AASHTO Transportation Security Task Force
AASHTO Transportation Security Task Force
April 17, 2003
Meeting Summary
1. Opening Statement – Henry Hungerbeeler, Missouri DOT
Henry Hungerbeeler opened the Task Force meeting, welcomed participants and thanked everyone for their participation on the Task Force.
2. ITA/ISAC Update – David Ekern, AASHTO/MnDOT
(Powerpoint presentation)
David Ekern provided the Task Force with an update on a study underway to consider an AASHTO role in developing an Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC). He explained the history of the ISAC concept, which offers a “one-stop clearing house” for information sharing and analysis and has its roots in a Presidential Directive from the 1990s. Mr. Ekern described the products of a transportation ISAC and how the transportation ISAC might fit within a broader framework. He indicated that MTA, Inc. is under contract via NCHRP study 20-59 (10) to “develop information, analysis and perspectives on the value and feasibility of forming a transportation agency sector ISAC” by September 2003. The study will be reviewed by a working group led by Mr. Ekern, and including Janet Benini (DOT RSPA OET), David Dubov (AASHTO), Greg Hull (APTA), Vincent Pearce (FHWA), Terry Simmonds (WSDOT), John Harris (TSA), and Craig Reed (PennDOT). ITE’s Phil Caruso indicated an interest in sharing information about the ISAC concept with ITE’s members at the appropriate time.
3. FHWA Office of Operations Security Website - Vincent Pearce, FHWA
(Electronic demonstration)
Vincent Pearce provided a short demonstration of a new FHWA website dedicated to security issues that will “go live” in the next month or so. Mr. Pearce indicated that the new website will include information such as case studies, copies of FHWA presentation materials, FHWA’s budget proposals for security, and detailed information about various security responsibilities held by FHWA.
4. Blue Ribbon Bridge Panel Update – Steve Ernst, FHWA
(Powerpoint presentation)
Steve Ernst updated the task force on the status of the AASHTO/FHWA Blue Ribbon Panel on Bridge and Tunnel Security. The first meeting of the panel was held in November 2002, and since then it has met two additional times. The fourth and final meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2003. A draft report by the Panel is anticipated to be ready by June 2003. There will be two versions of the report; one for bridge owners, and one for general distribution. The panel’s findings address funding sources for security, funding eligibility, technical expertise, research and development needs, and outreach and communication strategies.
5. Vulnerability Assessment Workshop – Shahed Rowshan, SAIC, Inc.
(Powerpoint presentation)
Shahed Rowshan presented a summary of the three vulnerability assessment workshops conducted by SAIC, Inc., in coordination with Parsons Brinkerhoff. The workshops were held during February and March of 2003 in Austin, TX; Sacramento, CA; and Albany, NY. Mr. Rowshan reported that attendance at the workshops was good, however, he indicated that about 20 states (mostly in the central US) did not send any representatives to a workshop. Members of the Task Force suggested that this issue needs to be addressed by future efforts. At this point in the meeting, there was discussion about the large number of workshops put on by multiple agencies, and the importance of attempting better coordination of workshops to avoid a “saturation” effect that reduces their effectiveness. Possible solutions suggested included combining workshops on emergency response and vulnerability assessment; providing written materials to states that did not participate in workshops; and setting up a working group to coordinate future workshops.
Mr. Rowshan closed his presentation with a brief summary of important policy questions raised during the workshops, including:
- National standards, including an AASHTO role, and a TSA role and activities
- National ranking of vulnerable assets
- Intermodal transportation issues, including marine traffic impact, and RR bridges
- Multiple agency coalitions/agreements
- Non-transportation assets targeted from DOT property
- Funding for vulnerability assessment
- Funding for countermeasures
- Information privacy issues
- Legal issues
- Staffing issues
- Ranking of non-transportation issues
Task Force members indicated that remaining funds in the SAIC/PB NCHRP workshops contract should be used for developing a self-study guide for states that did not attend the workshops in person and sharing a refined summary of workshop “lessons learned” with all 52 AASHTO members.
6. Protection of Sensitive Security Information (SSI) – David Price, FHWA; Joe Crossett, TransTech
(No handouts)
Joe Crossett indicated that TransTech is preparing a draft SSI guidance document for state DOTs by June 2003. David Price provided a brief update on FHWA’s efforts to develop internal procedures for handling SSI. He will provide a summary to the group at a later date.
7. Update on NCHRP and Pooled Fund Research – Stephan Parker, NCHRP; Mary-Lou Ralls, TxDOT
(Powerpoint presentation and handout (Parker); handout (Ralls))
Stephan Parker provided a hand out for the Task Force that described ongoing Cooperative Research Programs’ security research efforts. He gave a general overview of the NCHRP/TCRP programs, described past projects, and indicated that for FY04, SCOR has authorized $1.475 million in funding for NCHRP’s 20-59 security research work. Eight projects are provisionally approved. At this point, the Task Force discussed the need to have a meeting or other awareness exercise for new CEOs that introduces them to the topic of security. Mr. Parker noted that on June 12, the 20-59 panel is scheduled to review additional research needs. Mary Lou Ralls distributed a detailed handout describing results from a Texas DOT Pooled Fund Study on blast effects on bridges.
8. Multimodal Research Priorities – Joe Crossett, TransTech Management, Inc.
(Powerpoint presentation, handout)
On behalf of the Task Force Research Working Group (David Albright, Mary Lou Ralls, Tom Hicks), Mr. Crossett presented to the Task Force the results of the Feb 19, 2003 workshop held in Washington, D.C. The handout describes eleven research priorities identified in a two-step process at a TRB workshop held on Jan 13, 2003 and the Feb 19, 2003 workshop, and circulated for review by invitees to the Feb 19th meeting. Members of the Task Force concurred that the research projects listing should be forwarded with task force support to the NCHRP 20-59 panel at its next meeting in June 2003, with the caveat that it should reflect comments received from reviewers. More broadly, members of the Task Force suggested consideration should be given to including the listing as part of a TRB Research Circular.
9. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Update – Mark Johnson, TSA
(No handout)
TSA’s Mark Johnson indicated that in March 2003, TSA formally moved into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where it is located under the Border Security Directorate. Mr. Johnson described TSA as being in “start-up mode,” and maintaining its connection to USDOT.
Mr. Johnson said that TSA would soon begin developing a National Transportation Security Plan, from which National Modal Plans will be created, adding that modal USDOT administrators would be hearing from TSA “within weeks.” In addition, a National Response Plan and a National Incident Management System (NIMS) will be developed, using the existing Federal Emergency Response Plan as a base. The response plan will be broad – it will also cover restoration and prevention issues too. Mr. Johnson indicated that there would be “active interplay” with the states in developing the various national plans; and that the plans will deal with all types of disasters – natural and man made.
Mr. Johnson indicated that federal rulemaking for aviation security is complete, while rulemaking for maritime security is underway. He said that TSA is in the early ages of initiating rulemaking for surface transportation modes that will address passenger and freight travel, infrastructure, and emergency response planning.
Mr. Johnson confirmed that TSA is working on a risk modeling procedure that can be used across all modes to assess system vulnerability. They have asked AASHTO to support this effort, and are already working with the Blue Ribbon Bridge Panel on this topic. He also described TSA’s plans for harmonizing border security standards on both sides of the border. He indicated that consistency of standards across modes will be an important consideration to ensure an “equal playing field.” In response to questions from the group about funding for states, he said TSA will provide grants when authorized to do so by Congress.
Mr. Johnson described the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program. This will provide a single credential for those who need access to secure areas. It will provide assurance that a person is who they say they are, and that a background security check has been conducted. Prototyping of the system will begin soon. Johnson noted that TSA is conducting tabletop exercises to test where there are gaps in the system.
In closing remarks, Mr. Johnson said that TSA supports the AASHTO ISAC effort. In response to questions about TSA budget and funding opportunities he noted that it would be several weeks until the Administration’s proposal clears Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and he can speak to those issues publicly.
10. Lunch – Northrop Grumman presentation
Northrop Grumman staff presented a technical demonstration of their firm’s wireless communication technology.
11. Reauthorization and DHS Funding –Tony Kane, AASHTO
(No handout)
Tony Kane updated the Task Force on AASHTO reauthorization activities and indicated that they are still determining how to bring surface transportation security issues to the forefront on the Hill. Some obvious next steps include mapping out funding opportunities for DOTs – where grants are available, who is eligible, etc., and reviewing the Administration’s budget once it clears OMB. Mr. Kane solicited the Task Force for input on ideas for addressing the issue of reauthorization and funding.
12. Update on Remaining Tasks - Tony Kane, AASHTO
(Handout)
Tony Kane walked through the action items list with the Task Force to ensure it reflects the latest set of tasks to be completed. (See revised list for results.)
13. Institutionalizing Security in AASHTO – John Cameron, Transtech Management, Inc.
(Powerpoint presentation, handout)
John Cameron presented a white paper prepared by TransTech that describes possible options for institutionalizing the AASHTO Transportation Security Task Force. The Task Force concurred with the TransTech recommendation that Option D: Create a Special Committee on Transportation Security would best meet the needs of the member states and would best advance the agenda of the Transportation Security Task Force. Furthermore, the Task Force concurred that membership should include regional representatives, and members from the ‘modal’ Standing Committees (Aviation, Highways, Public Transportation, Planning, Environment, Research, Rail Transportation, and Water Transportation) and three SCOH Subcommittees on (1) Highway Transport, (2) Bridges and Structures, and (3) Systems Operation and Management. In addition, non-voting members from outside agencies would be allowed, as is done under the current Task Force structure.
It was agreed by the Task Force that a proposed committee structure and membership would be developed in time for the AASHTO Spring Meeting and presented to appropriate committees at that time. At the Annual AASHTO meeting in September, 2003, the AASHTO Board of Directors will make a final decision on whether to create the new special committee.
Next Meeting: No date set