August 13, 2008 Funding Task Force Conference Call Minutes
1. Roll Call, volunteer needed to take notes and send out to the group
Tim McDowell took notes.
On Call: Monique Evans, Ohio; JT Rabun, Georgia; Sandra Larson, Iowa; Timothy McDowell, Wyoming; Leni Oman, Washington.
2. Review Agenda
3. Quick review of minutes from the Funding Task Force meeting - July 16, 2008 (attachment below) - All
Minutes were okayed.
4. Discussion about the use of federal funds as match to UTC funding - Tim McDowell
Status as of the conference call was that we did not have an update yet from Tim Klein, RITA. Update: A email was sent to task group of the OMB circulars that covered the match requirements for research at UTC’s. This was sent for the group to review and give input on. Will be discussed at next conference call.
5. Discussion on DOT research funding sources survey proposal - Jeff Brown, Bill Carr, Steve Albert (and Leni Oman, Tim McDowell)
subcommittee tasks:
Develop a fact sheet on sources of research funding for state DOTs
Put together a survey for DOTs to complete on various research funding sources
Publish the results on the RAC web site and send to RAC
FHWA interest in doing an article in Public Roads on this survey information (Dawn Vanlandingham - FHWA) - Leni Oman.
Leni has to pull back on this one due to here State work load. Tim will follow through with Jeff, Bill and Steve to get this survey going, and then will get information to the group as well as Dawn.
6. Authorization update - anything to report? - All
The only thing at this time is word that FHWA will be requiring performance measures that show improvements to the transportation system in order to obtain and use Fed. Funds. Not sure what the language will be, but this is the early indication.
7. Congressional Fellow to help with transportation business discussion - Keith Platte, Steve Albert, Sandra Larson
Sandra will follow up on this subject as there seems to be some work on this anyway. She will report on the progress at the Sept. 10 meeting.
8. Update on gathering information on funding for international transportation research programs, how to partner with international organizations, FAA info, MOUs/Agreements between DOTs and other countries. Talk to Coordination and Collaboration Task Group about this information-gathering role - Steve Albert, Leni Oman
Leni’s bubble chart now includes a portion covering the International programs. It was discussed that the Collaboration & Coordination task group will take the lead as the primary group on this subject. The Funding task group will provide assistance where needed. There is still discussion as the what the appropriate roles on the funding for International research programs should be.
9. Other opportunities for international collaboration – All
Monique will update on progress in this area at the Sept. 10 meeting.
10. Implementation Strategies from the scan tour - All
See 9.
11. Update RAC Funding Task Force website discussion - Sandra
Sandra will take care of posting minutes, etc., on the RAC web page for this group.
JT will review the web site and will give input on content and what it is communicating.
12. New item: The Knowledge Network. Leni noted that the TKN group is working on a web page that outlines revenue sources for DOT’s. This may possibly be housed/hosted by the NTL.
The next meeting is as outlined below. Please mark your calendar for this date.
Future Funding Task Force Conference Calls-- Wednesday, Sept 10, Oct 8, Dec 10 -- all from 2-3:30 pm (central)