Task 1.3: Above and Beyond.
Develop an update to the 2008 report to provide the most current
state DOT practices, program and projects that provide environmental
and social contributions. The update will be based on information on
state practices gathered from Tasks 1.15, 8.6 and 8.7 and a review
of the latest reports and statistics, including recent FHWA research
reports on environmental stewardship. The update will include important
facts on how transportation makes a real difference to our quality
of life through investments in:
- Energy conservation
- State climate actions
- Sustainable practices
- Context sensitive solutions
- Historic preservation
- Recycling
- Clean air
- Integrating transportation and land use
- Walking and bike trails
- Wetlands and water quality
- Wildlife preservation
- Sound barriers
- Scenic byways
- Wildflowers and native vegetation
Task 1.6: CTAP Quarterly Reports/Community of Practice.
AASHTO Technical Experts in the three topics below will organize
and facilitate biannual conference calls with SCOE Subcommittee and
other AASHTO Committee/Subcommittee/Task Force members, FHWA, TRB committee
members and other topical experts to identify the state of the practice,
emerging and changing environmental trends, issues, policies, procedures,
research and data needs. The experts will prepare summary sheets on
their topical areas. The contents of the summary sheets will be posted
on the Center website.
- Air Quality
- Stormwater
- Historic Bridges
Task 1.7: Practitioners Handbooks.
Develop the content of each practitioner’s handbook listed
below in coordination with an advisory group, the AASHTO Standing Committee
on the Environment, and other AASHTO committees. Conduct a one-hour
webinar to highlight the content of the handbooks as they are published.
Include a downloadable version of the handbooks on the Center website.
Potential topics include:
- Environmental Compliance at Maintenance Facilities. Incorporate
NCHRP 25-25 study on this topic. Analyze EMS approaches.
- Endangered Species Consultation
- Reincorporation of Construction Materials/Recycled Materials into
Road Projects/Recycling Program Management
- Complying with Section 4(f) of the U.S. DOT Act
- Assessing Indirect Effects and Cumulative Impacts Under NEPA
- Developing and Implementing a Stormwater Management Program in
a Transportation Agency
- Applying the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines in Transportation Project
Decision-Making
Task 1.8 Climate Change.
Develop and conduct approximately six climate change webinars in
coordination with the AASHTO Climate Change Technical Assistance Program
and other relevant partner organizations and programs. Presentation
materials will be made available following the webinars. Potential
webinar topics include:
- Climate change 101: A briefing on the fundamentals of climate change
for those new to the topic, including the scientific basis of climate
change, how transportation infrastructure will be affected by future
climatic changes, and the transportation strategies that can help
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Data collection, forecasting, and modeling: Discussion of current
practice and opportunities relating to data collection, forecasting,
and modeling for climate change purposes. This would include identification
of emerging tools being developed around the country for the purposes
of improved greenhouse gas reduction planning.
- International best practices: Presentation from international leaders
in transportation GHG reduction efforts to share best practice success
stories.
- Carbon accounting for state DOTs: Guidance for state transportation
agencies on how to conduct a carbon footprint analysis of their operations.
- Latest state initiatives and the role of DOTs: case studies of
successful efforts, pros and cons of different strategies, lessons
learned from different policies and practices, guidelines for developing
climate change action plans and agency programs, etc.
- Climate Change research, what has been done, what is underway and
what is needed.
Task 1.11: National Climate Change Symposium.
In conjunction with AASHTO’s Climate Change Technical Assistance
Program and the Environmental Technical Assistance Program (ETAP),
conduct one climate change and transportation national symposium. The
symposium will provide an opportunity for climate change staff of participating
State DOTs to come together to build relationships, share experiences
and learn from one another and climate change experts. Include opportunities
for remote participation.
Task 1.12: On-Site Climate Change Workshops.
AASHTO’s Climate Change Technical Assistance Program will develop
the curriculum for a global climate change and transportation workshop
that can be offered by state DOTs for their staffs and others. The
workshop will efficiently provide state DOT staff quality training
on climate change and transportation. The Center will use the curriculum
that has been developed to host ten workshops at state DOTs on-site,
with customized content for each DOT. Workshops will be one day in
duration and include other state stakeholders, such as MPOs, if desired
by the DOT.
Task 1.13: Sustainability Technical Assistance.
Provide technical assistance to two states in developing sustainability
plans. This assistance would be tailored to meet the needs of the selected
states, and may include on-site visits, meetings with DOT staff and
other stakeholders, phone interviews, and development of sustainability
plan elements such as a sustainability vision, goals, strategies, and
metrics. This work may focus on the DOTs internal operations, its management
of the transportation system, or both.
Task 1.14: Training Webinar Series.
Develop a series of approximately two one-hour environmental compliance
and stewardship webinars. Archive the webinars on the Center website.
Webinar topics will include environmental issues as they relate to
planning, design, construction, maintenance and operations.
Task 1.15: Environmental Stewardship in Economic Recovery
Projects.
Work with FHWA to develop case studies on environmental stewardship
measures taken on American Reinvestment and Recovery Act Projects.
Post case studies on the Center website and include in the Task 1.3
report. Develop a short handout highlighting the case studies.
Task 1.16: National Environmental Practitioners Meeting.
In coordination with SCOE, develop and hold a national environmental
practitioners meeting. The meeting will provide a forum for status
reports and information exchange on emerging and important environmental
issues.
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