2006 National Safety Rest Area Conference Planning Forum

Rob Williams (Minnesota DOT) mentioned that he had thought of Minneapolis in late September or early October for the next conference. All states had no problem with this plan. Rob then mentioned the idea of a “spouse program”. Art Thompson agreed that this is a great idea for planning activities (local tours, etc.) for spouses of the attendees.

Dean Perkins commended Texas on a well-organized and nicely presented Conference for 2004.

Willie Webb (Georgia DOT) preferred the idea of a Wednesday through Friday conference for 2006, and all agreed. Rob mentioned the downtown areas of Minneapolis (warehouse district with a river walk). Art noted that cost was definitely an issue. Paul Gray noted that he would like to see participation from a federal level (people from Washington, D.C., AASHTO, FHWA, etc.) Ralph Carhart wants to see more exploration into partnerships and commercialization, and all wanted a follow-up on states initiatives regarding wireless internet. All also agreed that the idea of open forums during the conference was beneficial, and this format should continue.