News Digest

DOT 41-09
Friday, April 3, 2009

BTS Adds Transportation Employment and Personal Spending on Transportation to Key Transportation Indicators. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today updated its Key Transportation Indicators with the addition of new tables on Transportation Employment and Personal Spending on Transportation. The new tables bring to 16 the total number of transportation indicators tracked by BTS. Indicators are drawn from BTS and other sources to provide timely, easily accessible information for the transportation community. BTS also updated the following tables as part of the Key Transportation Indicators update: Transportation Services Index; Air Travel Price Index; Domestic Airline Jet Fuel; Motor Fuel Prices: Retail Diesel Prices; Motor Fuel Prices: Retail Gasoline Prices; U.S. Highway Vehicle Miles Traveled; Amtrak Ridership; Index of Railroad Fuel Prices; Rail Capacity Utilization: Rail Passenger Load Factor; Rail Freight: Revenue Ton-Miles; Rail On-Time Performance; Use of Passenger Rail: Revenue Passenger Miles; and U.S. Surface Trade U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico. Key Transportation Indicators can be found here: http://www.bts.gov/publications/key_transportation_indicators/november_2008/index.html Contact: Dave Smallen (202) 366-5568.

New Mobile Emergency Response Guidebook 2008 Software Available to Emergency Responders – ERG2008 Mobile for Smartphone. An electronic version of the Emergency Response Guidebook 2008 (ERG) that operates on non-touch screen Windows Mobile phones called “ERG2008 Mobile for Smartphone” is now available to the public. In June 2007, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Library of Medicine (NLM) joined forces to provide emergency responders with electronic access to the ERG. The ERG Mobile for Smartphone software is a result of PHMSA’s ongoing relationship with the NLM. The goal of this effort is to provide fire fighters, police and other first emergency responders the information they need to make the rapid decisions necessary to protect the public from hazardous materials transportation incidents. This software can be downloaded from PHMSA’s website at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/library/erg#page6. Contact for media: Joe Delcambre (202) 493-0730 and for web downloads: Nancy White (202) 366-6020.

Federal Highway Administration Announces Grant for Innovative Technology for Bridges in Areas Prone to Seismic Activity. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded a $400,397 grant to BERGER/ABAM Engineers Inc., this week to develop the connections that go into prefabricated bridge bents - also known as piers – built in areas prone to seismic activity. The technology funded by the grant will create more pliable links to connect the bents once the bridge, built off-site, is in place, greatly reducing construction time and traffic delays. The grant was provided under FHWA's Highways for LIFE program which promotes highway innovations. BERGER/ABAM Engineers Inc. is a leader in developing bridge bents for use in seismically active areas. Contact Nancy Singer: (202) 366-0660.

Federal Highway Administration Makes $60 Million Available to Build Ferry Boats and Docks. The Federal Highway Administration invited states this week to apply for $60 million available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to construct docks and ferry boats. Once selected, the projects will create jobs and offer more access to areas that lack transportation options. FHWA will select projects that are “ready to go” and can advance swiftly, satisfying ARRA’s emphasis on immediate economic recovery and infrastructure reinvestment. Priority will be given to projects in economically distressed areas and that can be completed in two years or less. This round of solicitations is separate from those which are funded yearly under FHWA’s Ferry Boat Discretionary program. Contact: Nancy Singer (202) 366-0660.

FRA Awards Intercity Capital Grant for Planning of Midwest Rail Corridors. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded a $297,000 grant to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI) to continue rail corridor planning, which may lead to the development of several high-speed rail corridors. MWRRI is a 3,000-mile system providing improved intercity passenger rail service that serves nine states with a combined population of 60 million people, using Chicago as a regional hub. The MWRRI member states will match the $297,000 grant. The project includes an alternative routes analysis; system cost updates; equipment, train control and operational plans; and the preparation of public outreach materials. Corridors include Chicago-Porter, Chicago-Toledo-Cleveland, Chicago-Indianapolis-Cincinnati, Chicago-Champaign-Carbondale, St. Louis-Jefferson City-Kansas City, Chicago-Quincy/Des Moines-Omaha, and Chicago-Milwaukee-Minneapolis/St. Paul-Green Bay. The grant is made under FRA’s FY 2008 Capital Assistance to States – Intercity Passenger Rail Service Program. This is a separate authority from the grants for high-speed rail under the Recovery Act (ARRA). Guidance for competitive grants under the new authority is still under development. Contact: Rob Kulat (202) 493-6024.