Staff recommends that the Policy Coordinating Committee approve the administrative modification to the FY2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program.

The TIP is a comprehensive document outlining the prioritized list of transportation projects and initiatives that the Billings Metropolitan Organization (MPO) intends to undertake over the upcoming TIP period of 2024-2028. The purpose of the TIP is to provide the mechanism for scheduling federal funds for surface transportation projects, indicate regional priorities, and demonstrate a short-range transportation vision for the area. A secondary purpose of the TIP is to provide information about other transportation projects in the urbanized area that are exempt from the TIP approval process, such as projects that do not utilize federal funds. This program plays a crucial role in addressing current and future transportation needs, promoting safety, and fostering economic development.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has requested an administrative modification to add a new funding source. The Carbon Reduction (CR) funds are programmed to be used by MDT Billings District for ADA upgrades, some of which are located within the MPO. The Construction (CN) is programmed under the CR table with Preliminary Engineering (PE) and Construction Engineering (CE) located under the Montana Air and Congestion Initiative (MACI) table.

The remaining edits are simple budget updates under the Billings Bypass, Yellowstone River Bridge and Interstate Maintenance funds for the Mossmain Interchange.

This is an administrative modification that did not require the MPO to complete the review under the Transportation Planning Process. The PCC meeting is a public meeting, so interested members of the public may attend and comment.

The TIP provides the MPO a listing of federally funded projects through 2028. The Policy Coordinating Committee may:
• Forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Administrative Modification which will allow the continuation of federal funds to the MPO, or;
• Not forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Administrative Modification. Not forwarding a positive recommendation could jeopardize continued federal funding in the MPO and specifically limit this new funding source for ADA improvements in the MPO Urban Area.

A range of federal funding sources is available to the Billings MPO for the purposes of funding transportation system improvements. A list of those sources is shown in the TIP. The Carbon Reduction (CR) funds are primarily for MDT District use, some of which is inside the Billings MPO Urban Area. The estimated funding from the Carbon Reduction program that is expected to be spent in our area is $388,000.

There is no known direct impact on the City or County funds in budgeting for these projects given the use of federal funding sources. Projects in the TIP that are not federally funded have already been identified in other programming documents, like the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
 

The TIP is regularly reviewed and updated as projects change or are added. This is a standard process that ensures the continuation of federal funds coming to Billings for surface transportation projects, indicates regional priorities, and demonstrates a short-range transportation vision for the area. It is noted that many of the changes in this administrative modification include adding a new funding source under the Carbon Reduction funds that are intended to fund ADA upgrades within the Billings District and update various project funding.