Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP), 44348-44349 [E6-12664]

Download as PDF 44348 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 150 / Friday, August 4, 2006 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration [FHWA Docket No. FHWA–2006–23612] Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In an earlier notice and request for comments, the FHWA announced the creation of an FHWA Web site to provide information regarding the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) and solicited public input on the implementation strategy for this program. Based on the review and analysis of the comments received in response to the notice, the FHWA has finalized and posted the implementation strategy for the STEP on the STEP Web site at: https:// www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/index.htm. In addition, the FHWA has posted information on the STEP Web site soliciting comments on proposed STEP research activities. DATES: The implementation strategy is effective August 4, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Felicia Young, Office of Interstate and Border Planning, (202) 366–1263, Felicia.young@fhwa.dot.gov; or Grace Reidy, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366–6226; Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access An electronic copy of this notice may be downloaded from the Office of the Federal Register’s home page at https:// www.archives.gov and the Government Printing Office’s Web site at https:// www.access.gpo.gov. gechino on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Background On March 1, 2006, the FHWA published a notice in the Federal Register (71 FR 10586) announcing the creation of an FHWA Web site to provide information regarding the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) and to solicit public input on the implementation strategy for this program. Section 5207, Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative VerDate Aug<31>2005 22:39 Aug 03, 2006 Jkt 208001 Research Program (STEP), of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU) (Pub. L. 109–59; Aug. 10, 2005) established a new cooperative research program for environment and planning research in section 507 of Title 23, United States Code, Highways (23 U.S.C. 507). The general objective of the STEP is to improve understanding of the complex relationship between surface transportation, planning, and the environment. Among other areas, STEP will address environment and planning issues related to SAFETEA–LU implementation; Executive Order 13274: Environmental Stewardship and Transportation Infrastructure Project Reviews; the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Development Strategic Plan (section 508 of title 23 U.S.C.); and the environmental costs associated with growing surface transportation system congestion. Discussion of Comments The comment period for the notice closed on April 17, 2006. As of June 19, 2006, the FHWA received ten comments in the docket. The FHWA received comments from national associations, State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs), a consulting firm, and a private citizen. The FHWA has reviewed and analyzed these comments as well as a new Secretarial initiative related to congestion.1 Summaries of the docket comments and the FHWA’s analyses and determinations are discussed below. After considering and analyzing the comments, the FHWA has decided to revise and finalize the implementation strategy. Most of the respondents supported the principles outlined in Section 5207 of SAFETEA–LU, which established the STEP. We received numerous comments regarding the STEP emphasis areas. Some respondents indicated that additional emphasis areas should be added to the 22 proposed STEP emphasis areas. Another respondent recommended reducing the number of emphasis areas. Respondents identified the need to clarify the activities eligible for STEP funding under the proposed emphasis areas. Respondents commented that 1 Speaking before the National Retail Federation’s annual conference on May 16, 2006, in Washington, DC, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta unveiled a new plan to reduce congestion plaguing America’s roads, rail and airports. The National Strategy to Reduce Congestion on America’s Transportation Network includes a number of initiatives designed to reduce transportation congestion and it is available at the following URL: https://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/OST/012988.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 activities such as outreach, peer exchanges, symposia, public involvement and other activities associated with the deployment and sharing of information among stakeholders should be eligible for STEP funding. Respondents also commented on the proposed stakeholder involvement in the STEP. Respondents indicated support for multiple stakeholder involvement throughout the STEP implementation process. Comments on STEP program included a recommendation that at least 50 percent of STEP funding be dedicated to State DOT-led research and a recommendation that the STEP research focus on ‘‘projects that can add the best value across the nation rather than specific States or regions.’’ Two respondents recommended that the STEP governance include a structure similar to the Transportation Research Board’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program.2 Respondents also acknowledged the STEP’s funding limitations and recommended that limited funding be spent effectively. Another respondent recommended that funding focus on high priority research that advances the goals of the Federal-aid highway program. Changes to STEP After reviewing the comments, the FHWA revised and augmented the STEP implementation strategy by: (1) Grouping the STEP into four major categories: Environment; Planning; Planning Tools for Planning and Environment; and Program Management and Outreach; (2) identifying 17 specific research emphasis areas and potential funding; (3) providing information regarding the goals and potential activities to be implemented within each of these emphasis areas; and (4) adding contact persons for each of these emphasis areas. The FHWA also included Right of Way associations in the list of Tier II transportation and environmental stakeholders and included the Transportation Pooled Fund Program, University Transportation Centers, and State planning research under the section for coordination with other relevant research programs. 2 The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) which was established in 1962 is a national research program that is administered by the Transportation Research Board. The NCHRP is sponsored by the member departments (i.e., individual state departments of transportation) of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 150 / Friday, August 4, 2006 / Notices gechino on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES The FHWA did not revise the proposed structure for stakeholder/ public involvement within the STEP. Because of the numerous and diverse STEP stakeholders, the FHWA believes that it is important that the limited STEP resources focus on priority environment and planning surface transportation research needs. Also, we expect to continue efforts to coordinate STEP implementation with other cooperative research resources like State Planning Research (SPR), the Future Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRPII), National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and others to further leverage STEP funding. The final implementation strategy is available on the STEP Web site at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/ index.htm. Suggestions for Research Activities At this time, the FHWA is requesting suggestions for the lines of research that should be pursued within each emphasis area. For example, stakeholders who have an interest in the ‘‘Tools to Support Environment and Planning’’ emphasis area might suggest that it is important to research ways to identify business models to enhance transportation decision-making using geospatial data. Specific research work statements for this suggestion, if pursued under the STEP, would be crafted by FHWA, after careful consideration of stakeholder views. Thus, the FHWA does not seek specific, detailed research proposals and discourages researchers from submitting proposals of that nature. Rather, the FHWA staff who will serve as contacts for each Emphasis Area will work with stakeholders in the 17 research emphasis areas to identify and prioritize lines of research within each area and to subsequently develop specific work activities. The FHWA is issuing this notice to: (1) Announce the posting of the final STEP Implementation strategy on the STEP Web site; and (2) to solicit comments on proposed research activities to be undertaken in the STEP via the STEP Web site. The URL for the STEP is https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/ step/index.htm. The FHWA will use this Web site as a major mechanism for informing the public regarding the status of the STEP. We invite the public to visit this Web site to obtain additional information on the STEP, as well as information on the process for forwarding comments to the FHWA regarding the STEP implementation plan. Authority: Section 5207 of Public Law 109–59. VerDate Aug<31>2005 22:39 Aug 03, 2006 Jkt 208001 Issued on: July 28, 2006. J. Richard Capka, Federal Highway Administrator. [FR Doc. E6–12664 Filed 8–3–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Announcing the Fifteenth Public Meeting of the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT. ACTION: Meeting announcement. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice announces the Fifteenth Public Meeting of members of the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network. CIREN is a collaborative effort to conduct research on crashes and injuries at eight Level 1 Trauma Centers linked by a computer network. Researchers can review data and share expertise, which could lead to a better understanding of crash injury mechanisms and the design of safer vehicles. Seven presentations on current research based on CIREN cases will be presented. The agenda will be posted to the CIREN Web site https://wwwnrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-50/ ciren/CIREN.html three weeks prior to the meeting. Date and Time: The meeting is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20th, 2006. This meeting will be hosted by the Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) CIREN Center. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at: Radisson Hotel, 2300 N. Mayfair Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, (414) 257–3400. Special Demonstration: Following the CIREN research presentations, a tour of the MCW’s car crash facility will be given along with a demonstration of an oblique pole impact test and an overview of current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards including FMVSS No. 208 and FMVSS No.214. To Register for This Event: Contact Judy Citta at (414) 266–6435 or e-mail _WICIREN@MCW.edu (Under score precedes WICIREN). Please provide name, affiliation, phone number and email address. Registration is strongly recommended and required for parties wishing to participate in the special demonstration. You must register by September 5, 2006. Late registrations or those not registered are still welcome to attend the public meeting but you may not be able to attend the special demonstrations. PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44349 For General Information: Dale Halloway, (414) 805–5439. The CIREN System has been established, and crash cases have been entered into the database by each Center. CIREN cases may be viewed from the NHTSA/CIREN Web site at: https://wwwnrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-50/ ciren/CIREN.html. NHTSA has held three Annual Conferences where CIREN research results were presented. Further information about the three previous CIREN conferences is also available through the NHTSA Web site. NHTSA held the first public meeting on May 5, 2000, with a topic of lower extremity injuries in motor vehicle crashes; the second public meeting on July 21, 2000, with a topic of side impact crashes; the third public meeting on November 30, 2000, with a topic of thoracic injuries in crashes; the fourth public meeting on March 16, 2001, with a topic of offset frontal collisions; the fifth public meeting on June 21, 2001, on CIREN outreach efforts; the sixth public meeting (held in Ann Arbor, Michigan), with a topic of injuries involving sport utility vehicles; the seventh public meeting on December 6, 2001, with a topic of age related injuries (elderly and children); the eighth public meeting on April 25, 2002, with a topic of head and traumatic brain injuries; the ninth public meeting on August 22, 2002 (held at Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center in Seattle, Washington), with presentations highlighting the various research specialties of the Centers; the tenth public meeting on December 5, 2002, with a topic of occult injuries; the eleventh public meeting on April 3, 2003, with papers on the injuries sustained in crashes where vehicles are mismatched in terms of size or weight; the twelfth public meeting on December 5, 2003 (held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham), with presentations on various research specialties of the Centers; the thirteenth public meeting on November 4, 2004 (held at the University of Maryland/ National Study Center), with presentations on various research specialties and the fourteenth public meeting on March 28, 2006, in Washington, DC with presentations on various research specialties. Presentations from these meetings are available through the NHTSA Web site. NHTSA plans to continue holding CIREN meetings on a regular basis to disseminate CIREN information to interested parties. This is the fifteenth such meeting. The CIREN Centers will SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM 04AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 150 (Friday, August 4, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44348-44349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12664]



[[Page 44348]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2006-23612]


Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative 
Research Program (STEP)

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In an earlier notice and request for comments, the FHWA 
announced the creation of an FHWA Web site to provide information 
regarding the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning 
Cooperative Research Program (STEP) and solicited public input on the 
implementation strategy for this program. Based on the review and 
analysis of the comments received in response to the notice, the FHWA 
has finalized and posted the implementation strategy for the STEP on 
the STEP Web site at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/index.htm. In 
addition, the FHWA has posted information on the STEP Web site 
soliciting comments on proposed STEP research activities.

DATES: The implementation strategy is effective August 4, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Felicia Young, Office of Interstate 
and Border Planning, (202) 366-1263, Felicia.young@fhwa.dot.gov; or 
Grace Reidy, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-6226; Federal 
Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. 
Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    An electronic copy of this notice may be downloaded from the Office 
of the Federal Register's home page at https://www.archives.gov and the 
Government Printing Office's Web site at https://www.access.gpo.gov.

Background

    On March 1, 2006, the FHWA published a notice in the Federal 
Register (71 FR 10586) announcing the creation of an FHWA Web site to 
provide information regarding the Surface Transportation Environment 
and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) and to solicit public 
input on the implementation strategy for this program.
    Section 5207, Surface Transportation Environment and Planning 
Cooperative Research Program (STEP), of the Safe, Accountable, 
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users 
(SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59; Aug. 10, 2005) established a new 
cooperative research program for environment and planning research in 
section 507 of Title 23, United States Code, Highways (23 U.S.C. 507). 
The general objective of the STEP is to improve understanding of the 
complex relationship between surface transportation, planning, and the 
environment. Among other areas, STEP will address environment and 
planning issues related to SAFETEA-LU implementation; Executive Order 
13274: Environmental Stewardship and Transportation Infrastructure 
Project Reviews; the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and 
Development Strategic Plan (section 508 of title 23 U.S.C.); and the 
environmental costs associated with growing surface transportation 
system congestion.

Discussion of Comments

    The comment period for the notice closed on April 17, 2006. As of 
June 19, 2006, the FHWA received ten comments in the docket. The FHWA 
received comments from national associations, State Departments of 
Transportation (State DOTs), a consulting firm, and a private citizen. 
The FHWA has reviewed and analyzed these comments as well as a new 
Secretarial initiative related to congestion.\1\ Summaries of the 
docket comments and the FHWA's analyses and determinations are 
discussed below. After considering and analyzing the comments, the FHWA 
has decided to revise and finalize the implementation strategy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Speaking before the National Retail Federation's annual 
conference on May 16, 2006, in Washington, DC, U.S. Transportation 
Secretary Norman Mineta unveiled a new plan to reduce congestion 
plaguing America's roads, rail and airports. The National Strategy 
to Reduce Congestion on America's Transportation Network includes a 
number of initiatives designed to reduce transportation congestion 
and it is available at the following URL: https://isddc.dot.gov/
OLPFiles/OST/012988.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Most of the respondents supported the principles outlined in 
Section 5207 of SAFETEA-LU, which established the STEP. We received 
numerous comments regarding the STEP emphasis areas. Some respondents 
indicated that additional emphasis areas should be added to the 22 
proposed STEP emphasis areas.
    Another respondent recommended reducing the number of emphasis 
areas. Respondents identified the need to clarify the activities 
eligible for STEP funding under the proposed emphasis areas. 
Respondents commented that activities such as outreach, peer exchanges, 
symposia, public involvement and other activities associated with the 
deployment and sharing of information among stakeholders should be 
eligible for STEP funding.
    Respondents also commented on the proposed stakeholder involvement 
in the STEP. Respondents indicated support for multiple stakeholder 
involvement throughout the STEP implementation process.
    Comments on STEP program included a recommendation that at least 50 
percent of STEP funding be dedicated to State DOT-led research and a 
recommendation that the STEP research focus on ``projects that can add 
the best value across the nation rather than specific States or 
regions.'' Two respondents recommended that the STEP governance include 
a structure similar to the Transportation Research Board's National 
Cooperative Highway Research Program.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 
which was established in 1962 is a national research program that is 
administered by the Transportation Research Board. The NCHRP is 
sponsored by the member departments (i.e., individual state 
departments of transportation) of the American Association of State 
Highway and Transportation Officials in cooperation with the Federal 
Highway Administration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Respondents also acknowledged the STEP's funding limitations and 
recommended that limited funding be spent effectively. Another 
respondent recommended that funding focus on high priority research 
that advances the goals of the Federal-aid highway program.

Changes to STEP

    After reviewing the comments, the FHWA revised and augmented the 
STEP implementation strategy by: (1) Grouping the STEP into four major 
categories: Environment; Planning; Planning Tools for Planning and 
Environment; and Program Management and Outreach; (2) identifying 17 
specific research emphasis areas and potential funding; (3) providing 
information regarding the goals and potential activities to be 
implemented within each of these emphasis areas; and (4) adding contact 
persons for each of these emphasis areas.
    The FHWA also included Right of Way associations in the list of 
Tier II transportation and environmental stakeholders and included the 
Transportation Pooled Fund Program, University Transportation Centers, 
and State planning research under the section for coordination with 
other relevant research programs.

[[Page 44349]]

    The FHWA did not revise the proposed structure for stakeholder/
public involvement within the STEP. Because of the numerous and diverse 
STEP stakeholders, the FHWA believes that it is important that the 
limited STEP resources focus on priority environment and planning 
surface transportation research needs. Also, we expect to continue 
efforts to coordinate STEP implementation with other cooperative 
research resources like State Planning Research (SPR), the Future 
Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRPII), National Cooperative 
Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and others to further leverage STEP 
funding. The final implementation strategy is available on the STEP Web 
site at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/index.htm.

Suggestions for Research Activities

    At this time, the FHWA is requesting suggestions for the lines of 
research that should be pursued within each emphasis area. For example, 
stakeholders who have an interest in the ``Tools to Support Environment 
and Planning'' emphasis area might suggest that it is important to 
research ways to identify business models to enhance transportation 
decision-making using geospatial data. Specific research work 
statements for this suggestion, if pursued under the STEP, would be 
crafted by FHWA, after careful consideration of stakeholder views.
    Thus, the FHWA does not seek specific, detailed research proposals 
and discourages researchers from submitting proposals of that nature. 
Rather, the FHWA staff who will serve as contacts for each Emphasis 
Area will work with stakeholders in the 17 research emphasis areas to 
identify and prioritize lines of research within each area and to 
subsequently develop specific work activities.
    The FHWA is issuing this notice to: (1) Announce the posting of the 
final STEP Implementation strategy on the STEP Web site; and (2) to 
solicit comments on proposed research activities to be undertaken in 
the STEP via the STEP Web site. The URL for the STEP is https://
www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/index.htm. The FHWA will use this Web site as 
a major mechanism for informing the public regarding the status of the 
STEP.
    We invite the public to visit this Web site to obtain additional 
information on the STEP, as well as information on the process for 
forwarding comments to the FHWA regarding the STEP implementation plan.

    Authority: Section 5207 of Public Law 109-59.

    Issued on: July 28, 2006.
J. Richard Capka,
Federal Highway Administrator.
[FR Doc. E6-12664 Filed 8-3-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P

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