U.S. Department of Transportation
2003 Budget in Brief

 Research and Special Programs Administration

Overview: The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) focuses on improving hazardous materials and pipeline safety; coordinates and advances transportation research, technology and education activities to promote innovative transportation solutions; and manages the Department’s transportation-related emergency response and recovery responsibilities. RSPA also provides planning and training grants to States and Indian tribes to increase hazardous materials emergency preparedness. The total RSPA request of $125 million in 2003 represents an increase of $11 million, or 10 percent, from 2002.

Research & Special Programs Administration Budget
(Dollars In Millions)

1/ Includes estimated accrual payments of $1.8 million in FY 2001 and $1.9 million in FY 2002 for civil service retirement and health benefits.
2/ Includes $6 million in proposed new user fees for Research and Special Programs.

FY 2003 Budget

Hazardous Materials Safety Program: To improve the safety of hazardous materials transportation, both domestic and international, $24 million, 9 percent ($1.9 million) above 2002, is requested. This funding will support regulatory outreach, training, enforcement, and research programs to promote safe and efficient transportation of hazardous materials.

Emergency Preparedness Grants: The 2003 request provides $14 million, the same level of funding as 2002, for the States to train hazardous materials responders and improve response plans. The grants help to ensure that training is provided to a larger segment of the emergency response community.

Research and Technology: For RSPA’s research programs the budget requests a total of $3 million, the same level of funding in 2002. This funding will enable the Department to respond to recent events to enhance the protection of critical national transportation infrastructure, primarily in strategic planning and management, human factors, and transportation infrastructure assurance.

Emergency Transportation Program: To provide operational oversight of civil emergency preparedness, and response and recovery for transportation services across a large spectrum of crises, $2 million is requested. The request supports the coordination of transportation assistance to the victims of disasters and enhances public safety and homeland security. This program includes the centralized Crisis Management Center, which provides information to help make timely and informed decisions on restoring the transportation infrastructure, and supports Federal, State, and local emergency responders during disasters.

Pipeline Safety: The budget provides $64.5 million, 10 percent ($5.8 million) above 2002, to support enhanced Federal pipeline safety efforts. RSPA will: (1) expand research and development of new technologies to reveal defects in pipelines; (2) implement an integrity management program for natural gas transmission pipelines; and (3) increase regionally based inspectors to improve security preparedness, environmental oversight of hazardous liquid storage tanks, and operator qualification programs.

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Last Updated: February 4, 2002