Promoting Local Participation on Transportation Improvement Projects

This project summary report summarizes the research performed in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Project 0-5025. The goals of this research project were: (1) to develop guidelines for use by TxDOT staff for developing and promoting transportation project partnerships with local and regional leaders and (2) to identify and provide estimation procedures to quantify economic and other benefits that derive from major transportation improvements. Researchers determined factors that prompt local governmental agencies and private entities to participate financially in state transportation projects. They also developed tools to help TxDOT attract increased local funding into its projects. The research included a charrette utilizing transportation agency representatives who had participated in transportation partnerships with local entities. The workshop produced transferable lessons learned that could help TxDOT pursue partnerships with local entities. The project also produced guidebooks on economic benefit estimation methods and guidelines for transportation project partnering, a sample benefit prospectus, a draft PowerPoint presentation, and draft brochures to help promote partnerships with local agencies and decision makers.