The 2009 MVC qualifies for Professional Development Credit for state DOT employees.

States recently received a communication from AASHTO outlining how Section 5204(e) of SAFETEA LU could be used to fund travel for training and professional development using 100% federal aid. Given the budget challenges we all face, it may be helpful to note that this provision can be used to help fund attendance at this year's Mississippi Valley Conference, to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 15 - 17, 2009. Many states already have Professional Development Accounts set up and ready for use. Others may wish to set them up for this purpose.

This year's Mississippi Valley Conference is worth 13.25 Professional Development Hours (PDH) or 1.325 Continuing Education Credits (CEU), making it eligible for Section 5204(e) funding. Individual FHWA state division offices are the approval point for the credits, and can assist with questions or advice on how to set up a Professional Development Account for your organization. If you choose to make use of this provision, please notify the Michigan Department of Transportation so we can be sure to provide attendees with a training certificate confirming their attendance.

If your DOT chooses to use this you can access the SAFETEA-LU Section 5204(e) Questions and Answers at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/qanda.htm for more information on how core program funds can be used to support training, education and workforce development.