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In This Issue

  1. RCP and ESS sign Alliance Partnership Agreement for Web-Based Compliance Assurance Services
  2. O&M Manual Up-To-Date?
  3. Pipeline Safety Regulation Workshops – Federal, Texas, and Louisiana
  4. Need help with the new Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) deadline?
  5. Extension of NPDES Storm Water Construction Permit Deadline for Oil and Gas Construction Activity
  6. RCP’s Fantastic 1-Page Version of New SPCC Regulation
  7. Editorial Revision – Gas Transmission Line Definition
  8. Integrity Management Plan Up-to-Date?
  9. Semi-Annual Reporting of Gas Pipeline Integrity Management Performance Measures
  10. Acquiring a pipeline?
  11. Louisiana to Increase Drug and Alcohol Inspections
  12. Are Your Response Plans Current?
  13. RSPA Report on Research Activities; Request for Comments
  14. Need A Security Plan or Audit?
  15. API’s 56th Annual Pipeline Conference, April 19-20, 2005
  16. ASME Draft Standard B31Q Pipeline Personnel Qualification Draft Posted
  17. OPS Gas IMP Oversight Implementation and Inspection Protocol Workshop – January 2005
  18. Need to update your Public Awareness Program?
  19. RCP Services Spotlight – Pipeline Education Meeting Programs

RSPA Report on Research Activities; Request for Comments

The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) is being replaced by two new Federal agencies: the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). These new organizations will be effective no later than February 28, 2005.

RITA is a new Department of Transportation (DOT) organization dedicated to advancing the DOT’s priorities for transportation innovation, research, and education. RITA will integrate the existing intermodal research and development functions of the RSPA Office of Innovation, Research, and Education and the Secretary’s Office of Intermodalism. In addition, RITA also will incorporate the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts; the Transportation Safety Institute in Oklahoma City; and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics in its entirety.

The incoming RITA Administrator is required to prepare a report to Congress, due March 30, 2005, on the research activities and priorities of the Department of Transportation. The report shall include the following information:

  • A summary of the mission and strategic goals of the new RITA Administration;
  • A prioritized list of the research and development activities that the Department intends to pursue over the next five (5) years;
  • A description of the primary purposes for conducting such R&D; activities such as reducing traffic congestion, improving mobility, and promoting safety;
  • An estimate of the funding levels needed to implement such R&D; activities for the current fiscal year; and
  • Additional information the RITA Administrator considers appropriate.

As a part of the stakeholder review process, the Department of Transportation is soliciting comments from Federal, state, private sector, and not-for-profit institutions. Please submit all comments electronically to RitaReport@rspa.dot.gov or fax to (202) 366-3671. The deadline for comments is February 15, 2005.