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The CSS Role in a Changing Climate

The CSS Role in a Changing Climate. Sandy Otto June 18, 2008 FHWA Environmental Conference. What is CSS?.

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The CSS Role in a Changing Climate

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  1. The CSS Role in a Changing Climate Sandy Otto June 18, 2008 FHWA Environmental Conference

  2. What is CSS? CSS is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders to develop a transportation facility that fits its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility. A CSS approach considers the total context within which a transportation project will exist. ~ FHWA and AASHTO In short, “finding the best fit.”

  3. BACKGROUND Demand for greater public participation ‘91 ISTEA , ‘95 NHS recognized flexibility in design 1997 FHWA Flexibility in Highway Design guidebook 1998 MD’s Thinking Beyond the Pavement FLHD’s integrated CSS approaches 2004 AASHTO’s Bridging Documents Expansion to NGO’s, public advocates and industry

  4. Excellent Projects and Processes • Purpose and need, scope agreed on by all stakeholders • Safe facilities for both the user and the community • In harmony with community and environmental values • Exceed expectations and add lasting value • Early, open and continuous communication • Process is tailored to meet the circumstances • Top agency and local leader commitment • The context is understood before engineering design is started.

  5. Title 23 USC – “Highways”§ 109. Standards The relevant portion is:

  6. SAFETEA-LUTITLE VI--Transportation Planning And Project Delivery Amends Title 23 § 109

  7. Challenges AASHTO 2005 survey says: #1 Resistance to change #2 Perceived higher cost #3 Lack of understanding of CSS #4 Liability concerns

  8. FICTION: CSS delays the project delivery process. FACT: CSS can expedite project delivery by “doing it right the first time”.

  9. FICTION: CSS means we toss our standards. FACT: CSS involves applying flexibility and sound engineering judgment to achieve a good design.

  10. FICTION: CSS means we compromise safety. FACT: CSS calls for safety to be considered equally with other decision factors.

  11. CSS Action Plan Developed as part of a 4 month ‘detail’ Developed in concert with staff currently involved in corporate CSS activities Sets strategic program direction Identifies gaps in internal support and external outreach Identifies resources needed to get the job done

  12. Internal Communication and Support Identify barriers and cultivate buy in Extend accountability Develop staff for greater program capacity Equip staff to support and facilitate state CSS efforts Provide performance incentives

  13. External Outreach Improve communication with AASHTO staff and members Broad scale outreach to DOTs and other owners Lead National Dialogue to stimulate demand, leverage support Improve knowledge management

  14. Defining Success CSS integrated into project development processes Improved project processes nationwide leading to decreased project cost and delay Eventual transition to standard practice for project development

  15. So what does this have to do with you?

  16. Our Message A message of implementation Improves cost effectiveness of programs Streamlines delivery of projects Encourages safety dialogue with the public An extension of FHWA stewardship responsibilities Meets FHWA program and unit goals

  17. What does your unit manager need from you? • CSS can help meet her Project Delivery Goals • CSS can help meet her Environmental Streamlining goals • CSS can help to begin conversations about sustainable transportation • Your leadership in CSS can help to make this happen What can we do to help you? • Research Projects • Technical Guidance Handbooks/Documents • Conferences, Workshops, Outreach, Advocacy • Technical Assistance

  18. The CSS Initiative • Transitioning to new CSS Lead • CSS has FHWA top management support • Anticipating a higher profile with additional, committed resources

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