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News from GHSA

From: Jonathan Adkins
Sent: March 9, 2017
Subject: News from GHSA

GHSA State and Associate Members,
 
As 2017 “marches” on, we want  to provide you with some updates of our latest activities and member services. Please let me know of any questions.

Government Relations

  • The U.S. government has still not finalized a FY 2017 budget and continues to operate under a Continuing Resolution (CR) – at FY 2016 funding levels – that expires April 28. At this point, GHSA expects Congress to adopt additional CRs until September 30. Meanwhile, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have begun developing the FY 2018 budget, and the Administration’s FY 2018 budget request is forthcoming. Highway safety grants are not expected to be targeted for substantial cuts.

  • The Congressional agenda continues to be dominated by President Trump and GOP priorities such as health care reform. The transportation committees have held hearings on a supplemental “trillion dollar” infrastructure investment but are unclear on how to pay for it.

  • We are working closely with the Senate Commerce Committee, which has renewed interest in bolstering federal and state engagement on heatstroke death prevention. Also, Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) has re-introduced a proposal to create a federal grant for Vision Zero programs that may advance in a future Congress.

  • The Trump Administration has announced a nomination for Deputy Secretary at U.S. DOT: Jeffrey Rosen, a D.C. lawyer, lobbyist and former U.S. DOT Chief General Counsel. Rosen has identified with the movement to rein in federal regulations and could help ease administrative burdens for SHSOs.

  • NHTSA fund disbursement continues to be delayed. The second allotment of Section 405 funds and the first allotment of Section 154/164 funds were scheduled to be released in February, but NHTSA predicts they may be forthcoming in a matter of weeks. However, NHTSA continues working to release the timetable for FAST Act “new starts” funding. We are in constant communication with the Agency and appreciate their efforts during this period of transition.

  • The federal regulatory freeze has halted nearly all U.S. DOT activity, including any final rule to supplant the highway safety grant IFR. However, NHTSA is exempt from the hiring freeze for certain positions and is conducting some targeted new hiring to fill vacancies.

Programs, Projects & Publications

  • This year, through the generous support of our partners, GHSA is pleased to be able to offer three grant opportunities for states.

    • Responsibility.org drug-impaired driving law enforcement training grants: The selection committee is reviewing the submissions, and applicants will be notified of the final decision on Monday, March 20.

    • The National Road Safety Foundation drowsy driving grants: Applications are due by close of business tomorrow, Friday, March 10. Notifications will be sent in early May.

    • Ford Driving Skills for Life teen driving grants: Applications are due March 31, and states will be notified in mid-May.

  • Speaking of Ford, through our partnership with Ford DSFL, GHSA is excited to announce a new program with Family, Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) to recognize peer-to-peer traffic safety efforts at the state level. Learn more at www.ghsa.org/resources/news-releases/FCCLA-DSFL17. In other Ford DSFL news, the national tour kicked off with very successful hands-on teen driving training in Miami last month and Los Angeles just last weekend. The next stop is Houston, April 22-23. See where else we are headed this year at www.drivingskillsforlife.com/events-cat/events.

  • Our Consulting Services Initiative continues to assist states with HSP preparation and review, grants management/policies and procedures manual development and strategic planning. CSI just completed a review of a southern state's pedestrian safety programs and initiatives using the Key Takeaway's from GHSA's 2015 pedestrian safety best practices report, Everyone Walks!  The deliverable was a comprehensive report providing recommendations to help the SHSO reposition its pedestrian safety program so that it is recognized as a leader in helping to ensure the safety of all roadway users and best equipped to help reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths in the state. CSI's pool of seasoned traffic safety professionals is also beginning work to assist a state conduct a review of its SHSP implementation process.

  • GHSA and NHTSA are finalizing the 5th edition of the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC), with release expected this summer.

  • We have several publications in the works: our 2016 pedestrian fatality projection comes out soon, and an updated drug-impaired driving guide (in partnership with Responsibilty.org) is slated for release in late April.

Education & Training

  • On March 14, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, GHSA is co-hosting and speaking on a Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) webinar about planning for successful pedestrian and bicycle safety law enforcement operations. Register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7774321645165219841. We are excited for our new partnership with PBIC and look forward to future collaboration.

  • GHSA’s Executive Seminar for new state members will be held the week of November 13 in New Mexico. A “save the date” flyer will be sent to all states soon.

  • NHTSA has not given final approval for the communications forum nor the Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) Summit, but we expect the communications forum to occur in October and the LEL Summit to occur in November.

Member Dues
State and Associate Membership dues invoices for GHSA’s 2018 fiscal year (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018) will be posted to member accounts on May 1. If you would like yours sooner, email Margaret Maxwell at mmaxwell@ghsa.org .
 
Jonathan Adkins
Executive Director
Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)
www.ghsa.org
@GHSAHQ
202-789-0942, ext. 130