[A1D08] Inside the beltway news

this is something tom p sent around to his committee chairs. i am not sure how we can fit in but if anyone has any ideas toss them on the table... -------- Original Message -------- Subject: TRB Core Support from BTS Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 15:30:47 -0500 From: "Tom Palmerlee" <tpalmerlee(a)nas.edu> To: edc(a)berwyned.com This is an update on negotiations curerntly underway between TRB and BTS on 2004 core support funding. Many of you may already be aware that BTS has proposed a significant reduction in TRB core support in its 2004 budget. While some of the modal administrations have provided the minimum sponsor level of $60k, BTS has made annual core support in the $300k range. This amount has its origin in the mid-1990s when BTS first became a sponsor. It is my understanding that BTS wanted to encourage more data and information technology at TRB in general and at the annual meeting in particular. As you all know, the annual meeting program is a product of the standing committees with each getting its 2+ sessions. At that time, I think there was only one data committee so the opportunities for growth in a new area were limited. BTS's proposal at that time was to provide core funding at a level that could support an additional senior program officer to staff an expanded suite of committees relating to transportation data and information technology. That strategy was successful. Today, depending on how you count, there are about a dozen committees focusing on transportation data and information technology issues. Counting workshops, sessions and committee meetings, these committees organized nearly 60 events at the 2003 annual meeting. That's a two fold increase, just in the four years I have been at TRB. The 2004 budget is refocusing and sharpening its programs in response to guidance from the Secretary's office. There are five core data programs, as follows: BTS Core Data Programs Freight Data Travel Statistics Transportation Economics Airline Statistics GIS Cross-cutting Programs These will provide a research grounding in transportation and statistics: Transportation Research Methods and Standards The impact on tRB of a reduction in core support of this size could be significant. TRB, already estimating a tight budget, will likely to have to reduce staff available to the support committees. Last week Mark Norman, Steve Godwin (TRB Policy Division Director) and I me with BTS Acting Director Rick Kowalewski, and BTS' new outreach coordinator Thomas Bolle, The point was made that TRB collectively, and the data committees in particular encompass many activities relevant to the proposed BTS core programs and, with active staff and committee support, TRB could provide effective mechanisms for BTS to connect with specialists in those areas and with the data user community. Rick indicated a willingness to reconsider to core funding level for next year. Thomas Bolle and I are now leading an effort to refine that concept, with the support of staff from both organizations. We are likely to be asking your help in this effort. I am optimistic that we will have a more favorable outcome within the next few months. I'll keep you informed about our progress. Tom Thomas M. Palmerlee Senior Program Officer Transportation Data Transportation Research Board National Research Council 500 Fifth St. NW, Room 419 Washington, DC 20001 202-334-2907 tpalmerlee(a)nas.edu