Main ContentLTAP/TTAP E-news May/June 2007
The LTAP/TTAP Clearinghouse staff thoroughly enjoyed attending every regional meeting over the past four months, and we thank you for your hospitality "on the road."
We also managed to meet a significant milestone: On June 15, we rolled out the new LTAP/TTAP website (http://www.ltapt2.org/). Boasting a slick new design with updated graphics, the site is now easier to use and navigate. In the coming months, FHWA and the Clearinghouse will be developing and implementing a number of new tools for the LTAP/TTAP community, including searchable databases for instructors and training materials. Stop by the exhibit booth at the annual conference in Chicago to view virtual "tours" of the new site as well as learn more about our plans for the web.
Center News
Retirements
- Felipe Luyanda Villafane, Puerto Rico LTAP - 21 years
- Hank Lambert, Vermont LTAP - 25 years
New Center Management and Staff Changes
- Heath Pickerill is the new director for the Missouri LTAP
- Donna Shea has returned to the Connecticut LTAP as the director
- Stuart Thompson has left the Utah LTAP Center
- Sally Collopy is the new director for the Vermont LTAP
- The California/Nevada TTAP center is now located at the National Indian Justice Center in Santa Rosa, Calif. Staff consists of Joseph Myers and Kelly Myers
- The new Alaska TTAP team is located at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska. Staff consists of Clara Johnson, Bernice Joseph, Lou Brown, Jerry Trainor, Kevin Illingworth and Billy Connor
For other center information, visit our "Find a Center" page at http://www.ltapt2.org/centers/
Send your news to lmccluskey@artba.org
In Memoriam
LTAP/TTAP Remembers Dennis S. Rice On June 15 the LTAP/TTAP Dennis Rice, director of the Georgia LTAP passed away suddenly in an automobile accident on his way home from a TCCC conference. The LTAP/TTAP community held a moment of silence in his honor on Tuesday June 19. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in his memory to the Student Ministry at Grace Baptist Church; 4256 Martin Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.
Feature Articles
NACE National Conference
The National Association of County Engineers (NACE) held its annual conference April 22-26 in Milwaukee, Wis. More
A Letter from the NLTAPA President - Small groups coming to this year's conference
NLTAPA President Lisa Harris talks about a new time slot for small groups to meet at this year's conference in Chicago. More
LTAP 101
LTAP 101 will provide valuable networking opportunities and an important overview of LTAP/TTAP for your new employees. More
Articles and Reports of Interest
April Highway & Street Material Prices Up 5 Percent Over 2006 Levels The cost of highway and street construction materials grew five percent in April 2007 over the same month last year. During the same time period, inflation—as measured by the consumer price index—was 2.6 percent. To view this report, go to the "Economics & Research" section of www.artba.org.
Unique driving simulation helps URI researchers test effectiveness of highway signs The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, in partnership with the University of Rhode Island, recently completed testing of a unique driving simulation aimed at improving communication to motorists about accidents, construction, general congestion and natural disasters.
Better Bridge Data FHWA is embarking on a 20-year effort to collect more and better bridge data to improve management now and far into the future.
Testing Bottomless Culverts The Maryland State Highway Administration and FHWA partnered to study the effects of scour on these environmentally friendly and economic roadway structures.
Highways for LIFE (HfL) Questions and Answers This paper includes a list of frequently asked questions and answers that may better assist you in understanding the Projects element of the Highways for LIFE program.
Meetings and Events
July
August
To view more industry events visit www.ltapt2.org
Washington Update
Did you know that LTAP/TTAP directors can read ARTBA's Washington Update and Newsline anytime? To obtain your password contact the Clearinghouse.
Transportation Vision
Over 300 transportation construction industry professionals from across the country converged on Capitol Hill May 9 to advocate for increased federal surface transportation investment as part of the 2007 Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-In. More
House Panel Approves Record Transportation Funding Measure
The House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee today unanimously approved legislation that would significantly boost federal surface transportation investment in FY 2008. More
New Resources
Unless otherwise noted contact Sarah Crane (scrane@artba.org) for information and assistance on the following resources. The next quarterly mailing of center resources will be the week of July 16.
Publications
- Application of Ground Anchors and Soil Nails in Roadway Construction – FHWA
- Best Practices for Dowel Placement Tolerances – FHWA TechBrief
- Culvert Pipe Liner Guide and Specifications – FHWA
- Integrated Materials and Construction Practices for Concrete Pavement: A State-of-the-Practice Manual – FHWA
- Road Engineering and Construction Practices for Cold Regions – FHWA
- Rockery Design and Construction Guidelines – FHWA
CD and DVDs
- Guanella Pass Road: Thinking Beyond the Pavement – FHWA
Exhibit Materials
- Three "touch screen" kiosks that provide information about careers in transportation are now available for loan from the Clearinghouse
Check out www.ltapt2.org for more resources.
Opportunities
ARTBA Foundation Accepting 2007 "Globe" Environmental Award Nominations
The ARTBA Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) is accepting nominations for the 2007 "Globe Awards." This annual competition honors U.S. transportation construction industry excellence in environmental protection and mitigation. More
Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review
The Federal Transit Administration invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget's approval to renew the following information collection: Pre-Award and Post-Delivery Review Requirements. More
Indian Reservation Road Bridge Program(IRRBP)
Request for comments on proposed amendments to the existing IRRBP by establishing new policies and provisions. In addition, it authorizes $14 million of IRRBP funds per year for the replacement or rehabilitation of structurally deficient or functionally obsolete Indian Reservation Road (IRR) bridges. More
Team Effort Sustains Successful Safe Corridor Program in Washington State
Maintaining vehicle and pedestrian safety is a major public challenge but moving promising safety initiatives from the planning room into actual practice has also proven to be a daunting task for safety experts. More
About the LTAP/TTAP Clearinghouse
The LTAP/TTAP Clearinghouse provides program support to the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and the Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP). It is operated under contract to the Federal Highway Administration by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The Clearinghouse operates from ARTBA's Washington, D.C. office.
About the LTAP/TTAP e-news
The LTAP/TTAP e-news is published monthly by the LTAP/TTAP Clearinghouse. Articles may be submitted to the editor, Lisa McCluskey, lmccluskey@artba.org. The e-news may also be accessed by visiting www.ltapt2.org.
Sign up for the LTAP/TTAP e-news by contacting Lisa Kelley McCluskey at lmccluskey@artba.org
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