TPF Studies>>>Detailed View | |
| Study Number: | TPF-5(215) |
| Status: | Cleared by FHWA |
| Title: | Transportation Engineering and Road Research Alliance |
| Contract/Other Number: | |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Minnesota Department of Transportation |
| Lead Agency: | Minnesota Department of Transportation |
| Lead Agency Contact: | Maureen Jensen (maureen.jensen@dot.state.mn.us) Phone: 651-366-5507 Fax: 651-366-5461 |
| FHWA Technical Liaison: | Robert Orthmeyer (Robert.Orthmeyer@fhwa.dot.gov) |
| Study Partners: | MI, MN, ND, NY, WI |
| Commitments Received: | $157,500 |
| 100% SP&R Approval: | Approved |
| Background: | A strong transportation network is essential for competing in the global marketplace. Yet our infrastructure is aging, construction costs are rising, and the public is demanding a higher level of service ¿ all while revenues are in decline. These trends make it clear:We need innovative and implementable solutions to preserve what we have and to invest in tomorrow. The Transportation Engineering and Road Research Alliance, TERRA, is a unique force for this much-needed innovation. TERRA exists to: · Guide future pavement research investments and activities; · Exchange information, share ideas, and learn research results; · Develop relationships, and provide a network for expanded collaboration and development of proposals; · Attract key public, industry, academic and other program partners to contribute resources; · Expand entrepreneurial use of the capacity and capabilities of the MnROAD facility by pursuing opportunities to serve a broader research community. TERRA was formed in 2004 by a task force of government, industry, and academic representatives. TERRA¿s mission is to develop, sustain, and communicate a comprehensive program of research on pavement, materials, and related transportation engineering challenges, including issues related to cold climates. TERRA does not fund research, but its members have helped secure funding for a $10M program of TERRA-initiated research. Several TERRA members are involved in coordinating this research program. TERRA is a separate entity from Mn/DOT¿s Research Services Section, but collaborates with and complements Mn/DOT¿s innovative initiatives. TERRA¿s diverse membership, as shown above in Study Partners, makes the alliance a unique collaboration that brings non-traditional partners to the table. The current membership, including industry, academia, and government agencies ranging from cities and counties to national road administrations, engages a breadth of perspectives to address today¿s transportation engineering challenges. Objectives: TERRA is seeking organizations |
| Objectives: | TERRA is seeking organizations to join the alliance. Benefits of membership include: · Sitting at the table collaboratively with industry, academia, and government agency representatives to define common roadrelated research issues and establish joint research priorities, building on existing efforts such as FHWA¿s PC Roadmap and HMA Roadmap. · Exploring research funding opportunities that leverage funds across organizations. · Receiving timely results on TERRA research projects through communication products that focus on lessons learned and implementation; · Assistance in putting research results into practice through technology transfer events such as the TERRA Innovation Series; · Opportunities to feature news about your organization in a quarterly electronic newsletter. TERRA members serve on the board and supporting committees, meeting periodically throughout the year to determine priorities, develop strategies to address the priorities, and execute action plans. The current priority objectives of the organization are laid out in the following strategic directions, adopted in July 2008 by the current TERRA board. · Define and launch a bold and synergistic research program. Create research priorities that expand beyond a MnROAD focus and leverage the power of the group. These priorities should utilize diverse funding sources, engage and benefit TERRA members, and be recognized nationally. · Implement research results ¿on the ground¿ Implementation of transportation engineering and road research applications should be successful, visible, and include innovations that are also put into practice outside of the alliance. · Develop activities that enhance TERRA¿s role as a dynamic forum for research interchange Activities should provide continuous learning opportunities that enable members to educate each other, as well as adapt to a changing world through easily accessible information and ongoing exchange. TERRA committee members define specific annual action plans to help ensure these directions are implemented. The action plans are described in detail in an annual Business Plan (see link in `study documents¿ section below). |
| Scope of Work: | All project funds are utilized to implement the strategic directions and action plans of TERRA, as defined and approved by the full TERRA board. Currently, a majority of TERRA¿s operating funds are being utilized to disseminate research results and help put these results into practice. Project funds will not be used for research projects. Tasks to be supported by these project funds include, but are not limited to: · Plan and conduct three board meetings and multiple committee meetings per year to establish research priorities, share research findings, exchange information, and define direction of the organization. Up to 2 representatives from each member organization can participate on the board; · Discuss and screen potential research projects and seek partners from the public, academic, and private sectors to collaborate on these projects; utilize available resources to ensure research is not duplicative; · Communicate and disseminate TERRA research results and innovations through the use of communication products such as the Web site (www.TerraRoadAlliance.org ), quarterly electronic newsletter, and fact sheets; · Put research results into practice through technology transfer events such as the TERRA Innovation Series; · Communicate impacts of the organization¿s activities to national leaders in transportation. Organizational support to staff and manage these activities is outsourced. Comments: $5,000 per year requested from each organization for five years. In addition, organizations can cover travel to board meetings by adding $2,500 per person per year for up to two people. Please contact Maureen Jensen at maureen.jensen@dot.state.mn.us or 651-366-6607 with questions. Industry, academic, and non-US government organizations interested in becoming TERRA members should contact Laurie McGinnis at mcgin001@umn.edu or 612-625-3019 for more information. |
| Comments: | $5,000 per year requested from each organization for five years. In addition, organizations can cover travel to board meetings by adding $2,500 per person per year for up to two people. Please contact Maureen Jensen at maureen.jensen@dot.state.mn.us or 651-366-6607 with questions. Industry, academic, and non-US government organizations interested in becoming TERRA members should contact Laurie McGinnis at mcgin001@umn.edu or 612-625-3019 for more information. Other study partners include: Aggregate and Ready Mix Assn of MN, American Concrete Pavement Assn, Associated General Contractors of MN, Caterpillar Global Paving, Concrete Paving Assn of MN, FHWA, Iowa State University (CP Roadmap), Michigan Tech University, MN Asphalt Pavement Assn, MN LRRB, Norwegian Public Roads Administration, SemMaterials, Iniversity of MN |
| Study Documents: | Quarterly Report: 2010 April - June |
| Type: Quarterly Progress Report | |
| Quarterly Report: 2010 January - March | |
| Type: Quarterly Progress Report | |
| Quarterly Report: 2009 October - December | |
| Type: Quarterly Progress Report | |
| Quarterly Report: 2009 July - September | |
| Type: Quarterly Progress Report | |
| Acceptance Letter | |
| Type: Memorandum | |
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