MPC
Research Projects (2007-08)

Identifying Number

MPC-298

Project Title

Generating Public Involvement in Transportation Policy and Funding Decision Making Processes

University

North Dakota State University

Project Investigators

Jon Mielke, Gene Griffin, and Kathryn Harrington-Hughes

Description of Project Abstract

Transportation construction, maintenance, and system/program operating costs are escalating well beyond the annual rate of inflation. Funding for related projects, programs, and services has not kept pace. System users are seemingly uninformed concerning the divergence of system needs and available funding and are not involved in public processes concerning needs identification and corresponding funding. Efforts must be taken to inform stakeholders and the public concerning this disparity, to solicit their input, and to encourage their involvement in public policy decision making processes. Given the inseparable nature of local, state, and national highway systems and related programs and services, informed stakeholders and an involved public are essential at every level if tomorrow's transportation network is to adequately address the needs of this nation's citizens and the economy.

Project Objectives

• Increase public understanding of the importance of transportation services and facilities and associated construction, maintenance, and operating costs.
• Solicit public input concerning project and program funding shortfalls and options.
• Encourage public and industry participation in ongoing decision making processes that formulate public policy concerning transportation and the funding of related programs and projects.

Project Approach/Methods

This project is designed to help North Dakotans become better informed about the state's transportation and mobility needs. Participants will learn how public policy is formulated to address these needs and their input will be solicited concerning program and project prioritization and related funding options. Participants will also be encouraged to become involved in related policy formulation processes.

The project will focus on personal and freight mobility via all modes and will include the preparation of materials that will be used to educate the public concerning existing systems, facilities, and services and related construction, maintenance, and operating costs. This information will be presented on a statewide basis via a series of 8-12 local one-day meetings and via the Internet.

In addition to these education presentations, these meetings will include discussions on how public policy concerning transportation is formulated, from local and state level projects to state level policies and budgets. Attendees will be encouraged to become active participants in ongoing policy making processes. These local meetings will be followed by a statewide conference on freight and personal mobility.

The input gathered at the local meetings will be a key part of discussions at this state meeting. Based upon the experience and knowledge gleaned from this project, researchers will prepare a corresponding guidebook on developing public understanding and support for transportation. This guidebook may be a valuable resource for transportation planners and public policy decision makers across the country.

Contributions/Potential Applications of Research

This project will have immediate and a long-term impacts on transportation and freight and personal mobility in North Dakota. Immediate impacts should be a better understanding of transportation-related project, program, and service costs and the evolving funding crisis and public input concerning funding options. Given the importance of these projects, programs, and services, this input and newly-gained knowledge will hopefully precipitate subsequent participant involvement in ongoing public policy decision making processes.

Beyond North Dakota, the information gained as a part of this effort will have direct applicability in other states and at the federal level. Related insights should help share future program planning and funding at both the state and federal level.

Technology Transfer Activities

The proposed local workshops will be, in part, technology transfer projects which will present participants with information concerning ongoing cost-related and funding related to transportation and freight and personal mobility. These meetings and the subsequent state-wide conference will also define a process and produce information that will be of value to not only state policy makers in North Dakota but also to transportation planners, policy decision makers, and industry service providers and users across the country.

Time Duration

July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008

Yearly and Total Project Cost

$150,000

TRB Keywords

Public, input, transportation, infrastructure, transit funding