The TMC PFS serves as a forum to identify and address issues that are common among agencies that manage and operate TMCs and provides an opportunity for agencies to collectively take on those key issues and challenges. The TMC PFS also provides an opportunity to facilitate the interaction, sharing of information, and successful practices with a broader audience to advance and improve upon the current state-of-the-practice related to the management, operation, and performance of TMCs. To build off and leverage investments that the TMC PFS has made in previously completed and initiated projects, the members of the TMC PFS have identifies six critical initiatives and a corresponding series of projects that need to be pursued to develop the resources and tools agencies need to address and overcome the challenges they are facing and to improve and advance the current state-of-practice. The vision and critical initiatives identified by the TMC PFS can be accessed at http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/overview.cfm.

The goal of the Transportation Management Center (TMC) Pooled Fund Study is to assemble regional, state, and local transportation management agencies and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to (1) identify human-centered and operational issues; (2) suggest approaches to addressing identified issues; (3) initiate and monitor projects intended to address identified issues; (4) provide guidance and recommendations and disseminate results; (5) provide leadership and coordinate with others with TMC interests; and (6) promote and facilitate technology transfer related to TMC issues nationally.

The following are the six critical initiatives that the TMC PFS is intended to cover: (1) Improving Day-to-Day Operations of TMCs (2) Enhancing Business Management of TMCs (3) Developing TMCs and Managing Their Evolution (4) Developing and Delivering Roadway and Travel Condition Information (5) Developing, Training, Hiring and Contracting for TMC Staff and Services (6) Knowledge and Information Sharing Fifteen projects have been initiated or completed based on available funds to address the needs of the participating members. Currently, thirteen additional projects are proposed for consideration and selection as future TMC PFS projects. Members of the TMC PFS will meet in June 8 and 9, 2004 to discuss and select the future projects. An overview of current and future TMC PFS activities is available at the TMC PFS web site at http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/overview.cfm.

**Total dollar commitments required: $850K per year. Desired level of contribution is $50,000 per year for each agency. Desired minimum commitment is $25,000. Level of commitment may vary, based on size and type of agency (e.g. county and city). State agencies may join online at the Transportation Pooled Fund Program web site. Other agencies may join by submitting a commitment form available at the TMC PFS web site via the link below.