NFAC Meeting Information
November 2015 Meeting
Action: Notice of Public Meeting
Summary: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announces a public meeting of its National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) to develop comments on the draft National Freight Strategic Plan (Plan). The meeting is open to the public and there will be an opportunity for public comment.
Dates and Times: The meeting will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Location: The meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E., Washington, DC 20590.
Additional Information:
Background: The NFAC was established to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on matters related to freight transportation in the United States, including (1) implementation of the freight provisions of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21; P.L. 112-141); (2) establishment of the National Freight Network; (3) development of the Plan; (4) development of strategies to help States implement State Freight Advisory Committees and State Freight Plans; (5) development of measures of conditions and performance in freight transportation; (6) development of freight transportation investment, data, and planning tools; and (7) legislative recommendations. The NFAC operates as a discretionary committee under the authority of the DOT, established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. See DOT’s NFAC Web site for additional information about the committee's activities at www.transportation.gov/nfac.
On October 18, 2015, the DOT issued the draft National Freight Strategic Plan for public comment. The draft Plan describes the freight transportation system, including major corridors and gateways, and assesses the physical, institutional, and financial barriers to improvement. Importantly, the draft Plan also recommends specific strategies to help support our freight transportation system through improved planning, dedicated funding streams, and innovative technologies. The draft Plan and additional information about the DOT’s freight activities are available at www.transportation.gov/freight.
Agenda: The agenda will include:
- Welcome and opening remarks;
- Discussion on the draft National Freight Strategic Plan;
- Public comment.
The meeting agenda will be posted on the NFAC Web site at www.transportation.gov/nfac in advance of the meeting.
Public Participation: This meeting will be open to the public. Members of the public who wish to attend in person are asked to RSVP to freight@dot.gov with your name and affiliation no later than November 6, 2015, in order to facilitate entry and guarantee seating.
Written comments: Persons who wish to submit written comments for consideration by the Committee must email freight@dot.gov by November 6, 2015 to provide sufficient time for review. All other comments may be received at any time before or after the meeting.
July 2014 Meeting
Action: Notice of Public Meeting
Summary: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announces a public meeting of its National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) to discuss the freight provisions in the various surface transportation reauthorization proposals, including the GROW AMERICA Act and the MAP-21 Reauthorization Act. Meetings are open to the public and there will be an opportunity for public comment on each day.
Dates and Times: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time and Wednesday, July 16, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Location: On Tuesday, July 15, 2014, the meeting will be held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room G-11 from 9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2167 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Wednesday, July 16, 2014, the meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E., Washington, DC 20590.
Additional Information:
Background: The NFAC was established to provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters related to freight transportation in the United States, including (1) implementation of the freight transportation requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21; P.L. 112-141); (2) establishment of the National Freight Network; (3) development of the Plan; (4) development of strategies to help States implement State Freight Advisory Committees and State Freight Plans; (5) development of measures of conditions and performance in freight transportation; (6) development of freight transportation investment, data, and planning tools; and (7) legislative recommendations. The NFAC operates as a discretionary committee under the authority of the DOT, established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. See DOT’s NFAC Web site for additional information about the committee's activities at www.dot.gov/nfac.
Agenda: The two day agenda will include:
- Welcome and opening remarks;
- Congressional remarks;
- Overview of freight provisions in surface transportation reauthorization proposals
- Discussion on freight reauthorization proposals
- Public comment will occur at the end of each day.
The meeting agenda will be posted on the NFAC Web site at www.dot.gov/nfac in advance of the meeting.
Public Participation: This meeting will be open to the public. Members of the public who wish to attend in person are asked to RSVP to freight@dot.gov with your name and affiliation no later than July 7, 2014, in order to facilitate entry and guarantee seating.
Services for Individuals with Disabilities: The public meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities.
Dated: June 26, 2014
May 2014 Meeting
[Docket No. DOT-OST—2014-0011]
- Recommendations for the National Freight Strategic Plan
- Meeting Minutes
- View NFAC Proposed Recommendations Report Part II
National Freight Advisory Committee: Notice of Public Webinar Meeting
Action: Notice of Public Meeting
Summary:The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT) announces a public meeting of its National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) to finalize recommendations for the Department to consider in its development of the National Freight Strategic Plan (Plan). This meeting is a continuation of the conversation from the meeting held on March 25-26 in Washington, DC and the public webinar meeting held on April 29, 2014.
Date, Time and Location: The meeting will take place online, as a webinar, on Thursday, May 29, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Additional Information:
Background: The NFAC was established to provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters related to freight transportation in the United States, including (1) implementation of the freight transportation requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21; P.L. 112-141); (2) establishment of the National Freight Network; (3) development of the Plan; (4) development of strategies to help States implement State Freight Advisory Committees and State Freight Plans; (5) development of measures of conditions and performance in freight transportation; (6) development of freight transportation investment, data, and planning tools; and (7) legislative recommendations. The NFAC operates as a discretionary committee under the authority of the DOT, established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. See DOT’s NFAC Web site for additional information about the committee's activities at www.dot.gov/nfac.
MAP-21 directs the DOT to develop the Plan in consultation with State department of transportations and other appropriate stakeholders. The Plan must include:
(A) An assessment of the condition and performance of the national freight network.
(B) An identification of highway bottlenecks on the national freight network that create significant freight congestion problems, based on a quantitative methodology developed by the Secretary, which shall, at a minimum, include—
(i) information from the Freight Analysis Network of the Federal Highway Administration; and
(ii) to the maximum extent practicable, an estimate of the cost of addressing each bottleneck and any operational improvements that could be implemented.
(C) Forecasts of freight volumes for the 20-year period beginning in the year during which the Plan is issued.
(D) An identification of major trade gateways and national freight corridors that connect major population centers, trade gateways, and other major freight generators for current and forecasted traffic and freight volumes, the identification of which shall be revised, as appropriate, in subsequent plans.
(E) An assessment of statutory, regulatory, technological, institutional, financial, and other barriers to improved freight transportation performance (including opportunities for overcoming the barriers).
(F) An identification of routes providing access to energy exploration, development, installation, or production areas.
(G) Best practices for improving the performance of the national freight network.
(H) Best practices to mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities.
(I) A process for addressing multistate projects and encouraging jurisdictions to collaborate.
(J) Strategies to improve freight intermodal connectivity.
The Plan serves as a document to outline a long-term strategy to implement the National freight policy. The goals of the National freight policy are related to economic competitiveness and efficiency; congestion; productivity; safety, security, and resilience of freight movement; infrastructure condition; use of advanced technology; performance, innovation, competition, and accountability in the operation and maintenance of the network; and environmental impacts. [23 USC 167]
On March 25-26, 2014 the NFAC members met to discuss proposed recommendations to the DOT on the following elements of the Plan:
- An assessment of statutory, regulatory, technological, institutional, financial, and other barriers to improved freight transportation performance (including opportunities for overcoming the barriers);
- Best practices for improving the performance of the national freight network; and
- Best practices to mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities.
The NFAC members discussed approximately seventy (70) of the nearly ninety (90) proposed recommendations. At the conclusion of this meeting, it was agreed that each of the six subcommittees would revise their proposed recommendations, resubmit to the DFO who would compile and redistribute to the NFAC members, and the NFAC members would reconvene at the end of the month to finalize the recommendations.
Agenda: The agenda will include: (1) welcome and introductions; (2) overview of the meeting format; (3) remarks from the NFAC Chair and Vice Chair; (4) NFAC members discussion on final recommendations; and (5) adjournment.
Public Participation: To view the webinar meeting, members of the public must pre-register online at https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/NFAC042914/event/registration.html. Interested persons may link to the webinar registration portal through www.dot.gov/nafac no later than May 28, 2014. Upon registration, information will be sent to you at the email address you provide to enable you to connect to the webinar. S
Written comments: As the May 29, 2014 meeting is being conducted as a webinar and is a continuation of the conversation from the meeting held on March 25-26 where public comment was taken, the Chair has determined that public comment will be accepted in writing only.
Dated: May 9, 2014
April 2014 Meeting
View NFAC Proposed Recommendations Report
National Freight Advisory Committee: Notice of Public Webinar Meeting
Action: Notice of Public Meeting
Summary: The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT) announces a public meeting of its National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) to finalize recommendations for the Department to consider in its development of the National Freight Strategic Plan (Plan). This meeting is a continuation of the conversation from the meeting held on March 25-26 in Washington, DC.
Date, Time and Location: The meeting will take place online, as a webinar, on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Additional Information:
Background: The NFAC was established to provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters related to freight transportation in the United States, including (1) implementation of the freight transportation requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21; P.L. 112-141); (2) establishment of the National Freight Network; (3) development of the Plan; (4) development of strategies to help States implement State Freight Advisory Committees and State Freight Plans; (5) development of measures of conditions and performance in freight transportation; (6) development of freight transportation investment, data, and planning tools; and (7) legislative recommendations. The NFAC operates as a discretionary committee under the authority of the DOT, established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. See DOT’s NFAC Web site for additional information about the committee's activities at www.dot.gov/nfac.
MAP-21 directs the DOT to develop the Plan in consultation with State department of transportations and other appropriate stakeholders. The Plan must include:
(A) An assessment of the condition and performance of the national freight network.
(B) An identification of highway bottlenecks on the national freight network that create significant freight congestion problems, based on a quantitative methodology developed by the Secretary, which shall, at a minimum, include—
(i) information from the Freight Analysis Network of the Federal Highway Administration; and
(ii) to the maximum extent practicable, an estimate of the cost of addressing each bottleneck and any operational improvements that could be implemented.
(C) Forecasts of freight volumes for the 20-year period beginning in the year during which the Plan is issued.
(D) An identification of major trade gateways and national freight corridors that connect major population centers, trade gateways, and other major freight generators for current and forecasted traffic and freight volumes, the identification of which shall be revised, as appropriate, in subsequent plans.
(E) An assessment of statutory, regulatory, technological, institutional, financial, and other barriers to improved freight transportation performance (including opportunities for overcoming the barriers).
(F) An identification of routes providing access to energy exploration, development, installation, or production areas.
(G) Best practices for improving the performance of the national freight network.
(H) Best practices to mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities.
(I) A process for addressing multistate projects and encouraging jurisdictions to collaborate.
(J) Strategies to improve freight intermodal connectivity.
The Plan serves as a document to outline a long-term strategy to implement the National freight policy. The goals of the National freight policy are related to economic competitiveness and efficiency; congestion; productivity; safety, security, and resilience of freight movement; infrastructure condition; use of advanced technology; performance, innovation, competition, and accountability in the operation and maintenance of the network; and environmental impacts. [23 USC 167]
On March 25-26, 2014 the NFAC members met to discuss proposed recommendations to the DOT on the following elements of the Plan:
- An assessment of statutory, regulatory, technological, institutional, financial, and other barriers to improved freight transportation performance (including opportunities for overcoming the barriers);
- Best practices for improving the performance of the national freight network; and
- Best practices to mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities.
The NFAC members discussed approximately seventy (70) of the nearly ninety (90) proposed recommendations. At the conclusion of this meeting, it was agreed that each of the six subcommittees would revise their proposed recommendations, resubmit to the DFO who would compile and redistribute to the NFAC members, and the NFAC members would reconvene at the end of the month to finalize the recommendations.
Agenda: The agenda will include: (1) welcome and introductions; (2) overview of the meeting format; (3) remarks from the NFAC Chair and Vice Chair; (4) NFAC members discussion on final recommendations; and (5) adjournment.
Public Participation: To view the webinar meeting, members of the public must pre-register online at https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/NFAC042914/event/registration.html. Interested persons may link to the webinar registration portal through www.dot.gov/nafac no later than April 28, 2014. Upon registration, information will be sent to you at the email address you provide to enable you to connect to the webinar.
Written comments: As the April 29, 2014 meeting is being conducted as a webinar and is a continuation of the conversation from the meeting held on March 25-26 where public comment was taken, the Chair has determined that public comment will be accepted in writing only.
Dated: April 10, 2014
March 2014 Meeting
National Freight Advisory Committee: Notice of Public Meeting
Action: Notice of Public Meeting
Summary: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announces a public meeting of its National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) to provide recommendations to the Department as it continues to develop the National Freight Strategic Plan (Plan). Meetings are open to the public and there will be a period of time at the end of the second day of the meeting for public comment.
Dates and Times: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time and March 26, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Location: The meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E., Washington, DC 20590.
Additional Information:
Background:The NFAC was established to provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters related to freight transportation in the United States, including (1) implementation of the freight transportation requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21; P.L. 112-141); (2) establishment of the National Freight Network; (3) development of the Plan; (4) development of strategies to help States implement State Freight Advisory Committees and State Freight Plans; (5) development of measures of conditions and performance in freight transportation; (6) development of freight transportation investment, data, and planning tools; and (7) legislative recommendations. The NFAC operates as a discretionary committee under the authority of the DOT, established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. See DOT’s NFAC Web site for additional information about the committee's activities at www.dot.gov/nfac. MAP-21 directs the DOT to develop the Plan in consultation with State department of transportations and other appropriate stakeholders. The Plan must include:
(A) An assessment of the condition and performance of the national freight network.
(B) An identification of highway bottlenecks on the national freight network that create significant freight congestion problems, based on a quantitative methodology developed by the Secretary, which shall, at a minimum, include—
(i) information from the Freight Analysis Network of the Federal Highway Administration; and
(ii) to the maximum extent practicable, an estimate of the cost of addressing each bottleneck and any operational improvements that could be implemented.
(C) Forecasts of freight volumes for the 20-year period beginning in the year during which the Plan is issued.
(D) An identification of major trade gateways and national freight corridors that connect major population centers, trade gateways, and other major freight generators for current and forecasted traffic and freight volumes, the identification of which shall be revised, as appropriate, in subsequent plans.
(E) An assessment of statutory, regulatory, technological, institutional, financial, and other barriers to improved freight transportation performance (including opportunities for overcoming the barriers).
(F) An identification of routes providing access to energy exploration, development, installation, or production areas.
(G) Best practices for improving the performance of the national freight network.
(H) Best practices to mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities.
(I) A process for addressing multistate projects and encouraging jurisdictions to collaborate.
(J) Strategies to improve freight intermodal connectivity.
The Plan serves as a document to outline a long-term strategy to implement the National freight policy. The goals of the National freight policy are related to economic competitiveness and efficiency; congestion; productivity; safety, security, and resilience of freight movement; infrastructure condition; use of advanced technology; performance, innovation, competition, and accountability in the operation and maintenance of the network; and environmental impacts. [23 USC 167]
Agenda: The two day agenda will include:
(1) Welcome, opening remarks, and introductions;
(2) Update of the Department’s National Freight Strategic Plan;
(3) Discussion on proposed recommendations to the DOT on the following elements of the Plan:
- An assessment of statutory, regulatory, technological, institutional, financial, and other barriers to improved freight transportation performance (including opportunities for overcoming the barriers);
- Best practices for improving the performance of the national freight network; and
- Best practices to mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities.
(4) Public comment, which will occur at the end of day 2.
The meeting agenda will be posted on the NFAC Web site at www.dot.gov/nfac in advance of the meeting.
Public Participation: This meeting will be open to the public. Members of the public who wish to attend in person are asked to RSVP to freight@dot.gov with your name and affiliation no later than March 18, 2014, in order to facilitate entry and guarantee seating.
Services for Individuals with Disabilities: The public meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Individuals requiring accommodations, such as sign language interpretation or other ancillary aids, are asked to notify freight@dot.gov five (5) business days before the meeting. Written comments: Persons who wish to submit written comments for consideration by the Committee must email freight@dot.gov by March 18, 2014 to provide sufficient time for review. All other comments may be received at any time before or after the meeting.
Dated: March 4, 2014
February 2014 Meeting (Webinar)
National Freight Advisory Committee: Notice of Public Webinar Meeting
[Docket No. DOT-OST—2014-0011]
Summary
This notice announces a public meeting of the National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC). The NFAC will provide information, advice, and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to U.S. freight transportation, including implementation of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112-141.
Dates and Location: The meeting will take place online, as a webinar, on Thursday, February 6, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Background: The NFAC is established under the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2). The Secretary of Transportation has determined that establishment of the Committee is in the public interest. The NFAC provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters related to freight transportation in the United States, including (1) implementation of the freight transportation requirements of MAP-21; (2) establishment of the National Freight Network; (3) development of a National Freight Strategic Plan; (4) development of strategies to help States implement State Freight Advisory Committees and State Freight Plans; (5) development of measures of conditions and performance in freight transportation; (6) development of freight transportation investment, data, and planning tools; and (7) legislative recommendations.
On November 19, 2013, the Federal Highway Administration published in the Federal Register the draft initial designation of the highway Primary Freight Network (PFN), which is established by the Secretary of Transportation as required by 23 U.S.C. 167(d), and provides information about designation of Critical Rural Freight Corridors (CRFC), which are designated by the States, and establishment of the National Freight Network (NFN), which combines the two, along with the portions of the Interstate System not designated as part of the highway PFN. The notice also solicits comments on the draft initial designation of the highway PFN and other critical aspects of the NFN. A notice published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2013 (78 FR 8686), introduced the process for designation of the highway PFN, NFN, and CRFCs.
During this meeting, NFAC members will discuss and prepare a joint comment on the Designation of the Primary Freight Network [FHWA–2013–0050].
Agenda: The agenda will include: (1) welcome and introductions; (2) overview of the meeting format; (3) remarks from the NFAC Chair and Vice Chair; (4) discussion and consideration by full Committee of draft comments; (5) public comment; and (6) adjournment.
Register: To participate in or view the webinar meeting, members of the NFAC and of the public must pre-register online at https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/NFAC020614/event/registration.html. Members and interested persons may link to the webinar registration portal through www.dot.gov/nafac no later than February 5, 2014. Upon registration, information will be sent to you at the email address you provide to enable you to connect to the webinar.
Written comments: Persons who wish to submit written comments for consideration by the Committee must email freight@dot.gov by February 3, 2014 to provide sufficient time for review. All other comments may be received at any time before or after the meeting.
November 2013 Meeting
Notice of Public Meeting
This notice announces a public meeting of the National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC). The NFAC will provide information, advice, and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to U.S. freight transportation, including implementation of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Pub. L. No. 112-141.
DATES: The meeting will be held on November 21, 2013, from 1:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
June 2013 Meeting
Notice of Public Meeting
ACTION: Notice of public meeting
SUMMARY: This notice announces a public meeting of the National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC). The NFAC will provide information, advice, and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to U.S. freight transportation, including implementation of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), Pub. L. No. 112-141.
DATES: The meeting will be held on June 25, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Background: The NFAC is established under the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2). The Secretary of Transportation has determined that establishment of the committee is in the public interest. The NFAC provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters related to freight transportation in the United States, including (1) implementation of the freight transportation requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-141); (2) establishment of the National Freight Network; (3) development of a National Freight Strategic Plan; (4) development of strategies to help States implement State Freight Advisory Committees and State Freight Plans; and (5) development of measures of conditions and performance in freight transportation; (6) development of freight transportation investment, data, and planning tools; and (7) legislative recommendations. Agenda: This will be the NFAC’s inaugural meeting. The meeting agenda will be posted on the NFAC Web site at www.dot.gov/nfac in advance of the meeting.
Agenda: This will be the NFAC’s inaugural meeting. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation will provide an overview of MAP-21 freight provisions and an update of the Department’s progress implementing them. The Committee will begin to develop a list of tasks to complete and prioritize those tasks for the Department to consider. Please view the meeting agenda.
Public Participation: The meeting will be open to the public and press on a first-come, first served basis. Space is limited. The public meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Individuals requiring accommodations, such as sign language interpretation or other ancillary aids, are asked to email freight@dot.gov five (5) business days before the meeting.
Members of the public who wish to attend in person are asked to RSVP to freight@dot.gov with your name and affiliation no later than June 18, 2013, in order to facilitate entry and guarantee seating.
Written comments: Persons who wish to submit written comments for consideration by the Committee must email freight@dot.gov by June 18, 2013 to provide sufficient time for review. All other comments may be received at any time before or after the meeting.
Dated: May 22, 2013