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Volume 4 | Issue 4

Highlighting Local Innovations

Florida's 2023 Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) competition celebrates innovative solutions for challenges that local and tribal transportation workers encounter. The winners of this year's competition range from the development of tools and equipment modifications to the implementation of new processes that increase safety, reduce cost, and improve efficiency of our transportation system.

Local and tribal agencies are responsible for more than three million miles of roadways and roughly 50 percent of the bridges in the United States. These transportation networks are vitally important to both the economic health of the country and the quality of life for all Americans. These agencies must use limited budgets and resources to serve the needs of their customers. Innovation can be the mission critical factor that helps bridge that gap. Local and tribal road practitioners continually implement incremental changes in their processes, tools, and services to reflect groundbreaking technologies and best practices. In their roles as innovators, agency staff leverage their considerable creativity, technical expertise, and diverse talent pool to suggest changes that are useful, valuable, and impactful to their local system. BABM showcases the most clever and creative practices and tools from across the country. By sharing these innovations with one another, local and tribal road departments can adapt these new tools and practices, and deliver more efficient, cost-effective services to their communities. Click here to learn more about Florida's 2023 winners.

News

FDOT Access Management Guidebook Update

FDOT Systems Implementation Office (SIO) has updated the Access Management Guidebook. This guidebook is developed as a way for state and local transportation officials to better understand access management principles and FDOT standards.

This revised guidebook explains the FDOT rules and standards developed in various FDOT documents and manuals related to access management which are to be followed in developing and designing access to state transportation facilities. This guidebook also provides background by defining access management, how it is applied to Florida’s transportation facilities and some best practices.

The updated Multimodal Access Management Guidebook can be found on the Systems Implementation Office website:

https://www.fdot.gov/planning/systems/systems-management/systems-management-documents

Florida Local Agencies Among Recipients of Safe Streets for All Grant Awardees

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced 235 fiscal year (FY) 2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant awards totaling $82 million for planning and demonstration projects to help the nation’s cities, counties, metropolitan planning organizations, and Tribal governments better understand the safety challenges in their communities, and then begin to identify solutions to make our streets, roads, and highways safer for all road users.

This is the first of two FY23 announcements for the Safe Streets and Roads for All competitive grant program. Florida local agencies have been awarded 14 out of the 235 Planning and Demonstration Grants. The second announcement is anticipated in December and will include additional Planning and Demonstration Grants and Implementation Grants, which provide federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address a roadway safety problem. For more information about the SS4A grant please visit: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A.

Local Programs

LAP Title VI & ADA Sub-Recipient Compliance Assessment Tool (SCAT) Training (In-Person)

We recently had the pleasure of visiting FDOT District 1 on November 15th and 16th to assist in the delivery of the LAP Title VI and ADA Sub-Recipient Compliance Assessment Tool (SCAT) Training in Fort Myers and Bartow. It was a fantastic opportunity to help participants gain a deeper understanding of the Title VI Program's requirements for sub-recipients of Federal-Aid Highway Program funds. The training went into great detail about program requirements and local agency compliance with Title VI and nondiscrimination laws, as well as the FDOT's SCAT and ADA regulations and requirements. The training also demonstrated how the Department's current design standards, FDM and Greenbook, meet or exceed the ADA's standards. We were thrilled to meet with various local agencies and collaborate with FHWA and FDOT to assist our Florida transportation community. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and we are excited to continue promoting compliance and accessibility within the transportation industry.

FDOT administers several grant funding programs for subrecipients, more commonly known as “local agencies.” Local agencies have jurisdiction over a transportation facility and include, but are not limited to, a municipality, county, expressway, or transportation authority, special district, or regional governmental unit. The Florida LTAP Local Programs page has information on recorded and upcoming trainings.

Learn More

Upcoming Trainings

Speed Calming and Speed Management 2-Part Webinar Series

Speeding–traveling too fast for conditions or exceeding the posted speed limits–is a factor in 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. In 2021, an estimated 42,939 fatalities occurred on our Nation’s roadways, of which 12,330 were speeding-related. Speeding is a safety concern on all roads. Although much of the public concern about speeding has been focused on high-speed Interstates, over 35 percent of speeding-related fatalities occur on lower speed collector and local roads. Speeding is a complex issue involving engineering, driving behavior, education, and enforcement. This two-part webinar series will examine the rapidly evolving field of Speed Management Safety and equip the participant with the latest resources and information.

This webinar series is provided at no cost and will award a certificate of training listing Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or a certificate of completion verifying your attendance.

2023 Proposed Florida Greenbook Updates 2-Part Webinar Series

Are you interested in learning more about the proposed 2023 Florida Greenbook? The Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance (Florida Greenbook) provides criteria for public streets, roads, highways, bridges, sidewalks, curbs and curb ramps, crosswalks, bicycle facilities, underpasses, and overpasses used by the public for vehicular and pedestrian travel.

In this 2-part webinar, brought to you by the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida LTAP Center, we will present an overview of the major changes in the 2023 Florida Greenbook. We will also discuss when and how the Greenbook applies to your project and the options available for improving safety and accessibility. This is a two-day course, with each day consisting of 1.5 hours of presentation time and 0.5 hours of Q&A at the end.

This webinar series is provided at no cost and will award a certificate of training listing Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or a certificate of completion verifying your attendance. AICP CMs have been requested (Thanks to the Sun Coast Section of APA Florida!)

APWA - Growing Talent for Tomorrow's Future

In an era of unprecedented change and evolving global dynamics, this concept of preparing individuals, organizations, and communities for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead has never been more relevant. Investing in human capital is emerging as a pivotal strategy for the workforce of the future. Emphasizing the empowerment of young professionals, this webinar will discuss the role of education and mentorship in shaping future leaders and innovators. Let us hear from the Educator/s on how to develop a "call to action" for creating a brighter, more prosperous and sustainable world for generations to come.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

■ To provide valuable insights, advice, and strategies for personal and professional development of future workforce.

■ To equip with the tools to drive innovation, address challenges, and contribute to economic and social progress.

■ How to motivate individuals and teams to be a student of lifelong learning.

This webinar is provided at no cost and will award a certificate of training listing Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or a certificate of completion verifying your attendance.

Using Pedestrian and Bicycle Level of Stress in Practice

Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) is a practical and useful tool to assess the perceived comfort and safety of people walking or bicycling along a given roadway. Supporting efforts to develop safe and connected networks of transportation facilities, an LTS analysis can identify streets that work well and areas in need of improvement. Moving beyond minimum design criteria, LTS helps planners, engineers, and advocates understand the interrelated factors that either encourage or discourage walking and bicycling.

This webinar will explore LTS history, data needs, methodology, and practical applications. The webinar will also cover a deeper dive into the latest guidance from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on how to calculate Level of Traffic Stress.

Topics to be covered in the webinar include:

■ Understanding LTS Fundamentals: We will begin by demystifying LTS and its components, introducing the qualitative and quantitative elements that make a roadway safe and comfortable for people on foot or on bicycle.

■ Latest FDOT Guidance: FDOT’s 2023 Multimodal Quality/Level of Service Handbook presents a methodology to calculate LTS. We will provide a review of the most recent FDOT guidance, identifying what has changed from previous calculations of Level of Service for people walking and bicycling

■ Practical Tools and Resources: We will equip you with the necessary tools and resources to conduct LTS analysis in your community or projects. What data is needed? Can LTS be calculated for a single street or an entire network of streets? Should LTS be calculated before or after a project? Whether you’re a transportation planner, engineer, or advocate, you will gain actionable insights to advance your initiatives.

■ Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Discover how LTS is being utilized effectively in real-world scenarios. We will present case studies showcasing how LTS analysis has informed transportation planning and design, resulting in safer streets and improved mobility.

By the end of this webinar, you will have a comprehensive understanding of Level of Traffic Stress, how to apply it to your projects, and access to the latest guidance from FDOT. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and contribute to creating safer and more inclusive streets for people walking and bicycling!

This webinar is provided at no cost and will award a certificate of training listing Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or a certificate of completion verifying your attendance. AICP CMs have been requested (Thanks to the Sun Coast Section of APA Florida!)

Upcoming Events

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

Now through December 8, 2023

A 2020 FDOT survey of Florida’s aging road users showed 72% of participants strongly agreed that driving is central to their independence. During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition will bring awareness to mobility independence and the resources available to address the transportation challenges faced by older adults.

We all are responsible for starting the conversation about safe driving and learning about the natural age-related changes that can impact those skills. With the right resources, Floridians can better understand the impact aging has on driving, be proactive about safe driving skills, and plan for a safe transition from driving. Participate and help spread the word by visiting https://www.safemobilityfl.com/.

FDOT Transportation Symposium 2023

Now through December 13, 2023

Keep staff and industry partners up-to-date with FDOT policies, procedures, and best practices. Visit https://transportationsymposium.fdot.gov/.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) will be offered for the live version of the webinar. The recorded version will be posted to view at a later date.

Funding Opportunities

Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration Funding

Deadline: December 12, 2023

The Federal Highway Administration recently announced a multiyear funding opportunity for the Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration. This program provides incentive funds for Tribal Governments, Federal land management agencies, and State departments of transportation (DOTs) to accelerate the implementation and adoption of innovation in highway transportation and demonstrate state-of-the-art technologies. Local public agencies may apply through State DOTs.

AID Demonstration funds can be used in any phase of a highway transportation project between project planning and project delivery, including planning, finance, operation, structures, materials, pavements, environment, and construction.

Learn More

American Trails Capacity Program

Deadline: January 15, 2024

The Trails Capacity Program is open to applications for projects on public or private land across the country. These grants are for work on motorized or nonmotorized trails/projects that are open to the public anywhere in the United States and Puerto Rico. The program will focus funding on state and local lands, and projects on federal lands will be accepted.

Learn More

Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating Vehicle to Everything (V2X) Deployment

Deadline: January 17, 2024

Up to $40 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2024 is available to accelerate the adoption and deployment of interoperable connectivity nationwide. DOT seeks eligible entities to deploy, operate, document, and showcase integrated, advanced roadway deployments featuring applications enabled by interoperable connectivity that substantially and quantitatively:

■ Improve system safety (particularly the safety of vulnerable road users as defined in the FHWA ■ Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Guidance4);

■ Enhance traveler mobility.

■ Improve the efficiency of goods movement.

■ Mitigate environmental impacts.

■ Address disparities in transportation equity.

■ Demonstrate a significant return on (public and private) investment.

Learn More

For additional funding opportunities, visit the Florida LTAP Funding News page

What is Target Zero?

Target Zero is a statewide initiative to reduce the number of transportation-related serious injuries and deaths across Florida to ZERO. Florida’s Target Zero initiative is working toward zero fatalities on our roadways, because even one fatality is too many.

Learn more at TargetZeroFL.com

Florida Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Center

Center for Urban Transportation Research

University of South Florida

4202 East Fowler Ave., CUT100

Tampa, FL 33620-5375 USA

T: (813) 974-4450

FloridaLTAP@usf.edu

www.FloridaLTAP.org

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