Raising the Profile of Research
Making the Case to Elected and Appointed
Officials
Katie TurnbullTexas A&M Transportation
InstituteTexas A&M University System
• TTI Legislative Involvement
• TRB Technical Activities Council Initiatives
• 21 formal testimony• 30 meetings with members• 11 members participated in
TTI-sponsored events• 107 meetings with legislative
staff• 83 responses to specific
legislative inquiries
TTI Legislative Involvement on Transportation Issues
FY 2010-2011 Biennium
Topics
• Distracted Driving• Seat Belt Use• Motorcycle Safety• Red Light Cameras• Mobility and
Congestion• Funding and Finance• Mileage Based User
Fees• Infrastructure Needs • Performance
Measures
Topics of Legislative Interest
• 2030 Committee• 100 Congested Areas• Mobility Investment
Priorities• Panama Canal
Stakeholder Working Group
Major Initiatives with TxDOT and Other Groups
TRB Technical Activities Council• 2011 Mid-Year Meeting Discussion Topic• Back to Basics – Fostering and Nurturing a
Research Agenda• 2013 Annual Meeting Session-Showcasing the
Benefits of Transportation Research• Collaboration with
US DOT, AASHTO and Others