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What is LTAP?
About Minnesota LTAP
The mission of Minnesota LTAP is to improve the skills and knowledge of local transportation agencies through training, technical assistance, and technology transfer. Ultimately, the goal of Minnesota LTAP is to foster a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation system.
Launched in 1992, Minnesota LTAP conducts workshops and seminars, conferences, customized training, demonstrations, and distance learning. In addition, Minnesota LTAP publishes newsletters and maintains a Web site with extensive resources.
Minnesota LTAP is part of the National Local Technical Assistance Program Association (NLTAPA), which was formed in 1982 by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). NLTAPA consists of a network of centers nationwide—one in each state and Puerto Rico—as well as several Tribal Technical Assistance Programs, or TTAPs. In addition, there are six centers in Mexico.
Cities, counties, and townships maintain more than 3 million miles of road and 301,000 bridges in the United States. Keeping them safe and navigable requires a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. The LTAP network helps meet this crucial need.
Minnesota LTAP Sponsors and Partners
Through innovative partnerships, Minnesota LTAP matches every federal dollar it receives with local funds. Housed at the University of Minnesota within the Center for Transportation Studies, Minnesota LTAP is a collaborative effort of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Minnesota LTAP frequently partners with other agencies, industry groups, and professional organizations. Partnering helps lower costs and reduce duplication of effort, and provides better quality training for Minnesota's local government agencies.
In addition, the National Local Technical Assistance Program Association has developed formal partnership agreements with:
- National Association of County Engineers
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
- American Public Works Association
LTAP Steering Committee
The 13-member LTAP steering committee governs the tactical implementation of program activities and the expenditure of program funds. The committee works with the program director to make sure the funding organization's requirements are met.
The steering committee meets at least twice each year to provide direction to and approval of program activities, including annual plans, work programs, and budgets. Committee members are selected based on their interest in contributing to transportation technology transfer. They provide input into identifying local agency training and technology transfer needs and priorities.
Members also review and provide feedback and suggest improvements for LTAP program services and special projects, and they provide LTAP staff with information regarding technology transfer/research implementation opportunities and success stories. In addition, members act as a communication liaison for their respective organizations by identifying partnership opportunities and exchanging information about the state and national LTAP programs.