AHTD Strategic Plan

Mission Statement

To provide a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound intermodal transportation system for the user.

Strategic Goals

Provide a safe and efficient Intermodal Transportation System.

Maximize external and internal customer satisfaction.

Strive for continual improvement.

Enhance the social, economic and environmental qualities of Arkansas.

Goal: Provide a safe and efficient Intermodal Transportation System.

Objective:

1. Develop, operate and maintain safe, efficient and effective highway and transportation systems.

Strategies:

Plan, design and manage highway projects.
Provide for construction of the highway system and facilities.
Provide for maintenance and operation to prevent major deterioration of the State Highway System.
Enforce all laws pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles over the highways of the State, such as Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Hazardous Materials Regulations and speed enforcement. Enforce laws pertaining to the use, bulk storage and transportation of motor fuels and special distillate fuels.
Optimize timing of highway right of way acquisition and utility adjustments.
Administer comprehensive traffic safety programs relating to driver, roadway and railroad crossing safety.
Promote Public Transportation with programs such as the Small Urbanized Area Formula Program, Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program, Elderly and Disabled Capital Program, Metropolitan Planning Organization Planning Program, and State Planning and Research Program.

Objective:

2. Promote adequate funding to construct and maintain our State transportation infrastructure.

Strategies:

Review, evaluate and utilize appropriate infrastructure funding measures.
Actively seek all State and Federal Transportation funds.

Objective:

3. Facilitate economic and social prosperity through the efficient movement of people and goods.

Strategies:

Support and promote transportation related activities of state and local governments consistent with Commission goals and objectives.
Support and promote tourism by construction and maintenance of Tourist Information Centers, maintenance of State park routes, and tourist directional signs (TODS/TADS/LOGOS).

Objective:

4. Facilitate Intermodal connections.

Strategies:

Improve and promote the connectivity of transportation services and systems.
Support and promote intermodal transportation activities (air, highway, rail, transit, waterway, pipelines, etc.).
Work with all transportation providers and partners to establish a statewide transportation system.
Inform all customers about alternative transportation systems, services and corridors.
Coordinate highway planning with other modes of transportation.

Goal: Maximize external and internal customer satisfaction.

(External customers include public sector, private sector and government entities as well as the general public. Internal customers are Department employees.)

Objective:

1. Improve external customer satisfaction.

Strategies:

Improve methods of identifying and meeting customer needs.
Solicit and evaluate customer recommendations and reply promptly to their concerns.
Inform customers of the Department's available products and services.
Enhance communication and coordination with public officials.

Objective:

2. Encourage quality work and products.

Strategies:

Ensure the accountability of product and service providers.
Implement product and service improvements identified by the customer.
Optimize the use of all external and internal resources.

Objective:

3. Promote positive, productive working environment.

Strategies:

Promote an environment of mutual respect, trust and fairness in which all employees' contributions are recognized as important.
Encourage open communication and promote teamwork.
Promote a safe, flexible and supportive environment to accommodate a diverse work force.
Place authority, responsibility and accountability at the lowest practical organizational level.
Ensure uniform application of Department policies and procedures.
Focus career enhancement and continuing education programs to enable each employee to reach their full potential with AHTD.
Recognize the value of all professions and trades.

Objective:

4. Enhance public perception of AHTD.

Strategies:

Improve and expand programs to inform the public about the Department through appropriate use of public meetings, public access data providers, news media and the AHTD Public Affairs Office.
Encourage appropriate employee involvement in the local community.

Goal: Strive for continual improvement.

Objective:

Improve level of customer service.

Strategies:

Improve permit issuance software and utilize latest computer technology (customer data base, automated routing, latest network and work station hardware).
Provide access to pertinent on-line computer services.

Objective:

2. Continually improve the way we do business.

Strategies:

Conduct ongoing assessment of organizational structure and modify as current needs indicate.
Improve data collection quality and reduce reporting burdens through innovations such as, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), OCR (Optical Character Recognition), document imaging, electronic forms, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), etc.
Develop standard formats for AHTD data.

Develop and maintain state-of-the-art capabilities to facilitate people-to-people communications.

Objective:

3. Provide employees with proper training and tools.

Strategies:

Provide computer hardware and software to perform daily functions.
Continue and expand AHTD training programs.
Examine new and innovative techniques and concepts for training employees.

Objective:

4. Utilize innovative programs to improve the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of Department operations.

Strategies:

Continue Quality Improvement which is an effort to enhance joint projects between the Department and the Federal Highway Administration, other state and local agencies/governments.
Promote the Quality Initiative Program which provides employees an opportunity to contribute feedback to enhance the work force through work teams.
Use partnering as a tool to promote understanding and cooperation.

Objective:

5. Optimize the use of research.

Strategies:

Continue internal research programs.
Promote and use the research and development programs of the State's colleges and universities.
Utilize research data gathered by other states, the Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and other sources.

Goal: Enhance the social, economic and environmental qualities of Arkansas.

Objective:

Promote growth that enhances the quality of life.

Strategies:

Improve opportunities for mobility for disabled Americans.
Coordinate transportation development with local communities.
Conserve resources by using recycled and environmentally sensitive materials and supplies when feasible.
Use alternative fuel and energy technologies as appropriate.
Continue programs for improving roadside aesthetics and appurtenances.

Objective:

2. Provide a base for economic advancement.

Strategies:

Develop a comprehensive, reliable and continuing program for transportation infrastructures.
Support tourism and recreation.
Support opportunities for economic development in Arkansas.
Continue to seek additional funding sources to expand various Access Road Programs.

Objective:

3. Preserve and enhance the environment through sound transportation decisions.

Strategies:

Maintain cooperative efforts with Federal, State and local agencies to ensure environmental quality of life is preserved and enhanced.
Continue integrating environmental protection and enhancement into the project development process.
Educate AHTD employees on environmental issues and responsibilities.