Spending more time on asset management

State transportation officials, researchers and federal officials have developed a broad action plan to increase the focus and funding of asset management activities in transportation, including the creation of an Asset Management Institute.

During the two-day meeting in July, participants:

* Adopted the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Asset Management Strategic Plan and recommended that AASHTO assume a strong leadership role in Asset Management;

* Recommended AASHTO adopt and maintain the Framework, Guide, Training and other products being developed through the current series of NCHRP projects;

* Requested AASHTO convene a National Summit of Associations to discuss a coordinated program in Asset Management in coordination with another national conference in 2003;

* Developed a reauthorization proposal for funding and maintaining an Asset Management Program for consideration by AASHTO;

* Proposed a long-term funding initiative for sustained support of Asset Management to establish the Asset Management Institute in AASHTO, develop staff capacity in AASHTO and secure a six-year funding commitment of $30-60 million through reauthorization or from FHWA;

* Endorsed and requested FHWA/AASHTO/TRB partnership in funding and maintaining a website;

* Proposed sharing of best practices and creation of a plan/architecture for education of future professionals; and

* Proposed a national survey of the states using the new Asset Management self-assessment tool developed through the current NCHRP guide panel.