Local Technical Assistance Program
The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is a Federal Highway Administration technology transfer program that provides technical assistance and training to local highway departments in the United States. It transfers knowledge of innovative transportation technology to both urban and rural local communities in the United States.
The program is a partnership effort with funding provided from federal, state, and local agency resources. Each LTAP center is funded at a 50% federal share with the other half funded by the state and/or local agencies.[1][2] There are 51 LTAP centers, one in each state and one which serves Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.[3]
LTAP centers assist nearly 38,000 local government agencies and over 540 federally recognized tribes in maintaining and improving transportation infrastructure and services with the latest technology and information available. Local transportation agencies expend over $30 billion annually to maintain 2.9 million miles (4.7 million kilometres) of roads with over 290,000 bridges.[4]
LTAP provides a variety of tools such as training events, technology transfer resources, and personalized assistance. These items assist local agencies in improving their transportation operations. Many state transportation departments also benefit from LTAP services.[3]
Common topics for training and assistance include pavement management and maintenance, road works safety, traffic signs and pavement markings, public works department management, snow and ice control, and drainage.
References
- ^ "Training and Education – FAST Act Fact Sheets". Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
- ^
- ^ a b "Center for Local Aid Support – LTAP". Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
- ^ "Assisting Locally, Benefiting Nationally" (PDF). TR News (234). Transportation Research Board: 19. September–October 2004. ISSN 0738-6826. Retrieved February 17, 2021.