American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Executive Director Frederick G. “Bud” Wright announced last week that he plans to retire at the end of 2018. Wright was appointed Executive Director in November 2012 and previously served as executive director for the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 to 2008. He also led AASHTO through a new strategic plan development process that expanded the organization’s focus to include all modes.
Month: May 2018
It’s Infrastructure Week!
This week, hundreds of elected, nonprofit, business, and community leaders will host events to advocate one message: “Americans are waiting. The future won’t. It’s #TimeToBuild.” Every day of Infrastructure Week, local, state, and national stakeholders will highlight the projects, technologies, and policies that are necessary to improve our country’s infrastructure. To participate in this week-long event, check out the Infrastructure Week website to see the latest calendar of official events and download graphics you can use to promote the cause on social media. Follow the official conversation on Twitter using #TimeToBuild.
AACOG to Host CarFit Event
This week, Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) will co-host a CarFit event with many stakeholders in their region. CarFit is a free, interactive, and educational program that uses trained volunteers to assess the safest “fit” for older drivers and their vehicles. Simple improvements that help improve driver safety and community mobility include educating the public on proper mirror positioning, foot positioning between pedals and brakes, and the distance between the driver and steering wheel. See CarFit’s website to learn about bringing their events and services to your community.
National Dialogue on Highway Automation
FHWA launched a National Dialogue on Highway Automation. The program includes five upcoming workshops hosted around the country concerning different areas of highway autonomation. FHWA plans to include a broader range of stakeholders to inform FHWA’s role in automation and national research, policy, and programs to aid in the development of the technology. The Launch Workshop will be in Detroit, Michigan on June 7. The first issue workshop, which will focus on policy and planning, will be in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania June 26-27.
FEMA’s National Level Exercise 2018
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has begun its National Level Exercise (NLE) 2018, an event that brings together more than 250 federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, private industry, and nonprofit organizations to test their emergency response to a simulated major disaster. Through May 11, these organizations are coordinating together and using established plans, policies, and procedures to prepare for and respond to a Mid-Atlantic hurricane scenario near Hampton Roads, Virginia. FEMA Administrator Brock Long said, “NLE 2018 serves as the culminating effort to exercise the nation’s response capabilities before the 2018 [hurricane] season.” To help your communities prepare as well, please share the following FEMA tips and resources with your residents:
- Download the FEMA App.
- Create and test a Family Communications Plan.
- Document and insure your property to ensure that you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged.
- Learn about purchasing flood insurance.
- Strengthen your financial preparedness by collecting and securing personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records.
- Get trained because you could be the one to help others until help arrives.
- Join the FEMA National Business Emergency Operations Center.
- More info on FEMA’s National Level Exercise 2018.
EPA Seeks Nominees for Advisory Council
On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a notice in the Federal Register seeking nominations to fill vacancies on EPA’s National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC). EPA requests nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for a three-year appointment. The 15-member NDWAC was established by the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide practical and independent advice, consultation, and recommendations to the EPA’s Administrator on the activities, functions, policies, and regulations required by the bill. EPA’s notice solicits nominations to fill four vacancies from August 2018 through December 2020, and five vacancies from December 2018 through December 2021. To maintain the representation required by statute, nominees will be selected to represent state and local agencies concerned with water hygiene and public water supply (two vacancies) and the general public (two vacancies). Nominations are due by May 31, 2018.
MVRPC Launches New Safety Campaign
The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) launched a new safety campaign focusing on seat belt use, proper child safety-seat use, and safe cycling guidelines. This new effort is in response to recent, staggering statistics that show that only 83% of Ohio motorists wear a seat belt – the lowest rate in five years. MVRPC is also using this safety campaign to prepare motorists and cyclists for the warmer weather, when cyclists are more likely to share the road with vehicles. MVRPC partnered with the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority to display campaign ads on their transit vehicles. Residents will also see ads on poster and digital billboards and the Dayton Daily News.
Energy Secretary Perry Announces Funding for Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research
Energy Secretary Rick Perry recently announced $68.5 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for early-stage research of advanced vehicle technologies. Projects selected through this Vehicle Technologies Office funding opportunity will address one of five topics, including batteries and electrification, technology integration, and co-optimization of engines and fuels. The goals of this opportunity are to improve transportation efficiency and reliability by enhancing economic growth and enabling affordable mobility.
MAPA Wins Three APA Awards
The Nebraska Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) recognized the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) with awards for two projects in addition to the APA Planning Agency Award for its overall work. The Omaha Metropolitan Area Online Bicycle Map won the Transportation Plan Award. The interactive map helps the community find routes for biking through the city and provides information on the current trail system and street network.