The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsors the Transportation
Pooled Fund Program as a means for interested States, FHWA, and other
organizations to partner when significant or widespread interest is
shown in solving transportation-related problems. Partners may pool
funds and other resources to solve these problems through research,
planning, and technology transfer activities.
To qualify as a pooled fund study, more than one state transportation
agency, federal agency, other agency such as a municipality or metropolitan
planning organization, college/university or a private company must
find the subject important enough to commit funds or other resources
to conduct the research, planning, and technology transfer activity.
If a subject has been studied previously, the new study should provide
new information that will complement or advance previous investigations
of the subject matter.
Federal and state transportation agencies may initiate pooled fund
studies. Local and regional transportation agencies, private industry,
foundations, and colleges/universities may partner with any or all
of the sponsoring agencies to conduct pooled fund projects.
In December 2002, a new interactive web site was launched through
the sponsorship of National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project
20-39(2), "Improved Transportation Research-In-Progress Data
System." The new web site provides a centralized information
source about the TPF Program for partners as well as the interested
public.
The web site includes program procedures and information about all
studies. Authorized users in the States and FHWA may post study solicitations,
make funding commitments, update study records, and view funding reports.
Study managers are responsible for updating records as often as necessary
to ensure complete information about their studies for their partners
and other visitors to the web site.
