From Tech Transfer Newsletter, Summer 2006 » printer-friendly

SAFETEA-LU Makes it Easier for State and Local Agencies to Pay for Training (and Travel!)

Section 5204(e) of SAFETEA-LU allows funds from five core programs to be used for workforce development activities, such as employee education, training, and other career outreach and preparation initiative to develop the future transportation workforce. The five core programs are Surface Transportation Program (STP), National Highway System (NHS), Interstate Maintenance and Bridge Programs, and Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ).

How do the workforce provisions affect funding available in the core programs?

The use of core program funds for workforce development is discretionary; therefore, funds committed to workforce development will reduce funds available for capital projects.

How do workforce development provisions differ between TEA-21 and SAFETEA-LU?

TEA-21 authorized states to use up to half of one percent of Surface Transportation Program funds for employee training, but required a 20 percent state matching provision. SAFETEA-LU provides for 100 percent funding for workforce activities, extends eligibility for workforce development activities to the five core programs, and does not limit the amount of available funding from each program. Additionally, SAFETEA-LU authorizes pipeline programs to help students prepare for transportation careers.

Why is the 100 percent federal funding provision significant?

Because core program funds used for training, education, or workforce development purposes, including pipeline activities, do not require states to match federal funds.

What are examples of pipeline programs that core funds can support?

Funds can be used for "education activities, including outreach, to develop interest and promote participation in surface transportation careers." This includes activities associated with "student transportation career preparation," such as transportation-related internships, cooperative education programs, university and college support activities, scholarship programs (other than Eisenhower Transportation Fellowships, which are funded separately), and other efforts. An example of the latter is Colorado's T-REX project. For information on T-REX, visit www.trexproject.com.

How else can state DOTs use core program funds?

The funds can be used for a range of professional development activities such as training programs, academic course study, apprenticeships, short-term work details or rotational assignments, and training or professional development necessary to support a specific surface transportation capital project. Example projects are major roadway or bridge construction projects.

Can core program funds be used for travel, equipment, or material purchase?

Yes, funds can be used for travel, equipment, or material purchases; however, travel or purchases must be directly related to a defined employee training or professional development need, program or activity, or directly associated with a student transportation career awareness or preparation activity. Funds can also be used for travel to and from an industry training or professional development program that will improve the employees' skills, knowledge, and abilities or a technical discipline, such as a Tech Transfer course. Funds cannot be used for travel to and from a meeting where training or professional development is not the main purpose.

Examples of pipeline activities that core program funds can support include bus transportation for students to participate in transportation career awareness/development programs such as Construction Career Days. The funds can also pay for materials for transportation-related programs such as AASHTO's TRAC program and the AGC's Build Up program.

Can Core program funds pay an employee's salary?

No, funds can be used for employee development only.

Are there restrictions on using CMAQ or Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds for workforce development and training programs?

State or local governments can use CMAQ or TE funds for workforce development and training that supports activities specifically related to the CMAQ or TE programs.

For a more complete review of SAFETEA-LU provisions and proposed funding, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/safetealu/index.htm.

Special thanks to Carla Little at the Western Transportation Institute and to Stephen Clinger at FHWA for providing this information.

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