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Established in 1981 as the Rural Technical Assistance Program, the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is a program of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). LTAP, also known as the Technology Transfer (T2) Program, provides a method by which research findings and innovative ideas are transferred into useful processes, products and programs to meet the growing demands on local street and highway systems. LTAP has established a nationwide system of 55 T2 Centers; one in each state, one in Puerto Rico and four which serve American Indian Tribal Governments. Some Centers are located in universities while others are located in state highway departments. The Illinois T2 Center is located within the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, Bureau of Local Roads and Streets. It is our responsibility to develop a mix of T2 tools and information to most effectively address the needs of local highway agencies in Illinois. How do we know your needs? Your needs are brought to the Centers attention through the T2 Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of two representatives selected by each local agency organization, a FHWA representative, the Bureau Chief of Local Roads and Streets or his representative, the Administrative Services Section Chief and the T2 Coordinator. Your Advisory Committee Members are:
County Engineers
Townships
Municipalities
Federal Highway Administration
IDOT, Bureau of Local Roads & Streets It is this committee's responsibility to provide the guidance and direction necessary for the T2 Program to address your needs using effective information sharing techniques. The Illinois T2 Center has implemented the following techniques as appropriate means of sharing information: Quarterly Newsletter: A quarterly newsletter is being published in the months of February, May, August and November. The new "Illinois Interchange with its colorful design/tinting replaced the Local Roads and Streets Training newsletter in August 1993. Each issue will contain articles on upcoming seasonal activities, innovative ideas from local agencies, management concepts and safety suggestions to help you perform your duties in a more efficient and safe manner. Video and Publications Library: The T2 Centers Video and Publications Library contains 30 videotapes and 10 publications. A new brochure listing each videotape and publication was included in the Winter 1994 Illinois Interchange Newsletter. The videotapes make excellent training aids. Copies of videos will be made upon request and the receipt of one blank tape per each video requested. We also loan videos for 21 days to local agencies. Your response to the Videotape and Publication Brochure has been overwhelming. We ask your patience in this matter. Training Classes and Seminars: The Local Roads Training Program responsibilities have been transferred to the T2 Center since training is a primary means of technology transfer. The T2 Training Program will continue along the same lines with the exception of a May 1994 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 19 new policy which gives local agency enrollments priority over other enrollments as a class fills up. The 1993-1994 T2 Training Program was very successful. Over 1875 students enrolled in the 60 classes that were held at 10 different locations statewide. The curriculum consisted of 25 different subjects. These classes are tuition free with the exception of WSPRO classes which requires students to pay the cost involved in renting computers. The Administrative Duties of Township Highway Commissioners Seminar was presented to the Highway Commissioners this training year. This seminar familiarized the new and refreshed veteran highway commissioners on a variety of subjects necessary in the performance of their duties. Ony a few sessions remain to be held in this program. A special thanks to those County Engineers and District Local Roads personnel in each district who served as the Cadre to present these seminars. Look for the 1994-1995 training curriculum in the August issue of the Illinois Interchange. The T2 Program is for your benefit. Should you have any suggestions or comments, we recommend you contact your representative on the Advisory Committee. Your input will help direct and guide this program in the direction that will be most beneficial to your needs. Credits: Willy Scheller, Technology Transfer Program Coordinator. Page 20 / Illinois Municipal Review / May 1994 |
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