|
| October 22, 2010
|
|
FHWA Offers $10 Million to States to Fund Innovative Approaches |
|
The Federal Highway Administration is soliciting participants for $10 million in Value Pricing Pilot program funds as part of a national effort to encourage pioneering strategies to relieve congestion.
FHWA is interested in funding new programs that decrease congestion without using tolls. It is giving priority to proposals for pay-per-mile car insurance and innovative parking pricing. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 18. "Value pricing" (also called "congestion pricing") refers to varying charges by time of day or traffic volume to manage congestion. It can significantly improve traffic flow by encouraging people to choose to drive at different times of the day, thereby spreading out demand and reducing congestion at peak hours, according to the administration. FHWA distributed $10 million worth of Value Pricing Pilot program grants among seven states in August. (see Aug. 6 AASHTO Journal story) More information is available at bit.ly/FHWA-VPP. Questions regarding this article may be directed to editor@aashtojournal.org. |