This is a repost of information shared with me by one of our partners/collaborators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Looks like a great opportunity https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/health_in_transportation/
Health and Transportation Corridor Planning Framework
Also available as Adobe PDF (150 KB)
FHWA and FTA are seeking transportation agencies to test a new tool to assist agencies interested in incorporating public health into their transportation decisions at the corridor planning level. Up to five beta test teams will be selected based on submittal of a letter of interest that describes their proposed corridor and how incorporating public health considerations might improve their current process. Although FHWA and FTA are interested in as much diversity as possible in the selected test teams, there are some factors that will drive the selection process. The following information is provided to help potential beta test participants determine if this opportunity is right for them and help develop their letter of interest.
What is the Framework?
Multi-disciplinary research is underway that will lay out a methodology for incorporating public health considerations into the traditional steps in corridor planning. The Framework (Figure 1) will help agencies develop the information practitioners need to actively consider public health at each step in the process including partnerships, stakeholders, and data and analysis. As envisioned, transportation agencies can use this resource to identify when and how to consider public health in corridor planning activities.
Six Step Process
What is the timeframe for the beta test?
Interested agencies may submit a letter of interest any time prior to November 26, 2014. The selected participants will be notified in December with the kickoff meeting soon thereafter. In January 2015 the beta test process will begin and conclude in August 2015. Agencies must be able to complete at least three of the six steps in the Framework during this period to be considered.
Who should participate in the beta test?
The beta test should be led by a state, regional, or local transportation agency that is leading the corridor study, however, partnerships are highly encouraged. One aspect of the framework is how partners and stakeholders work together to incorporate public health in the process. Agencies that plan to develop or have agreements with public health agencies, stakeholders, advocacy groups, or other supporting participants are encouraged to participate. Consultant support and involvement is acceptable.
What is provided by FHWA and FTA?
Although there is no direct funding allocation associated with this opportunity, technical assistance will be provided by the consultant lead research team. This will include technical assistance and response to emails and phone calls, as needed. One site visit is included in this support, and conference calls or webinars will be conducted during the process as well as at the conclusion.
What is expected of the participating agencies?
Agencies must be willing to devote the staff time necessary to use the information in the Framework in their corridor planning process. Because this will involve new stakeholders/partners as well as new information, this could potentially lengthen the time necessary to complete the corridor study. Agencies will need to designate a specific contact for the beta test to interface regularly with the research team to report progress and challenges. At least three steps in the Framework must be completed during the eight-month test period; therefore active corridor projects will be considered if the agency can identify the specific steps in the Framework that will be tested.
What is the anticipated outcome of this beta test?
The Framework is intended to support transportation practitioners who wish to incorporate public health considerations in their ongoing planning process. The draft Framework that is tested will be adjusted by the inputs from the beta test teams to make it more useful. At the end of the test period all beta test teams will meet in a conference call format to discuss the outcomes and changes that are most useful to practitioners. The resulting framework will be made available through FHWA's website in 2016 and could be publicized through a Transportation Planning Information Exchange webinar, newsletters, and Quarterly Stakeholder meetings of the Transportation Planning Capacity Building Program.
What should I do if I am interested in being considered for the beta test?
Please contact your local FHWA Division Office by November 7th, to let them know of your interest. They will forward your contact information and we will follow up with you to get more information about the corridor study of interest, the stage of the study you are in and other supporting information. If you have any questions please direct them to Victoria Martinez, FHWA Office of Natural Environment victoria.martinez@dot.gov, or Faith Hall, FTA Office of Planning and Environment faith.hall@dot.gov.