2008 STEP Research Program
WE NEED YOUR INPUT AND PARTICIPATION
STEP RESEARCH PROGRAM
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is soliciting recommendations for utilization of funding that is being provided through the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) for Fiscal year 2008. Outdoor Advertising Control (OAC) / Realty Program Management is one component of the STEP emphasis areas. We are thereby requesting input from our partners and stakeholders who have an interest in collaborating on research plans and initiatives.
Previously, the Office of Real Estate Services has developed and delivered a number of diverse products and tools to right-of-way professionals. The Office of Real Estate Services efforts included outreach and professional knowledge exchange, sponsorship of international and domestic scans, sponsorship and co-sponsorships of national meetings including the Uniform Act Symposiums and PRES, research on relocation assistance, valuation and acquisition topics, and synthesis of best practices on a number of topics.
WHAT WILL STEP FUND?
As a funding source, the goal of STEP is to provide improved tools to the State Department of Transportations (DOT) and Local Public Agencies (LPA) for the performance of their responsibilities in real estate acquisition and outdoor advertising control (OAC); develop and improve methods to support the institutional capacity of State DOTs and LPAs personnel in order to perform real estate acquisitions, relocation assistance and, property management activities for public projects subject to the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
Potential activity in support of achieving these goals through STEP research could include assessing and developing improved tools, techniques and procedures for real estate acquisition and OAC; developing innovative information-sharing methods among practitioners, developing and enhancing communities of practice and websites for real estate and OAC professionals; and developing training and technical assistance.
Cost-sharing with states and other agencies will be sought to maximize the funding available for activities. Congress has mandated that the Federal share will be predicated upon 50% matching funds.
SUBMITTING FEEDBACK --- WE NEED YOUR INPUT
Under this new research program, we are partnering with you as stakeholders and as customers. It is crucial that we receive your input in identifying your right of way research and training needs. This is your program and as a vested partner, it is thereby imperative that your ideas, input and feedback be presented.
Actions Steps
Step #1 Visit the STEP Implementation Strategy page.
Step #2 Read the information contained within the website
Step #3 Complete Feedback Form
Step #4 Submit Feedback Form
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS
August 24, 2007
Contact Person:
Carolyn Winborne James
Realty Specialist
Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590
Email Carolyn.James@dot.gov
