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| Date: | 04/15/2025 |
| Title: | 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 2 |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
Information
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) approve the 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment 2 based on the recommendations of the Yellowstone County Planning Board, Billings City Council, and the Board of County Commissioners and MDT District 5.
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 FY24-28 TIP Amendment 2 followed the MPO’s Transportation Planning Process, which provides multiple opportunities for public input. On March 13, the Technical Advisory Committee met and recommended that the governing bodies approve the request to amend the FY24-28 TIP and forward the recommendation to the PCC. On March 25, the Planning Board, acting as the designated MPO, held a public hearing on the request, with no public testimony provided. At the April 8 meeting, the Planning Board unanimously voted to recommend approval of the TIP amendment to the PCC. Additionally, on April 8, the Yellowstone County Commissioners recommended approval of the TIP amendment to the PCC. The Billings City Council is scheduled to take action on the request at its meeting on April 14 and bring that recommendation to the PCC meeting.
ALTERNATIVES
The TIP provides the MPO a listing of federally funded projects through 2028. The Policy Coordinating Committee may:
· Approve the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 2 that will allow the continuation of federal funds to the MPO, or;
· Not approve the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 2. Not approving the amendment could jeopardize continued federal funding in the MPO.
· Approve the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 2 that will allow the continuation of federal funds to the MPO, or;
· Not approve the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 2. Not approving the amendment 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. It is noted that many of the changes in this TIP are still tied to completion of the Billings Bypass segments across the project as that project continues to near completion.