https://simplecast.com The Stream by AASHTO The Stream by AASHTO podcast explores environmental topics important to people involved in transportation and infrastructure programs. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials en Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:39:17 +0000 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:39:27 +0000 https://etapnews.transportation.org The Stream by AASHTO https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/005a8136-0362-43df-9bac-50b75aeba38a/092d7cca-0c59-4500-9452-dff420371f2d/3000x3000/the-stream-platform-graphic-4.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://etapnews.transportation.org episodic The Stream by AASHTO podcast explores environmental topics important to people involved in transportation and infrastructure programs. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials false https://feeds.simplecast.com/XFzGM7mJ engineering, environment, highways, infrastructure, innovation, transportation, environmental justice, air quality, technology American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials lbrown@aashto.org c9331af7-5ec9-4599-bde4-50f8f8b72621 How Texans are Protecting Monarch Butterfly Migration Paths In this podcast episode, Darlene Goehl joins ‘The Stream by AASHTO’ to discuss the joint work of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) with Texas Department of Transportation in building Monarch Flight Diverters or MFDs – a series of tall, mesh barriers placed along busy roads that motivate the butterflies to fly above the roadway, well above vehicles traveling on the highway below. Researchers have noted sharp declines in Monarch populations, specifically during their migration periods in the fall. In some years, researchers found that nearly 3 percent of the Monarch’s fall migratory population were lost after being struck by vehicles traveling on roads; this number represents about half of the population decline in a given year.

Goehl discusses the importance of monarch butterflies to the ecology and cultural symbology of the southern U.S. and northern Mexico, the role of transportation, and how TTI identifies “hot spots” for Monarch roadkill. From there, Goehl explains the implementation and feasibility of MFDs in Texas and how the project will fare into the future.

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:39:17 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Bernie Wagenblast, Darlene Goehl) https://etapnews.transportation.org In this podcast episode, Darlene Goehl joins ‘The Stream by AASHTO’ to discuss the joint work of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) with Texas Department of Transportation in building Monarch Flight Diverters or MFDs – a series of tall, mesh barriers placed along busy roads that motivate the butterflies to fly above the roadway, well above vehicles traveling on the highway below. Researchers have noted sharp declines in Monarch populations, specifically during their migration periods in the fall. In some years, researchers found that nearly 3 percent of the Monarch’s fall migratory population were lost after being struck by vehicles traveling on roads; this number represents about half of the population decline in a given year.

Goehl discusses the importance of monarch butterflies to the ecology and cultural symbology of the southern U.S. and northern Mexico, the role of transportation, and how TTI identifies “hot spots” for Monarch roadkill. From there, Goehl explains the implementation and feasibility of MFDs in Texas and how the project will fare into the future.

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

]]> How Texans are Protecting Monarch Butterfly Migration Paths Bernie Wagenblast, Darlene Goehl 00:21:50 In this episode, Darlene Goehl – research engineer and research group lead at Texas A&M University’s Transportation Institute – explains how new infrastructure being developed in Texas can help prevent thousands of monarch butterfly deaths as they migrate across busy roads in North America. In this episode, Darlene Goehl – research engineer and research group lead at Texas A&M University’s Transportation Institute – explains how new infrastructure being developed in Texas can help prevent thousands of monarch butterfly deaths as they migrate across busy roads in North America. monarch butterfly, transportation infrastructure, texas a&m tti, species migration, aashto, roadkill, texas dot false full 63 ae1257f8-67ba-4855-a9b7-e93276749f41 Electrified Roadway Testing in Indiana This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In this episode, George McCue with the Indiana DOT and Dr. Steven Pekarek from Purdue University are interviewed by Bernie Wagenblast regarding an electric vehicle charging project they are conducting under the auspices of the Joint Transportation Research Program. The project is testing a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer or “DWPT” system, whereby transmitter coils underneath the road can send energy to an electric vehicle without ever having to plug it in – a power transfer system that is similar to wireless charger technology for smart phones.

In West Lafayette, IN, the Indiana DOT and Purdue have successfully tested a quarter mile of highway on U.S. Route 231 and U.S. Route 52 equipped with over 80 transmitter coils that carried charge to the test vehicle.

On the podcast, McCue and Pekarek discuss the multi-faceted aspects of the DWPT project, including the economic viability of the project’s technology, potential size limits of vehicles able to use the road, and working on public roadways that can see thousands of drivers daily. Both stress that this DWPT project could significantly expand the range of electric vehicles on U.S. highways.

]]> Wed, 3 Dec 2025 14:31:48 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (George McCue, Steven Pekarek, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In this episode, George McCue with the Indiana DOT and Dr. Steven Pekarek from Purdue University are interviewed by Bernie Wagenblast regarding an electric vehicle charging project they are conducting under the auspices of the Joint Transportation Research Program. The project is testing a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer or “DWPT” system, whereby transmitter coils underneath the road can send energy to an electric vehicle without ever having to plug it in – a power transfer system that is similar to wireless charger technology for smart phones.

In West Lafayette, IN, the Indiana DOT and Purdue have successfully tested a quarter mile of highway on U.S. Route 231 and U.S. Route 52 equipped with over 80 transmitter coils that carried charge to the test vehicle.

On the podcast, McCue and Pekarek discuss the multi-faceted aspects of the DWPT project, including the economic viability of the project’s technology, potential size limits of vehicles able to use the road, and working on public roadways that can see thousands of drivers daily. Both stress that this DWPT project could significantly expand the range of electric vehicles on U.S. highways.

]]> Electrified Roadway Testing in Indiana George McCue, Steven Pekarek, Bernie Wagenblast 00:29:15 In this episode, George McCue, Emerging Mobility Assistant Director at the Indiana Department of Transportation, and Dr. Steven Pekarek, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University, discuss a new electric vehicle project that seeks to create a wireless, electrified roadway that charges vehicles as they drive across the road. The pair discuss the science behind the project, the partnership between the university and the Indiana DOT, and what it could mean for the future of electric vehicles. In this episode, George McCue, Emerging Mobility Assistant Director at the Indiana Department of Transportation, and Dr. Steven Pekarek, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University, discuss a new electric vehicle project that seeks to create a wireless, electrified roadway that charges vehicles as they drive across the road. The pair discuss the science behind the project, the partnership between the university and the Indiana DOT, and what it could mean for the future of electric vehicles. electric vehicle infrastructre, transportation, engineering, aashto, electric vehicles false full 62 9e192a41-611e-4fe7-9eeb-71fe80b3d089 Mountain Lion Conservation in California In this episode, Dan Medeiros joins the Stream by AASHTO to discuss his work with the Conservation Fund – a 40-year-old firm that purchases land across the U.S. to preserve wildlife habitat – and its efforts in California to support the safety and growth of mountain lion populations and their habitats. 

Medeiros discusses how mountain lion conservation efforts interconnect with transportation infrastructure needs; especially how large barriers and quick-moving cars are two of the main culprits behind mountain lion deaths. He also points to specific examples, including the death of “54M” – a mountain lion tracked by that the Conservation Fund that was tragically killed by a vehicle when trying to cross a major highway.

Medeiros also explains the importance of stakeholder input on large infrastructure projects that involve mountain lion populations, including state departments of transportation, local residents, and private organizations. He provides input on the importance of quality data collection, advocacy, and conversation when working with big stakes.

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:48:25 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Dan Medeiros, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org In this episode, Dan Medeiros joins the Stream by AASHTO to discuss his work with the Conservation Fund – a 40-year-old firm that purchases land across the U.S. to preserve wildlife habitat – and its efforts in California to support the safety and growth of mountain lion populations and their habitats. 

Medeiros discusses how mountain lion conservation efforts interconnect with transportation infrastructure needs; especially how large barriers and quick-moving cars are two of the main culprits behind mountain lion deaths. He also points to specific examples, including the death of “54M” – a mountain lion tracked by that the Conservation Fund that was tragically killed by a vehicle when trying to cross a major highway.

Medeiros also explains the importance of stakeholder input on large infrastructure projects that involve mountain lion populations, including state departments of transportation, local residents, and private organizations. He provides input on the importance of quality data collection, advocacy, and conversation when working with big stakes.

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

]]> Mountain Lion Conservation in California Dan Medeiros, Bernie Wagenblast 00:22:08 In this episode, Dan Medeiros – senior field representative for the Conservation Fund – discusses mountain lion conservation efforts in California as it relates to transportation infrastructure construction, motorist and wildlife safety, along with helping improve ecosystem linkages. In this episode, Dan Medeiros – senior field representative for the Conservation Fund – discusses mountain lion conservation efforts in California as it relates to transportation infrastructure construction, motorist and wildlife safety, along with helping improve ecosystem linkages. mountain lion, transportation, aashto, conservation fund false full 61 75f4eb86-3e33-490b-b0f6-35af4a374a32 How Scenic America Works to Preserve Landscapes Nationwide The latest episode of the “Stream by AASHTO” podcast features an interview with Tziporah Feldman, policy and research director for Scenic America; a national nonprofit advocacy dedicated to preserving and enhancing the scenic character of America's communities and countryside.

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

Scenic America’s focus areas are reducing tree removal for billboard visibility purposes, as well as support for the Backcountry Byways Program, National Scenic Byways Program, and The America the Beautiful Act.

In this episode, Feldman discusses the specific policy issues Scenic America addresses, such as the impact of undergrounding utility construction on parks and open spaces; billboards and sign control; and intersection of community planning and scenic byways. She also details her background in the environmental sector. After receiving a biology degree from the University of Cincinnati – all while helping rehabilitate birds of prey and releasing them back into the wild – Feldman went on to obtain a masters in ecology and evolutionary biology from Stony Brook University.

]]> Wed, 3 Sep 2025 18:19:23 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Tziporah Feldman, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org The latest episode of the “Stream by AASHTO” podcast features an interview with Tziporah Feldman, policy and research director for Scenic America; a national nonprofit advocacy dedicated to preserving and enhancing the scenic character of America's communities and countryside.

This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

Scenic America’s focus areas are reducing tree removal for billboard visibility purposes, as well as support for the Backcountry Byways Program, National Scenic Byways Program, and The America the Beautiful Act.

In this episode, Feldman discusses the specific policy issues Scenic America addresses, such as the impact of undergrounding utility construction on parks and open spaces; billboards and sign control; and intersection of community planning and scenic byways. She also details her background in the environmental sector. After receiving a biology degree from the University of Cincinnati – all while helping rehabilitate birds of prey and releasing them back into the wild – Feldman went on to obtain a masters in ecology and evolutionary biology from Stony Brook University.

]]> How Scenic America Works to Preserve Landscapes Nationwide Tziporah Feldman, Bernie Wagenblast 00:25:49 In this episode, Tziporah Feldman discusses the specific policy issues Scenic America addresses, such as the impact of undergrounding utility construction on parks and open spaces; billboards and sign control; and intersection of community planning and scenic byways. In this episode, Tziporah Feldman discusses the specific policy issues Scenic America addresses, such as the impact of undergrounding utility construction on parks and open spaces; billboards and sign control; and intersection of community planning and scenic byways. infrastructure, american association of state highway and transportation officials, conservation, transportation, environmental, billboard, community engagement, highway false full 60 fa213178-d414-4ec6-bd22-e01058dae640 Stormwater Engineering and Erosion Control This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In this episode, Michael Perez – Brasfield & Gorrie associate professor at Auburn University – discusses the multi-dimensional world of stormwater management and the importance of creative and timely solutions to stormwater issues across the state of Alabama and the nation.

We spend some time in this episode learning about the successes of the Stormwater Research Facility at Auburn University, such as creating a portable stormwater treatment device, writing new guidelines for design elements and installation techniques, and being a part of projects that restore the environment. 

Perez also discusses his time as a professor, and the reward of shaping students into young, successful professionals in the stormwater field. Finally, he discusses looking forward to what the future holds for his work and for Auburn’s Stormwater Research Facility, while providing advice for stormwater professionals across the nation.

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:19:28 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Michael Perez, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In this episode, Michael Perez – Brasfield & Gorrie associate professor at Auburn University – discusses the multi-dimensional world of stormwater management and the importance of creative and timely solutions to stormwater issues across the state of Alabama and the nation.

We spend some time in this episode learning about the successes of the Stormwater Research Facility at Auburn University, such as creating a portable stormwater treatment device, writing new guidelines for design elements and installation techniques, and being a part of projects that restore the environment. 

Perez also discusses his time as a professor, and the reward of shaping students into young, successful professionals in the stormwater field. Finally, he discusses looking forward to what the future holds for his work and for Auburn’s Stormwater Research Facility, while providing advice for stormwater professionals across the nation.

]]> Stormwater Engineering and Erosion Control Michael Perez, Bernie Wagenblast 00:21:34 In this podcast episode, Michael Perez – Brasfield & Gorrie associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Auburn University – shares his journey with breaking into stormwater engineering and erosion control, the rewards of working as a professor, and the successes and future of Auburn’s Stormwater Research Facility. In this podcast episode, Michael Perez – Brasfield & Gorrie associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Auburn University – shares his journey with breaking into stormwater engineering and erosion control, the rewards of working as a professor, and the successes and future of Auburn’s Stormwater Research Facility. infrastructure, erosion, transportation, construction, stormwater, environment, aashto false full 59 17c540be-b731-409b-be9c-da3a84681e8b Talking Safety & Reauthorization with Garrett Eucalitto This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and it explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In this podcast episode, Eucalitto delves into his family’s connection to the transportation industry, how his career path shifted from foreign relations to transportation policy, and why he’s made “centering safety” a key focal point not only for his AASHTO presidential emphasis areas but as the nucleus of his transportation career. 

He also discusses the critical importance of ongoing surface transportation funding reauthorization work by Congress and how that legislative effort impacts safety. He explains on the podcast that reauthorization “impacts everything we do” as state DOTs, especially in the safety arena. That’s why it is critical to ensure that the current reauthorization package maintains – if not expands – the current level of federal funding to fully support the nation’s transportation systems.

Eucalitto is also AASHTO’s first openly gay president and discusses how this part of his identity has helped make him more empathetic about protecting people physically, mentally, and emotionally – especially in terms of fostering a level of comfort so people can live openly in the workplace. 

Finally, Eucalitto looks to the future as part of his podcast interview – examining the ways state DOTs are seeking to broaden their “non-traditional” partnerships, along with ways state DOTs are working to improve the exchange of information between one another for disaster response and other needs. 

]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:08:29 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and it explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In this podcast episode, Eucalitto delves into his family’s connection to the transportation industry, how his career path shifted from foreign relations to transportation policy, and why he’s made “centering safety” a key focal point not only for his AASHTO presidential emphasis areas but as the nucleus of his transportation career. 

He also discusses the critical importance of ongoing surface transportation funding reauthorization work by Congress and how that legislative effort impacts safety. He explains on the podcast that reauthorization “impacts everything we do” as state DOTs, especially in the safety arena. That’s why it is critical to ensure that the current reauthorization package maintains – if not expands – the current level of federal funding to fully support the nation’s transportation systems.

Eucalitto is also AASHTO’s first openly gay president and discusses how this part of his identity has helped make him more empathetic about protecting people physically, mentally, and emotionally – especially in terms of fostering a level of comfort so people can live openly in the workplace. 

Finally, Eucalitto looks to the future as part of his podcast interview – examining the ways state DOTs are seeking to broaden their “non-traditional” partnerships, along with ways state DOTs are working to improve the exchange of information between one another for disaster response and other needs. 

]]> Talking Safety & Reauthorization with Garrett Eucalitto Bernie Wagenblast 00:24:07 The latest episode of the “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the 2024-2025 president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, discussing his commitment to “safer communities, safer users, and safer workers” and federal surface transportation reauthorization as part of his emphasis areas for his one-year presidential term. The latest episode of the “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the 2024-2025 president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, discussing his commitment to “safer communities, safer users, and safer workers” and federal surface transportation reauthorization as part of his emphasis areas for his one-year presidential term. reauthorization, transportation, federal funding, safety false full 58 92d6ee63-ecd3-4627-9bd6-775362c64caf Gauging the Impact of Extreme Precipitation on Infrastructure This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

Ken Kunkel – principal research scholar at the North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies at North Carolina State University – offers a wealth of knowledge on all things meteorology and extreme precipitation, including over 40 years of climate and precipitation research. He is an author on the third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. He is also the lead author of the 2020 North Carolina Climate Science Report. He has published around 170 scientific journal articles and book chapters, mostly on climate variability and change.

In this episode Kunkel discusses the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration or NOAA tool known as Atlas 15. The purpose of Atlas 15 is to produce extreme precipitation values that are used in design in infrastructure. Atlas 15 is also able to incorporate changing climate models when producing future data. He dives into how effective and accurate Atlas 15 is and how its data can improve the resiliency of infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector.


 

]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 18:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

Ken Kunkel – principal research scholar at the North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies at North Carolina State University – offers a wealth of knowledge on all things meteorology and extreme precipitation, including over 40 years of climate and precipitation research. He is an author on the third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. He is also the lead author of the 2020 North Carolina Climate Science Report. He has published around 170 scientific journal articles and book chapters, mostly on climate variability and change.

In this episode Kunkel discusses the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration or NOAA tool known as Atlas 15. The purpose of Atlas 15 is to produce extreme precipitation values that are used in design in infrastructure. Atlas 15 is also able to incorporate changing climate models when producing future data. He dives into how effective and accurate Atlas 15 is and how its data can improve the resiliency of infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector.


 

]]> Gauging the Impact of Extreme Precipitation on Infrastructure American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:21:42 In this episode, Ken Kunkel – principal research scholar at the North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies at North Carolina State University – explains how transportation agencies can use the Atlas 15 weather tool developed by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to measure the impact of extreme precipitation on infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. In this episode, Ken Kunkel – principal research scholar at the North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies at North Carolina State University – explains how transportation agencies can use the Atlas 15 weather tool developed by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to measure the impact of extreme precipitation on infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. extreme weather, climate false full 57 be84708e-22c6-46d8-a376-a0d80f800c50 NEPA : What Lies Ahead? This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In February 2025, the CEQ announced an Interim Final Rule that removes its longstanding NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. This shift places the responsibility for NEPA compliance directly on individual federal agencies, allowing them to follow their own procedures rather than a centralized set of rules.

In this podcast episode, Boling delves into how, if NEPA is revoked, it removes a “universal framework” that will prevent federal agencies working in tandem on environmental reviews.

Boling also outlines the potential impact of mass layoffs within the federal government, especially among senior leadership and recent hires, and how that could slow down decision-making regarding environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.

]]> Wed, 2 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Ted Boling) https://etapnews.transportation.org This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.

In February 2025, the CEQ announced an Interim Final Rule that removes its longstanding NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. This shift places the responsibility for NEPA compliance directly on individual federal agencies, allowing them to follow their own procedures rather than a centralized set of rules.

In this podcast episode, Boling delves into how, if NEPA is revoked, it removes a “universal framework” that will prevent federal agencies working in tandem on environmental reviews.

Boling also outlines the potential impact of mass layoffs within the federal government, especially among senior leadership and recent hires, and how that could slow down decision-making regarding environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.

]]> NEPA : What Lies Ahead? Ted Boling 00:19:48 Analyzing Recent NEPA Changes The latest episode of the “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features Ted Boling with over 30 years of public service – who discusses recent changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, and the removal of regulations by the Council on Environmental Quality, or CEQ. Analyzing Recent NEPA Changes The latest episode of the “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features Ted Boling with over 30 years of public service – who discusses recent changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, and the removal of regulations by the Council on Environmental Quality, or CEQ. environmental policy, environmental, nepa, environmental justice, environmental law false full 55 e91f676a-c0ae-4c11-86d1-60ccbcb4c851 Who You Gonna Call? Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:10:16 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Who You Gonna Call? American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:20:09 This episode will cover the coordination of rapid response and resilience resources across states. As natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires increase in frequency and intensity, state DOTs face unprecedented challenges in constructing and maintaining a resilient transportation system. States also face a variety of devastating human caused incidents and compounding events that demand rapid response. The discussion includes cooperative strategies for rapid response and recovery, focusing on interstate resilience utilizing hazard mitigation planning, risk and vulnerability assessments, data sharing, and collaborative priority setting. This episode will cover the coordination of rapid response and resilience resources across states. As natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires increase in frequency and intensity, state DOTs face unprecedented challenges in constructing and maintaining a resilient transportation system. States also face a variety of devastating human caused incidents and compounding events that demand rapid response. The discussion includes cooperative strategies for rapid response and recovery, focusing on interstate resilience utilizing hazard mitigation planning, risk and vulnerability assessments, data sharing, and collaborative priority setting. extreme weather, emergency response, resilience, emergency preparedness, environment false full 54 b85a10c4-9439-4c25-9fe3-8250822bd6c6 Working Together: Rethinking Arterials in the St. Louis Region More information on AMPO can be found here: AMPO | Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations

A PDF version of the Blueprint can be found here: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/blueprint-for-arterials/ 

]]> Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org More information on AMPO can be found here: AMPO | Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations

A PDF version of the Blueprint can be found here: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/blueprint-for-arterials/ 

]]> Working Together: Rethinking Arterials in the St. Louis Region American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:23:57 In this episode, we explore the novel Blueprint for Arterials that is a partnership between Missouri DOT and East-West Gateway MPO and is a collaborative vision on how to design ideal roadways - especially arterials - that meet the needs of an ever growing urban and suburban landscape in Missouri. Covering topics such as improved access, safety, and mobility, the Blueprint will ensure that MoDOT builds roads to satisfy all users. In this episode, Bernie Wagenblast interviews the following: - Paul Hubbman, Senior Manager of Corridor and Long-Range Planning, East-West Gateway COG (the MPO for the St. Louis region) - Tom Blair, Missouri DOT, District Engineer for the St. Louis District - Amanda Brauer, Managing Director of Roads and Traffic, St. Charles County (MO) In this episode, we explore the novel Blueprint for Arterials that is a partnership between Missouri DOT and East-West Gateway MPO and is a collaborative vision on how to design ideal roadways - especially arterials - that meet the needs of an ever growing urban and suburban landscape in Missouri. Covering topics such as improved access, safety, and mobility, the Blueprint will ensure that MoDOT builds roads to satisfy all users. In this episode, Bernie Wagenblast interviews the following: - Paul Hubbman, Senior Manager of Corridor and Long-Range Planning, East-West Gateway COG (the MPO for the St. Louis region) - Tom Blair, Missouri DOT, District Engineer for the St. Louis District - Amanda Brauer, Managing Director of Roads and Traffic, St. Charles County (MO) mobility, roads, transportation, missouri, safety false full 53 26ff6f11-4d29-4b93-933d-9d6346ac1ed0 Unleashing the Past: The Role of Cadaver Dogs in Archaeology and Transportation Projects Wed, 2 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Unleashing the Past: The Role of Cadaver Dogs in Archaeology and Transportation Projects American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:16:18 Cadaver dogs play a crucial role in identifying buried remains and culturally sensitive artifacts during transportation projects. Their exceptional sense of smell helps locate historic and prehistoric resources, ensuring that significant cultural sites are preserved. Today, Jen Anderson from the Texas Department of Transportation will discuss the impact of these trained canines on managing archaeological resources in transportation initiatives. Cadaver dogs play a crucial role in identifying buried remains and culturally sensitive artifacts during transportation projects. Their exceptional sense of smell helps locate historic and prehistoric resources, ensuring that significant cultural sites are preserved. Today, Jen Anderson from the Texas Department of Transportation will discuss the impact of these trained canines on managing archaeological resources in transportation initiatives. false full 52 896a7dc5-34f4-4d9c-a30b-441691aa046f Quiet Roads Ahead: Innovations in Noise Reduction and Pavement Solutions Wed, 4 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Quiet Roads Ahead: Innovations in Noise Reduction and Pavement Solutions American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:13:12 Join us for an insightful conversation by Kevin Robertson, Surface Treatment Engineer at the Arizona Department of Transportation. Kevin discusses the benefits of quiet pavements and other cutting-edge methods for noise reduction, showcasing practical examples from Arizona’s transportation projects. Discover how these innovative strategies are making a difference in minimizing noise impacts. Join us for an insightful conversation by Kevin Robertson, Surface Treatment Engineer at the Arizona Department of Transportation. Kevin discusses the benefits of quiet pavements and other cutting-edge methods for noise reduction, showcasing practical examples from Arizona’s transportation projects. Discover how these innovative strategies are making a difference in minimizing noise impacts. false full 51 fe2a5c71-92f2-440c-a664-ba9c7c13d7ff Quiet Roads Ahead: Understanding and Managing Transportation Noise To learn more about traffic noise, visit the following links:
The Center for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO
AASHTO's Noise Summit - August 26, 2024

]]> Wed, 7 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org To learn more about traffic noise, visit the following links:
The Center for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO
AASHTO's Noise Summit - August 26, 2024

]]> Quiet Roads Ahead: Understanding and Managing Transportation Noise American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:17:27 This is the first episode of a two-part series that focuses on the impacts of transportation noise on the road. This episode features Ross Hudnall, Noise Abatement Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Ross discusses how the Virginia Department of Transportation is working to address noise impacts. This is the first episode of a two-part series that focuses on the impacts of transportation noise on the road. This episode features Ross Hudnall, Noise Abatement Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Ross discusses how the Virginia Department of Transportation is working to address noise impacts. false full 50 9802e07c-c9d7-4f53-a899-62e59053fcf0 Balancing Infrastructure and Environment: Challenges and Solutions Wed, 3 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Balancing Infrastructure and Environment: Challenges and Solutions American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:15:02 This is the second episode of a two-part series covering NEPA in the transportation sector. Joining us to talk about challenges and creative solutions to completing the NEPA process is Douglas Kolwaite, Environmental Program Manager with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. This is the second episode of a two-part series covering NEPA in the transportation sector. Joining us to talk about challenges and creative solutions to completing the NEPA process is Douglas Kolwaite, Environmental Program Manager with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. false full 49 5cba0821-c988-4ad3-a5c0-3c9bb6b9078e Balancing Infrastructure and Environment: NEPA’s Role in Transportation Projects Wed, 5 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Balancing Infrastructure and Environment: NEPA’s Role in Transportation Projects American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:17:22 The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of their actions, crucially influencing transportation projects like road construction and bridge expansions. Our special guest, Ted Boling, a Partner at Perkins Coie with over 30 years of public service, will discuss NEPA’s role in promoting sustainable development within the transportation sector. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) mandates federal agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of their actions, crucially influencing transportation projects like road construction and bridge expansions. Our special guest, Ted Boling, a Partner at Perkins Coie with over 30 years of public service, will discuss NEPA’s role in promoting sustainable development within the transportation sector. false full 48 5e36b704-6f89-40b2-8468-f8abe386b880 Shadows in Motion: Emergency Management Post a Solar Eclipse https://aashtos-etap-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/shadows-in-motion-emergency-management-during-a-solar-eclipse

]]> Wed, 3 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org https://aashtos-etap-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/shadows-in-motion-emergency-management-during-a-solar-eclipse

]]> Shadows in Motion: Emergency Management Post a Solar Eclipse American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:13:49 This episode marks the conclusion of a two-part series delving into effective management strategies during a solar eclipse. Specifically, we focus on emergency transportation management during and following the event. With contributions from Brandon Keller, Emergency Coordinator at Illinois DOT, we glean valuable insights into navigating the seamless transition from preparation to action. This discussion underscores the pivotal role of emergency transportation management in ensuring a smooth and effective response during and after a solar eclipse. This episode marks the conclusion of a two-part series delving into effective management strategies during a solar eclipse. Specifically, we focus on emergency transportation management during and following the event. With contributions from Brandon Keller, Emergency Coordinator at Illinois DOT, we glean valuable insights into navigating the seamless transition from preparation to action. This discussion underscores the pivotal role of emergency transportation management in ensuring a smooth and effective response during and after a solar eclipse. false full 47 e7b763fa-c068-49db-bf62-2677e25872a1 Shadows in Motion: Emergency Management During a Solar Eclipse Wed, 6 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Shadows in Motion: Emergency Management During a Solar Eclipse American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:16:47 This is the first episode of a two-part series where we explore effective management during a solar eclipse. This episode highlights the significance of preparation, planning, training, and effective communication. Featuring insights from Michael White, Assistant Director at the Missouri Department of Transportation, we gain valuable perspectives on advancing safety protocols and bolstering resilience to ensure operational continuity during celestial events. This is the first episode of a two-part series where we explore effective management during a solar eclipse. This episode highlights the significance of preparation, planning, training, and effective communication. Featuring insights from Michael White, Assistant Director at the Missouri Department of Transportation, we gain valuable perspectives on advancing safety protocols and bolstering resilience to ensure operational continuity during celestial events. false full 46 bff0c430-51e0-4348-a383-e5cef6a0f206 The Stream by AASHTO: A Conversation with AASHTO President, Craig Thompson Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org The Stream by AASHTO: A Conversation with AASHTO President, Craig Thompson American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:18:09 As the newly elected President of AASHTO, Craig Thompson is committed to fortifying the workforce to construct a modern and efficient transportation system that centers the needs of all citizens. Recognizing the profound impact of transportation on our daily lives, the economy, and society at large, President Thompson looks forward to collaborative efforts to propel the transportation system into the future. In this podcast interview, President Thompson shares insights into his presidential emphasis areas. Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of this year's AASHTO president and explore how his extensive experiences have shaped AASHTO's strategic focus for the 2024-2025 year. As the newly elected President of AASHTO, Craig Thompson is committed to fortifying the workforce to construct a modern and efficient transportation system that centers the needs of all citizens. Recognizing the profound impact of transportation on our daily lives, the economy, and society at large, President Thompson looks forward to collaborative efforts to propel the transportation system into the future. In this podcast interview, President Thompson shares insights into his presidential emphasis areas. Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of this year's AASHTO president and explore how his extensive experiences have shaped AASHTO's strategic focus for the 2024-2025 year. false full 45 86a96662-8cba-438b-b79d-f5fdb57e9cc6 Stop, Look, Listen: Engaging Communities to put Equity into Action Wed, 6 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Stop, Look, Listen: Engaging Communities to put Equity into Action American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:24:32 This episode concludes our four-part series on equity, where we've focused on transportation professional's work towards building an equitable transportation system. This episode is brought to you from the AASHTO 2023 Annual Meeting where we spoke with guests and attendees from all over the country. Our guests today join us from the audience and the panel of the annual meeting knowledge session titled "Stop, Look, Listen: Engaging Communities to Put Equity into Action!" We speak to them today about their immediate thoughts and reactions on the knowledge session and get their perspective and opinion on what equity looks like in transportation. This episode concludes our four-part series on equity, where we've focused on transportation professional's work towards building an equitable transportation system. This episode is brought to you from the AASHTO 2023 Annual Meeting where we spoke with guests and attendees from all over the country. Our guests today join us from the audience and the panel of the annual meeting knowledge session titled "Stop, Look, Listen: Engaging Communities to Put Equity into Action!" We speak to them today about their immediate thoughts and reactions on the knowledge session and get their perspective and opinion on what equity looks like in transportation. equity, transportation, aashto, aashto annual meeting false full 44 6f7a5a57-b60e-4c99-9b28-5ffc07061e16 Bridging A Better Tomorrow with Reconnecting Community Projects To learn more about today's topic of conversation please visit the links below: 

]]> Mon, 6 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org To learn more about today's topic of conversation please visit the links below: 

]]> Bridging A Better Tomorrow with Reconnecting Community Projects American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:15:18 This is the third episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work toward building an equitable transportation system. ReConnect Rondo, a leading organization in community reconnection, recently held the Reconnecting Communities Summit, attracting 150 communities nationwide. This episode showcases interviews with summit attendees who have either secured grants, applied for them or are engaged in initiatives aiming to create a brighter future for their residents through community reconnection efforts. Listen to today's episode to hear from Heather McLauglin-Kolb with the Salt Lake City Division of Transportation, and Cayce James with the City of Seattle. Additional speakers include JT Flowers representing the Albina Vision Trust, Gretchen Chavez with the California Department of Transportation, and Lauren Hood, co-chair of Detroit’s Reparations Task Force. This is the third episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work toward building an equitable transportation system. ReConnect Rondo, a leading organization in community reconnection, recently held the Reconnecting Communities Summit, attracting 150 communities nationwide. This episode showcases interviews with summit attendees who have either secured grants, applied for them or are engaged in initiatives aiming to create a brighter future for their residents through community reconnection efforts. Listen to today's episode to hear from Heather McLauglin-Kolb with the Salt Lake City Division of Transportation, and Cayce James with the City of Seattle. Additional speakers include JT Flowers representing the Albina Vision Trust, Gretchen Chavez with the California Department of Transportation, and Lauren Hood, co-chair of Detroit’s Reparations Task Force. false full 43 5a07e52c-4c56-4fc9-93a9-4166a9d535d4 Active Transportation Reshaping Communities To learn more about today's topic of conversation please visit the links below: 

]]> Wed, 4 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org To learn more about today's topic of conversation please visit the links below: 

]]> Active Transportation Reshaping Communities American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:26:15 This is the second episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work towards building an equitable transportation system. Our guests today highlight the crucial connection between active transportation and equity as transportation planners, policymakers, and communities' team up to create a more inclusive and accessible future. Tamika Butler, Principal of Tamika Butler Consulting sits with us as she dives into her leadership efforts in building an equitable and inclusive transportation system sits. Our second guest is Joshua Phillips, Communications & Public Relations Coordinator with the Alabama Department of Transportation to speak on Alabama’s City Walk Birmingham. This is the second episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work towards building an equitable transportation system. Our guests today highlight the crucial connection between active transportation and equity as transportation planners, policymakers, and communities' team up to create a more inclusive and accessible future. Tamika Butler, Principal of Tamika Butler Consulting sits with us as she dives into her leadership efforts in building an equitable and inclusive transportation system sits. Our second guest is Joshua Phillips, Communications & Public Relations Coordinator with the Alabama Department of Transportation to speak on Alabama’s City Walk Birmingham. false full 42 0c3fb614-6271-4855-ab30-3c584d3cafab Reconnecting Communities with ReConnect Rondo To learn more about today's topic of conversation please visit the links below: 

ReConnect Rondo 

Reconnect Communities Grant Program 

]]> Wed, 6 Sep 2023 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org To learn more about today's topic of conversation please visit the links below: 

ReConnect Rondo 

Reconnect Communities Grant Program 

]]> Reconnecting Communities with ReConnect Rondo American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:26:43 This is the first episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work toward building an equitable transportation system. We are joined by Keith Baker, the executive director of ReConnect Rondo, where we discuss a variety of topics including the vision behind ReConnect Rondo, and the innovative approach they are taking to transform their neighborhood. This is the first episode of a four-part series that will focus on how transportation professionals may work toward building an equitable transportation system. We are joined by Keith Baker, the executive director of ReConnect Rondo, where we discuss a variety of topics including the vision behind ReConnect Rondo, and the innovative approach they are taking to transform their neighborhood. iija, reconnecting communities, equity, public involvement, rondoreconnect, fhwa, aashto, innovative funding, community engagement, series, privet public partnership, grants false full 41 e0a00ebb-c642-44f3-92d2-4aa263c2faf7 Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Strategic Plans and Cooperative Growth Wed, 2 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Strategic Plans and Cooperative Growth American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:28:02 The Lehigh Planning Commission is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that was created to provide planning services to Lehigh and Northampton counties while working alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. LVPC coordinates with its respected communities, community leaders, and businesses, elevating Pennsylvania’s transportation and quality of life while keeping the environment in mind. In this episode you will hear from Executive Director of LVPC, Becky Bradley and the impact LVPC is making in Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Planning Commission is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that was created to provide planning services to Lehigh and Northampton counties while working alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. LVPC coordinates with its respected communities, community leaders, and businesses, elevating Pennsylvania’s transportation and quality of life while keeping the environment in mind. In this episode you will hear from Executive Director of LVPC, Becky Bradley and the impact LVPC is making in Pennsylvania. false full 40 1fafd8a1-468e-47f4-a608-f387e6ffebbd Washington State Department of Transportation's Stormwater Management Innovations Wed, 5 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Washington State Department of Transportation's Stormwater Management Innovations American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:22:06 In this episode Tony Bush, Stormwater Branch Manager at Washington Department of Transportation speaks on its stormwater management innovations and key takeaways. In this episode Tony Bush, Stormwater Branch Manager at Washington Department of Transportation speaks on its stormwater management innovations and key takeaways. false full 39 edba9730-e85c-40da-b9c3-e7290903e04f Ohio DOT's Historic Bridge Inventory, Evaluation, and Preservation Plan Wed, 7 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Ohio DOT's Historic Bridge Inventory, Evaluation, and Preservation Plan American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:22:03 Joining us today from Ohio DOT is Erica Schneider, Assistant Environmental Administrator and Tom Barrett, ODOT’s Historic Bridge Program Manager and State Byways Coordinator to speak on Ohio’s Historic Bridge Inventory, Evaluation, and Preservation Plan and how other DOTs may implement these findings in their state. Joining us today from Ohio DOT is Erica Schneider, Assistant Environmental Administrator and Tom Barrett, ODOT’s Historic Bridge Program Manager and State Byways Coordinator to speak on Ohio’s Historic Bridge Inventory, Evaluation, and Preservation Plan and how other DOTs may implement these findings in their state. false full 38 c9681da9-e3ad-4d57-acb2-6bcc7a73ce8e AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Oregon DOT's Wildlife Crossing Corridor Wed, 3 May 2023 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Oregon DOT's Wildlife Crossing Corridor American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:18:12 FHWA recently launched its Wildlife Crossing Program, approving $350 million for wildlife crossing projects to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity. The Oregon Department of Transportation has set a successful wildlife corridor, reducing 86% of wildlife-vehicle collisions. In this episode, Cidney Bowman, Wildlife Passage Program Coordinator with the Oregon Department of Transporation speaks on Oregon's accomplishing work. FHWA recently launched its Wildlife Crossing Program, approving $350 million for wildlife crossing projects to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity. The Oregon Department of Transportation has set a successful wildlife corridor, reducing 86% of wildlife-vehicle collisions. In this episode, Cidney Bowman, Wildlife Passage Program Coordinator with the Oregon Department of Transporation speaks on Oregon's accomplishing work. false full 37 a9e18b6d-1732-4e64-99a5-3987b91835fb Young Professionals in the Transportation Sector Wed, 5 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Young Professionals in the Transportation Sector American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:28:26 Leaders of the transportation sector sit with us as they consider today's transportation climate and how DOTs can best equip tomorrow's leaders in tackling future challenges. Joining us today are Sara Stickler, Thomas Davidenko, and Alicia Walker. Sara is the President and CEO of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International, Thomas is the Director of Programs at the Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT), and Alicia is the Director of Programs and Strategic Engagement at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Our guests discuss a variety of topics such as workforce development, the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining quality candidates, and more. Leaders of the transportation sector sit with us as they consider today's transportation climate and how DOTs can best equip tomorrow's leaders in tackling future challenges. Joining us today are Sara Stickler, Thomas Davidenko, and Alicia Walker. Sara is the President and CEO of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International, Thomas is the Director of Programs at the Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT), and Alicia is the Director of Programs and Strategic Engagement at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Our guests discuss a variety of topics such as workforce development, the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining quality candidates, and more. diversity, wts, equity, transportation, young professionals, comto, opportunities, ypt false full 36 76b2c831-76cd-4383-8d9c-edffc779020f AASHTO's ETAP Podcast Episode: Georgia's Transportation Investment Act Wed, 1 Mar 2023 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast Episode: Georgia's Transportation Investment Act American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:20:54 In 2012, the Georgia Department of Transportation approved a one percent sales tax to fund local transportation projects. Now, it is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Joining us in this podcast is Kenneth Franks, State Transportation Investment Act Administrator to speak on TIA’s success, future projects, and regional and local impact. In 2012, the Georgia Department of Transportation approved a one percent sales tax to fund local transportation projects. Now, it is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Joining us in this podcast is Kenneth Franks, State Transportation Investment Act Administrator to speak on TIA’s success, future projects, and regional and local impact. heart of georgia altamaha, tia, gdot, georgia department of transportation, regional, central savannah river area, river valley, local false full 35 6da6435d-3762-4aee-84f6-f68888b16181 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: New York's Resilient Transportation System Wed, 1 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: New York's Resilient Transportation System American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:19:12 The U.S. has experienced severe weather changes including floods, droughts, and hurricanes, damaging infrastructure and habitats. Recently, the U.S. experienced a wave of winter storms one of which took place in the state of New York. Listen to this episode to hear from Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez to learn about how the New York Department of Transportation works to build a resilient transportation system. The U.S. has experienced severe weather changes including floods, droughts, and hurricanes, damaging infrastructure and habitats. Recently, the U.S. experienced a wave of winter storms one of which took place in the state of New York. Listen to this episode to hear from Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez to learn about how the New York Department of Transportation works to build a resilient transportation system. infrastructure, severe weather, resilient, nysdot, animal habitats, transportation system, winter storm, new york false full 34 4d68d1aa-e304-455d-a4df-f92f99a1f088 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: I-24 Motion Project with Lee Smith and Dr. Dan Work Wed, 4 Jan 2023 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: I-24 Motion Project with Lee Smith and Dr. Dan Work American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:24:01 In this episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Lee Smith Interim Traffic Operations Division Director at Tennessee Dot and Dr. Dan Work Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University join the podcast to discuss the I-24 Motion test bed. In this episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Lee Smith Interim Traffic Operations Division Director at Tennessee Dot and Dr. Dan Work Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University join the podcast to discuss the I-24 Motion test bed. traffic, vanderbilt university, lee j. smith, tennessee department of transportation, infrastructure design, automotive vehicles, air quality, electric vehicles, nissan, fuel efficiency, i-24 highway, ev, safety, traffic congestion, dr. dan. work false full 33 854c3a8d-9eb0-4ec2-81c2-f1d7d49909fa AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: AASHTO'S Presidential Emphasis with Secretary Roger Millar Wed, 7 Dec 2022 14:51:47 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: AASHTO'S Presidential Emphasis with Secretary Roger Millar American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:26:35 In this episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Roger Millar – AASHTO’s newest president and Secretary of Transportation at Washington State DOT joins the podcast to discuss AASHTO’s presidential emphasis areas. In this episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Roger Millar – AASHTO’s newest president and Secretary of Transportation at Washington State DOT joins the podcast to discuss AASHTO’s presidential emphasis areas. safe, smart, washington state dot, president, resilience, transportation, secretary, aashto, dot, sound, roger millar false full 32 b488dfa2-0bde-4f17-be0f-8da28cd35afb AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: The Ray Eyes Future Roadway Developments Founded in 2014, The Ray is a Georgia-based corporate venture devoted to roadway technology testing and collaborates with a number of state departments of transportation across the country. For example, in 2019, it formed a public-private-philanthropic partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation to create and install a digital testing environment focused on critical interstate use cases, such as crash and weather warnings, for stakeholder engagement and education.

]]> Wed, 2 Nov 2022 14:20:12 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Founded in 2014, The Ray is a Georgia-based corporate venture devoted to roadway technology testing and collaborates with a number of state departments of transportation across the country. For example, in 2019, it formed a public-private-philanthropic partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation to create and install a digital testing environment focused on critical interstate use cases, such as crash and weather warnings, for stakeholder engagement and education.

]]> AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: The Ray Eyes Future Roadway Developments American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:26:17 This episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast interviews Laura Rogers, deputy director of The Ray, to examine the future of roadways in America. This episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast interviews Laura Rogers, deputy director of The Ray, to examine the future of roadways in America. georgia dot, roadways, transportation, georgia false full 31 e3ec6904-4bf6-45e3-827d-e8c1a05d9fa7 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Pennsylvania’s New Statewide Anti-Litter Program PennDOT helped launch the new program – formally entitled “PA Fights Dirty: Every Litter Bit Matters” – in August along with several other state agencies. The program seeks to get state residents to ensure that every piece of their trash, regardless of size, is disposed of properly as research shows only 3 percent of Pennsylvanians approve of littering, yet 40 to 50 percent of them admit to littering roadways and other public areas.

]]> Wed, 5 Oct 2022 13:22:09 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org PennDOT helped launch the new program – formally entitled “PA Fights Dirty: Every Litter Bit Matters” – in August along with several other state agencies. The program seeks to get state residents to ensure that every piece of their trash, regardless of size, is disposed of properly as research shows only 3 percent of Pennsylvanians approve of littering, yet 40 to 50 percent of them admit to littering roadways and other public areas.

]]> AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Pennsylvania’s New Statewide Anti-Litter Program American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:17:29 This episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast interviews Yassmin Gramian and Natasha Fackler, secretary and infrastructure implementation coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, respectively, about the state’s new anti-littering program. This episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast interviews Yassmin Gramian and Natasha Fackler, secretary and infrastructure implementation coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, respectively, about the state’s new anti-littering program. trash, highways, roadways, penndot, litter false full 30 2765144d-8a8f-42d7-af4b-d03da6394fb0 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Next Generation Highways The Ray and consulting firm NGI released the NextGen Highways Feasibility Study for the Minnesota DOT in April; a study that examined strategies for “co-locating” electric and communications infrastructure in highway right-of-ways or ROWs.

The study focused on the potential deployment of buried, high-voltage/direct current or HVDC transmission lines within Minnesota interstate and highway ROWs – an effort that offers broader implications for highway ROW strategies in other states.

In April 2021, the Federal Highway Administration released guidance clarifying the highway ROW “can be leveraged by state DOTs for pressing public needs relating to climate change, equitable communications access, and energy reliability.”

Projects listed include renewable energy generation, electrical transmission and distribution projects, broadband projects, vegetation management, inductive charging in travel lanes, and alternative fueling facilities, among others.

“At the heart of this study is the need to examine the energy transmission infrastructure we will need in order to electrify our transportation network; part of a broader effort to decarbonize the U.S. economy,” Oh explained during the podcast.

“The concept we’re evaluating looked specifically at burying [electric power] transmission lines in the highway ROW,” she noted. “Only three states allow for that now. Yet the use of existing distributed ROW could contain the visual impact of expanding our electric grid while lessening the need to acquire more land to support more transmission.”

Building transmission capacity in existing highway ROW could also reduce project-siting timelines by seven to 10 years, Oh added, while reducing the need to work with hundreds of landowners on a project down to dealing with a single state department of transportation.

“There is a great benefit for communities if they allow transmission capacity to be built in the highway ROW,” she emphasized.

]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Jessica Oh, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org The Ray and consulting firm NGI released the NextGen Highways Feasibility Study for the Minnesota DOT in April; a study that examined strategies for “co-locating” electric and communications infrastructure in highway right-of-ways or ROWs.

The study focused on the potential deployment of buried, high-voltage/direct current or HVDC transmission lines within Minnesota interstate and highway ROWs – an effort that offers broader implications for highway ROW strategies in other states.

In April 2021, the Federal Highway Administration released guidance clarifying the highway ROW “can be leveraged by state DOTs for pressing public needs relating to climate change, equitable communications access, and energy reliability.”

Projects listed include renewable energy generation, electrical transmission and distribution projects, broadband projects, vegetation management, inductive charging in travel lanes, and alternative fueling facilities, among others.

“At the heart of this study is the need to examine the energy transmission infrastructure we will need in order to electrify our transportation network; part of a broader effort to decarbonize the U.S. economy,” Oh explained during the podcast.

“The concept we’re evaluating looked specifically at burying [electric power] transmission lines in the highway ROW,” she noted. “Only three states allow for that now. Yet the use of existing distributed ROW could contain the visual impact of expanding our electric grid while lessening the need to acquire more land to support more transmission.”

Building transmission capacity in existing highway ROW could also reduce project-siting timelines by seven to 10 years, Oh added, while reducing the need to work with hundreds of landowners on a project down to dealing with a single state department of transportation.

“There is a great benefit for communities if they allow transmission capacity to be built in the highway ROW,” she emphasized.

]]> AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Next Generation Highways Jessica Oh, Bernie Wagenblast 00:17:16 In this episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Jessica Oh – strategic partnerships director in the sustainability and public health office within the Minnesota Department of Transportation – discusses the “next generation highway” her agency is studying. In this episode of the Environmental Technical Assistance Program or ETAP Podcast, Jessica Oh – strategic partnerships director in the sustainability and public health office within the Minnesota Department of Transportation – discusses the “next generation highway” her agency is studying. transportation, electrical transmission, right of way, highway false full 29 8d24f0b1-b8da-4247-8004-914aca3d9db5 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Electric Vehicles and State DOTs Kuran is the co-founder and CEO of Power Edison as well as co-founder and executive chairman of its sister company EV Edison – companies offering innovative renewable energy, EV charging, and mobile energy storage solutions for the grid. Kuran explains how a “vision” for a peaceful world with universal access to clean and sustainable sources of energy, food, and water drives his efforts in the EV sector. Here, Kuran lays out a variety of approaches and solutions for meeting the electric grid demand generated by EV charging – how state DOTs can support those efforts.

]]> Wed, 3 Aug 2022 14:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org Kuran is the co-founder and CEO of Power Edison as well as co-founder and executive chairman of its sister company EV Edison – companies offering innovative renewable energy, EV charging, and mobile energy storage solutions for the grid. Kuran explains how a “vision” for a peaceful world with universal access to clean and sustainable sources of energy, food, and water drives his efforts in the EV sector. Here, Kuran lays out a variety of approaches and solutions for meeting the electric grid demand generated by EV charging – how state DOTs can support those efforts.

]]> AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Electric Vehicles and State DOTs American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:23:10 Dr. Shihab Kuran discusses the key role state departments of transportation play in helping establish a national electric vehicle or EV charging network. Dr. Shihab Kuran discusses the key role state departments of transportation play in helping establish a national electric vehicle or EV charging network. ev charging, state dots, electric vehicles, electric grid, ev, renewable energy, mobile energy false full 28 768d4409-3f23-4f39-8258-2b829821f771 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Native Language Road Signs with Iowa and Minnesota DOTs Wed, 6 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Native Language Road Signs with Iowa and Minnesota DOTs American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:25:25 The United States is a country with no national language, and with over 150 Indigenous languages still spoken today. With 5.2 million Indigenous people residing in the US today, speaking these 150+ languages—why aren’t more of our road signs printed in these native languages? Teams from the Iowa and Minnesota Departments of Transportation, along with Indigenous partners set out to change that. Joining us today on the podcast to discuss this project are: Brennan Dolan, the Cultural Resources Team Lead and Tribal Liaison at Iowa DOT; Ed Fairbanks, the retired Tribal Liaison for the Minnesota DOT and Mary Otto, the Tribal State Relations Training Manager in Minnesota DOT’s Office of Tribal Affairs. The United States is a country with no national language, and with over 150 Indigenous languages still spoken today. With 5.2 million Indigenous people residing in the US today, speaking these 150+ languages—why aren’t more of our road signs printed in these native languages? Teams from the Iowa and Minnesota Departments of Transportation, along with Indigenous partners set out to change that. Joining us today on the podcast to discuss this project are: Brennan Dolan, the Cultural Resources Team Lead and Tribal Liaison at Iowa DOT; Ed Fairbanks, the retired Tribal Liaison for the Minnesota DOT and Mary Otto, the Tribal State Relations Training Manager in Minnesota DOT’s Office of Tribal Affairs. road signs, aashto, dot, iowa, minnesota false full 27 5949facd-787e-4a54-9ecc-cbefe896a34c AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: COMTO, AASHTO and Transportation Equity with April Rai Wed, 1 Jun 2022 15:13:12 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: COMTO, AASHTO and Transportation Equity with April Rai American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:15:56 Equity in transportation has become a major topic of interest the past few years, but the need for a more just transportation sector is not new. Groups like the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) began working to promote equity in transportation decades before the concept became mainstream. COMTO was founded in 1971, just over 50 years ago, and as the association representing minorities in transportation they aim to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, as well as minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises. COMTO’s work towards equity heavily intersects with environmental topics such as environmental justice, workforce diversity, public involvement and more. Joining us today to chat about equity, transportation and the environment is April Rai, the President and Chief Executive Officer of COMTO. Equity in transportation has become a major topic of interest the past few years, but the need for a more just transportation sector is not new. Groups like the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) began working to promote equity in transportation decades before the concept became mainstream. COMTO was founded in 1971, just over 50 years ago, and as the association representing minorities in transportation they aim to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, as well as minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises. COMTO’s work towards equity heavily intersects with environmental topics such as environmental justice, workforce diversity, public involvement and more. Joining us today to chat about equity, transportation and the environment is April Rai, the President and Chief Executive Officer of COMTO. equity, aashto, comto true full 26 52af3831-3a9d-45ab-abe2-7b5cc2398105 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Equity in Electric Vehicle Charging Wed, 4 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Equity in Electric Vehicle Charging American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:38:31 Empty your pockets at the gas station each week or navigate charging anxiety? Americans are caught in a catch-22; and that’s just for folks with the income to consider purchasing an electric vehicle. As gas prices climb quicker than electric vehicle charging infrastructure expands, organizations like Forth and the Greenlining Institute are working to ensure equitable access to our growing electric vehicle charging network. In 2019, the Federal Highway Administration reported that the average American drove 14,263 miles per year- or 274 miles a week. The average electric vehicle battery can go ~250 miles between charges- which would seem to be plenty of range most of the time. But what about that occasional road trip? More importantly, what about people who can't easily charge up in their garage? Leslie Aguayo, climate equity program manager at the Greenlining Institute and Jeff Allen, the executive director at Forth, join us this month to discuss just that—equitable electric vehicle charging. More information: https://forthmobility.org/ https://greenlining.org/ Empty your pockets at the gas station each week or navigate charging anxiety? Americans are caught in a catch-22; and that’s just for folks with the income to consider purchasing an electric vehicle. As gas prices climb quicker than electric vehicle charging infrastructure expands, organizations like Forth and the Greenlining Institute are working to ensure equitable access to our growing electric vehicle charging network. In 2019, the Federal Highway Administration reported that the average American drove 14,263 miles per year- or 274 miles a week. The average electric vehicle battery can go ~250 miles between charges- which would seem to be plenty of range most of the time. But what about that occasional road trip? More importantly, what about people who can't easily charge up in their garage? Leslie Aguayo, climate equity program manager at the Greenlining Institute and Jeff Allen, the executive director at Forth, join us this month to discuss just that—equitable electric vehicle charging. More information: https://forthmobility.org/ https://greenlining.org/ ev charging, equity, nevi, charging, electric vehicle false full 25 4cad628b-ea20-48e3-86e2-89d0d4c3fb97 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Wed, 6 Apr 2022 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Joint Office of Energy and Transportation American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:15:11 The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) created the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to facilitate collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Joint Office will align resources and expertise across the two departments toward leveraged outcomes. The office will be a critical component in the implementation of the BIL, providing support and expertise to a multitude of programs that seek to deploy a network of electric vehicle chargers, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission transit and school buses. BIL also created what is now being called the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula program or NEVI. In early February, FHWA released the guidance for the NEVI program and the state departments of transportation are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work on developing state EV infrastructure deployment plans that will be submitted to the Joint Office by Aug. 1, 2022 In the meantime, state DOTs are partnering with their sister state agencies like state energy offices and working with the Joint Office to leverage the expertise and technical assistance available through this interagency partnership. Today we’re joined on the ETAP podcast by Rachael Nealer, the Deputy Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) created the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to facilitate collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Joint Office will align resources and expertise across the two departments toward leveraged outcomes. The office will be a critical component in the implementation of the BIL, providing support and expertise to a multitude of programs that seek to deploy a network of electric vehicle chargers, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission transit and school buses. BIL also created what is now being called the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula program or NEVI. In early February, FHWA released the guidance for the NEVI program and the state departments of transportation are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work on developing state EV infrastructure deployment plans that will be submitted to the Joint Office by Aug. 1, 2022 In the meantime, state DOTs are partnering with their sister state agencies like state energy offices and working with the Joint Office to leverage the expertise and technical assistance available through this interagency partnership. Today we’re joined on the ETAP podcast by Rachael Nealer, the Deputy Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. iija, joint office, drive electric, nevi, dot, bil, electric vehicle, electric, doe false full 24 35ed2964-a55c-444a-aa99-bfedd1c31a8d AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: School Bus Electrification with Sue Gander             With school buses providing 10 billion annual student rides, electrification presents a major opportunity to green the transportation industry; and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA, in concert with state DOTs and organizations like World Resources Institute, sets out to do just that. With a coming influx of $5 billion from the IIJA to replace existing buses, and additional funding for EV charging infrastructure, it’s time for a big change in school transportation.

Joining us on the podcast today is Sue Gander, Director of the Electric School Bus Initiative at the World Resources Institute. Sue and her team are currently working at their goal of electrifying all 480,000 school buses by 2030. Sue, thanks for joining us!

Please see additional resources here: 

Dataset of Electric School Bus Adoption in the United States - Datasets - Data | World Resources Institute (wri.org)

WRI Comments to US DOT on National EV Infrastructure Program

5 Ways US States Can Support the Electric School Bus Transition | World Resources Institute (wri.org)

How to Help Your Community Fund Electric School Buses in the US | World Resources Institute (wri.org)

]]> Wed, 2 Mar 2022 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org             With school buses providing 10 billion annual student rides, electrification presents a major opportunity to green the transportation industry; and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA, in concert with state DOTs and organizations like World Resources Institute, sets out to do just that. With a coming influx of $5 billion from the IIJA to replace existing buses, and additional funding for EV charging infrastructure, it’s time for a big change in school transportation.

Joining us on the podcast today is Sue Gander, Director of the Electric School Bus Initiative at the World Resources Institute. Sue and her team are currently working at their goal of electrifying all 480,000 school buses by 2030. Sue, thanks for joining us!

Please see additional resources here: 

Dataset of Electric School Bus Adoption in the United States - Datasets - Data | World Resources Institute (wri.org)

WRI Comments to US DOT on National EV Infrastructure Program

5 Ways US States Can Support the Electric School Bus Transition | World Resources Institute (wri.org)

How to Help Your Community Fund Electric School Buses in the US | World Resources Institute (wri.org)

]]> AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: School Bus Electrification with Sue Gander American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:22:54 false full 23 4a28f17d-31a4-4f9f-b885-d700de092aab AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Post World War II Construction Wed, 2 Feb 2022 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Post World War II Construction American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:16:43 Since 2020, the AASHTO Committee on Environment and Sustainability has held a weekly webinar series throughout the month of September with each week’s segment hosted by one of its four subcommittees. This year, when the Cultural Resources Subcommittee sat down to plan their webinar, it became clear that there was one topic on everyone’s mind– and that was: Post World War II construction (and what to do with it). The Cultural Resources webinar on the topic illuminated the desire for more resources on how to best deal with post war construction as a practitioner. As such, the subcommittee is conducting their own nationwide survey of the state DOTs on their post war practices and protocols. Heading up that effort is Scott Williams, Cultural Resources Program Manager, Washington State Department of Transportation. Scott joins us today to tell us about the project. Email jbillo@aashto.org to join the subcommittee friends list! Since 2020, the AASHTO Committee on Environment and Sustainability has held a weekly webinar series throughout the month of September with each week’s segment hosted by one of its four subcommittees. This year, when the Cultural Resources Subcommittee sat down to plan their webinar, it became clear that there was one topic on everyone’s mind– and that was: Post World War II construction (and what to do with it). The Cultural Resources webinar on the topic illuminated the desire for more resources on how to best deal with post war construction as a practitioner. As such, the subcommittee is conducting their own nationwide survey of the state DOTs on their post war practices and protocols. Heading up that effort is Scott Williams, Cultural Resources Program Manager, Washington State Department of Transportation. Scott joins us today to tell us about the project. Email jbillo@aashto.org to join the subcommittee friends list! construction, aashto, wwii, cultural resources false full 22 b4664bb9-480b-4fc6-8c64-da7f7bfaf0c3 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: TRB Annual Meeting & SETT Conference Preview Wed, 5 Jan 2022 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: TRB Annual Meeting & SETT Conference Preview American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:14:06 Today’s ETAP Podcast will focus on the upcoming 2022 Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting as well as provide a preview for the TRB Sustainability and Emerging Transportation Technology Conference taking place in March. This year’s meeting will be of particular interest to environmental practitioners and is titled: Innovating an Equitable, Resilient, Sustainable, and Safe Transportation System. With over 800 information sessions and meetings, TRB will cover a wide array of topics across all modes within this year’s theme. Joining us to discuss the 101st TRB Annual Meeting is Tim Sexton; Chief Sustainability Officer at the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Chair of the Transportation Research Board’s Transportation and Sustainability Committee. Tim will also provide a preview of the TRB Sustainability and Emerging Transportation Technology (SETT) Conference taking place in Irvine, California, March 15-18, 2022. Today’s ETAP Podcast will focus on the upcoming 2022 Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting as well as provide a preview for the TRB Sustainability and Emerging Transportation Technology Conference taking place in March. This year’s meeting will be of particular interest to environmental practitioners and is titled: Innovating an Equitable, Resilient, Sustainable, and Safe Transportation System. With over 800 information sessions and meetings, TRB will cover a wide array of topics across all modes within this year’s theme. Joining us to discuss the 101st TRB Annual Meeting is Tim Sexton; Chief Sustainability Officer at the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Chair of the Transportation Research Board’s Transportation and Sustainability Committee. Tim will also provide a preview of the TRB Sustainability and Emerging Transportation Technology (SETT) Conference taking place in Irvine, California, March 15-18, 2022. washington dc, trb, transportation research board, dc, meeting, sett false full 21 1c8f46b0-9274-44bc-8b49-f08e3691f4ab AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: A Conversation with AASHTO President Dr. Shawn Wilson Wed, 1 Dec 2021 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: A Conversation with AASHTO President Dr. Shawn Wilson American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:24:33 “One of the significant advantages of serving as AASHTO president is that it gives me a platform to address issues that matter,” says Dr. Shawn Wilson. Dr. Wilson is the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and was elected AASHTO’s first African American president in October. During his tenure as president, Dr. Wilson will be facing ‘issues that matter’ head on. Each year the incoming AASHTO president identifies emphasis areas that will be the focus of their term; Dr. Wilson’s emphasis areas are Pathways to Equity and Partnering to Deliver. He, along with AASHTO Vice President Roger Millar of Washington State, will work with AASHTO and the states to promote equity and to encourage participation in non-traditional partnerships. “One of the significant advantages of serving as AASHTO president is that it gives me a platform to address issues that matter,” says Dr. Shawn Wilson. Dr. Wilson is the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and was elected AASHTO’s first African American president in October. During his tenure as president, Dr. Wilson will be facing ‘issues that matter’ head on. Each year the incoming AASHTO president identifies emphasis areas that will be the focus of their term; Dr. Wilson’s emphasis areas are Pathways to Equity and Partnering to Deliver. He, along with AASHTO Vice President Roger Millar of Washington State, will work with AASHTO and the states to promote equity and to encourage participation in non-traditional partnerships. president, dr shawn wilson, aashto, louisiana dotd false full 20 d96f32a2-6f90-4602-bb53-396b50f7a631 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Noise Working Group with Noel Alcala Wed, 3 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Noise Working Group with Noel Alcala American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:22:15 From loss of sleep to loss of hearing, noise can pose a real threat. Recent studies have even identified a possible link between noise exposure and dementia. Traffic noise is a major contributor to noise pollution that fuels these negative health outcomes. Tires hitting pavement make up the majority of highway noise. Better modeling and barriers can work to mitigate this for folks living near areas with high levels of noise- and DOT practitioners are working toward such solutions for all affected. Joining us on the podcast today is Noel Alcala, Noise and Air Quality Coordinator at Ohio Department of Transportation. Noel also heads the AASHTO Noise Working Group, which operates under the Committee on Environment and Sustainability. The noise working group convenes state DOTs and promotes discourse on, and works in reducing traffic noise and its negative effects. Reach out to Noel and the Noise Working Group at: noel.alcala@dot.ohio.gov From loss of sleep to loss of hearing, noise can pose a real threat. Recent studies have even identified a possible link between noise exposure and dementia. Traffic noise is a major contributor to noise pollution that fuels these negative health outcomes. Tires hitting pavement make up the majority of highway noise. Better modeling and barriers can work to mitigate this for folks living near areas with high levels of noise- and DOT practitioners are working toward such solutions for all affected. Joining us on the podcast today is Noel Alcala, Noise and Air Quality Coordinator at Ohio Department of Transportation. Noel also heads the AASHTO Noise Working Group, which operates under the Committee on Environment and Sustainability. The noise working group convenes state DOTs and promotes discourse on, and works in reducing traffic noise and its negative effects. Reach out to Noel and the Noise Working Group at: noel.alcala@dot.ohio.gov traffic noise, noise, odot, aashto, ohio false full 19 ac1cbbd6-f5fe-4af8-8ec6-3ef2f8ccce4a AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with Joung Lee Wed, 6 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with Joung Lee American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:25:16 Joining us today to discuss the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (or IIJA) is Joung Lee, AASHTO’s Director of Policy and Government Relations. This episode of AASHTO’s ETAP Podcast was recorded while the House of Representatives was reviewing the IIJA. As the bill works its way to President Biden’s desk, AASHTO has been working to represent the interests of state DOTs, and has done so quite successfully. Four out of five of the Association’s core priorities have been incorporated into the most recent version of the bill. Joining us today to discuss the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (or IIJA) is Joung Lee, AASHTO’s Director of Policy and Government Relations. This episode of AASHTO’s ETAP Podcast was recorded while the House of Representatives was reviewing the IIJA. As the bill works its way to President Biden’s desk, AASHTO has been working to represent the interests of state DOTs, and has done so quite successfully. Four out of five of the Association’s core priorities have been incorporated into the most recent version of the bill. iija, infrastructure bill, congress, aashto false full 18 1c9ab793-e090-49f7-b711-2d26e0aa6617 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Rolling Resistance and Vehicle Efficiency Wed, 1 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Rolling Resistance and Vehicle Efficiency American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:25:51 Mark Hoffman, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University, and his Graduate Research Assistant Karl Bohnenberger have been studying one of the lesser known contributors to poor fuel economy: rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is a measure of the effort required to keep a tire rolling. It might not grab headlines, but rolling resistance has a substantial impact on emissions and energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, conventionally fueled vehicles use up 11% of their fuel to keep their tires rolling, while electric vehicles use up to 25% of their energy for this purpose. As a result, reducing rolling resistance, as well as quality research on the subject; presents a valuable opportunity to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce the transportation sector’s carbon footprint. Today Mark and Karl join us to chat about rolling resistance reduction as an attainable step toward a sustainable future. Mark Hoffman, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University, and his Graduate Research Assistant Karl Bohnenberger have been studying one of the lesser known contributors to poor fuel economy: rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is a measure of the effort required to keep a tire rolling. It might not grab headlines, but rolling resistance has a substantial impact on emissions and energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, conventionally fueled vehicles use up 11% of their fuel to keep their tires rolling, while electric vehicles use up to 25% of their energy for this purpose. As a result, reducing rolling resistance, as well as quality research on the subject; presents a valuable opportunity to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce the transportation sector’s carbon footprint. Today Mark and Karl join us to chat about rolling resistance reduction as an attainable step toward a sustainable future. rolling resistance, auburn university, aashto, etap, tires, efficiency false full 17 830b2a92-59a1-4443-b1f8-f1ee5771cf35 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Monarch Butterfly Conservation with Kris Gade Wed, 11 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Monarch Butterfly Conservation with Kris Gade American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:18:50 Once ubiquitous in North America, the Monarch’s striking orange and black wings are likely the first image that comes to mind when picturing a butterfly. The Monarch is famed not only for its beauty, but also for its role in a healthy ecosystem- the pollinators are a critical support to some uniquely American landmarks: from the Great Smoky Mountains to Zion National Park. Yet, over the past few decades, the Monarch has experienced a dramatic dip in population. As the eastern members of this iconic species prepare for their annual migration to Mexico, we’ll sit down with Arizona Department of Transportation’s Roadside Resource Specialist, Kris Gade-- one of the professionals leading the charge for Monarch conservation. Once ubiquitous in North America, the Monarch’s striking orange and black wings are likely the first image that comes to mind when picturing a butterfly. The Monarch is famed not only for its beauty, but also for its role in a healthy ecosystem- the pollinators are a critical support to some uniquely American landmarks: from the Great Smoky Mountains to Zion National Park. Yet, over the past few decades, the Monarch has experienced a dramatic dip in population. As the eastern members of this iconic species prepare for their annual migration to Mexico, we’ll sit down with Arizona Department of Transportation’s Roadside Resource Specialist, Kris Gade-- one of the professionals leading the charge for Monarch conservation. adot, conservation, monarch false full 15 ba2d0f0c-9c54-4d46-b56f-13a85e3378c7 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Roadside Vegetation & The Ray Wed, 7 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Roadside Vegetation & The Ray American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:22:51 In this week's episode, host Bernie Wagenblast sits down with Matthew Quirey, a Landscape Design & Research Fellow at The Ray. For his thesis, Matthew partnered with The Ray to produce new classifications of the most beneficial and well rounded roadside vegetation systems which can now be used to guide Georgia’s efforts in sustainability and harmonious roadside ecology. In this week's episode, host Bernie Wagenblast sits down with Matthew Quirey, a Landscape Design & Research Fellow at The Ray. For his thesis, Matthew partnered with The Ray to produce new classifications of the most beneficial and well rounded roadside vegetation systems which can now be used to guide Georgia’s efforts in sustainability and harmonious roadside ecology. roadise, the ray, georgia, right of way, vegetation false full 14 a287a711-97bb-494a-80e0-ce92f08d25a2 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: CTDOT Climate Initiative Program and Partnership with Department of Environmental Protection Wed, 2 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: CTDOT Climate Initiative Program and Partnership with Department of Environmental Protection American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:27:22 Today’s ETAP podcast will focus on how state agency partnerships are helping Connecticut both achieve its state climate goals and implement the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program, or TCI-P. State DOTs are critical stakeholders in deciding how to re-invest revenue generated caps on emissions. TCI-P is a historic multi-state effort to cap and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation In Connecticut, for example, TCI-P is projected to generate roughly a billion dollars over the next decade, much of which will support transportation systems. To learn more about TCI-P and the ongoing collaboration between state agencies in Connecticut, we are joined by Katie S. Dykes, the Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or DEEP, as well as Garrett Eucalitto, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Today’s ETAP podcast will focus on how state agency partnerships are helping Connecticut both achieve its state climate goals and implement the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program, or TCI-P. State DOTs are critical stakeholders in deciding how to re-invest revenue generated caps on emissions. TCI-P is a historic multi-state effort to cap and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation In Connecticut, for example, TCI-P is projected to generate roughly a billion dollars over the next decade, much of which will support transportation systems. To learn more about TCI-P and the ongoing collaboration between state agencies in Connecticut, we are joined by Katie S. Dykes, the Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or DEEP, as well as Garrett Eucalitto, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Transportation. ctdot, climate, deep, tci-p false full 13 a3a53659-7da6-49aa-aa8e-ab009c5a64f6 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Transportation Equity and Minnesota's Rethinking I-94 Project Wed, 5 May 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Transportation Equity and Minnesota's Rethinking I-94 Project American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:33:46 Today’s ETAP podcast will focus on transportation equity and environmental justice. Transportation systems are critical to people’s ability to reach jobs, educational opportunities, health care, and a number of other goods and services. However, underserved and marginalized communities often lack transportation options that are accessible and affordable. In its efforts to address these issues, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has earned national recognition for its Rethinking I-94 project. MnDOT began the project in 2016, working with communities negatively affected by the construction of I-94 in the 1960s to develop a new vision for the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Rethinking 1-94 Livability Director, Gloria Jeff, join us on this episode to discuss transportation equity and environmental justice. Today’s ETAP podcast will focus on transportation equity and environmental justice. Transportation systems are critical to people’s ability to reach jobs, educational opportunities, health care, and a number of other goods and services. However, underserved and marginalized communities often lack transportation options that are accessible and affordable. In its efforts to address these issues, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has earned national recognition for its Rethinking I-94 project. MnDOT began the project in 2016, working with communities negatively affected by the construction of I-94 in the 1960s to develop a new vision for the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Rethinking 1-94 Livability Director, Gloria Jeff, join us on this episode to discuss transportation equity and environmental justice. equity, i-94, mndot, environmental justice false full 12 7c116406-a0b9-49a2-8126-c615fab92174 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Implementation with Shoshana Lew Wed, 7 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Implementation with Shoshana Lew American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:33:01 State departments of transportation will play a critical role in rolling out electric vehicle infrastructure. Shoshana Lew, the Executive Director of Colorado DOT, is leading the march towards a greener future for her state’s drivers and riders. This month's podcast discusses how Colorado is ramping up its efforts to promote electric vehicles and provide the infrastructure necessary for the future of transportation. State departments of transportation will play a critical role in rolling out electric vehicle infrastructure. Shoshana Lew, the Executive Director of Colorado DOT, is leading the march towards a greener future for her state’s drivers and riders. This month's podcast discusses how Colorado is ramping up its efforts to promote electric vehicles and provide the infrastructure necessary for the future of transportation. electric vehicle infrastructre, colorado, electric vehicles, codot false full 11 c2213001-8e27-4b4a-a5f1-5374e4024a54 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Women in Transportation with Paula Hammond Wed, 3 Mar 2021 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Women in Transportation with Paula Hammond American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 00:30:49 In this episode of the ETAP Podcast, Paula Hammond – market leader-multimodal at consulting firm WSP USA and a former secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation – talks about the career challenges and opportunities for women in the transportation industry. In this episode of the ETAP Podcast, Paula Hammond – market leader-multimodal at consulting firm WSP USA and a former secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation – talks about the career challenges and opportunities for women in the transportation industry. #transportation, #women false full 10 9d89a70f-01f0-4c0e-bbc5-59135ed3c8a2 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: DC DOT Advancing Transportation Equity Jeff Bennett -- Transit Delivery Division of DC Department of Transportation and president of the DC Conference of Minority Transportation Officials -- is interviewed by host Bernie Wagenblast about how Washington DC is advancing transportation equity. 

]]> Wed, 3 Feb 2021 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Jeff Bennett, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org Jeff Bennett -- Transit Delivery Division of DC Department of Transportation and president of the DC Conference of Minority Transportation Officials -- is interviewed by host Bernie Wagenblast about how Washington DC is advancing transportation equity. 

]]> AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: DC DOT Advancing Transportation Equity Jeff Bennett, Bernie Wagenblast 00:15:18 February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history. The creation of Black History Month was spearheaded by Carter G. Woodson, a Virginia native, former sharecropper, and Harvard graduate who is considered the “Father of African American History.” Today, Woodson’s home in the historically Black Shaw neighborhood in Washington, DC, is a National Historic Site. In honor of Black History Month and Woodson’s legacy, today’s ETAP Podcast will focus on how the nation’s capital is advancing transportation equity. We are joined by Jeff Bennett, who leads the Transit Delivery Division at the DC Department of Transportation. Jeff also serves as President of the DC chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, or COMTO. February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history. The creation of Black History Month was spearheaded by Carter G. Woodson, a Virginia native, former sharecropper, and Harvard graduate who is considered the “Father of African American History.” Today, Woodson’s home in the historically Black Shaw neighborhood in Washington, DC, is a National Historic Site. In honor of Black History Month and Woodson’s legacy, today’s ETAP Podcast will focus on how the nation’s capital is advancing transportation equity. We are joined by Jeff Bennett, who leads the Transit Delivery Division at the DC Department of Transportation. Jeff also serves as President of the DC chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, or COMTO. black history month, washington dc, diversity, equity, transportation, environment, aashto, transit, public transportation, district dot false full 9 c4f1dde8-d803-451b-9ccd-c14f3e120fe7 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Environmental Topics at the Virtual TRB Annual Meeting Wed, 6 Jan 2021 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Martin Palmer, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Environmental Topics at the Virtual TRB Annual Meeting Martin Palmer, Bernie Wagenblast 00:20:36 The January ETAP Podcast focuses on the Transportation Research Board’s 2021 Annual Meeting, taking place throughout the month of January. Like most organizations, TRB has shifted to a virtual meeting due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting will celebrate TRB’s centennial with the theme, “Launching a New Century of Mobility and Quality of Life.” The program covers all transportation modes and addresses a range of topics, including dozens of sessions on how COVID-19 has affected transportation and how transportation professionals and researchers are responding. This month's guest is Martin Palmer, Washington State DOT engineering services manager and co-chair of TRB’s Standing Committee on Environmental Analysis and Ecology. The January ETAP Podcast focuses on the Transportation Research Board’s 2021 Annual Meeting, taking place throughout the month of January. Like most organizations, TRB has shifted to a virtual meeting due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting will celebrate TRB’s centennial with the theme, “Launching a New Century of Mobility and Quality of Life.” The program covers all transportation modes and addresses a range of topics, including dozens of sessions on how COVID-19 has affected transportation and how transportation professionals and researchers are responding. This month's guest is Martin Palmer, Washington State DOT engineering services manager and co-chair of TRB’s Standing Committee on Environmental Analysis and Ecology. trb, transportation research board, environmental policy, environment false full 8 9e775b01-9e5b-470d-a564-3b8c1c34098a AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Texas DOT's Approach to Environmental Justice Wed, 2 Dec 2020 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Bernie Wagenblast, Carlos Swonke) https://etapnews.transportation.org AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Texas DOT's Approach to Environmental Justice Bernie Wagenblast, Carlos Swonke 00:25:12 The latest AASHTO ETAP Podcast will feature Carlos Swonke, Texas DOT's director of Environmental Affairs, who will discuss how TxDOT implements Environmental Justice as part of its planning and project development process. TxDOT, which has a nationally known EJ program, has used project-specific EJ lessons to help shape its project development process. The latest AASHTO ETAP Podcast will feature Carlos Swonke, Texas DOT's director of Environmental Affairs, who will discuss how TxDOT implements Environmental Justice as part of its planning and project development process. TxDOT, which has a nationally known EJ program, has used project-specific EJ lessons to help shape its project development process. infrastructure, transportation, project development, environmental justice false full 7 b2f5f26b-e4b7-4e23-9676-9de8d45e14d6 AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Georgia DOT's Innovative PEL Study Planning and Environmental Linkages or PEL represents a collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making that 1) considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the transportation planning process, and 2) uses the information, analysis, and products developed during planning to inform the environmental review process.

The benefits include: Improved relationships with stakeholders; improved project delivery timelines; and better transportation programs and projects.

More information about PEL can be found at the Center for Environmental Excellence website, environment.transportation.org.

]]> Wed, 4 Nov 2020 17:00:00 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Jannine Miller, Bernie Wagenblast, Charles Robinson) https://etapnews.transportation.org Planning and Environmental Linkages or PEL represents a collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making that 1) considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the transportation planning process, and 2) uses the information, analysis, and products developed during planning to inform the environmental review process.

The benefits include: Improved relationships with stakeholders; improved project delivery timelines; and better transportation programs and projects.

More information about PEL can be found at the Center for Environmental Excellence website, environment.transportation.org.

]]> AASHTO's ETAP Podcast: Georgia DOT's Innovative PEL Study Jannine Miller, Bernie Wagenblast, Charles Robinson 00:21:39 In this episode, host Bernie Wagenblast interviews Jannine Miller and Charles Robinson of the Georgia Department of Transportation about the I-85 Corridor Study (http://www.dot.ga.gov/BS/Studies/85study), an innovative effort that is using a new approach – Planning and Environmental Linkage, or PEL. In this episode, host Bernie Wagenblast interviews Jannine Miller and Charles Robinson of the Georgia Department of Transportation about the I-85 Corridor Study (http://www.dot.ga.gov/BS/Studies/85study), an innovative effort that is using a new approach – Planning and Environmental Linkage, or PEL. highways, project and environmental linkages, transportation, transportation planning, environment, aashto, etap, pel false full 6 e75296b6-7703-484c-a4d6-6d93469aabca ETAP Podcast: Caltrans' Director Talks Active Transportation Episode explores active transportation.

Host: Bernie Wagenblast

Guest: Toks Omishakin, Director, California Department of Transportation

]]> Mon, 5 Oct 2020 12:28:23 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Toks Omishakin, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org Episode explores active transportation.

Host: Bernie Wagenblast

Guest: Toks Omishakin, Director, California Department of Transportation

]]> ETAP Podcast: Caltrans' Director Talks Active Transportation Toks Omishakin, Bernie Wagenblast 00:22:09 Podcast Host Bernie Wagenblast interviews Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin about the important role active transportation -- primarily walking and cycling -- plays in a healthy transportation system. Omishakin, chairs AASHTO's Council on Active Transportation, is a considered a national leader in policies that promote safe and equitable active transportation opportunities. Podcast Host Bernie Wagenblast interviews Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin about the important role active transportation -- primarily walking and cycling -- plays in a healthy transportation system. Omishakin, chairs AASHTO's Council on Active Transportation, is a considered a national leader in policies that promote safe and equitable active transportation opportunities. pedestrians, traffic safety, active transportation, cycling, aashto false full 5 1c77403c-af96-4b49-adfe-713e81e72d34 ETAP Podcast: Hawaii DOT's focus on organizational resiliency Hawaii is no stranger to natural disasters — over the course of several months between 2018-2019, the state faced flooding, landslides and volcanic eruptions.  In this episode, Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT deputy director for Highways, explains how HDOT plans and prepares to ensure organizational resilience. 

Host: Bernie Wagenblast

Guest: Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT deputy director for Highways

]]> Wed, 2 Sep 2020 17:00:03 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Bernie Wagenblast, Ed Sniffen) https://etapnews.transportation.org Hawaii is no stranger to natural disasters — over the course of several months between 2018-2019, the state faced flooding, landslides and volcanic eruptions.  In this episode, Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT deputy director for Highways, explains how HDOT plans and prepares to ensure organizational resilience. 

Host: Bernie Wagenblast

Guest: Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT deputy director for Highways

]]> ETAP Podcast: Hawaii DOT's focus on organizational resiliency Bernie Wagenblast, Ed Sniffen 00:20:17 Hawaii is no stranger to natural disasters — over the course of several months between 2018-2019, the state faced flooding, landslides and volcanic eruptions. In this episode, Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT deputy director for Highways, explains how HDOT plans and prepares to ensure organizational resilience. Hawaii is no stranger to natural disasters — over the course of several months between 2018-2019, the state faced flooding, landslides and volcanic eruptions. In this episode, Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT deputy director for Highways, explains how HDOT plans and prepares to ensure organizational resilience. infrastructure, resilience, transportation, natural disasters, environment false full 4 91fab769-f822-4f5f-9c25-cead65cc9535 ETAP Podcast: Arizona DOT's Innovative Approach to Virtual Public Involvement Arizona DOT's Senior Program Manager Steve Olmsted describes his agency's virtual public hearing and lessons learned from the experience.

]]> Wed, 5 Aug 2020 18:00:23 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Bernie Wagenblast, Steven Olmsted) https://etapnews.transportation.org Arizona DOT's Senior Program Manager Steve Olmsted describes his agency's virtual public hearing and lessons learned from the experience.

]]> ETAP Podcast: Arizona DOT's Innovative Approach to Virtual Public Involvement Bernie Wagenblast, Steven Olmsted 00:15:42 One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the temporary end to the traditional public meeting. Most of these gatherings have become virtual. Arizona DOT’s Steve Olmsted, senior program manager, discusses ways in which his agency has approached the challenge of engaging the public and moving forward projects during a time of social distancing. One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the temporary end to the traditional public meeting. Most of these gatherings have become virtual. Arizona DOT’s Steve Olmsted, senior program manager, discusses ways in which his agency has approached the challenge of engaging the public and moving forward projects during a time of social distancing. infrastructure, transportation, public involvement, virtual public involvement, public engagement, environment, public hearings false full 3 b591578e-512c-4960-9238-048f86279e74 ETAP Podcast: A Minnesota Perspective on Environmental Sustainability ETAP Podcast host Bernie Wagenblast interviews Minnesota DOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher about her state's perspectives on environmental sustainability. Commissioner Anderson Kelliher, who serves as chairperson of AASHTO's Committee on Environment and Sustainability, says that her state looks for the "triple bottom line" when evaluating sustainability - how it affects the health of people, and how it impacts the environment and the economy. More information, visit https://scoe.transportation.org/. 

]]> Tue, 2 Jun 2020 14:00:28 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Bernie Wagenblast, Margaret Anderson Kelliher) https://etapnews.transportation.org ETAP Podcast host Bernie Wagenblast interviews Minnesota DOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher about her state's perspectives on environmental sustainability. Commissioner Anderson Kelliher, who serves as chairperson of AASHTO's Committee on Environment and Sustainability, says that her state looks for the "triple bottom line" when evaluating sustainability - how it affects the health of people, and how it impacts the environment and the economy. More information, visit https://scoe.transportation.org/. 

]]> ETAP Podcast: A Minnesota Perspective on Environmental Sustainability Bernie Wagenblast, Margaret Anderson Kelliher 00:21:04 ETAP Podcast host Bernie Wagenblast interviews Minnesota DOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher about her state's perspectives on environmental sustainability. Commissioner Anderson Kelliher, who serves as chairperson of AASHTO's Committee on the Environment ETAP Podcast host Bernie Wagenblast interviews Minnesota DOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher about her state's perspectives on environmental sustainability. Commissioner Anderson Kelliher, who serves as chairperson of AASHTO's Committee on the Environment infrastructure, highways, active transportation, transportation, sustainability, state dots, resiliency, environment, aashto, etap, minnesota false full 2 66f6df07-9c89-47c2-a047-c56e74b9df9b ETAP Podcast: Exploring The Ray, An Interview with Allie Kelly The ETAP Podcast is published on the first Wednesday of the month. ETAP is an environmental technical assistance program for state departments of transportation provided by AASHTO, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. More information, https://environment.transportation.org/.

]]> Mon, 4 May 2020 12:10:43 +0000 lbrown@aashto.org (Allie Kelly, Bernie Wagenblast) https://etapnews.transportation.org The ETAP Podcast is published on the first Wednesday of the month. ETAP is an environmental technical assistance program for state departments of transportation provided by AASHTO, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. More information, https://environment.transportation.org/.

]]> ETAP Podcast: Exploring The Ray, An Interview with Allie Kelly Allie Kelly, Bernie Wagenblast 00:25:11 ETAP Podcast's inaugural episode includes an interview with Allie Kelly, executive director of The Ray. Georgia's innovative smart highway is the nation's first public-private-philanthropic partnership. ETAP Podcast's inaugural episode includes an interview with Allie Kelly, executive director of The Ray. Georgia's innovative smart highway is the nation's first public-private-philanthropic partnership. infrastructure, solar highway, public-private partnership, american association of state highway and transportation officials, automated vehicles, environmental, technology, aashto, etap, innovation, highway false full 1