Project Title:   ALTARUM RESTRICTED USE TECHNOLOGY STUDY, MICHIGAN
     
Project Status:   In Progress
     
Project Type:   Integrated Programs
     
Project Description:   This project is a FY 2004 ITS Integration Program Earmark for the State of Michigan. The project objective is to explore the integration of ITS management and operations with restricted use (i.e., classified) data to foster a more secure and efficient transportation system. The expectation is that this project could lead to a national model capable of enhancing homeland security, and creating a process for gathering information previously unavailable to ITS managers and operators.

This project will employ a model previously applied by Altarum in the application of restricted data to environmental monitoring. Altarum, formerly the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, developed a method to apply restricted technology to environmental issues. This process begins with the identification and formation of stakeholder groups. Once formed, the individuals comprising the groups will begin the process of obtaining security clearances. While awaiting the security clearance process, the project team will conduct unclassified focus meetings. The areas to be addressed include the application of ITS in homeland security, asset management, border crossings, HAZMAT shipment, traffic safety, congestion and multimodal transportation. The groups will use simulated restricted data sets using commercially available satellite data and radar models. The expected results from these group activities will be requirement summaries.

Subsequent to the granting of security clearances, the cleared stakeholders will participate in a series of meetings in the national Capital Region that will match transportation requirements to classified capabilities. The final product will be a set of candidate pilot demonstrations from which a number of pilot programs will be selected subject to the availability of funding.
     
Project Location:   Michigan
     
Project Partner(s):   FHWA, Michigan DOT, Altarum Institute.
     
Project Start Date:   July 2005
     
Project End Date:   January 2007
     
Estimated Total ITS Funds:   $1,507,768
     
Estimated Total Project Cost:   $3,015,536

Project Contacts:    
     
Morris Hoevel
FHWA, Michigan Division
(517) 702-1834
William Tansil
Michigan DOT
(517) 373-2250



U.S. Department of Transportation, Intelligent Transportation Systems