This research effort has involved collaboration between a team of researchers representing two universities and a group of leaders from business and government. The concept of an interactive approach to public policy research has grown out of a multi-year grant from the Northwest Area Foundation to the University of Iowa's Public Policy Center. This objective has been supported by the Iowa Business Council, an organization of executive officers committed to strengthening the quality of life and vitality of the economy in Iowa. The Iowa Business Council has contributed actively and positively to all phases of the research process, in addition to devoting resources to the project.

The research conducted in conjunction with this project also was supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation's University Transportation Centers Program. The Program was created by Congress in 1987 to "contribute to the solution of important regional and national transportation problems." Following a national competition, this program established university-based centers in each of the ten federal regions. The Midwest Transportation Center that funded this project is one of the ten centers; it is a consortium that includes Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Matching funds were provided in part by the Iowa Department of Transportation, which also rendered staff support on many occasions. Finally, a contribution to this project was made by the University of Minnesota's Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. The Institute provided resources as a result of having received Congressional funding through the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation to explore ways in which transportation can contribute to a stronger, better integrated Midwestern economy.

Throughout the duration of the project, the research team has benefited by its collaboration with a 19-member project advisory committee. This committee helped bring focus to the issues to be addressed, and its members shared their insights throughout the research process. Five subcommittees were formed, each led by a member of the advisory committee and comprised of people well versed on specific areas germane to the project. These subcommittees brought an impressive level of expertise to the project.

An extensive survey was undertaken to gain the input of a large number of businesses that depend on various transportation services. A total of 234 major employment sites responded to this survey giving the research team an accurate picture of the practices, needs, and preferences of diverse businesses across the state.

A wide range of organizations with interests in transportation were invited to consult with members of the project advisory committee and the research team. The objective of these consultation meetings was to obtain the perspectives of groups with relatively specific concerns regarding transportation services in Iowa.

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