MPC
Research Projects (2007-08)

Identifying Number

MPC-295

Project Title

Integrating Security into Small MPO Planning Activities

University

North Dakota State University

Project Investigators

Mark Lofgren and Kimberly Vachal

Description of Project Abstract

MPOs are beginning to consider implications of the 2005 SAFETEA-LU legislation that requires specific attention for security elements in transportation planning. This most recent federal transportation bill extracts and differentiates safety planning and security planning as two distinct elements in MPO planning activities. "Security planning includes activities and products developed in response to identified criminal threats to high value, vulnerable elements of the transportation system" (FHWA, 2006). Safety may be distinguished from security but the two elements are often highly interrelated in the activity scope of smaller MPOs. "The nuance between the two is security places an emphasis on being protected from dangers that originate from outside" (Wikipedia). The MPO role in security may take many forms including facilitator, participant, or leader in the security-related activities. In many instances, these security activities may be related to other planning factors such as safety, accessibility, and efficiency. It seems that the federal directive recognizes this fact, and is encouraging MPOs to address security in a way that is systematically efficient and effective.

Project Objectives

Provide smaller MPOs with knowledge and procedures for integrating and sustaining security initiatives in their transportation planning activities.

Project Approach/Methods

Through case study analysis of the evaluation and decision processes; and cooperative development of a deliverable MPO longer-term plan chapter on goals and action item to achieve security initiatives; this project will focus on how the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan area will meet its USDOT mandate to incorporate security into its planning processes and documents. It will serve as a model for other small MPOs.

Contributions/Potential Applications of Research

• Case Study Research Document
• Presentation and Research Paper Submissions to TRB
• TLN Case-Study Presentation

Technology Transfer Activities

• Potential security planning model for other small MPOs
• Insight for interagency coordination in transportation aspects of disaster and security events

Time Duration

July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008

Yearly and Total Project Cost

$32,000

TRB Keywords

Security, MPO activities, MPO planning, security initiatives, transportation planning, safety planning, safety, security planning