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Item 1.E.
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| City Council Regular | |
| Date: | 04/14/2025 |
| Title: | 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 2 |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | No |
| Legal Review: | Not Applicable |
| Project Number: | N/A |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 2 to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC). The PCC is scheduled to take final action on the TIP at its meeting on April 15, 2025.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a strategic plan outlining prioritized transportation projects within the Billings Metropolitan Organization (MPO) for 2024-2028. It facilitates the scheduling of federal funds for surface transportation, highlights regional priorities, and presents a short-term transportation vision. Additionally, it includes non-federally funded projects that do not require TIP approval to provide a big picture of the project activity of the MPO.
Periodic amendments are necessary to update project lists, funding allocations, and schedules. This amendment incorporates new projects, financial adjustments, and timing revisions based on funding availability and regional priorities.
Key Updates in Amendment 2:
Changes are marked in red and green in the TIP tables.
1. Project Additions
Periodic amendments are necessary to update project lists, funding allocations, and schedules. This amendment incorporates new projects, financial adjustments, and timing revisions based on funding availability and regional priorities.
Key Updates in Amendment 2:
Changes are marked in red and green in the TIP tables.
1. Project Additions
- Grand Avenue (41st St. W -- 62nd St. W): Reconstruction of a 2-lane county road to meet City of Billings arterial standards.
- King Avenue & 48th St. W: MDT-sponsored safety project featuring a roundabout and operational improvements.
- Southern Riverfront Park Trail & Educational Signs: Placeholder for potential Recreation Trail Program grant funding.
- Funding sources and allocations updated to reflect revised cost estimates and grant awards.
- Adjustments made to federal, state, and local funding contributions.
- Schedule updates due to funding shifts, permitting processes, or construction timelines.
STAKEHOLDERS
The review of the TIP follows the MPO’s Transportation Planning Process, which provides multiple opportunities for public input.
- On March 13th, the Technical Advisory Committee (this is an internal meeting) TAC members met - City of Billings Public Works/Engineering, MET Transit, City-County Planning Division, Yellowstone County Public Works, MDT and FHWA. TAC recommended the governing bodies recommend approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 2 and forward that recommendation to the PCC.
- On March 25th, the Planning Board held a public hearing on the TIP Amendment request, during which no testimony was presented.
- The Planning Board at its April 8th meeting approved the recommendation of approval to the PCC.
- On April 8th, the Yellowstone County Commissioners recommended that the TIP Amendment 2 be approved by the PCC.
- At this Council meeting the public may comment on the TIP Amendment during the public comment period on non- public hearing items.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may:
- Forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 2 to the PCC which will allow the continuation of federal funds to the MPO; or,
- Not forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 2 to the PCC. Not forwarding a positive recommendation could jeopardize continued federal funding in the MPO.
FISCAL EFFECTS
A range of federal funding sources is available to the Billings MPO area for the purposes of funding transportation system improvements. A list of those sources is shown in the TIP. 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.
SUMMARY
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.