In Brief…

FHWA has established an implementation team for products of the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) program. Bob Hathaway, from FHWA Region 10, heads the team, which is composed of representatives from each FHWA region. The implementation team is responsible for evaluating the readiness and applicability of the products described in the 1996 Product Preview: The Long-Term Pavement Performance Program and developing implementation strategies for LTPP products.

Debbie Walker, pavement management engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), recently completed a 2-year tour of duty with FHWA's Pavement Performance Division. Walker served as a loaned staffer to the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) project, helping, among other things, to coordinate the activities of the regional calibration centers for falling weight deflectometers. Walker has returned to her position in TXDOT's pavement management branch, located in Austin.

Walker says, "I really enjoyed my tour at FHWA. Now that I'm back at TXDOT, I am excited about the things TXDOT is prepared and willing to do for the LTPP project. We do things big here in Texas, and we plan to make a big impact on the success of the LTPP project here in our State."

According to Charlie Churilla, head of the LTPP project, "Debbie was a real asset to the LTPP team, serving as the resident voice of the State DOTs and helping ensure that the LTPP project would yield products directly aimed at meeting States' needs. We're grateful to TXDOT management for loaning her to us and for supporting the LTPP project."

Churilla encourages other State or Provincial highway agencies to consider nominating a loaned staffer for a 1-year term with the LTPP project.

Walker agrees: "I strongly recommend that other States take advantage of the loaned staff program. In the short term, it might seem difficult to 'lose' a staffer for a year, but the rewards for the agency are worth it in the end."

For information on loaned staff positions at FHWA, contact Charlie Churilla at 703-285-2355 (fax: 703-285-2767;
email: charles.churilla@fhwa.dot.gov).

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