The Mid-America Freight Coalition (MAFC) pooled fund began in 2006 to investigate and support the efficient, reliable, and safe transport of freight, and the related development opportunities. The MAFC’s major emphasis areas support the development of freight-related transportation facilities and freight-related policy, and its linkages with economic and community development. This solicitation is for the third iteration of the MAFC pooled fund. Previous iterations were TPF-5(156) and TPF-5(293). Historically, participating organizations have been the cabinet-level transportation agencies from the ten states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin) that comprise the Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials (MAASTO).

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking to lead a pooled fund that will: • produce freight-related research results • improve cross-state freight-related coordination and facility development • increase awareness of the importance of freight transportation for the nation’s economy Ultimately, the results of the MAFC activities will support and develop the economic well-being of the industries, businesses, farms, and the people of the ten-state region by keeping their products flowing to markets safely, reliably, and efficiently. Participation in this pooled fund presents an opportunity for agencies to support research on freight and economic development issues specific to the needs of transportation agencies, advance regional freight-related coordination, and ultimately allow for the quick implementation of research and development efforts. Products of previous iterations of the MAFC pooled fund have included: • high-quality research reports • recently-published reports from TPF-5(293) have included an examination of the impact of Upper Mississippi River lock and dam shutdowns on state highway infrastructure, and the development of a potential regional regulatory approach to truck platooning • annual freight conferences attended by representatives of the ten states • recent conferences have run concurrent with the Ohio Conference on Freight and the MAASTO Annual Meeting • educational seminars and training sessions conducted for state transportation officers • support to MAASTO state Freight Advisory Committees • direct support to MAASTO Planning and Motor Carrier Committees Using the MAFC as a foundation, partner agencies will be able to take advantage of a wide range of expertise in truck, rail, waterway, air, and multimodal freight planning, research, management, and operations to assess and answer their regional freight research needs.

The MAFC actively engages and supports freight-related activities of the MAASTO states through research projects and reports, the MAFC annual freight conference and outreach efforts, web applications, and personal communications. While specific research topics remain to be approved by the MAASTO Board of Directors (with one exception), objectives of a third iteration of MAFC efforts will generally: • in coordination with the states, define, conduct, and publish critical freight and economic research that will support and improve freight-related facility development efforts and the related outcomes • identify, evaluate, and share information, technologies, and best practices between state agencies to increase awareness and speed of implementation of best practices, and increase the effectiveness of freight development initiatives; this will include a “Truck Parking Information Management System” data warehousing and performance metrics development effort that was approved, but not contracted, during TPF-5(293) • increase the awareness and utilization of the linkages between freight transportation investments and local, regional, and national economic development • continue to advocate and support a regional approach to freight planning, policy and operations • keep abreast of industry and commodity trends and incorporate this information into MAFC communications and efforts; strive to be a clearinghouse for freight information and research • maintain the MAFC website as an up-to-date resource, a source of innovative freight development ideas, and as an information-sharing hub • actively contribute to the development of freight policy and national freight research direction through the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Transportation Research Board

Partners are asked to commit a minimum of $37,000 per year. This pooled fund is intended to last no longer than 36 months. An evaluation of this pooled fund near the end (sometime within calendar year 2021) will determine the need for a fourth-iteration of the pooled fund. Future obligations will occur as needed to fund further activities set forth by the MAASTO Board of Directors. A waiver of the non-federal match requirement for SPR funding (Parts A and B) will be requested and posted when approved. Active Study URL: http://midamericafreight.org/