I snagged this off the TMIP listserve and thought I would pass it along. I would encourage folks to take a look at the STEP website and provide their research ideas where appropriate. There ae so many ways where data fits into this. ---------------------------------------------- Subject: Feedback on FHWA Research Program Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:21:50 -0400 From: Fred.Ducca(a)DOT.GOV To: TMIP-L(a)LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU The purpose of this message is to update you on the status of the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP). Section 5207 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) established the STEP program. The goal of the STEP is to improve understanding of the complex relationship between surface transportation, planning, and the environment. The STEP program will be the primary source of funding for TMIP. By September 15, 2006, FHWA invites stakeholders to review the implementation strategy and provide suggested lines of research that may be pursued during fiscal year 2007 via the STEP website at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP. For example, stakeholders who have an interest in the "Tools to Support Environment and Planning" emphasis area might suggest that it is important to research ways to implement tour-based travel forecasting models or to integrate freight forecasting models within MPO forecasting procedures. Access to the STEP Emphasis Areas can be found by clicking on Strategies, then on STEP Emphasis Areas. The STEP website and feedback system are available now, so please provide comments at your earliest convenience. FHWA does not seek specific, detailed research proposals and discourages researchers from submitting proposals of that nature. Specific research work statements, if pursued under the STEP, would be crafted by FHWA, after careful consideration of stakeholder views. Please share information about the STEP implementation strategy and Web-based feedback system with other stakeholders. We look forward to your feedback regarding this important cooperative research program. -- Ed Christopher 708-283-3534 (V) 708-574-8131 (cell) FHWA RC-TST-PLN 19900 Governors Dr Olympia Fields, IL 60461