Congestion Management Process to be issued shortly.*

**Notes:**
 SAFETEA-LU amends the United States Code (Title 23, section 134) on metropolitan transportation planning to include a specific requirement that operational and management strategies be included in the transportation plan. Specifically,
 “(D) Operational and Management Strategies – Operational and management strategies to improve the performance existing transportation facilities to relieve vehicular congestion and maximize the safety and mobility of people and goods.”

SAFETEA-LU also renames the Congestion Management Systems (CMS) as the Congestion Management Process and includes specific references to management and operations.

 SAFETEA-LU amends the United States Code (Title 23, section 135) on statewide transportation planning to include a specific requirement to consider operations and management strategies to ensure the most efficient use of the system.

Status:  Working closely with Office of Environment and Planning on draft revised regulations by end of 2005 followed by revised technical guidance.

## Congestion Management

-  HOV Facilities (1121)
- New permitted exceptions to vehicle occupancy requirements:
-  Public transportation vehicles
-  HOT lanes
-  Low emission/energy efficient vehicles
- Low emission/energy efficient vehicles may be tolled.
- Requires States to certify that they will monitor operational performance, enforce HOV restrictions, address seriously degraded operations.
*Revised HOV Program Guidance to be issued in*
*the Federal Register by early February.*

**Notes:**
This bill allows us to get more out of existing HOV system by 
Explicitly allows high-occupancyt/toll (HOT) lane programs.
Other SOV exemptions permitted to use excess HOV facility capacity.
Public transportation vehicles
Low emission/energy efficient vehicles (including hybrids)
Key requirement is that States must commit to monitor performance of HOV facilities and limit or discontinue use of exceptions if facility becomes seriously degraded.

Status:  Exceptions being pursued by several States—we are addressing on case-by- 
             case basis. 
             Rulemaking by EPA unlikely within 180 days—conditional approval to be granted.
             Legal questionsregarding tolling of HOVS must be resolved.  
             Full update of FHWA Program Guidance on HOV lanes planned by end of 2005.

## Congestion Management

- Pricing
- Continues Value Pricing Program (1604(a))
-  $59 million in new funding, including $12 million for
-    projects not involving tolls.
- New Express Lanes Demonstration Projects (1604(b))
-  Allows tolling of new or existing lanes to reduce
-    congestion and/or improve air quality.
-  15 projects, no separate funds.
-  DOT to establish interoperability requirement for
-    automatic toll collection.
*Office of Operations designated as lead contact for all pricing/toll programs.  Federal Register notices on pricing programs issued on January 6.  NPRM *
*on ETC interoperability to be issued by June.*

**Notes:**
SAFETEA-LU also provides some new and expanded congestion management tools.  For example, it:

 Maintains the Value Pricing Pilot Program (1/4 of final 4 years reserved for congestion pricing projects that do not involve tolls).
 Also, calls for 15 demonstration projects involving variable rates and automated tolling of new capacity on bridges, tunnels, and highways to:
 manage congestion directly, or
 finance highway expansion to ease congestion
 As part of this program, the Department is required to establish interoperability requirements of automatic toll collection.  While this requirement only pertains to the 15 projects, it could have larger implications for the industry.
 Office of Operations (HOP) has been designated as lead contact for all pricing toll/programs in SAFETEA-LU.  In addition to this, also includes 1604© Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program.  HOP will assist agencies in identifying appropriate pricing program and coordinate with other FHWA offices.

Status:  Coordinated program guidance to be published by end of 2005.
              Work on required rulemaking underway.  
              Expect to publish NPRM in early 2006.

## Congestion Management

- Research
- Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions (5502)
- $36 million over 4 years for research.
- $3 million over 4 years for training and technical assistance.
- Focus on:
- Congestion measurement and reporting
- Effective congestion relief strategies
- Future Strategic Highway Research Program – SHRP II (5210)
- $205 million over 4 years for research.
- Managed by National Academy of Sciences.
- Four focus areas, including:
- Improving reliability

**Notes:**
Finally, SAFETEA-LU identifies system management and operations research as a priority, and funds a new Surface Transportation Congestion Relief Solutions Program.

The Act also supports a Future Strategic Highway Research Program that will be managed by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), and includes a strong focus on research aimed at improving system reliability.

Status: We are working closely with NAS staff to coordinate efforts under the two programs.  Expect SHRP II to be launched in early 2006.

## Real-Time Information

-  Real-Time Systems Management Information Program (1201)
- Establish capability in all States to provide real time:
-  Sharing of information
-  Monitoring of traffic conditions
- Purpose – ease congestion, improve response to severe weather, accidents, and other incidents; and enhanced security.
- Eligible for funding under NHS, STP, and CMAQ.
- Must be part of regional ITS architectures.
- DOT to establish data exchange standards within 2 years.
*Initial program announcement to be issued for comment early February.*

**Notes:**
 In addition to building the system, preserving it, and operating it, this bill recognizes the importance of informing the customer.

 The bill calls for development of a nationwide capability to monitor, in real-time, the traffic and travel conditions of our Nation’s major highways and share that information. 

 Planning and deployment eligible under NHS, STP & CMAQ programs.

 State and local governments must include reference to real-time information system as part of their regional ITS architectures.

 It requires USDOT, within 2 years, to establish data exchange formats to ensure that information can be readily exchanged across jurisdictional boundaries–in other words, this is not just a collection of discrete local programs.

 And, finally, Congress gave us a related performance goal – nationwide deployment of 511 by 2010.

Status:  Establish program goals and issue general program guidance in early 2006...to be followed by State/local engagement in establishing more detailed program direction.

## Real-Time Information

- Transportation Technology Innovative Demonstration Program (5508)
- Two-part extension and expansion of Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure Program established by TEA-21.
- $2 million per city available to support deployment of traffic monitoring infrastructure and commercialization of data.
- Twenty-two new cities + thirteen original cities that have not received prior funding are eligible.
- Part I:  Existing contract with Mobility Technologies will be completed as planned (11 additional cities).
- Part II:  Create and complete new program to use any unobligated and any new appropriated funds.
*Federal Register solicitation on interest issued on October 19, closes on February 6.** *

**Notes:**
 SAFETEA-LU also continues, expands, and renames the          current Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure Program as the Transportation Technology Innovative Demonstration Program.
 29 cities are currently eligible for this program.
 Current program and contract includes deployment activities in 16 cities.  Funding remains for 11 additional cities. 
 Currently available uncommitted program funds will allow deployment in 2-3 additional cities beyond completion of existing contract.
 Additional funding may be provided during the appropriations process.
 Solicitation issued requesting response from eligible cities by February 6, 2006, indicating whether they are interested in participating in program and whether they are willing to participate in existing contract or desire to wait.

## Castastrophic Hurricane Evacuation Plans (10204)

- Requires Report to Congress assessing Gulf Coast State evacuation planning for catastrophic hurricanes.
- Due date specified in SAFETEA-LU – October 2006.
- Joint responsibility – DOT and DHS.
- FY 2006 Appropriations provides $1 million to fund study.  Requires delivery of report by June 2006.
*   **Outreach to State and local governments expected in February-March.*

**Notes:**

 Factors that must be considered:
 Extent that all practical modes are considered.
 Extent of coordination with neighboring States.
 Methods of communicating evacuation plans and 
  preparing citizens in advance.
 Methods of coordinating communication with evacuees
  during plan execution.
 Lead within DOT – Office of the Secretary supported by
  modes.

## ITS

- Deployment Funding
-  Mainstreamed throughout Federal-aid
-    program; including high priority projects.
-  Eligible under NHS, STP, and CMAQ.
-  Categorical NEPA exclusion.
-  ITS Deployment funds in 2005 only.
-  $100 million, over 4 years, for CVISN
-    deployment.

**Notes:**
 SAFETEA-LU mainstreams ITS deployment throughout the Federal-aid program, including high priority projects, clarifying eligibility and referencing ITS in a number of different areas.  It makes clear that ITS is eligible for funding under NHS, STP, and CMAQ and requires the establishment of a Categorical NEPA exclusion for ITS projects. 
	Note:  Categorical exclusion means a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment...and...for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.

 While SAFETEA-LU ends the TEA-21 funded ITS Deployment Program in 2005, it establishes a new program to fund the deployment of the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks at $100 million over 4 years.

## ITS

- Research and Development (5301-5310)
-  Program reauthorized and expanded.
-  $550 million over 5 years
- Road weather - $20 million (5308)
- I-95 Corridor - $35 million (5211)
- Rural and Interstate Corridor Communications Study - $3 million (5507)
-  New advisory committee required.
-  New 5-year program plan required.
*Work underway to establish advisory committee.  Program plan to be completed by August.*

**Notes:**
 The ITS R&D program is reauthorized in SAFETEA-LU and funded at $550 million over 5 years.  The program authorities were expanded to more broadly cover the range of tools and techniques needed to improve system management and operations and reduce congestion.

 Of the funds provided, $20 million is directed at a new comprehensive road weather program, $35 million is earmarked to the I-95 Corridor Coalition, and $3 million is set aside for a Rural and Interstate Corridor Communications Study.

 Other significant provisions include requirements for the establishment of an ITS advisory committee and the development of a new 5-year program plan.

 SAFETEA-LU was silent on the location of the ITS-JPO allowing the Administration to move forward with plans to move the JPO to the new Research Innovative and Technology Administration.

Status:  Moving to charter new advisory committee and to identify potential members.  Preparing new 5-year program plan which will include I-95 Corridor Coalition.  Requires identification of how corridor activities are furthering SAFETEA-LU ITS goals.  Working on transition of ITS-JPO to RITA—likely in early 2006.  FHWA to continue to manage I-95 activities.

## Freight-Related Grant Programs

- Projects of National and Regional Significance (1301)
- Funds high-cost infrastructure projects.
- Benefits—economic productivity, international trade, safety, reduced congestion.
- $1.8 billion for 25 projects.
- National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Program (1302)
- Funds construction of highway projects in corridors of national significance.
- Focus on international and interregional trade.
- $1.9 billion for 33 projects.

**Notes:**
Let me start with the three grant programs which are either freight or freight-related:  
Projects of National and Regional Significance
 Funds high-cost transportation infrastructure projects that produce benefits on a national or regional level.
 $1.8 billion from the Highway Trust Fund for 25 designated projects.
Benefits can include:
 Improving economic productivity 
 Facilitating international trade
 Relieving congestion
 Improving safety
 Application process being developed for grant recipients identified in the bill.
 Regulatory activity required in 180 days to establish grant submission and selection process for future grant applications.
 Annual report due in February.
National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Program
SAFETEA-LU separates the Borders and Corridors Programs (from TEA-21, providing dedicated funding for each.
$1.9 billion in funds, all earmarked, is devoted to corridors.
 Provides funding for construction of highway projects in corridors of national significance
 Idea is to promote economic growth and international or interregional trade.

## Freight-Related Grant Programs (Con’t)

-  Intermodal Distribution Pilot Grants (1306)
- Provides funding to address infrastructure and freight distribution needs at inland ports and intermodal freight facilities.
- $30 million for 6 projects.
*Guidance for all three freight programs issued on January 4.  Required NPRM to formally establish program to be issued in the spring.*

**Notes:**
The Intermodal Distribution Pilot Grants Program which  funds 6 pilot projects for $30 million over 5 years. 
 This pilot program is designed to fund projects that support freight distribution needs at inland ports and intermodal freight facilities.
 It also has the additional objectives of relieving congestion and Improving safety. 
 A report on the program is due to Congress on 8/10/08 (3 years from enactment. 

## Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program (1303)

- Improve safe movement of motor vehicles between U.S. and Canada/Mexico (1934)
- $33 million distributed by formula--commercial vehicle volume, personal vehicle volume, freight volume by weight, number of ports of entry.
- Improvements within 100 miles of border.
- Projects in Canada and Mexico eligible.

**Notes:**
Some of the broader, freight-related programs include:

Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program
 $833 million to be distributed by formula to border States based on commercial truck volume, personal vehicle/bus volume, freight volume by weight, and number of ports of entry.
 Goal is to improve the safe movement of motor vehicles between US and Canada or Mexico.
 Program funds may be used to construct transportation and supporting infrastructure, make operational improvements, modify regulatory procedures, and coordinate international planning and operations within the border region (within 100 miles of the border).
 Projects in Canada and Mexico are eligible for funding.

Additional freight projects are included in High Priority Projects and Transportation Improvements Sections.

## Truck Parking Programs

-  Truck Parking Facilities (1305)
- Pilot program to address CMV long-term parking shortage on NHS.
- Includes construction of new facilities, modifying existing facilities, ITS.
- $25 million discretionary funds.
-  Interstate Oasis Program (1310)
- Identification of “oasis facilities” to provide rest area services off the interstate.
-  Idling Reduction Facilities on Interstate ROW (1412)
- Allows placement of idle reduction facilities in rest areas and charging of fees for use.
*Truck Parking Program NPRM to be issued in February and March.  Request for information on Interstate Oasis Program schedule to be issued in early February.*

**Notes:**

 The Truck Parking Facilities Program that funds a pilot program to address the shortage of long-term parking for CMV on NHS.
 Project applications to be submitted to DOT and approved by the Secretary.
 Report on program due to Congress by August 10, 2008.

 For those interested in this issue there are two related efforts:
 Section 1310, Interstate Oasis Program, and
 Section 1412, Idling Reduction Facilities on Interstate Rights-of-Way.

## Freight Research and Training

- National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program (5209)
- $15 million over 4 years
- Administered by the National Academy of Sciences
- Broad advisory committee
- Broad research agenda
- Freight Planning Capacity Building Program (5204h)
- $3.5 million over 4 years
- Goals:
- Target investments
- Strengthen decisionmaking capacity

**Notes:**
Finally, there are some new freight research and training programs:
 NCFTRP – Looks to be modeled after the Transit Cooperative Research Program in its administration.  Will cover topics such as: Techniques for estimating and quantifying public benefits derived from freight transportation projects, and methods for incorporating estimates of international trade into landside transportation planning.  FHWA to play a strong role in working with the NAS to establish and shape program.

 FPCBP – This initiative dovetails cleanly with the Freight Professional Development Program the Office of Freight Management and Operations is currently managing in concert with the Office of Planning and the Resource Centers.  It covers activity such as courses, peer-to-peer exchange, technical assistance, and refinement of data and analysis tools.

## Implications of SAFETEA-LU on Operations, ITS, and Freight

- More $
- Advances system management and operations
- Increases focus on congestion relief
- Creates opportunities
- Managed lanes
- Real-time information
- Interoperability
- Maintains strong ITS R&D program
- Significantly expands attention to freight needs
- Funds congestion-related RD&T

**Notes:**
In summary, if we look across SAFETEA-LU from an operations, ITS, and freight perspective, we see:
 Many more resources available to improve traffic flow, move freight, and reduce congestion.
 Significant provisions advancing consideration of system management and operations.
 An increased focus on congestion relief and specific opportunities to implement managed lanes, nationwide real-time traveler information, and increased regional and national interoperability of ITS.
 Support for a continued strong ITS R&D program which funds things like the major initiatives, standards, and professional capacity building.
 Significant expansion of attention to freight issues and needs.
 And, a strong congestion-related RD&T program.

SAFETEA-LU will present some challenges in supporting some of our more traditional operations areas—such as the MUTCD because of the narrow of the research funding. 

## For More Information	

- SAFETEA-LU:
- http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/safetealu
- Management and Operations, ITS and Freight:
- www.fhwa.dot.gov/operations