The Aurora program is a partnership of highway agencies which beginning in 1996 collaborate on research, development, and the deployment of road weather information systems to improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of surface transportation. It is administered by the Iowa DOT and managed by the Center for Weather Impacts on Mobility and Safety (CWIMS) which is housed under InTrans at Iowa State University. Aurora’s initiatives are funded by member agencies to conduct research that serves the needs of its members who meet twice per year to set the agenda for RWIS research, keep informed about progress on program initiatives, and discuss solutions for common in-the-field problems. Newly selected initiatives are led by “champion” member agencies, managed by committees of Aurora members, and funded out of the pooled fund. Aurora works closely with the Federal Highway Administration, having been approved for federal-aid research and development funds without state match using 100 percent SP&R funding. Aurora also has a strong relationship with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and its Snow and Ice Pooled Fund Cooperative Program (SICOP). In addition, Aurora coordinates with the American Meteorological Society (AMS), the National Severe Storm Laboratory, the ITS America, Clear Roads and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Furthermore, Aurora works closely with industry as well as university based research organizations. This forum facilitates the sharing of technological and institutional experiences gained from road weather information system (RWIS) programs conceived and initiated by each participating entity.

The cooperative and collaborative objective of the Aurora Program is to promote an efficient use of resources rather than a series of independent initiatives. The synergistic effect of this forum is an accelerated implementation of road weather programs as well as the integration and operationalized use of weather data in transportation management, safety, and in serving progressive levels of connected and automated transportation.

Aurora members seek to advance road weather information systems (RWIS) to more fully integrate weather data as part of transportation systems operations in terms of readiness and decision making for efficient highway maintenance, operations, and real-time traveler information. Project areas of interest include information dissemination technologies, decision support systems, weather modeling and analysis, equipment evaluations, standards and architecture, road condition monitoring and performance measures as well as other pertinent areas as identified by member agencies. In addition, Aurora is committed to supporting a more connected and automated future for surface transportation.

Travel: Aurora Board members travel twice per year (spring, fall) to determine new projects for Aurora, vote on proposed projects, and to discuss project status and findings. All travel expenses for members are paid from pooled funds. The Board member or designated representative of each active member agency will be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable costs for travel, including registration fees, accommodation, and sustenance, to attend approved Aurora meetings. Travel costs of attendance at Aurora meetings by others may also be reimbursable in special cases approved in advance by the Aurora Program Administrator or the Executive Board. The Program Administrator and management consultant are charged with coordinating events requiring travel as appropriate to minimize travel costs. Minimum desired annual commitment for each state: The Aurora program activities are supported through income from member agencies ($25,000 per year) as well as in-kind match where approved by the Aurora Executive Board. This cycle of Aurora will cover funding years FY2020 to FY2024. New member states: This pooled fund is always accepting new member states. Please inquire with the Lead Agency Contact noted above to join this effort.