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| Date: | 08/07/2024 |
| Title: | FY2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment 1 |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
Information
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Policy Coordinating Committee approve Amendment 1 to the FY2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
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 Amendment 1 to add Indirect (IC) and Right-of-Way (RW) funding allocated to the Zoo Drive Improvement project. These two additions were inadvertently left out of the FY24-28 TIP. This amendment is located on Page 24 of the TIP under the National Highway funding. While the project was in the FY24-28 TIP approved by the Board of County Commissioners, City Council and Board of Planning, this amendment is needed to keep the project on schedule.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has requested Amendment 1 to add Indirect (IC) and Right-of-Way (RW) funding allocated to the Zoo Drive Improvement project. These two additions were inadvertently left out of the FY24-28 TIP. This amendment is located on Page 24 of the TIP under the National Highway funding. While the project was in the FY24-28 TIP approved by the Board of County Commissioners, City Council and Board of Planning, this amendment is needed to keep the project on schedule.
STAKEHOLDERS
This is an Amendment to the TIP that did not require the MPO to complete a review under the Transportation Planning Process. The PCC meeting is a public meeting, so interested members of the public may attend and comment.
ALTERNATIVES
The TIP provides the MPO with a listing of federally funded projects through 2028. The Policy Coordinating Committee may:
- Approve the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment which will allow the continuation of federal funds to the MPO and keep the project on track, or;
- Not approve the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment. Not approving this amendment would significantly limit and delay the Zoo Drive Improvement Project.
FISCAL EFFECTS
A range of federal funding sources are specified for use and available to the Billings MPO for the purposes of funding transportation system improvements. A list and breakdown of uses of those funding sources are shown in the TIP. The addition of the IC and RW funding for the Zoo Drive project is identified on Page 24 under the National Highway funding source (highlighted).
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.
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 the changes in this amendment are adding the IC and RW costs for the Zoo Drive project.