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Item 2.
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| City Council Work Session | |
| Date: | 02/03/2025 |
| Title: | Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Alternatives Program |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
| Legal Review: | Not Applicable |
| Project Number: | N/A |
RECOMMENDATION
This staff presentation is intended to provide an overview of the 2025 Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) and to outline the process for selecting and implementing eligible projects. The TA is a federally funded program designed to enhance the community’s transportation network by supporting non-motorized and alternative transportation initiatives that improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity. This work session presents an opportunity for the Council to learn about the programa nd process and provide staff with guidance and input on applying for Transportation Alternative funding in the current cycle.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) is a set-aside program from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program. Eligible uses of the funds include projects and activities that were previously eligible under the Transportation Alternatives Program under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). This includes a variety of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects and other community improvement projects.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allows for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to administer their own competitive application process with approval and oversight from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, and Gallatin Valley (Bozeman) will be overseeing a local process for the TA funding that is specific to areas with a population of over 50,000. Entities within the MPO may also apply with MDT's Call for Applications as well, as there is funding that is not tied to population. The timeline for both processes runs concurrently. This year, the Billings MPO received an allocation of approximately $1.78 million of TA funds. It is important to note that while the funds are available in this funding cycle, it usually takes a few years to get the projects selected, approved through the MDT process and then begin programming for construction.
Previous projects funded through the TA program include the 2013 Broadwater Avenue Multi-Use Pathway, 32nd to Shiloh (Billings), the 2015 Becraft Lane Sidewalk (Lockwood) and the most recent 2023 TA projects currently underway include the Old Hardin Road Sidewalk (Lockwood) and Stagecoach Trail (Billings) projects.
Program Overview
The Transportation Alternatives Program provides funding for a variety of transportation-related projects, including but not limited to:
The 2025 TAP cycle is currently underway, and the Billings MPO has initiated the call for project proposals. Proposals are due to the MPO by April 9, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
Project proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the MPO’s long-range transportation plan and supplemental planning studies, MET Transit planning studies, the project's ability to address safety and accessibility, and the potential to enhance the quality of life for Billings residents.
The Technical Advisory Committee (Committee) is responsible for evaluating and scoring TA applications. The scores from TAC will be translated into a list of recommended projects. The MPO will present the list of the recommended projects to the local governing bodies that make up the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC). The PCC is made up of a representative of the Billings City Council, Yellowstone County Commissioners, Billings-Yellowstone County Planning Board and MDT. Each entity will review the projects recommended by TAC and can either approve that recommendation and forward it to PCC or take a different action and forward that onto PCC. PCC will take into consideration each recommendation and make the final decision on which applications to fund.
Funding and Local Match Requirements
TA projects are funded through federal grants that cover up to 86.58% of eligible project costs. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 13.42% local match, which can only include cash, not in-kind donations.
Potential TA Projects
Potential projects for application through the Billings MPO TA program include:
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allows for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to administer their own competitive application process with approval and oversight from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena, and Gallatin Valley (Bozeman) will be overseeing a local process for the TA funding that is specific to areas with a population of over 50,000. Entities within the MPO may also apply with MDT's Call for Applications as well, as there is funding that is not tied to population. The timeline for both processes runs concurrently. This year, the Billings MPO received an allocation of approximately $1.78 million of TA funds. It is important to note that while the funds are available in this funding cycle, it usually takes a few years to get the projects selected, approved through the MDT process and then begin programming for construction.
Previous projects funded through the TA program include the 2013 Broadwater Avenue Multi-Use Pathway, 32nd to Shiloh (Billings), the 2015 Becraft Lane Sidewalk (Lockwood) and the most recent 2023 TA projects currently underway include the Old Hardin Road Sidewalk (Lockwood) and Stagecoach Trail (Billings) projects.
Program Overview
The Transportation Alternatives Program provides funding for a variety of transportation-related projects, including but not limited to:
- Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths.
- Safe Routes to School initiatives.
- Projects that improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The 2025 TAP cycle is currently underway, and the Billings MPO has initiated the call for project proposals. Proposals are due to the MPO by April 9, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
Project proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the MPO’s long-range transportation plan and supplemental planning studies, MET Transit planning studies, the project's ability to address safety and accessibility, and the potential to enhance the quality of life for Billings residents.
The Technical Advisory Committee (Committee) is responsible for evaluating and scoring TA applications. The scores from TAC will be translated into a list of recommended projects. The MPO will present the list of the recommended projects to the local governing bodies that make up the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC). The PCC is made up of a representative of the Billings City Council, Yellowstone County Commissioners, Billings-Yellowstone County Planning Board and MDT. Each entity will review the projects recommended by TAC and can either approve that recommendation and forward it to PCC or take a different action and forward that onto PCC. PCC will take into consideration each recommendation and make the final decision on which applications to fund.
Funding and Local Match Requirements
TA projects are funded through federal grants that cover up to 86.58% of eligible project costs. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 13.42% local match, which can only include cash, not in-kind donations.
Potential TA Projects
Potential projects for application through the Billings MPO TA program include:
- Coulson Park Trail Connection (FY25-29 CIP) – Improves non-motorized access between downtown and Coulson Park, complementing scheduled improvements to Coulson Park.
- MET Transit projects – Focus on bus stop/shelter ADA improvements, crossings, and sidewalks to enhance transit access.
- Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects – Identify additional opportunities beyond those in the CIP for the 2025/2026 construction seasons.
STAKEHOLDERS
The MPO held a public informational meeting on January 14, 2025, to educate local governments, organizations, and community members about the TA Program. The meeting covered an overview of the program, including its eligibility requirements and timelines. Additionally, it is important for all applicants that propose projects seeking funding to be aware the project must be included in a local plan or study adopted by the PCC. These plans and studies have undergone substantial public participation during both the planning and adoption processes.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
FISCAL EFFECTS
The application for Transportation Alternatives (TA) funding through the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) carries financial implications for local jurisdictions. Local governments are obligated to provide matching funds equal to 13.42% of the total project cost. Furthermore, the City must dedicate staff resources to oversee the project, including management during both the development and construction phases. Maintenance of the completed projects also must be managed by the local jurisdiction, depending on the location of the improvement - in City Park Land; in City Street ROW.
SUMMARY
The 2025 Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) aims to enhance the transportation network through federally funded projects that support non-motorized and alternative transportation, such as pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, Safe Routes to School initiatives, and accessibility improvements. The MPO received $1.78 million in funding and is overseeing a competitive application process, with proposals due by April 9, 2025.