AASHTO Domestic Scan Proposal Form

AASHTO is soliciting topic proposals for a FY 2013 US Domestic Scan Program (NCHRP Panel 20-68A). Each selected scan topic will be investigated through site visits to three to six locations over a one or two week period, conducted by a group of eight to 12 transportation professionals with expertise in the selected topic area. Proposed topics should meet the following criteria:  Address an important and timely need for information by transportation agencies;  Are of interest to a broad national spectrum of people and agencies;  Are complex and also “hands-on,” meaning they lend themselves particularly well to exploration through on-site visits; and  Are sufficiently focused that the tour participants are able to investigate and understand key issues in the limited time available on the tour.

Proposals should be returned no later than November 14 th , 2011.

Proposal Contact Information

Name: Virginia Tsu Title: Realty Specialist, Agency/AASHTO Committee: Federal Highway Administration Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington 20590 E-mail: [email protected] Telephone number: 202-366-2042 Date of submission: 11-9-11 Title of Proposed Scan

Renewable Energy in Highway Rights-of-Way: Domestic Scan and Think-Tank Committee

Problem Statement (What topic is to be examined? What drives the need for the scan? Why now?)

Following the lead of international counterparts, a limited number of state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in the United States have recently begun to explore innovative uses of highway right of way (ROW) which support alternative energy production/generation goals. A number of technologies are beginning to emerge as viable energy and income producing opportunities. Current accommodation strategies and approaches need to be examined for opportunities which will allow DOTs to take advantage of these technologies.

Scan Scope (What specific subject areas are to be examined? Which cities and states might be visited? Which agencies/organizations (including specific departments or types of staff if applicable)?

The scope may include: State and Local Transportation Agency on-site interviews to gather information on any changes in technological, regulatory, siting, safety, operations and maintenance, environmental, real estate, and funding considerations that have occurred in support of innovative alternative energy uses of right-of-way.

Establishment of task force to focus efforts, develop strategies, provide vision of potential future uses which support overarching continued transportation purpose and use while allowing accommodation in right-of-way. Committee will consist of representatives from within FHWA’s various offices, as well as state DOT/AASHTO stakeholders, utility company leaders, and representatives from other Federal agencies (e.g., the Department of Energy, United State Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency, United States Environmental Protection Agency).

Scan Objectives (What key information is to be gained? What information is to be shared after the scan? Who would the audience be for this information?)

Further refine FHWA’s and its partners’ collective understanding of the pertinent issues related to highway ROW renewable energy generation.

Identify steps necessary to support state and local transportation agencies’ accommodation of renewable energy in their ROW should they choose to pursue these activities.

Final report will include analysis of best practices and dissemination of information on any changes in technological, regulatory, siting, safety, operations and maintenance, environmental, real estate, and funding considerations which are relevant to alternative energy production in the right-of-way.

The audience may include highway designers, engineers, planners, environmental personnel, and right-of-way personnel.

Benefits Expected (Including potential impacts on current technology or procedures)

Some of the anticipated benefits of developing renewable energy in the ROW include reduced highway maintenance and operational costs, creation of potential new revenue sources, along with a reduced reliance on fossil fuel, improved energy security and conservation, and the creation of a local green job market.