UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS
College of Rural and Community Development
Tribal Management Program
Interior – Aleutians Campus
Harper Building, P.O. Box 756720 Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-6720
Tribal Management – TM 170
Fundamentals of Rural Transportation
4 cr.
Semester 20XX Course Syllabus
Course Meeting Times and Location:
DATES, 20XX.
DAYS, TIME
CLASSROOM
Audioconference Number: 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX
Student PIN: 1234567
Prerequisites:
None.
Instructor:
Steven R. Becker, CEP, Assistant Professor of Tribal Management
Alaska Tribal Technical Assistance Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks
111 Harper Building, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6720
907.474.5096 (office) * 888.846.2422 (toll free) * 907.474.5208 (fax)
Steve.Becker@alaska.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesdays, Thursdays 10 AM – 2 PM or by appointment
The instructor will also be available on audioconference for ½ hour before and after each session in order to
answer questions and review work on an individual basis.
Reference Materials:
The following items will be on a CD provided by the instructor:
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BIA. 2004. Indian Reservation Roads Program; Final Rule. U.S. Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Indian Affairs. Federal Register 69(137). Pp. 43090-43141.
BIA. 2007. IRR Coding Guide and Data Dictionary (Draft). U.S. Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Transportation.
FHWA. 2001. Traffic Monitoring Guide. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal
Highway Administration. FHWA-PL-01-021.
FHWA. 2008. Traffic Monitoring Guide Supplement, April 2008. U.S. Department of
Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
Skorseth, K. and A.A. Selim. 2000. Gravel Roads: Maintenance and Design Manual. U.S.
Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
Other reference materials may be provided on the CD or electronically via email or Blackboard.
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to managing the unique multi-modal
transportation system in rural Alaska. Course is designed for entry level transportation managers or those
new to rural transportation issues.
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The course consists of four modules: Introduction to the IRR Program, Conducting a Transportation
Inventory, Traffic Monitoring for Rural Transportation, and Basics of a Good Gravel Road. Topics
covered include: the rural Alaska transportation network and accompanying jurisdictions; common terms,
definitions, and acronyms used in the transportation field; an overview of transportation funding programs;
transportation inventory; traffic monitoring programs; and the basics elements of transportation
maintenance.
Course Goals: Students will develop a basic understanding of and appreciation for the multi-modal nature
of the transportation network in rural Alaska, and be able to knowledgeably discuss the basic elements of
managing and maintaining that network.
Student Learning Outcomes: On completion of the course the student should be able to:
Module 1: Introduction to the IRR Program
Students will be able to:
1. Relate the history of the IRR program, and
discuss recent changes to the IRR program
2. Identify the requirements for facilities to
qualify for the IRR Inventory
3. List the types of activities that may be
funded with IRR program funds
4. Describe the steps in implementing a
Tribal IRR program
5. Understand the Tribal Transportation
Allocation Methodology (TAM) and its
components
6. Be able to explain the fundamentals of the
Relative Need Distribution Factor (RDNF)
7. Describe how the RDNF is used to
calculate the individual Tribal Share
8. Understand their Tribe’s IRR inventory
and the Cost to Construct calculation
9. Identify the reporting requirements for the
IRR program, including reporting
deadlines
Evaluated by:
Course Participation, Course Journal
Online Activities, Course Journal
Course Participation, Online Activities
Course Participation, Online Activities, Community
Program Review
Course Participation, Online Activities
Course Participation, Online Activities
Course Participation, Course Journal
Course Participation, Course Journal
Online Activities, Course Journal, Community
Program Review
Module 2: Conducting a Rural Transportation Inventory
Students will be able to:
Evaluated by:
10. Understand how to use the IRR Coding
Course Participation, Online Activities
Guide
11. Describe the different facility types and
Course Participation, Online Activities, Course
functional use classifications
Journal
12. Identify required, optional, and forbidden
Course Participation, Online Activities
fields for each classification
13. Demonstrate how to collect and compile
Course Participation, Online Activities
inventory data
14. Finalize field data forms for entry into
Course Participation, Online Activities
RIFDS
15. Evaluate a community transportation
Course Journal, Community Program Review
inventory and prepare a Transportation
Inventory Update plan
Module 3: Traffic Monitoring for Rural Transportation
Students will be able to:
Evaluated by:
16. Discuss the reasons for having a traffic
Course Participation, Course Journal
monitoring program
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Students will be able to:
17. Understand the elements of an effective
traffic monitoring program
18. Describe at least three different types of
traffic monitoring methods, and discuss the
benefits and drawbacks of each
19. Conduct a traffic monitoring program
20. Explain what adjustment factors are and
discuss why they are used
21. Take traffic count data from its raw form
through to a reportable Average Daily
Traffic (ADT) count
22. Evaluate and design a community traffic
monitoring program
Evaluated by:
Course Participation, Community Program Review
Course Participation, Online Activities
Course Participation, Online Activities, Community
Program Review
Course Participation, Course Journal
Course Participation, Online Activities
Course Journal, Community Program Review
Module 4: Basics of a Good Gravel Road
Students will be able to:
23. Understand the terms used in discussing
the construction and maintenance of gravel
roads
24. Discuss the design elements and the
importance of road design standards
25. Explain the different classes of materials
used in road construction, and from what
sources each are usually found
26. Identify and discuss the standard elements
of road maintenance and the importance of
each
27. Evaluate and design a routine maintenance
program for gravel road management
Evaluated by:
Course Participation, Online Activities
Course Participation, Online Activities, Course
Journal
Course Participation, Online Activities, Course
Journal
Course Participation, Online Activities, Course
Journal
Course Journal, Community Program Review
Instructional Methods: Instructional methods will be primarily lecture in classroom and/or via
audioconference, in-class activities and group discussions, journal writing, and online activities via
Blackboard.
Course Policies: Attendance at lecture sessions is graded. Students are expected to arrive or call in early so
that sessions may begin promptly. Students are expected to actively participate in group discussions and inclass activities.
Evaluation and Grading: This is a pass-fail course. Grades will be assigned based on the percentage of
the total points possible that a student earned for the course in accordance with the following:
% of
Total
100 – 60
< 60
Grade
Pass
Fail
The total points possible will be weighted based on the following formula:
Attendance (10%): Because attendance is required to both gain information from the lecture and
to be able to participate in group activities, attendance is graded as part of this course. Attendance
will be taken at the beginning of each class session. Late arrivals will receive prorated credit for
attendance at that class session. Students with valid reasons for missing class who notify the
instructor of their absence via email or phone prior to class (excused absence) will retain ½ of
attendance points for that session.
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Participation (10%): Group discussions, exercises, and overall group dynamics are an essential
part of the learning experience for this course. Students are expected to actively participate in
group discussions and exercises in a variety of roles. Participation points for a missed class
session cannot be made up.
Course Journal (20%): Students will be required to keep a course journal for the module. The
course journal should include notes on the presentations and assigned reflections on how the
information presented could affect the students’ village. The journal assignments are designed to
assist the student with the development of the Community Program Review at the end of the
module. The journal will be reviewed by the instructor and discussed with the student at the end
of the module.
Online Activities (20%): Students will be required to take part in online activates via Blackboard.
These activities are short exercises designed to demonstrate to the instructor practical knowledge
of the material being presented in the module.
Community Program Review (40%): As a synthesis project for the module, the students will
prepare a Program Review for their community. Students will present their review to the class for
feedback and discussion. The preparation of a Community Program Review is the capstone for
each module, and is a critical part of the practical learning experience. Students are required to
successfully complete this project in order to receive a grade of ‘C’ or better for the module.
Support Services: The instructor is available upon appointment for additional assistance outside session
hours and standard office hours.
Disability Services: The UAF Office of Disability Services implements the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), and insures that UAF students have equal access to the campus and course materials. Your
instructor will work with the Office of Disability Services (203 WHIT, 907-474-7043) to provide
reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities.
UAF Disability Services for Distance Students
a)
UAF has a Disability Services office that operates in conjunction with the College of Rural Alaska
(CRA) campuses and UAF Center for Distance Education (CDE). Disability Services, a part of
UAF Center for Health and Counseling, provides academic accommodations to enrolled students
who are identified as being eligible for these services.
b) If you believe you are eligible, please visit http://www.uaf.edu/chc/disability.html on the web or
contact a student affairs staff person at your nearest local campus. You can also contact Disability
Services on the Fairbanks Campus at (907) 474-7043, fydso@uaf.edu
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Tentative Course Schedule:
Date
9/4
Topic
Reading (To Be Done Before Class)
Assignment
Introductions & Syllabus Review.

Common Terms, Definitions, &
Acronyms

Course Journal due 09/30
o List unfamiliar terms and
acronyms
Online Activity due by 9/9
o Review Terms, Definitions, &
Acronyms.
Module 1: Introduction to the IRR Program
9/9
9/11
Rural Transportation & Funding
Agencies
Overview of the IRR Program I
Website Review: FHWA, BIA, FTA

25 CFR 170.1 – 170.4
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9/16
IRR Eligible Facilities and
Allowable Uses of IRR Funds
9/18
The IRR Tribal Transportation
Allocation Methodology
(TTAM), the Relative Need
Distribution Factor (RNDF), and
the IRR Inventory
25 CFR 170.115 – 170.117
25 CFR 170.120 – 170.152
25 CFR 170 Appendix A to Subpart B
25 CFR 170.200 – 170.202
25 CFR 170 Appendix C to Subpart C
25 CFR 170 Appendix D to Subpart C
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Course Journal due 09/30
o Discuss the pros and cons of the
different program contracting
options
o Discuss which program
contracting option might be
most appropriate for your
community
Online Activities due 9/16
o Review of Transportation
Agencies and Roles in Program
Implementation
o Review Funding Flowchart in
IRR Program.
Course Journal due 09/30
o Describe the types of facilities in
your community that are eligible
to be included in the IRR
Inventory
o Discuss the relationship between
the TTAM and your
community’s IRR Tribal Shares
o Discuss the importance of
having a complete and up to
date IRR inventory and its effect
on the RNDF formula
Online Activities due 9/23
o Identify facilities that are
eligible and ineligible for
Date
9/23
9/25
Topic
Analyzing your Tribal IRR
Program
Administration and Reporting
Requirements
Reading (To Be Done Before Class)
25 CFR Part 170.115 – 170.152
25 CFR Part 170 Appendix A to Subpart B
Assignment
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9/30
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Module 1 Community Program
Review
inclusion in the IRR Inventory
o Identify allowable and nonallowable uses of IRR funds
o Review TTAM flowchart
o Review RNDF formula
Course Journal due 09/30
o Explain why you selected the
evaluation criteria you used for
conducting your Community
Program Review
Online Activities dye 09/30
o Identify the deadlines and
reporting requirements in the
IRR annual cycle
Community IRR Program Review due
09/30
Module 1 Course Journal due
Module 1 Community Program Review
due
Module 2: Conducting a Rural Transportation Inventory
10/2
10/7
10/9
Introduction to Transportation
Inventory
The IRR Coding Guide
Facility Types and Functional
Classifications
IRR Coding Guide: Introduction
Scan the Sections and Appendices of the IRR Coding
Guide. You do not need to read this in detail; we will
be going through this in detail as part of lecture this
week.
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10/14
10/16
Strip Mapping – Standards and
Tools
Compiling and Submitting
Inventory Data
Minimum Requirements for Strip Maps (Handout)
Sample Strip Maps
IRR Coding Guide, Appendix A
Sample RIFDS Data Sheets (Handout)
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Course Journal due 10/21
o Discuss the major
transportation facility types,
including functional
classification, in your
community
Online Activities due 10/14
o Using examples provided online,
practice coding typical rural
transportation facilities
Course Journal due 10/21
o Discuss the mapping tools
appropriate for your
community’s current
technology capacity
Online Activities due 10/21
Date
Topic
Reading (To Be Done Before Class)
Assignment
o
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10/21
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Module 2 Community Program
Review
Complete sample data sheets
using data provided
Community Program Review/Inventory
Action Plan due 10/21
Module 2 Course Journal due
Module 2 Community Program
Review/Inventory Action Plan due
Module 3: Traffic Monitoring for Rural Transportation
10/23
Introduction to Traffic
Monitoring
FHWA Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG): Section 1
FHWA TMG: Section 2, Chapter 1
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10/28
Where and What to Collect
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10/30
Traffic Monitoring Tools and
Techniques
FHWA TMG: Section 2, Chapter 3: Short Duration
Counts
FHWA TMG: Section 3, Chapter 3: Short Duration
Volume Counts
FHWA TMG: Section 4, Chapter 3: Short Duration
Counts
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11/4
11/6
Adjustment Factors and Average
Daily Traffic (ADT) Calculations
Traffic Monitoring Exercises
FHWA TMG: Section 2, Chapters 2 and 4
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FHWA TMG: Section 6, Chapters 1-4
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11/11
Preparing a Traffic Monitoring
Plan
FHWA TMG: Section 2, Chapter 5
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Course Journal due 11/13
o Discuss which uses of traffic
monitoring data might be
applicable in your community.
Course Journal due 11/13
o List which roads or trails you
think should be the priority in a
monitoring program, and why.
o Discuss which of the techniques
covered in class would be easiest
to implement in your
community
Online Activities due 11/4
o Given sample routes, identify
appropriate locations for traffic
monitoring stations
Course Journal due 11/13
o What traffic pattern
fluctuations do you see in your
community, and how might you
account for them in your traffic
monitoring program
Online Activities due 11/11
o Using sample raw traffic data,
calculate adjustment factors
o Using adjustment factors
provided, calculate ADT from
raw traffic count data
Community Program Review/Traffic
Monitoring Plan due 11/13
Date
11/13
Topic
Reading (To Be Done Before Class)
Module 3 Community Program
Review
Assignment
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Module 3 Course Journal due
Module 3 Community Program Review
/Traffic Monitoring Plan due
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Course Journal due 12/11
o Do roads in your community
resemble the “ideal” cross
section? If not, which design
elements are substandard?
o Do roads in your community
have drainage problems?
Describe.
Online Activities Due 11/25
o Define road design terms
o Label a road cross section using
terms appropriate terms
o Identify road deficiencies in
photographs provided
Course Journal due 12/11
o Describe the material sources
readily available for your
community.
o Describe the construction
materials used on roads and
trails in your community.
Online Activities due 12/2
o Identify the properties
associated with different types
of construction materials
o Describe the type(s) of materials
that are generally found in
different material sources
Course Journal due 12/11
o Describe your community’s
current road maintenance
program
o Describe the dust, snow, and ice
control measures used and/or
Module 4: Basics of a Good Gravel Road
11/18
11/20
Introduction to Gravel Road
Design Elements and Standards
Road Drainage
FHWA Gravel Roads (GR): pg. iv-v, viii-ix
FHWA GR: Section I pages 1-3
FHWA GR: Section II
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11/25
11/27
Construction Materials and
Material Sources
Thanksgiving Holiday

FHWA GR: Section III

12/2
12/4
Routine Maintenance and
Rehabilitation
Dust, Snow, and Ice Control
FHWA Section I, pages 4-32
FHWA GR: Section IV
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Date
Topic
Reading (To Be Done Before Class)
Assignment

12/9
12/11

Preparing a Transportation
Maintenance Plan
Module 4 Community Program
Review
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recently tried in your
community.
Online Activities due 12/9
o Match the road condition with
the appropriate maintenance
measure
Community Program Review/
Maintenance Plan due 12/11
Module 4 Course Journal due
Module 4 Community Program Review
/Maintenance Plan due