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| Date: | 11/21/2023 |
| Title: | Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Boundary Map Amendment |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
Information
RECOMMENDATION
The staff is seeking approval from the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) for the Billings MPO Boundary Map Amendment and authorization for the Mayor of the City of Billings and the Chairperson of Yellowstone County Commissioners to sign the official map. The map amendment has already been endorsed by the Board of County Commission and the Billings City Council, all of whom are recommending PCC's approval of the amendment. The Yellowstone County Planning Board was scheduled to take action on the boundary amendment on November 14th. However, the board did not have a quorum and could not take action. The Planning Board will abstain from voting on the map amendment at the PCC meeting.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is tasked with coordinating transportation planning within the Billings metropolitan area. Its responsibilities encompass long-term transportation planning, allocation of funding, and ensuring that transportation projects align with regional goals and objectives. The MPO's planning boundary defines the specific geographic area over which it exercises planning authority.
In response to the recently released 2020 Census data, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) mandates that the MPO, in collaboration with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and local government agencies, adjust the planning boundary accordingly. These adjustments are based on the 2020 Census urban area boundaries, which are determined by housing density. The population within these adjusted urban areas determines their respective share of urban program funds. Final approval of the proposed boundaries is granted by the FHWA.
To define the MPO boundary, certain criteria were employed:
The first attached map illustrates the 2010 Urban Boundary, City Limits, 2020 Census Urban Area Boundary, and the proposed 2020 Urban Area Boundary. After discussions involving MDT Helena, MDT Billings District, City and County Public Works, and the Billings MPO, all proposed changes were accepted, with the exception of a section of King Avenue West. MDT Helena recommended converting a portion of this route from an Urban to a Secondary route. However, MDT Billings District and staff opposed this change due to the area's complex and rapidly changing land use. Ultimately, MDT Helena reviewed and concurred with the local recommendation.
The second map illustrates the ultimate proposed version, and MDT Helena is seeking a review and endorsement of this map from the municipal and county authorities. On October 18, 2023, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) conducted a review of the map amendment. TAC is now suggesting that the local governing authorities grant approval for the map amendment to the PCC, which would then enable the Mayor to officially sign the map.
MDT Helena will oversee this process using DocuSign.
In response to the recently released 2020 Census data, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) mandates that the MPO, in collaboration with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and local government agencies, adjust the planning boundary accordingly. These adjustments are based on the 2020 Census urban area boundaries, which are determined by housing density. The population within these adjusted urban areas determines their respective share of urban program funds. Final approval of the proposed boundaries is granted by the FHWA.
To define the MPO boundary, certain criteria were employed:
- Reasonable Distance: Areas within the urban boundary must be reachable within a 0.5-mile drive.
- Large Traffic Generator: This category includes industrial, commercial, or retail areas that do not encompass residential zones. Large traffic generators must primarily serve the urban area's population and have a significant impact, such as major hospitals, for example.
- Minimizing Impacts to the Highway Systems: The overarching goal is to avoid any adverse effects on the state highway system.
The first attached map illustrates the 2010 Urban Boundary, City Limits, 2020 Census Urban Area Boundary, and the proposed 2020 Urban Area Boundary. After discussions involving MDT Helena, MDT Billings District, City and County Public Works, and the Billings MPO, all proposed changes were accepted, with the exception of a section of King Avenue West. MDT Helena recommended converting a portion of this route from an Urban to a Secondary route. However, MDT Billings District and staff opposed this change due to the area's complex and rapidly changing land use. Ultimately, MDT Helena reviewed and concurred with the local recommendation.
The second map illustrates the ultimate proposed version, and MDT Helena is seeking a review and endorsement of this map from the municipal and county authorities. On October 18, 2023, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) conducted a review of the map amendment. TAC is now suggesting that the local governing authorities grant approval for the map amendment to the PCC, which would then enable the Mayor to officially sign the map.
MDT Helena will oversee this process using DocuSign.
STAKEHOLDERS
This map amendment originated from MDT Helena and was subsequently introduced to the MPO, MDT Billings District, and the Public Works Departments of both the City and County. After undergoing a thorough examination and receiving a suggestion from the local review team, MDT Helena has made necessary adjustments and is presently seeking final approval and signatures from the City Council and the Board of County Commissioners.
On October 18th, the Technical Advisory Committee endorsed the map amendment for approval to be presented to the Planning Board, County Commissioners, and City Council. Following this, on November 14th, the County Planning Board was scheduled to conduct a public hearing to receive input regarding the proposed map amendment. However, the board did not have a quorum and could not open the public hearing or take action on the amendment. Although the public hearing could not take place, there were no members of the public present. The Planning Board will abstain from voting on the map amendment at the PCC meeting. Simultaneously, the Board of County Commissioners, the Billings City Council, and the County Planning Board have collectively examined the proposed boundary map amendment and are jointly recommending its approval to the Policy Coordinating Committee.
On October 18th, the Technical Advisory Committee endorsed the map amendment for approval to be presented to the Planning Board, County Commissioners, and City Council. Following this, on November 14th, the County Planning Board was scheduled to conduct a public hearing to receive input regarding the proposed map amendment. However, the board did not have a quorum and could not open the public hearing or take action on the amendment. Although the public hearing could not take place, there were no members of the public present. The Planning Board will abstain from voting on the map amendment at the PCC meeting. Simultaneously, the Board of County Commissioners, the Billings City Council, and the County Planning Board have collectively examined the proposed boundary map amendment and are jointly recommending its approval to the Policy Coordinating Committee.
ALTERNATIVES
Policy Coordinating Committee may:
- Approve the boundary map amendment and authorize the Mayor and County Chairperson to sign the official map. This will ensure continued PL funding. This boundary amendment is necessary to align the Billings MPO Planning Boundary with the US Census Urban Boundary per federal regulations; or,
- Not Approve the boundary map amendment which would jeopardize the Federal PL funding.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The approval of the MPO Boundary will not result in any financial implications for either the City or County. Instead, it will guarantee the uninterrupted flow of Federal PL funding to support ongoing Transportation Planning Programs within the MPO.
SUMMARY
Following the conclusion of the ten-year census conducted by the US Census Bureau, the MPO Boundary undergoes a review and adjustment process based on the Census Bureau's Urban Area definition and recommendations provided by the Federal Highway Administration and the Montana Department of Transportation. This revision is necessary to ensure the continued allocation of Federal PL funding.