[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 240 (Thursday, December 14, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75290-75293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-21226]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
National Safe Routes to School Task Force to the Secretary of
Transportation
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of meeting of advisory committee.
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SUMMARY: This document announces the first meeting of the National Safe
Routes to School Task Force to the Secretary of Transportation. This is
the first meeting of the task force. The purpose of the Task Force is
to advise the Secretary of Transportation, through the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety, on strategies to advance Safe
Routes to School (SRTS) Programs nationwide and to encourage children,
including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school
pursuant to Section 1404(h) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)
(Pub. L. 109-59). This meeting is open to the public and will have time
allocated for public testimony. The public is welcome to present
written or oral comments to the Task Force.
DATES: The first meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for January 11,
2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t.
ADDRESSES: The first meeting of the Task Force will be held at the
Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Tim Arnade, the Designated Federal
Official, Safe Routes to School Program Manager, FHWA Office of Safety
Programs, (202) 366-2205 (Tim.Arnade@dot.gov); Federal Highway
Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 75291]]
Background
On August 10, 2005, the President signed into law the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy
for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59). Section 1404(h) of SAFETEA-LU
mandates the establishment of the Task Force as follows: ``The
Secretary shall establish a national safe routes to school task force
composed of leaders in health, transportation, and education, including
representatives of appropriate Federal agencies, to study and develop a
strategy for advancing safe routes to school programs nationwide.''
To carry out this requirement, the FHWA published a notice of
intent to form an advisory committee in the Federal Register on July
11, 2006 (71 FR 39138). This notice, consistent with the requirements
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. II,
announced the establishment of the Task Force and invited comments and
nominations for membership.
We received a total of fifty-four (54) nominations submitted to the
docket for the National SRST Task Force; forty-six (46) were nominated
to serve on behalf of a specific organization and eight (8) nominations
were for particular individuals. In selecting the members of the Task
Force consistent with statutory direction, the FHWA attempted to
achieve a balanced membership representing a broad cross-section of the
diverse agencies, organizations, and individuals that are involved in
Safe Routes to School activities and programs in the United States.
Pursuant to congressional conference report language (SAFETEA-LU, Joint
Explanatory Statement of the Committee of the Conference, House Report
109-203, p. 866-867 or you may visit http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/
saferoutes/legislation.htm to view an electronic copy of the conference
report language), a broad range of agencies was selected consisting of
``members [that are] representatives from State and local agencies as
well as relevant non-profit organizations and associations including
organizations or associations that represent automobile drivers.''
The seventeen (17) selected members are as follows:
Dr. Phyllis Agran, MD, MPH of the University of California, Irvine,
CA will represent the American Academy of Pediatrics, a national
health-related organization.
Ms. Barbara Alberson is Chief of the State and Local Injury Control
Section of the California Department of Health. She will serve
representing the State and Territorial Injury Prevention Directors
Association, a national health-related organization.
Mr. Thomas Brahms is Executive Director of the Institute of
Transportation Engineers. He is located in Washington, DC and will
represent professionals working in the transportation field.
Ms. Sabrina Cruz is Principal of Brichta Elementary School in
Tucson, AZ. Principal Cruz will represent the educational community and
the Pima County-Tucson Safe Routes to School Program.
Mr. Richard Deal, PE, TE, PTOE is a City Traffic Engineer for
Monterey, CA and will represent the American Public Works Association
and professionals working in the transportation field.
The Honorable Sue Frank is Mayor of Raytown, Missouri. She is a
locally elected official and will represent local interests through the
National Association of Regional Councils.
Ms. Deborah Hubsmith of California is Coordinator of the Safe
Routes to School National Partnership and will represent a national
SRTS advocacy organization.
Mr. Michael King of Nelson and Nygaard Consulting Associates in New
York, NY will represent the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle
Professionals and professionals working in the transportation field.
Ms. Lauren Marchetti will represent the National Center for Safe
Routes to School at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center in Chapel
Hill, NC. She is Director of the National Center for SRTS.
Ms. Refilwe Moeti is Public Health Advisor for the Division of
Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (Department of Health and Human Services) in Atlanta,
Georgia. Ms. Moeti represents a Federal Agency.
Scott Osberg, PhD is Director of Research for the American
Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety in
Washington, DC and will represent professionals working in the
transportation field with an emphasis on safety.
Mr. Robert Ping is SRTS Program Director for the Oregon Bicycle
Transportation Alliance and Willamette Pedestrian Coalition and will
represent practitioners implementing SRTS programs on a local and
statewide level.
Ms. Sharon Roerty is Director of Community Programs for the
National Center for Bicycling and Walking and is located in Maplewood,
NJ. Ms. Roerty will represent a national bicycle and pedestrian
advocacy organization.
Ms. Donna Smallwood will serve as the Task Force Chair. Ms.
Smallwood is the Operations Manager for MassRIDES in Boston, MA and
will represent a State Department of Transportation SRTS program.
Ms. Leslie Thompson is a Planner for the Nashville Area MPO in
Nashville, TN. She will represent regional interests through
Tennessee's Safer Routes to School Advisory Council.
Mr. Roger Wentz of Fredericksburg, VA is the Executive Director of
the American Traffic Safety Services Association and is a
representative of the transportation industry.
Ms. Dale Ann Wright is an Officer for the West Valley City Police
Department in West Valley City, UT and will represent local law
enforcement agencies.
The agenda topics for this meeting will include (1) an overview of
strategies that are already in place within the U.S. to advance SRTS
programs; (2) an overview of national strategies that are used in other
countries to advance SRTS programs; and (3) discussion of how best to
advance SRTS programs nationwide.
The FHWA anticipates that the Task Force will meet three times in
2007. Two meetings will be held in Washington, DC, and the remaining
meeting may be held in a location outside of Washington, DC. The FHWA
will publish notices in the Federal Register to announce the times,
dates, and locations of these future meetings. Meetings of the Task
Force are open to the public and time will be provided in each
meeting's schedule for comments by members of the public. Attendance
will be necessarily limited by the size of the meeting room. Members of
the public may present oral or written comments at the meeting. Written
materials should be sent to the FHWA Task Force support contractor,
Toole Design Group, 4603 Calvert Road, College Park, MD 20740,
attention Ms. Amy Elmquist, (301) 927-1900, srts@tooledesign.com, ten
(10) days prior to the meeting. Members of the public may also contact
Ms. Amy Elmquist to be placed on the SRTS Task Force mailing list.
The National Safe Routes to School Task Force Charter, approved by
the Secretary of Transportation, is as follows:
Federal Advisory Committee Charter
National Safe Routes to School Task Force Program Advisory Committee
U.S. Department of Transportation
1. Purpose: This charter establishes the National Safe Routes to
School Task Force pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended, 5 U.S.C., App. 2, and sets forth policies for its
[[Page 75292]]
operations. The statutory authority for the Task Force is section
1404(h) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. (Pub. L. 109-59).
2. Scope and Objectives:
a. The Task Force will study and develop a strategy for advancing
safe routes to school programs nationwide.
b. The Task Force will submit a report to the Secretary of
Transportation containing the results of the study conducted, and a
description of the strategy developed above, and the report shall
contain information regarding use of funds for infrastructure-related
projects and non-infrastructure related activities funded by the new
Federal-aid Safe Routes to School Program.
c. The Task Force will not exercise program management, regulatory
or program guidance responsibilities. It makes no decision directly
affecting the programs on which it provides advice. The Task Force
provides a forum for the development, consideration, and communication,
from a knowledgeable and independent perspective, of a strategy for
advancing Safe Routes to School Programs nationwide.
3. Duties: The Task Force will be responsive to the specific
assignment provided for in law:
a. Study and develop a strategy for advancing safe routes to school
programs nationwide.
b. Produce a report to the Secretary of Transportation containing
the results of the study conducted, a description of the strategy
developed, and information regarding the use of funds for
infrastructure-related projects and non-infrastructure activities
funded by the new Federal-aid Safe Routes to School Program.
4. Duration: The Task Force will remain in existence for 2 years
from the effective date of this charter, unless recommended for
termination or renewal by the Secretary of Transportation.
5. Official to Whom Task Force Reports: The Task Force will report
to the Secretary of Transportation through the sponsor.
6. Sponsor and Agency Providing Support: The Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety serves as sponsor of the Task
Force and will designate a Designated Federal Official to direct the
affairs of the Task Force and will provide necessary administrative
support.
7. Membership:
a. The Task Force shall be composed of representative members
appointed by the Secretary of Transportation upon recommendation by the
FHWA Office of Safety. Task Force members shall represent a cross
section of the diverse agencies, organizations and individuals that are
involved in Safe Routes to School activities and programs in the United
States. By statute, the membership will be composed of leaders in
health, transportation and education, including representatives of
appropriate Federal agencies. Pursuant to congressional conference
report language, Task Force members could also include representatives
from State and local agencies, as well as relevant non-profit
organizations and associations including organizations or associations
that represent automobile drivers. The FHWA Office of Safety may
consult with applicable organizations to determine the appropriate
individuals to be recommended.
b. Members may also be considered who are not from the categories
listed above to achieve the broad range of experience and understanding
noted above.
c. Nonparticipation by any member in Task Force activities will be
sufficient reason for the appointment of a replacement member by the
Secretary. However, members may be represented at Task Force meetings
and activities by alternates representing the same interest as the
member. Alternates shall have full rights and duties of the membership.
If a current member is unable to attend a meeting, that member or his/
her organization may nominate an alternate for approval by the Task
Force sponsor, at any time prior to the meeting or activity for which
the appointment is made. Unless otherwise specified by the member, the
appointment is valid for only one meeting or activity including any
continuation of that meeting or activity.
d. Additional persons may be designated by the Chairman to serve on
working groups of the committee to assist in the performance of its
functions. Representatives of the Office of the Secretary of
Transportation, any agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, or
any other Federal agency may participate in any meeting of the Task
Force with the approval of the Designated Federal Official.
8. Task Force Officers: The Chairman will be appointed by the FHWA
Office of Safety from among the members of the Task Force. The Chairman
will conduct each meeting using generally accepted meeting management
techniques, provide an opportunity for participation by each member and
by public attendees, ensure adherence to the agenda, maintain order,
and with the Designated Federal Official, prepare any recommendations
to be submitted to the FHWA Office of Safety. In the absence of the
Chairman, the Designated Federal Official will appoint a Vice Chairman
to perform these duties.
9. Meetings:
a. Meetings will be held at the call of or with the advance
approval of the Designated Federal Official. The Task Force will meet
approximately three times the first year. Special meetings and working
group meetings may be called as necessary. Notice of each scheduled
meeting will be published in the Federal Register.
b. All meetings are open to the public. Members of the public are
permitted to appear before or file statements with the Task Force. The
Designated Federal Official, or a Departmental employee alternate
designated by the DFO, must be present at each Task Force meeting. This
official has the authority and duty to adjourn the meeting whenever
such action is deemed to be in the public interest. A quorum exists
when at least one-half of the appointed members are present. A quorum
must exist for any official action, including voting, to occur. In any
situation involving voting, the majority vote of members present will
prevail. An agenda for each meeting must be approved in advance by the
Designated Federal Official in consultation with the Task Force
Chairman.
10. Compensation: Members of the Task Force may receive travel and
per diem, as allowed by regulations and U.S. Department of
Transportation policy.
11. Costs: Operating expenses are borne by the Task Force Sponsor.
The estimated annual cost to the government is $200,000 inclusive of
administrative contract support, report writing, meeting costs, travel,
and other logistics expenses.
12. Availability of Records: Subject to Section 552 of Title 5,
United States Code, the records, reports, minutes, agenda, and other
documents made available to or by the Task Force will be available for
public inspection and duplication in the FHWA Office of Safety, or
through the Office of Safety Safe Routes to School Web site,
www.safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/htm.
13. Reports: The Designated Federal Official will furnish detailed
minutes of each meeting to the sponsor. The minutes contain a record of
the persons present, a complete and accurate description of matters
discussed and conclusions reached, and copies of all reports received,
issued or approved by the Committee. The Chairman and Designated
Federal Official will certify the accuracy of the minutes.
14. Working Groups:
[[Page 75293]]
a. The Task Force Chairman may establish working groups to perform
specific assignments with the approval of the Designated Federal
Official. The Chairman may designate members from either the Task Force
or the public to serve on working groups. The Working Group Chair will
be a Task Force member. Recording or videotaping of working group
meetings may only be performed by the sponsor, Designated Federal
Official, or their designee.
b. Any recommendations to the Department by working groups must be
approved by the Task Force as a whole.
15. Filing Date: October 27, 2006, is the filing date and the
effective date of this Charter which will expire in 2 years from this
filing date, unless sooner terminated or extended.
Conclusion: The first meeting of the National Safe Routes to School
Task Force to the Secretary of Transportation will be held on January
11, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t. at the Holiday Inn Capitol,
550 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
(Authority: Section 1404(h) of Pub. L. 109-59; Pub. L. 92-463, 5
U.S.C., App. II Sec. 1.)
Issued on: December 7, 2006.
J. Richard Capka,
Federal Highway Administrator.
[FR Doc. E6-21226 Filed 12-13-06; 8:45 am]
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