Inside This Issue...

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced availability of a Web site that will serve as a consolidated location for all SAFETEA-LU implementation guidance the agency issues. The guidance is available at: www.fhwa.dot.gov/safetealu/reference.htm.

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) will become an entirely fee-funded program. It received no direct appropriations in the proposed fiscal 2007 budget. Though a supplemental budget document listed the program as receiving $272 million in funds, that was later confirmed as an error. Instead, the Transportation Security Administration will issue a final rule to allow the program to collect fees; it is expected to collect $20 million in fees in fiscal 2007. Launched in 2004, the TWIC involves identification cards embedded with fingerprints and biometric information to prevent fraud. Workers in airports, seaports and other transportation sectors could use the card to access all secure areas.

U.S. Department of Transportation Chief Norman Y. Mineta has declared that booster seat usage rates are far too low and must be addressed immediately. National statistics show less than one out of every five kids between 4 and 8 years old is riding in a car booster seat. In addition, over the past two years less than 20 percent of kids who should be in booster seats are actually in them when riding in cars. Mineta has announced a new federal initiative that would provide $25 million over the next four years to states that pass and enforce new or tougher booster seat laws. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia already have booster seat laws. Mineta has called on the other 16 states to pass similar laws. He encourages parents to visit www.boosterseat.gov to find out if their child should be in a booster seat.

The offices of AAMVA and IRP, Inc. will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, 2006 in observance of the President's Day Holiday. Offices will reopen at 8:30 am on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced an extension of the deadline for implementation of Section 7105 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This provision requires operators of commercial motor vehicles registered to operate in Canada or Mexico who transport placarded loads of hazardous materials or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73 within the United States to undergo a background check similar to that required for U.S. operators with a hazardous materials endorsement. The deadline is being extended from Feb. 10, 2006 to Aug. 10, 2006. For more information, contact Stephen Sadler, director, Maritime and Surface Credentialing, Office of Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing, TSA-19, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202-4220; telephone (571) 227-2492; fax (703) 603-0409; e-mail stephen.sadler@dhs.gov.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced its plan to submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval. The request is for a renewal of an existing information collection related to inspection, repair and maintenance (OMB Control Number 2126-0003). Comments (Docket No. FMCSA-2006-23598) must be received by March 17, 2006. Send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 Seventeenth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention: DOT/FMCSA Desk Officer. For more information, contact Jeffrey Van Ness, (202) 366-8802, Vehicle and Roadside Operations Division (MC-PSV), FMCSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking comments about what revisions are needed for the Model Specifications for Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices. The specifications serve as guidelines for the performance and testing of the devices. NHTSA is seeking comments because changes may be necessary after more than 13 years of experience with this technology. Written comments must be received by April 17, 2006. Comments should refer to the docket number NHTSA-2005-23470 and be submitted (preferably in two copies) to: Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590. Alternatively, you may submit your comments electronically by logging onto the Docket Management System (DMS) Web site at http://dms.dot.gov. For more information, contact Dr. James F. Frank, Office of Research & Technology (NTS-131), NHTSA, 400 Seventh St., SW., Washington, DC 20590, (202) 366-5593.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently completed its year-long analysis of the final traffic crash statistics for 2004. The agency has released the Traffic Safety Facts 2004 Overview as well as other reports on specific issues. NHTSA reports that the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled fell to an all-time low of 1.46 in 2004 (versus 1.73 in 1994). In addition, fatalities declined by .06 percent from 2003. Motor vehicles crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for people ages 3 through 33. For more information, see NHTSA's Web site.

Several jurisdictions need your input. If you haven't already done so, please respond to the following surveys. Contact Member and Conference Services if you need a user ID and password. Thank you.

• Georgia - Hazardous Materials Endorsements  (Ends 2/24/06)
• Nevada - Document Retention Using Microfilm  (Ends 2/22)
• South Dakota - Registration Renewal Notices  (Ends 2/22)
• South Dakota - Handicap Permits/Placards  (Ends 3/15)

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) has put together a framework to help state and local agencies develop and implement pedestrian safety action plans. The guide contains information on involving stakeholders, potential sources of funding, and how to evaluate projects. To view the guide, visit PBIC's Web site.

The U.S. Research and Innovative Technology Administration's Bureau of Transportation Statistics has released the 2005 statistical profile of transportation in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The report includes information about each state's infrastructure, freight movement, passenger travel, safety, and more. To view the report, visit the Bureau's Web site.

AAMVA is pleased to announce its 6th Annual Capitol Hill Day, taking place March 13-14, 2006. This year, AAMVA will discuss appropriations with members of Congress and their legislative staff for the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), appropriations for and regulations implementing the Real ID Act (P.L. 109-13), and the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). AAMVA's profile on Capitol Hill has never been higher and the association requests your presence to help sustain the momentum. Join your fellow administrators as we work for legislation that is favorable to our member agencies. If you are able to attend, AAMVA will be hosting a briefing on March 13 at 3 pm at AAMVA Headquarters. Clay Heil, deputy staff director for the Senate Appropriations Committee, will be the guest speaker. Join your colleagues in meeting with your legislators between 9 am and 3 pm on March 14, followed by a debriefing at AAMVA Headquarters to wrap up the day's events. If you have questions or need assistance in making your Congressional appointments, contact Cian Cashin, AAMVA's manager of State Government Affairs. Information is also available on AAMVA's Web site.