Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
02/14/2023 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Strategic Investment Decisions and Transportation Planning Data | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 14, 2023
1:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator James Kaufman, Chair
Senator David Wilson, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Robert Myers
Senator Löki Tobin
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING DATA
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
JAMES MARKS, MBA, Director
Division of Statewide Program Development
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a presentation and answered
questions about DOTPF Strategic Investment Decisions and
Transportation Planning Data.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:31:30 PM
CHAIR JAMES KAUFMAN called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:31 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wilson, Kiehl, Myers and Chair Kaufman.
Senator Tobin arrived soon thereafter.
^PRESENTATION: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities Strategic Investment Decisions and Transportation
Planning Data
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND TRANSPORTATION PLANNING DATA
1:32:49 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN announced the consideration of a presentation by
the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
about Strategic Investment Decisions and Transportation Planning
Data.
JAMES MARKS, MBA, Director, Division of Statewide Program
Development, Juneau, Alaska, presented the strategic investment
decisions and transportation planning data. He began with slide
2, "Vision for Decision Making." He spoke about his role
delivering the promises of the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (IIJA). He stated, That which is measured is
improved.
1:35:30 PM
MR. MARKS introduced slide 3, "Agenda."
1) Retrospective
• Investment Decision Making
• Transportation Data
• Challenges
2) Planning
• Analytics Maturity Model
• Performance-Based Planning & Programming
• Strategic Investment Roadmap
3) Deployment
• Data Literacy Workshop
• The Summit
• Roadmap Action Plan
1:37:29 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 5, "Challenges." He noted that the
scope and scale of funding decisions are larger in Alaska.
MR. MARKS described slide 6, "Challenges."
• Alaska ranks 47th in highway mileage
• Vulnerable Road Users account for >28% of fatalities
(2021)
• Remote Communities reliant on air and marine travel
• Our freight must travel a long way, carrying the
most VMT per ton in the nation
• Costs are higher in Alaska
• Cost efficiency is important
SENATOR TOBIN joined the meeting.
SENATOR MYERS requested a definition for vulnerable road user.
MR. MARKS responded that the term was new and pertained to those
at risk of serious injury or fatality including pedestrians and
bicyclists.
1:39:59 PM
MR. MARKS reviewed slide 7, "Challenges, Shortcoming of our Data
Practice."
1. Vision & strategy
2. Analytics maturity
3. Data governance
4. Data literacy
5. Manual Intervention
1:42:32 PM
MR. MARKS reviewed slide 8, "New Focus and Priorities in
Investment."
Strategic Investment Areas
1. Safety
2. State of good repair
3. Economic vitality
4. Infrastructure resiliency
5. Sustainable transportation
Overarching Values
1. Equity
2. Access & mobility
3. Performance-management
SENATOR MYERS asked about future maintenance planning.
MR. MARKS replied that the long-range transportation plan
addresses maintenance concerns. New infrastructure influences
maintenance costs.
1:45:53 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 9, "Existing Quality Transportation
Data."
• Pavement Condition
• Rutting, Cracking, IRI
• Bridge Condition
• Substructure, Superstructure, Deck
• Safety Data
• Crashes, Injuries, Deaths
• Travel Time Reliability
• Linear Reference System (Geospatial Highway Data)
1:47:06 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 10, "Continuous Improvement." He
spoke about the prioritization processes. He shared an example
about bridge evaluation criteria. He highlighted collaboration
with various experts. The criteria favored bridge replacements.
He spoke to the value of preservation and replacement. The
department's approach involves the evaluation of proactive
criteria 40 percent of the time. The slide detailed the
improvement criteria while contrasting 2022 with 2023.
1:49:20 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked about bridge criteria and the additional
funds used to retrofit bridges for vulnerable and multimodal
travelers.
MR. MARKS replied that the United States Department of
Transportation published policy statements. He mentioned the
federal Bridge Investment Formula Program, which provides Alaska
approximately $45 million annually. The criteria displayed in
slide 10 enables the department to evaluate their own assets. He
pointed to the department's Community Bridge Investment Program
(CBIP). The expenses require no match. The department will
solicit applications for community bridge projects.
1:51:41 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked if the criteria changes altered the slate of
projects.
MR. MARKS replied that the changes allow for a more diversified
portfolio investment. He expected prioritization to change with
the new criteria.
CHAIR KAUFMAN noted interest in seeing how the prioritized list
changed as a result of the changes in project criteria.
1:53:34 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 12, "Analytics Maturity Model." He
informed the committee that descriptive analytics illustrate
past data. Diagnostic analytics show insight. Predictive
analytics allow for potentials. Prescriptive analytics foresee
project optimization.
1:56:50 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked about the graph and the axis labeled
difficulty. He wondered if difficulty was the most accurate
description.
MR. MARKS answered that difficulty pertained to the level of
effort, competency and sophistication of the information
systems. The funding component contributes to the difficulty
axis.
1:57:55 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked about a comprehensive maintenance plan.
MR. MARKS responded that the analytical models do not detail
comprehensive maintenance plans.
SENATOR KIEHL asked about the anticipated outcomes or results.
He assumed that the model provided analytics related to pavement
life. He asked how the data can be used for econometrics and a
more prosperous roadway through a given area. He wished to know
more about the uses of the analytics maturity model.
MR. MARKS responded that other states and agencies use similar
models to evaluate projects and their effect on the economy and
equity gaps in transportation infrastructure.
2:00:28 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 13, "Cyclical Improvement." The
reports include reconnaissance studies, institution creation,
and community coordination. He spoke about project delivery as
the final step. Feedback loops help inform future planning
efforts. The diagnostic information allows the department to
anticipate future project needs.
2:02:11 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 14, "Strategic Investment Decision
Making." He quoted Stephen Covey, "Begin with the end in mind."
The department plan spans 20 years. Midrange planning is more
tangible as it looks back 15 years. He mentioned the 12-year
comprehensive highway program and questions about advancing and
choosing the right projects. He informed the committee that the
state had billions of dollars' worth of project needs.
2:04:49 PM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed curiosity about long-term horizon
projects in Alaska. Project necessity changes with time. She
asked how the legislature can help plan and complete large
projects.
MR. MARKS replied that once federal dollars are contributed to a
project, the expectation is to carry the project to completion.
If the project is not completed on time, the state must pay the
federal government back with state funds. Some projects do not
obligate future investment. With socioeconomic changes over
time, a project may not be appropriate anymore. He spoke about
identifying off-ramps for projects that do not make sense any
longer. He referenced portfolio projects that span decades
without completion.
SENATOR TOBIN asked what the legislature can do to help the
department create the mentioned off-ramps. She pointed to a
project in Anchorage where the federal funds were already spent,
and Anchorage cannot afford to absorb the costs.
MR. MARKS replied that he will confer with his associates and
provide the committee additional information.
SENATOR WILSON contributed examples of incomplete long-horizon
projects in Alaska. He wondered how to streamline projects. He
asked how the legislature can help facilitate efficiency with
transportation planning. He proposed Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF) quadfurcation.
CHAIR KAUFMAN echoed his colleagues' statements. He requested a
response from the department.
2:11:19 PM
MR. MARKS replied that he and the commissioner were men of
action. The commissioner initiated an effort called
"Transportation X," which involves a focus on high-risk
projects. Addressing safety issues wholistically is a large
priority for the department. He mentioned a risk profile method
to prioritize projects. The department was acutely aware of the
issue the community brought forward.
2:14:09 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN discussed the value of growth models for
predictive planning. A poorly planned project was prone to
incompletion. He suggested nimble project plans. He provided an
example about the jet propulsion industry and its history with
project planning.
2:16:39 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 15, "What is PBPP?"
Performance-based Planning & Programming (PBPP)
• is a data-informed framework that ensures decisions make
progress toward goal attainment
• communicates performance implications of different
decisions
• data informs, it does not dictate
Data: focuses the conversation and provides a level
playing field for comparison.
Defensible Decision-Making: that drives performance
and ensures equity.
Judgement: interprets the data in the right context
and sets priorities.
MR. MARKS stated that the federal government requires
performance-based planning and programming.
2:18:39 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 16, "Building the Roadmap Focusing
on Decision Points." He noted that the graph depicts the
framework connecting plans with programming. He mentioned the
various steps required to score, schedule and select projects
for construction.
CHAIR KAUFMAN noted similarities between Performance-based
Planning and Programming (PBPP) and the capital value process
used in private-sector projects.
2:20:13 PM
MR. MARKS highlighted the complexity in state funding and
program organization. He explained that the steps for a federal
versus state program differed in planning potential. The
department organizes the path a project takes for the public. He
mentioned a new focus in economic vitality, which requires
objectives, criteria and funding mechanisms.
2:22:30 PM
SENATOR TOBIN commented on the public confusion about the
Statewide Transportation Improvement Process (STIP). She
wondered how to streamline the process for communities.
MR. MARKS replied that the department is working on community
engagement and information accessibility. The department
solicits opinions prior to project planning and implementation.
The time allowed for public comment was deemed insufficient.
Initiating a complete community transportation program requires
nine to twelve months because of the time spent engaging the
public. The department recognizes that traditional means of
engaging the public are insufficient. The department is striving
for active outreach in response to public opinion.
2:26:18 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked if the department would approach the
legislature for additional resources to meet the public needs
and efficiently utilize federal dollars.
MR. MARKS opined that partnerships are the solution. He
mentioned a partnership with the Alaska Municipal League for
community outreach. He spoke to the value of private-industry
contracts.
2:27:11 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked if the process is multimodal. He asked if
PBPP pertained to public facility projects within the
department.
MR. MARKS responded no, but the commissioner seeks integration
between transportation and public facilities planning.
CHAIR KAUFMAN recalled a management process created for mega
projects. He asked if the department contains a procedural
management process or if sub-elements are pieced together.
2:29:06 PM
MR. MARKS explained the need for an overarching strategy to
utilize investments efficiently. A repeatable evaluation process
allows for clear and transparent data. He sought to make data-
driven decisions. The cohesive strategy involves the department
efforts to engage the issue.
CHAIR KAUFMAN restated the department goals of conceptualizing,
evaluating and executing projects.
MR. MARKS agreed with the depiction of the model.
CHAIR KAUFMAN appreciated the simplification of the model and
process.
2:31:19 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 18, "What are we doing about it?"
• Organizational data literacy & awareness
• Data literacy workshop, Planning-data summit
• Vision & Strategy
• Creation of Planning Data Roadmap, Strategic
Investment Plan, Data Business Plan
• Analytics Maturity
• Organizational Capacity Building, Dedicating
Staff & Resources, Reorganization, Structured
Training Plans
• Insufficient data governance
• Relooking at data governance with fresh
perspective
2:34:24 PM
MR. MARKS moved to slide 19, "Data Literacy Workshop."
What is Data Literacy?
It is the ability to...
• Read data
• Analyze data
• Communicate with data
• Argue with data
Data Literacy Workshop
• Raise awareness & data literacy
• Demos from data managers, stewards, and
custodians
• >80 online participants
• Hold regular cadence of Data Literacy Workshops
2:35:57 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 20, "Planning Data Summit, Do More
With Data." The goal of the summit was to engage feedback about
the data that was obtained. He noted that the summit received
robust attendance for the tabletop exercises and active
solicitation of feedback.
MR. MARKS continued to slide 21, "Attendance." The slide details
the summit attendees.
• Alaska Department of Transportation & Public
Facilities
• Alaska Department of Commerce, Community &
Economic Development
• Alaska Department of Natural Resources (Alaska
GIS Office)
• Alaska Municipal League
• Anchorage Metropolitan Area
• Transportation Solutions (AMATS)
• City of Palmer
• Copper Valley Development Association (CVDA)
• Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
• Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST)
Planning
• Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Alaska &
Headquarters
• Matanuska-Susitna Borough
• Municipality of Anchorage
• Oregon DOT
• Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Virginia DOT
• Washington DOT
• Western Federal Lands
2:37:48 PM
SENATOR WILSON noticed that the attendees lived on road systems.
He wondered about attendance from off-road communities.
MR. MARKS replied that the invitation was targeted for
transportation planning organizations. The long-term goal is for
an annual summit for transportation planners across the state.
The summit strives for collective use of data awareness and
decision making. He stated that municipality managers will be
invited to next year's Planning Data Summit.
CHAIR KAUFMAN appreciated the wholistic approach the annual
transportation summit offered.
MR. MARKS stated the department objective to improve data-driven
decision making.
CHAIR KAUFMAN expressed gratitude to the presenter and the
department for their diligence.
2:41:28 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 22, "Goals and Objectives.
• Demonstrate what's possible
• Organizational data literacy
• Organizational competency
• Tabletop visioning exercises
• Create a data-informed culture
• Create workplan for 2023 to improve
2:43:26 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 23, "Summit Agenda."
• Lectures
• Tabletop exercise
• Poster Session
• Application Demonstration
• Professional Panels
MR. MARKS continued to slide 24, "Software Demos." He stated
that the accessibility of the data was one of the major
challenges and goals.
• Data Catalog
• GIS Applications
• Traffic Data Portal
2:45:34 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slides 25 and 26, "Breakout Tabletop
Exercise."
Identify data challenges...
1. Inadequate staff or bandwidth
2. Training for awareness, access, and utilization
3. Timeliness of data; Missing data
4. Lack of tools
and solutions
1. Dedicated staff to planning data analytics &
science
2. Training on how to access and use
3. Common data language & lexicon
2:47:27 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 27, "Interactive Tabletop
Exercise." The discussions involved topics like challenges,
solutions, and recommendations. The tabletop exercises included
subjects like data quality, completeness, and literacy.
2:49:03 PM
SENATOR TOBIN credited the department with comprehensive use of
data. The summit gathering allowed for contribution toward
collective goals.
MR. MARKS responded with gratitude for the committee
participation and comments.
CHAIR KAUFMAN stated appreciation for the focus on data.
2:50:51 PM
MR. MARKS continued to slide 28, "Strategic Roadmap Action Plan
Data Governance."
Short-Term
• Develop a Strategic Data Plan that includes a
dataset inventory, identified gaps, roles and
processes to address challenges.
Mid-term
• Determine which datasets are of statewide
significance
Long-term
• Build off data governance priorities to continue
centralizing data, assessing use cases, and
determining ownership.
MR. MARKS moved to slide 29 "Strategic Roadmap Action Plan."
Lead technologist / business manager: Provides
strategic oversight and develops the essential skills
of the team to draw meaningful insights from data.
Coordinates with business leads to understand needs,
provides access to raw data, develops automated
reporting, and enforces appropriate data governance.
Decision scientist: Facilitates the identification of
prioritization criteria in alignment with agency goals
and metrics, assesses performance impacts of
investments, elicits agency priorities, and
coordinates the validation of scoring processes with
department experts.
Data scientist: Develops and applies mathematics and
statistics to quickly explore business queries, build
predictive models, and develop analytical
tools/products.
Business analyst: Helps translate data into compelling
digital and static visualizations for internal and
public-facing reports and dashboards. Spatial analyst:
Joins disparate data to site locations to support
corridor prioritizations and empower regional
planners/engineers to better scope candidate projects.
Data architect/engineer: Responsible for designing,
integrating, and maintaining datasets that can be
leveraged for various business purposes.
2:54:09 PM
SENATOR KIEHL wondered about cultural shifts within the
department.
MR. MARKS responded that the culture in the department is
evolving toward data-informed decision making. Remnants of the
prior culture remain; however, the humanitarian aspect of
transportation planning was primary.
SENATOR WILSON wondered how to help state department cultures
evolve.
2:57:01 PM
MR. MARKS replied that the cultural evolution requires
collaboration and explanations about the reasons for the
proposed changes. He highlighted the importance of communication
and partnership.
MR. MARKS detailed slide 30, "Strategic Roadmap Action Plan
Expand Agency Capabilities."
1. Continuous feedback loops
2. Evaluation & improvement of data practices
3. Evaluation & improvement of information systems
4. Individualized (by section & role) training plan
5. Develop training playbooks
6. Reorganization
7. Dedicated staff & resources
MR. MARKS moved to slide 31, "Strategic Roadmap Action Plan
Resource Allocation."
Strategic Investment Areas
1. Safety
2. State of Good Repair
3. Economic Vitality
4. Resiliency
5. Sustainability
3:00:40 PM
SENATOR TOBIN stated that she will contact the department
directly with further questions.
CHAIR KAUFMAN offered to funnel questions through his office. He
expressed that the tipping point to change is trust. He opined
that the department was moving toward more function and
organization with the data-driven approach.
3:01:33 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kaufman adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 3:01 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 2.14 DOTPF Transportation Planning Data.pdf |
STRA 2/14/2023 1:30:00 PM |
|
| DOTPF Follow Up Answers to Questions 3.20.23.pdf |
STRA 2/14/2023 1:30:00 PM |
Follow Up |