Consent 1.J.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 09/10/2012
- TITLE
- Response to MDT request for Input on MAP-21
- PRESENTED BY:
- Candi Beaudry
- Department:
- Planning & Community Services
Presentation:
Information
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
Congress passed and the President recently signed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). MAP-21 is a two-year transportation bill providing funding for federal highway, transit, and safety programs through September 30, 2012. The bill also consolidates programs, provides increased flexibility, and eliminates several discretionaly programs. The Montana Department of Tansportation (MDT) is in the process of reviewing the Act to determine program implications. MDT has requested input from the Mayor and City Council on how to manage the new funding sources.
MAP-21 created a new program; Transportation Alternatives (TA), which combines funding derived from the NHPP, STP, HSIP, CMAQ and Metropolitan Planning programs, encompassing most activities funded under the Transportation Enhancements (CTEP), Recreational Trails (RTP), and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs under the previous transportation bill; SAFETEA-LU. Many of the projects eligible for funding under this program includes our pedestrian and bicycle facilities and activities. The new program can also be used to fund roadway and bridge projects.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), in its advisory capacity, is recommending the Billings City Council and the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners encourage MDT to ensure community access to all funding opportunities for TA so that the City and County can continue to make important transportation improvements. Previous use of transportation enhancement money has helped fund many trail corridors throughout the City and Yellowstone County including the Kiwanis Trail, Jim Dutcher Trail, BBWA Canal Trail, Big Ditch Corridor, Gabel Road Corridor and the Swords Park Trail.
MAP-21 created a new program; Transportation Alternatives (TA), which combines funding derived from the NHPP, STP, HSIP, CMAQ and Metropolitan Planning programs, encompassing most activities funded under the Transportation Enhancements (CTEP), Recreational Trails (RTP), and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs under the previous transportation bill; SAFETEA-LU. Many of the projects eligible for funding under this program includes our pedestrian and bicycle facilities and activities. The new program can also be used to fund roadway and bridge projects.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), in its advisory capacity, is recommending the Billings City Council and the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners encourage MDT to ensure community access to all funding opportunities for TA so that the City and County can continue to make important transportation improvements. Previous use of transportation enhancement money has helped fund many trail corridors throughout the City and Yellowstone County including the Kiwanis Trail, Jim Dutcher Trail, BBWA Canal Trail, Big Ditch Corridor, Gabel Road Corridor and the Swords Park Trail.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
The Mayor and City Council may encourage MDT to continue to fund bicycle and pedestrian projects through the Transportation Alternatives program under MAP-21 or choose to remain silent on this issue and allow MDT to determine how federal dollars will be spent locally.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
If the Montana Department of Transportation allocates Transportation Alternative program funds to bicycle and pedestrian programs and projects fewer local dollars will be needed for these activities.
RECOMMENDATION
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommends that Mayor and City Council encourage MDT to continue to fund bicycle and pedestrian projects through the Transportation Alternatives program under MAP-21.