Q&A: h2 of experience
The "h2 of Experience" provides an opportunity to recognize and learn from colleagues who have dedicated much effort over the years to transportation technology transfer/research implementation. In this issue, we feature Mark Maloney, Shoreview's director of public works.
Mark Maloney
Q: In what ways have you contributed to or participated in effective transportation technology transfer?
A: Since 1996 I've been serving on the Research Implementation Committee (RIC) of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB). Our purpose is to find existing transportation-related research and develop products for use by local road authorities. Our products can take the form of educational videos, reports, computer software, web sites, and training. These products are created through the use of expert subcommittees and consultants and are ultimately directed to city and county engineering staffs throughout the state. Some of our products have been incorporated into or have become the basis for transportation research-related efforts on a national and international scale. As a member of the RIC, I've helped review the problem statements and product requests that have been submitted by local road authorities and helped coordinate the efforts of subcommittees working on developing the various products.
Q: What has been the value of your membership to the LRRB RIC?
A: I hope I've represented the needs and interests of local road authorities, especially at the city level, and helped to tailor the LRRB RIC products accordingly. Road authorities at federal, state, county, and city levels face unique challenges with regard to funding, public process, project programming, organizational structures, training, etc. I think that the end users of our products benefit from the varied perspectives and contributions of transportation professionals who serve on the LRRB RIC.
Q: How have you or the city of Shoreview benefited from technology transfer activities?
A: On a personal level, my involvement with the various T2 partners (e.g., CTS/T2, LRRB, Mn/DOT) has allowed me to see transportation issues on a much broader scale and shown me opportunities for improvement in how transportation practitioners use technology for the benefit of the public.
In my role as the director of public works for the city of Shoreview, I've seen the LRRB products put to good use by our organization. For example, we're improving our sealcoating and asphalt pavement maintenance practices according to recent LRRB manuals, and our local officials and residents have learned from the various LRRB video presentations at public meetings and on local access TV. Members of the Public Works Department staff, at all levels, have also attended various training sessions made available through the Mn/DOT/LRRB/CTS-T2 partnership.
Q: What are some of the challenges to transferring and implementing new transportation innovations, research results, and best practices?
A: I've learned that it can be quite a challenge to get useful information into the hands of transportation practitioners in a format they'll recognize. In this "information age," we're bombarded with mailings, e-mail, h2 mail, and the like, and it can be very difficult deciding how and where to allocate your resources. Local road authorities typically have relatively small engineering/public works organizations, and one key person (city/county engineer) is often relied upon to be the "information clearinghouse" for all transportation-related issues.
Q: How can Minnesota T2/LTAP, together with its broad partnership network, help address these challenges?
A: Minnesota T2/LTAP, with all its partners, needs to continue to communicate and clarify transportation-related issues on behalf of local road authorities. This publication is widely read and recognized by the transportation practitioners at all levels in the state and serves as an excellent resource for those of us with limited resources. The T2/LTAP partnership must also continue its positive relationships with the various professional organizations that serve the extended transportation community and be present and active at all of the annual gatherings of the city and county engineers in Minnesota.