Philadelphia PA FHWA Talking Freight Seminar MPO Freight

Philadelphia, PA FHWA Talking Freight Seminar MPO Freight Advisory Committees: Philadelphia-Camden Region Case Study Ted Dahlburg August 20, 2003

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission § § MPO created in 1965 § Sixth largest U. S. metropolitan area with 5. 4 million residents § Extensive freight network Serves 2 states, 9 counties, 4 cities, and 353 municipalities Metropolitan Planning Organizations = MPOs

MPO Freight Planning Priorities Under TEA-21 § § International border crossings Access to intermodal facilities Major distribution routes Formalized coordination with freight shippers and carriers Freight Advisory Committees = FACs

Average Meeting Attendance of the DVRPC FAC

Organization of the DVRPC FAC The Delaware Valley Goods Movement Task Force

FAC Co-Chairs § § Provide leadership and overall direction Demonstrate the importance assigned to freight Assure agency-wide commitment Promote collaboration between DVRPC and Penn. DOT and New Jersey DOT

FAC Subcommittees § § Spearhead private sector FAC participation Provide freight input and support for MPO initiatives Act on behalf of the full FAC Communicate member news

FAC Members and Guests § § § § Carriers Shippers Economic development agencies Member governments Adjacent regions Federal agencies Consultants Member quote: Come on in: the water’s fine!

Designated FAC Facilitator § § Mobilizes MPO resources Provides a focal point for the freight community Demonstrates institutional commitment Represents the agency at external functions and outside the region

FAC Meeting Orchestration § § § Four meetings a year Robust mailing and e-mail lists Recurring format • coffee half-hour • DVRPC business • State DOT business • guest presenters • two-minute reports • lunch Important tip: set meeting dates, orient speakers, and load computer presentations ahead of time.

DVRPC Business Presented to the FAC § § § § Long range plan TIP Work program Management systems Corridor studies ITS Travel modeling and forecasting FAC recommendations are transmitted to the proper committee.

DVRPC Activities that Strengthen the FAC § § Technical products Special events Constituent services Participation in the larger freight community

Technical Products § § § § Freight photo gallery Freight Lines data bulletin Transportation construction bulletin Intermodal container case study TIP highlights NHS connector evaluations Organized field views Many FAC materials are available at: www. dvrpc. org/transportation/freight. htm

Special Events § § § § Freight railroad excursions and conferences National Incident Management Coalition conference US DOT freight summit MPO exchange programs Anniversary meeting Chamber of Commerce day Theme meeting

Constituent Services § § § § § Maps and aerials Event staffing Quick-fix projects Contact information Speech writing Technical reviews Notifications by phone and e-mail Awards and letters of recognition Job referrals Customer focus: Yes, I can do that!

Participation in the Larger Freight Community § § § § Traffic Club Consular offices Adjacent regions State DOT FACs Industry associations I-95 Corridor Coalition Transportation Research Board

Freight Projects Funded by the DVRPC CMAQ Program in 2003 § § § Automated marine terminal gate Truck rest facility idling equipment Rail line extension Transload facility Cross dock facility Total DVRPC CMAQ funding for freight projects in 2003 = $2. 7 M

Studies Recommended by the FAC and Funded § § Short Line Railroad Bridge Inventory Delaware County Grade Crossing Study South Philadelphia Freight Complex Study Economic Benefits of Freight At DVRPC, freight votes!

FAC Opportunity Areas § § Promote safety programs. Increase outreach to trucking industry. Increase involvement with DVRPC transportation technical advisory committee. Advance strategies from NCHRP Synthesis 33 -12: “Integrating Freight Facilities and Operations with Community Goals. ” National Cooperative Highway Research Program = NCHRP

Key Observations on FACs § § FACs can work! A successful committee is built on small wins and big wins. Smaller MPOs should refer to NCHRP Project 8 -47 for freight planning best practices. The profession has many wonderful, dedicated people. Thank you very much!