State Fact Sheets

The following pages contain State briefing sheets that contain information gathered prior to the scan. The information was generally used to provide basic context, regarding the State structure and safety programs, for the Scan Team members visiting each State.

 

Alabama

State Overview: 

Alabama covers an area of 54,419 square miles in the Southeastern region of the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau their population in 2009 was estimated at 4,708,708. The State has approximately 96,045 miles of public roads; close to 87 percent are locally owned and maintained.

Government Structure Related to Transportation

The State of Alabama is comprised of the following government offices:

• 13 Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• 9 Divisions
• 67 Counties

According to the State website, the Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is organized into nine geographic regions called Divisions, with a Central Office located in Montgomery. The Central Office is organized into the Office of the Transportation Director and the Office of the Chief Engineer with Bureaus and Divisions reporting to the Chief Engineer. Additionally, the Department has several other boards and committees that operate either within a bureau or as a cooperative effort among several bureaus and/or divisions.

The ALDOT County Transportation Bureau (CTB) has dedicated personnel for local roads and serves as the liaison between the Alabama Department of Transportation and the 67 counties in Alabama. The CTB has about 15 engineers in the Central Office, one engineer in each District, and about three support staff members.

Federal Safety Funding

Alabama received approximately $30.9 million in Federal safety funding in 2009.  Funding is divided between the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and High Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) as shown in the table below. The division office of the bureau prescreens local safety projects, provides construction engineering services to the local agencies, and oversees Federal-aid projects.

HSIP	HRRRP
$28,816,982	$2,062,489

Safety Data

The State's two year average of fatal crashes, using FARS data for 2007 and 2008, was 522 fatal crashes on State roads and 427 fatal crashes on locally owned and maintained roads. As shown in the following table, approximately 45 percent of fatal crashes occurred on locally maintained roads.  Route signing was used to determine roadway classification.  

Federal/State Roadways	Local Roadways
55%	45%

 

Georgia

State Overview:

Georgia covers 59,425 square miles in the Southeastern region of the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau their population in 2009 was estimated at 9,829,211.  The State has approximately 117,645 miles of public roads.  Approximately 84 percent of the State's roadways are locally owned and maintained.

Government Structure Related to Transportation

The State of Georgia is comprised of the following government offices:

• 15 Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• 6 Districts
• 159 Counties

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Off-System Safety Program was established as part of the GDOT Safety Action Plan to take assertive action in reducing the number of fatal crashes on off-system or local roadways.

Federal Safety Funding

Georgia received approximately $55 million in Federal safety funding in 2009.   Funding is divided between the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and High Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) as shown in the table below. The Federal funding from the HRRRP is administered through the Off-System Program efforts for distribution to counties and municipalities. 

HSIP	HRRRP
$52,015,784	$3,149,726

Safety Data

The State's two year average of fatal crashes, using FARS data for 2007 and 2008, was 850 fatal crashes on State roads and 581 fatal crashes on locally owned and maintained roads. As shown in the following table, approximately 41 percent of fatal crashes occurred on locally maintained roads.  Route signing was used to determine roadway classification.  

Federal/State Roadways	Local Roadways
59%	41%

 

 

Illinois

State Overview: 

Illinois covers an area of 57,918 square miles in the Midwest region of the United States. The United States Census Bureau estimated the State's population was 12,910,409 in 2009.  The State has approximately 138,833 miles of public roads.  Approximately 88 percent of the State's roadways are locally owned and maintained.

Government Structure Related to Transportation

The Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) Bureau of Local Roads and Streets has about 25 full-time employees in its central office.  Approximately 100 IDOT staff members work on local roadway programs. This includes IDOT District Local Roads and Streets personnel.

The State of Illinois is comprised of the following government offices:

• 13 Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• 9 Districts
• 102 Counties
• 2,000 Municipalities/Townships

Federal Safety Funding

Illinois received approximately $45.5 million in Federal safety funding in 2009.  Funding is divided between the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and High Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) as shown in the table below.  The Federal funding is administered through the IDOT's Bureau of Local Roads and Streets.

HSIP	HRRRP
$42,434,685	$3,024,273

Safety Data

The State's two year average of fatal crashes, using FARS data for 2007 and 2008, was 614 fatal crashes on State roads and 425 fatal crashes on locally owned and maintained roads. As shown in the following table, approximately 41 percent of fatal crashes occurred on locally maintained roads.  Route signing was used to determine roadway classification.  

Federal/State Roadways	Local Roadways
9%	41%

 

Michigan

State Overview:

Michigan covers 97,990 square miles and is located in the Great Lakes region of the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau their population in 2009 was estimated at 9,969,727. Michigan is the largest State east of the Mississippi River by total area. The State has approximately 121,456 miles of public roads.  Approximately 90 percent of the State's roadways are locally owned and maintained.

Government Structure Related to Transportation

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has two full time employees dedicated to safety.  One of the keys to success of the local safety program is MDOT's Local Safety Initiative. 

The State of Michigan is comprised of the following government offices:

• 12 Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• 83 Counties
• 400+ Cities/Villages
• 520 Local Agencies
• 13 Rural Task Forces

Federal Safety Funding

Michigan received approximately $42 million in Federal safety funding in 2009.  Funding is divided between the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and High Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) as shown in the table below.  Michigan Department of Transportation's Local Safety Initiative program administers HSIP and Local Rural Road funds to local agencies using an "Annual Call" for projects.

HSIP	HRRRP
$39,131,608	$2,926,006

Safety Data

The State's two year average of fatal crashes, using FARS data for 2007 and 2008, was 385 fatal crashes on State roads and 568 fatal crashes on locally owned and maintained roads. As shown in the following table, approximately 60 percent of fatal crashes occurred on locally maintained roads.  Route signing was used to determine roadway classification.  

Federal/State Roadways	Local Roadways
40%	60%

In order to remain a recognized leader in improving safety on roadways, the State of Michigan Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) has set two ambitious safety goals:

• Reduce fatal crashes to fewer than 850 by 2012.
• Reduce serious crash injuries from 7,485 in 2007 to fewer than 5,900 by 2012.

 

Minnesota

State Overview:

Minnesota covers 86,943 square miles in the Midwest region of the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau their population in 2009 was estimated at 5,266,214 and 60% of the population resides in the Minneapolis - St. Paul metropolitan area. The State has approximately 132,048 miles of public roads.  Approximately 89 percent of the State's roadways are locally owned and maintained.

Government Structure Related to Transportation

The State of Minnesota has the following jurisdictions/agencies at the local level:

• 8 Districts
• 8 Area Transportation Partnerships (ATPs)
• 87 Counties
• 854 Cities
• 1,786 Organized Townships

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is headquartered in St. Paul, MN.

Federal Safety Funding

Minnesota received approximately $26.8 million in Federal safety funding in 2009.  Funding is divided between the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and High Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) as shown in the table below.  The Mn/DOT State Aid for Local Transportation (SALT) administers funding allocations to local agencies.

HSIP	HRRRP
$24,940,307	$1,810,055

Safety Data

The State's two year average of fatal crashes, using FARS data for 2007 and 2008, was 224 fatal crashes on State roads and 219 fatal crashes on locally owned and maintained roads. As shown in the following table, approximately 49 percent of fatal crashes occurred on locally maintained roads.  Route signing was used to determine roadway classification.      

Federal/State Roadways	Local Roadways
51%	49%

 

 

New Jersey

State Overview:

New Jersey is located in the Northeast region of the United States and covers 8,729 square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau their population in 2009 was estimated at 8,707,739 and is the highest population density of any of the United States. The State has approximately 38,552 miles of public roads.  Approximately 93 percent of the State's roadways are locally owned and maintained.

Government Structure Related to Transportation

The State of New Jersey is comprised of the following government offices:

• 3 Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• 4 District Offices
• 21 Counties
• 566 Municipalities

One of the keys to success of the local safety program is the integrated relationship between the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).  NJDOT has a separate division, the Division of Local Aid and Economic Development, which works with county and municipal government officials to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the State's transportation system. 

Federal Safety Funding

New Jersey received approximately $25 million in Federal safety funding in 2009.  Funding is divided between the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and High Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) as shown in the table below.  The Division of Local Aid and Economic Development administers HSIP and Local Rural Road funds to local agencies primarily through MPOs.

HSIP	HRRRP
$23,356,592	$1,666,605

Safety Data

The State's two year average of fatal crashes, using FARS data for 2007 and 2008, was 270 fatal crashes on State roads and 344 fatal crashes on locally owned and maintained roads. As shown in the following table, approximately 56 percent of fatal crashes occurred on locally maintained roads.  Route signing was used to determine roadway classification.    

Federal/State Roadways	Local Roadways
44%	56%

 

 

Washington

State Overview: 

Washington State covers an area of 71,342 square miles in the upper northwest corner of the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau their population in 2009 was estimated at 6,664,195. Sixty percent of the State's population resides in the Seattle metropolitan area. The State has approximately 83,381 miles of public roads.  Approximately 81 percent of the State's roadways are locally owned and maintained.

Government Structure Related to Transportation

The State of Washington is comprised of the following government offices:

• 10 Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• 14 Regional Transportation Planning Organizations
• 39 Counties
• 200+ Cities/Villages

WSDOT has approximately 7,200 full-time employees, including engineers, vessel captains, maintenance technicians, environmental specialists, planners, and many others.  WSDOT has a well-defined local roads program. The WSDOT local roads program employs 30 full-time employees in the headquarters office and 30 in the field distributed among 6 regional offices.  Local roads staff includes bicycle/pedestrian specialists, safe routes to school specialists, and bridge specialists among others.

Federal Safety Funding

Washington received approximately $19.6 million in Federal safety funding in 2009.  Funding is divided between the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and High Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) as shown in the table below.  The Federal funding is administered through Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for distribution to all public road agencies. 

HSIP	HRRRP
$18,071,911	$1,572,286

Safety Data

The State's two year average of fatal crashes, using FARS data for 2007 and 2008, was 230 fatal crashes on State roads and 276 fatal crashes on locally owned and maintained roads. As shown in the following table, approximately 54 percent of fatal crashes occurred on locally maintained roads.  Route signing was used to determine roadway classification.  

Federal/State Roadways	Local Roadways
46%	54%

 

Key Contacts in Host States

This report would not be possible without support from our host States. Host States provided preliminary information prior to the visit, organized participants for the scheduled scan date, and supplied subsequent follow up information.  The key participants in each State are presented below.

Alabama

The Scan Team met with or talked to several representatives from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) including:

• Waymon Benifield, Safety Management Section Administrator
• Tim Barnett, Safety Operations Engineer
• Eric Marable, Safety Support Staff
• Wes Elrod, Assistant Chief, Multimodal Bureau
• Sonya Baker, Safety Support Staff
• Sam Poole, Safety Support Staff
• Ed Phillips, Chief, County Transportation Bureau
• Brad Lindsey, P.S. & E. Engineer, County Transportation Bureau
• Walter (Richie) Beyer, IV, Elmore County Engineer
• William L. Wallace, Safety Operations Manager
• Dr. Dan Turner, Professor, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Additionally, the Scan Team met with Linda Guin, FHWA Safety & Technology Engineer, Alabama Division.

Georgia

The Scan Team met with several representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) including:

• Norm Cressman, Safety Program Manager
• Steve Sanders, District Traffic Operations Manager
• Charity Belford, Traffic Operations
• Beverly Fontenot, Staff Development/Training Coordinator
• Kathy Zahul, Assistant State Traffic Engineer
• Derrick Cameron, Traffic Design Manager
• Phil Fergerson, Off-System Coordinator, District 6

Additionally, the Scan Team met with the following individuals:

• Lokesh Hebbani, FHWA Georgia Division
• Brandi Peck, Douglas County DOT
• Chris Pruitt, Cobb County DOT
• Talya Trudell, Atlanta Regional Commission
• Randy Clayton, Georgia Office of Highway Safety

Illinois

The Scan Team met with several representatives from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) including:

• Priscilla Tobias, State Safety Engineer
• Darrel Lewis, Bureau Chief, Local Roads and Streets
• Rob Robinson, Data Management Unit Chief
• Kim Cummins, Local Roads Engineer
• Terry Fountain, Local Roads Engineer
• Traci Sisk, Special Programs Manager
• David Piper, Safety Design Engineer

Additionally, the Scan Team met with the following individuals:

• Jay Keeven, Commander, Statewide Patrol Support Command, Illinois State Police
• Rita Morocoima-Black, CUUATS Manger, Transportation Engineer, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
• Alan Ho, Mobility & Safety Engineer Team Leader, FHWA Illinois Division
• Greg Piland, Safety Program Specialist, FHWA Illinois Division
• Meesa Otani, Transportation Engineer, FHWA Illinois Division
• Mike Staggs, Engineering Team Leader, FHWA Illinois Division
• Bob McCurdy, Lieutenant, Williamson County Sheriff's Office
• Brian Davis, Planning Engineer, Sangamon County Highway Department
• Tim Zahrn, County Engineer, Sangamon County Highway Department
• Jim Webb, County Engineer, Williamson County Highway Department

Michigan

The Scan Team met with several representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) including:

• Dale Lighthizer, Safety Programs Section Manager, Michigan DOT
• Tracie Leix, Safety Programs Unit Supervisor, Michigan DOT
• Dalrois McBurrows, Supervisor, Statewide Planning Section, Michigan DOT
• Jim D'Lamater, Local Agency Programs Safety Engineer, Michigan DOT

Additionally, the Scan Team met with the following individuals:

• Tom Bruff, Manager, Transportation Programs, South Eastern Michigan Council of Governments
• Wayne Schoonover, Ionia County Highway Engineer, Road Commission for Ionia County
• David Morena, FHWA Michigan Division
• Tim Colling, Assistant Director, Michigan Tech Transportation Institute, LTAP

Minnesota

The Scan Team met with several representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) including:

• Dave Engstrom, State Traffic Safety Engineer
• Julie Whitcher, Assistant Traffic Safety Engineer
• Mark Vizecky, Program Support Engineer
• Patti Loken, State Aid Programs Engineer
• Ken Schroepfer, Traffic Standards Specialist
• Kelvin Howieson, District 3 State-Aid Engineer
• Sue Groth, State Traffic Engineer

Additionally, the Scan Team met with Rick West, the County Engineer in Ottertail County, Minnesota.

New Jersey

The Scan Team met with several representatives from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) including:

• Patricia Ott, Director, Traffic Engineering and Safety
• William Beans, Section Chief, Bureau of Safety Programs
• Deven Patel, Principal Engineer, Division of Local Aid and Economic Development
• Debbie Kingsland, Project Engineer, Division of Planning and Project Development

Additionally, the Scan Team met with the following individuals:

• Pam Fischer, Director, New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety
• Lois Goldman, Director, Regional Planning, New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
• Jeff Vernick, Manager, Corridor Studies and Project Planning,North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
• Tim Chelius, Executive Director, South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization
• Mark Jehnke, Principal Engineer, Ocean County Engineering Department
• John Ward, Associate Director, Planning Division, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
• Janet Leli, Program Director, Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation
• Sarah Weissman, Program Manager, Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation and Transportation Safety Resource Center
• Caroline Trueman, Safety Engineer, FHWA New Jersey Division

Washington

The Scan Team met with several representatives from the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) including:

• Kathleen Davis, Director, WSDOT Highways & Local Programs (H&LP)
• Matthew Enders, Technical Services Manager, WSDOT H&LP
• Aaron Butters, Engineering Services Manager, WSDOT H&LP

Additionally, the Scan Team met with the following individuals:

• Dan Davis, Collision Data & Analysis Branch Manager, WSDOT Transportation Data Office
• Don Peterson, Safety/Design Engineer, FHWA Washington Division
• Megan Hall, Local Programs/Research & T2 Engineer, FHWA Washington Division
• Jim Ellison, County Traffic Engineer, Pierce County Public Works
• Scott Davis, Traffic Engineer, Thurston County Public Works
• Angie Ward, Program Manager, Washington Traffic Safety Commission

 

Scan Team Members

Federal Highway Administration Representatives

Rosemarie Anderson, Transportation Specialist, Local and Rural Roads Program, FHWA Office of Safety Programs, Task Order Manager

Jeffrey Shaw, FHWA Safety Engineer, FHWA Resource Center

Peter Hartman, Idaho Division Administrator, FHWA

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Representative

Tracie Leix, Safety Programs Unit Supervisor, Michigan DOT
Representative of the AASHTO Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety (AASHTO-SCOHTS)

American Public Works Association (APWA) Representative

John Davies, Chief Engineer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Jacksonville, Florida

National Association of County Engineers (NACE) Representatives

Albert Letzkus, Chief Traffic Engineer, Pima County DOT, Tucson, Arizona

Jon Oshel, Director of Public Works, Tillamook County, Oregon

National Local Technical Assistance Program Representatives

Cliff Reuer, Technical Assistance Provider, South Dakota LTAP Center, South Dakota State University

John Habermann, Program Manager, Indiana LTAP, Purdue University School of Civil Engineering

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (contractor to FHWA)

Teresa Gardner, Project Manager
Manager, Consultant Services on the project.

Michelle Scism, Project Coordinator

Additional Scan Contributors

Karen Yunk, HSIP Program Manager, FHWA Office of Safety Programs

John Dewar, State and Local Programs Team Leader, FHWA Office of Safety Programs

Robert Hollis, Arizona Division Administrator, FHWA

Larry Dwyer, Vermont Division Assistant Administrator, FHWA