Media Archives
2011
Charleston conference to explore transportation
CHARLESTON, WV — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and more 50 national and international speakers will be featured at an upcoming conference on economic development and transportation in Charleston.
The 2011 International Transportation Economic Development Conference is planned for May 1-3 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston. The conference will concentrate on the link between transportation and economic development and will provide participants the opportunity to discuss emerging transportation needs of business and economic development communities.
The conference host will be Robert Plymale of Wayne County, a state legislator and director and CEO of the Nick J. Rahall II Appalachian Transportation Institute.
“The Honorable Mr. LaHood’s commitment to serve as our keynote speaker adds an immense value to the ITED conference,” Plymale said in a press release. “The expertise that he and our other distinguished speakers, U.S. Reps. Nick Rahall and Shelley Moore Capito, provide in the opening sessions help set the tone of the conference as a positive, progressive, ground for participants to exchange ideas and create solutions for the transportation and economic development challenges that affect us all.”
An extensive, intermodal transportation system is key to increasing economic development on all geographic and economic levels, he said in the release.
“In our global economy, the link between transportation and economic development is simple: a safe, efficient, intermodal transportation system, that integrates the use of highways, railways, waterways and airways, economically benefits urban and rural areas, and everything in between,” he said.
Article from The Herald-Dispatch
PATH signage to go up in May
HUNTINGTON – The Paul Ambrose Trail for Health will see a significant amount of work in 2011, as plans for the first phase of construction were revealed Thursday evening at the Rahall Transportation Institute.
The latest timeline includes new signage and wayfinders ready to be installed by the end of May. One sign in Highlawn already has been erected and more are ready to go up on the neighborhood, said Charles Holley, director of development and planning for the city of Huntington.
There are still issues to work out, such as street striping for a designated bike path, Holley said. That idea may not come to fruition. While the streets of Huntington will still serve as share-the-road portions of PATH, the feedback Holley received is that cyclists don’t want to be confined to a lane.
He also reported that the city has applied for more than $4.6 million in grant money, with $1.5 million already awarded. Two potential grants are worth nearly $3 million alone.
The money already available will go a long way this year, said Holley and state Sen. Bob Plymale, who is executive director of RTI.
“We’ll have six to eight miles under construction this year,” Plymale said.
Major portions in the first phase include on top of the floodwall from 3rd Street West to Vinson Road, a connector from Harveytown to the Memorial Park trail and a portion in Guyandotte. Holley said all are off-road and restricted to pedestrians and bikes.
“We’re tackling some of the more premiere stuff so we can get more buy-in for PATH,” Holley said.
Construction bids are set to go out in October, about one month after a major fundraiser, Fit Fest.
This year’s Fit Fest marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. PATH’s namesake, Dr. Paul Ambrose, was on the hijacked plane that crashed into the Pentagon. PATH is one of the major efforts being used to carry on his mission to fight obesity.
That’s why his parents, Ken and Sharon Ambrose, said PATH belongs to the community.
“Oh, yes, it’s the people’s path,” Sharon Ambrose said. “It’s for Huntington.”
Ken Ambrose said so many people have contributed their time and resources thus far, including the city, the Cabell County Commission, Chad Pennington’s 1st and 10 Foundation and countless volunteers.
For more information about PATH or to get involved with Fit Fest ’11, visit www.paulambrosetrail.org.
Article by BILL ROSENBERGER, The Herald-Dispatch
“Presenting the PATH” Reception to Provide Info on Construction Updates, Fit Fest ‘11 Plans and Volunteer Opportunities 4/28/11 at City National Bank
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Construction updates, Fit Fest ’11 plans and volunteer opportunities for the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH) will be revealed Thursday, April 28, 2011, at “Presenting the PATH,” a reception hosted by City National Bank and the Rahall Transportation Institute. The reception is open to the public and takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1900 3rd Ave., Huntington, W.Va.
Robert H. “Bob” Plymale, RTI Director and CEO, said, “After nearly 10 years of economic development studies, planning, applying for grants and community fundraising, we are very happy to show the Huntington area definite plans for the city’s most comprehensive multi-use trail system. Since our first public events in 2009, more than 1,000 volunteers, runners, cyclists, teachers, parents, children and outdoor enthusiasts have contributed to making the PATH a reality. Whether their contributions were from financial or ‘sweat equity,’ their collective involvement has been crucial in creating the PATH.”
Phoebe Patton Randolph, project architect with Edward Tucker Architects, Inc. in Huntington, said, “Our firm (Edward Tucker Architects, Inc.) is delighted to have the opportunity to work on the design of the PATH. We’ve assembled an expert team of consultants consisting of Alta Planning + Design, an internationally known pedestrian and bike trail design firm, as well as Eastham & Associates, Inc., a local civil engineering and surveying firm.
“The PATH system will provide an incredible amenity for the people of Huntington. The fact that it is happening here really highlights our city’s progressive attitude towards wellness and quality of life. The PATH will give people a new perspective on the city, the chance to experience beautiful, natural areas that you can’t get to by car.”
At 6 p.m., Plymale will welcome guests and recognize volunteer groups and sponsors. Street plans for the PATH will then be unveiled by Edward Tucker Architects, Inc. and Ken and Sharon Ambrose, parents of Dr Paul Ambrose, whose name honors the trail. Charles Holley of the City of Huntington will then provide a brief presentation of the funding and construction process for the PATH, after which Kevin Brady of the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District will speak about the Sept. 2011 “Healing Fields” display to commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
After the presentation, guests may sign up for Fit Fest ’11 volunteer opportunities, interact with PATH planners and commit to participate in several community events.
The PATH is a bicycle and pedestrian trail system that will initially span Cabell and Wayne counties. The namesake, Dr. Paul Ambrose, was a promising young physician whose life was cut short during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Dr. Ambrose was dedicated to family health and preventative medicine to fight obesity, and the trail system is a way for his efforts to continue to have an impact in Huntington.
The trail system is designed to incorporate many of Huntington’s amenities and workplaces to allow the citizens of Huntington an alternate means of transportation. The PATH is vital in Huntington’s continued efforts towards the redevelopment and growth of the city, because it will help cut congestion, connect business and communities, and provide healthy recreational opportunities for residents.
For more information, contact Errin Jewell at path@njrati.org or (304) 696-7165.
RTI Researchers, Economists, Workforce Development Professionals Participate in Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. – Transportation researchers, economists and workforce development professionals from the Rahall Transportation Institute are participating in the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 90th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. from January 23-27, 2011.
The purpose of the TRB Annual Meeting is to bring together transportation research professionals from all modes to one location, where they have the opportunity to experience more than 4,000 presentations in nearly 650 sessions and workshops. Policy makers, administrators, practitioners, researchers and representatives of government, industry and academic institutions may learn from more than 85 sessions and workshops that will address the spotlight theme for 2011: Transportation, Livability, and Economic Development in a Changing World.
This year RTI presentations or committee representations include:
- Dr. Jason (Chih-sheng) Chou
- Poster/Presentation: “Safety Implications of Violations in Concurrent-Flow Lane Operations (11-0292).” Session: “Safety: Analysis, Modeling, and Data.” Jan. 24, 2011.
- Poster/Presentation: “Exploiting Capacity of Managed Lanes in Diverting Traffic Around an Incident (11-0114), Session: “Road Pricing and Managed-Lane Research: New Tools and Promise for the Future.” Jan. 25, 2011, 2:30-5 p.m.
- Dr. Junwook Chi
- Poster/Presentation: “Short-Term Lock Traffic Forecasts on Ohio River System (11-1537)”, Session: “Current Research on Inland Waterways.” Jan. 24, 2011.
- Committee Meetings: ADD10 Transportation and Economic Development Committee, Jan. 26 2011 10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. and ADD10 Transportation and Economic Development Conference Planning Subcommittee, ADD10(1), Jan. 26, 2011, 8 a.m. -9:45 a.m.
- Ms. Janet Fraser, Research Assistant and Doctoral Student
- Presentation: “Using Digg, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (P11-0774),” as part of Enhancing Communications: Engaging and Promoting Active Communications Session, Jan. 23, 2011.
- Dr. Diana Long, Director of Transportation Workforce Development
- Panel Session Speaker: UTC Community College Collaborations, Jan. 23, 2011
- Committee Meetings: January 24, 2011, Building Transist Workforce and TRB Education Committee Meeting
- Participating in sessions: Jan. 25, 2011, Attending two sessions Emerging Learning Concepts and Formats in a Traditional Undergraduate Classroom Education Setting and Transportation Education and Training Beyond the Traditional Classroom. Jan. 26, 2011, Attending the session Building the 21st Century Workforce: Mission-Critical Issues, Cross-Modal Opportunities, and Key Partnerships in Transportation Workforce Development.
- Dr. Andrew P. Nichols, Program Director, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Assistant Professor – Engineering
- Poster Session: Intelligent Transportation Systems Development and Applications, Event Date: Jan. 24, 2011, 7:30PM- 9:30PM. Title: Investigating Key Factors Affecting Accuracy of Reidentification of Trucks over Long Distances Based on Axle Measurement Data (11-0015) – F01
- Committee Meetings: Highway Traffic Monitoring Committee, January 25, 2011, 1:30-5:30 p.m. and Weigh-in-Motion Subcommittee, ABJ35 (2), January 25, 2011, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
RTI Director & CEO Robert H. Plymale; COO Frank Betz; Transportation Engineer John Ball; GIS Project Manager Juan Barrios; Research Associate Alejandro Sanchez-Badillo; Director of Maritime Enhancement Patrick J. Donovan; Policy Analyst Kent Sowards; Research Associate Sang Yoo; and Transportation Infrastructure Program Director Wael Zatar also participated in committee sessions and meetings.
On Sunday, January 23, Dr. Peter J. Dailey was recently honored by the United States Department of Transportation’s Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) as the 2010 Outstanding Student of the Year for the Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI), a National University Transportation Center located at Marshall University.
Dailey earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in August 2010 from West Virginia University, having earned a Master of Science degree in Technology Management from Marshall University Graduate College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from West Virginia University. He is a Senior Research Associate at the Rahall Transportation Institute and an Adjunct Professor at Marshall University’s College of Information Technology and Engineering.
CUTC President Steve Albert presented Dailey and the Students of the Year from each of the other UTCs with their awards at the Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) annual banquet in Washington, D.C. This ceremony takes places as part of the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
Dr. Peter J. Dailey Honored as Outstanding Student of the Year by the USDOT Council of University Transportation Centers for His Research in Using Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite Systems in Railroad Transportation
Washington, D.C. – Dr. Peter J. Dailey was recently honored by the United States Department of Transportation’s Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) as the 2010 Outstanding Student of the Year for the Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI), a National University Transportation Center located at Marshall University.
Dailey is RTI’s first doctoral Student of the Year and holds the first Ph.D. earned as a result of RTI’s research. Dailey’s research was in the application of real time kinematic global navigation satellite systems in the railroad industry. His dissertation is available at http://rtiweb02.njrati.org/~pdailey/Research/Dissertation.html
Dailey earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in August 2010 from West Virginia University, having earned a Master of Science degree in Technology Management from Marshall University Graduate College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from West Virginia University. He is a Senior Research Associate at the Rahall Transportation Institute and an Adjunct Professor at Marshall University’s College of Information Technology and Engineering.
The Council of University Transportation Centers was established in 1979 by the major transportation research centers and institutes in the United States. CUTC provides a forum for the Universities and Centers to interact collectively with government and industry. CUTC’s membership represents over 70 of the nation’s leading university-based transportation research and education programs. Collectively, CUTC members have advanced the state-of-the-art in all modes and disciplines of transportation. In doing so, the membership of CUTC has made significant and lasting contributions to the nation’s mobility, economy, and defense.
CUTC President Steve Albert presented Dailey and the Students of the Year from each of the other UTCs with their awards at the Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) annual banquet in Washington, D.C. This ceremony takes places as part of the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.
RTI/CBER is Now Conduction a Large-Scale, Multimodal/Intermodal Shipping and Receiving Operation Survey for the Appalachian Region.
HUNTINGTON, W.VA.- The Rahall Transportation Institute and the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at Marshall University recently began conduction a large-scale, intermodal shipping and receiving operations feasibility study to benefit the Appalachian Region.
“Intermodal shipping is a valuable tool for retaining and attracting companies to ensure a solid economic future,” Patrick J.Donovan, RTI Director, Maritime & Intermodal Transportation, said. ” The economy of our region depends on reliable, economical transportation for businesses to compete. Multi-modal, multi-functional terminals and intermodal trans-loading facilities are essential for our region.”
RTI and CBER are completeing this work in support of the statewide intermodal and multimodal transportation partnership project with the West Virgina Public Port Authority.
More than 2,600 surveys were mailed to shipping and operations companies throughout the Appalachian Region. Additional participants may complete the 15-minute survey online at http://wvppa.njrati.org/shipper_survey. Participation is voluntary, and results will be used to estimate immediate transportation needs and project demand for the future. To protect the privacy of participants, individual results will not be revealed and statistics will be reported in summary form only.
“The assistance of participants is greatly appreciated and necessary to make this a meaningful survey. Information will be used to estimate immediate transportation needs and project demand for the future.”
For more information about participation or to receive research results from this study, please contact Patrick J. Donovan at (304) 696-2906 or pdonovan@njrati.org, or Dr. Junwook Chi at (304) 696-3311 or jchi@njrati.org.
National Trails Association Awards 2010 “Trails Public Service Award” to Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI), Director & CEO Robert H. Plymale
HUNTINGTON, W.VA. – On November 16, 2010, the National Trails Association awarded its 2010 Trails Public Service Awards to Rahall Transportation Institute Director and CEO Robert H. Plymale for his demonstration of significant and consistent support of trail planning, design, or implementation through strong leadership and legislative efforts.
Governor Early Ray Tomblin said, “I want to thank Bob Plymale and the Rahall Transportation Institute for their diligent work to make West Virginia’s trail system one of the finest in the country. As an avid and fellow trail enthusiast, I know how important it is to continue to expand our trail system and keep this segment of our tourism industry strong. I am proud of Bob’s recognition and look forward to many more years of success from him and RTI.”
William “Bill” Robinson, West Virginia State Trails Coordinator, nominated Plymale for the award. “Plymale’s involvement with recreational trails, both as a state senator and as the Director and CEO of the Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI), from supporting the creation of the State Trail Coordinator in West Virginia, to RTI’s groundbreaking work in motorized recreation, to support for the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health, gave West Virginia a candidate for the American Trails award that could compete with other State’s submissions on a national level.
Plymale is a longtime advocate for constructing and utilizing recreational trails throughout southern West Virginia, and he has been a key player in the development of public trails for recreation and alternative means of transportation, including the Huntington Museum of Art Multi-Sensory Trail and the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health. Recognizing the economic development and community revitalization potential that the Hatfield McCoy Trails would bring to coal-dependent counties in southern West Virginia, he has been active in mapping, planning, and promoting hundreds of miles of motorized, private trail systems.
Since becoming Director and CEO of RTI in 2001, Plymale and the researchers and educational professionals affiliated with RTI have realized the potential trails have to boost the region’s tourism industry and reviving its economy. Some of RTI’s first research initiatives addressed creating “Rails to Trails’ projects along the Greenbrier River Trail, planning for development of greenways between the state’s major cities and developing and evaluation a geographical information mapping system for the Hatfield McCoy network of trails.
Jeff Lusk, Hatfield McCoy Trails Executive Director, said, “Plymale and RTI’s largest regional impact on trails in West Virginia may be the work with the Hatfield McCoy Regional Recreation Authority. In fact, since 2005, off-highway vehicle recreation has become southern West Virginia’s most frequently utilized outdoor recreation attraction, surpassed only by white water rafting; the popularity of the Hatfield McCoy Trails systems can be attributed to the majority of off-highway vehicle trail users.”
The Huntington Museum of Art’s property includes more than 40 acres of hillside that has retained its natural woodland state. The museum’s nature trail is a well-marked and maintained trail approximately one mile in length; Plymale and RTI have supported this trail from the early stages of its development through completion of the project.
As a result of RTI research, Plymale was instrumental in the development of the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH) in Cabell and Wayne Counties of West Virginia. Once complete, the PATH will be a proposed 26-mile, public trail that was named for Dr. Paul Ambrose, a young physician who was killed at the Pentagon in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Ambrose was en route to attend an adolescent obesity conference in Los Angeles, when his plane was crashed into the Pentagon. The PATH, which will consist of segments of crushed limestone non-motorized trail as well as motorized “Share the Road” segments, will link residential communities to business and educational areas, and provide a safe, alternative means of transportation and recreation. RTI has lead planning and fundraising efforts through grant-writing and public events, which total approximately $340,000. In addition, more than 1,000 individuals in the tri-state area have participated in PATH-related health and fitness or education activities, which continue the legacy of Dr. Ambrose to fight obesity through physical activity.
Under his direction, RTI has provided trail inventory and mapping, layout and design services and trail construction oversight for public and private trails. With the assistance of Dr. Raymond Busbee, RTI has developed four online courses offered by Marshall University to equip professionals to create and maintain Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Systems: Introduction to Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation; Planning, Design and Construction of Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Systems; Construction of OHV Trail Systems; and Operation and Management of OHV Trail Systems. These courses, which are available for graduate or undergraduate credit, may lead to a minor in Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Management. Individuals who complete these courses have entered the workforce as trail specialists, directors of field operations, director of trail planning and development and trail maintenance crew.
Plymale also helped RTI create a partnership with St. Mary’s Medical Center to create the Transportation Injury Prevention and Safety (TIPS) program. Through TIPS, registered nurses and safety professionals travel to schools and public events in West Virginia and southern Ohio to teach bicycle, vehicle, skateboard, off-highway vehicle and motorcycle safety. TIPS professionals often perform bicycle and car seat safety checks and provide free helmets to students.
The award was accepted by Theresa Litteral, RTI Trails Systems and Planning Coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of RTI and Plymale. “I am proud to have been able except this award on Bob’s behalf, thus representing everything he has done for the state of West Virginia and the Rahall Transportation Institute,” Litteral said. “I think it is important to demonstrate his hard work & dedication to trails & be recognized for his achievements within the trail community with this honorable award.”
For more information, contact Errin Jewell, RTI Marketing and Communications Manager, at 304-696-7165 or ejewell@njrati.org
Congratulations to the New Transportation Research Board Members
Four local transportation professionals from RTI have been appointed by the National Transportation Research board to a total of seven national committees.
“RTI and Marshall University are very fortunate to have the expertise of Dr. Jun Wook Chi, Dr. Diana Long, Dr. Andrew Nichols and Dr. Wael Zatar, as part of our team of transportation researchers,” Bob Plymale, RTI director, said. “Each of them brings a unique perspective and valuable contribution to the body of transportation research, and we are honored to see them recognized on a national level.
“These appointments further validate the impact of the team of transportation professionals assembled at RTI to meet the transportation, economic development and workforce development needs of West Virginia, the Appalachian Region and the nation.”
Dr. Jun Chi
Dr. Chi, a transportation economist at RTI and MU, has been appointed to the Transportation and Economic Development Committee.
Dr. Diana Long
Dr. Long, RTI workforce development director, has been appointed to the Committee on Transportation Education and Training.
Dr. Andrew Nichols
Dr. Nichols, an RTI principle investigator and MU assistant professor of engineering, has been appointed to the Highway Traffic Monitoring Committee and the Expert Task Group on LTPP Traffic Data Collection and Analysis.
Dr. Wael Zatar
Dr. Zatar, RTI principle investigator and professor of engineering at MU, has been appointed to three committees: Structural Fiber Reinforced Polymers Committee, Properties of Concrete Committee and the SHRP 2 Technical Expert Task Group on Nondestructive Testing Techniques for Mapping Voids, Bonding, and Moisture Behind or Within Tunnel Linings (Project R06-G).
For more information, download the media release [PDF, 242KB].
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