Center Operations

Although all LTAP/TTAP Centers are unique, there are certain functions that all Centers complete as part of their operations.

Training and technical assistance are the cornerstone of LTAP/TTAP. Courses focus on a variety of topics that fall into several key categories — safety, infrastructure maintenance and workforce development.

Centers provide affordable training primarily to the county and local transportation workers that are responsible for maintaining nearly three-quarters of the nation's roadways. The classes that are offered vary by Center and can focus on what are known as "soft" or "hard" skills. For example, a Center may offer training in chainsaw maintenance, work zone safety, time management and asphalt road repair. In each case, the LTAP/TTAP is trying to help local officials do their job more efficiently and safely.

Centers communicate with their customers through newsletters, marketing materials and their websites. Center newsletters are published four times a year, although many Centers are moving towards "E-newsletters" that are distributed electronically. National program marketing materials are available through FHWA's LTAP/TTAP Clearinghouse. Many Centers also publish their own materials. This helps spread the word about LTAP/TTAP to stakeholders in their states.

Each year the Centers provide information to FHWA on their operations through the Program Analysis Report (PAR) and the Center Assessment Report (CAR). The PAR includes data on all the classes offered by the Center, including the number of participants, the length of each class and the total number of sessions offered. The CAR is a confidential report completed by Center directors, and is submitted directly to FHWA. Both of these forms are online in the Centers Only Area of the website.

Centers interact with the larger LTAP/TTAP community through service on national committees, the National LTAP Association (NLTAPA) and a series of regional meetings, partner events and the National LTAP/TTAP conference.

Many Centers spend considerable time finding new resources and classes to offer to their customers. A number of LTAP/TTAP partners provide these materials. The FHWA LTAP/TTAP Clearinghouse also has an online database of LTAP/TTAP courses and materials, as well as a database of trainers.

Center Operations

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