• Information Resources
  • Volpe Library
  • Volpe Journal
  • Volpe Highlights
  • Points of Pride
  • Bibliographies

Volpe Center Highlights - October 1999

Human and Natural Environment

Director's Notes | Focus | Safety | Mobility | Human and Natural Environment |
Economic Growth and Trade | National Security

Protect and enhance communities and the natural environment affected by transportation.

National R&D Plan for Aviation Safety, Security, Efficiency, and Environmental Compatibility Approval (RSPA)

During 1999, the Transportation Strategic Planning and Analysis Office has been working with NASA, FAA, and Department of Defense (DoD) under Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) sponsorship, on the development of the National Science and Transportation Council (NSTC) document entitled "National R&D Plan for Aviation Safety, Security, Efficiency, and Environmental Compatibility." This plan presents a coordinated and comprehensive view of the relevant research being performed by NASA, FAA, and DoD, as requested by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The plan was prepared at the Volpe Center, based upon materials supplied by the agencies and coordinated by NASA Headquarters. Approved by NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin, DoD Director of Defense Research and Engineering Dr. Hans Mark, and Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater, the plan has been approved for dissemination by Neal Lane, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology. The plan supports development of final FY 2001 budget submissions by the three agencies. Public release of the document is scheduled for December 1999.

Federal/State Collaboration on Environmental Compliance (USPS)

Mr. Paul Bushueff of the Automation Technology Division and Mr. Edward Rynne of the United States Postal Service (USPS) demonstrated the Facility and Environmental Management Systems (FMS/EMIS) to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on September 28. Pennsylvania would be the second state to join in a Federal and state collaborative development process for information systems to support the facilities and environmental management process. Discussions are underway with several other organizations, including the U.S. Department of Commerce and Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commissions. These initiatives are an outgrowth of participation at the last Transportation Research Board's (TRB) annual meeting.

Return to Top