GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE-BUDGETING STRATEGIES

This report provides insights and guidance for those responsible for developing state highway maintenance budgets. The research is based on surveys of transportation chief administrative officers, state maintenance engineers, and state budgetary officials; site visits to 10 states; a review of analytical methods and management systems that can effectively support the budgeting process; and analysis of the key elements of effective maintenance budgeting strategies development. The report presents detailed maintenance budgeting improvement guidelines, together with examples of effective practices. The guidelines are designed primarily for state highway and transportation agencies, but should be of value to any highway organization seeking to improve its capabilities to secure the levels of funding needed to maintain its roads properly. The guidelines are divided into four major categories: guidelines for the overall budget process, for information and management systems, for media and communications, and for training and skills.