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| Date: | 03/13/2025 |
| Title: | 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 2 |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) forward a recommendation for approval of the 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Amendment 2 to the local governing bodies.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The Transportation Improvement Plan (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 view of the project activity in 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 (attached).
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 (attached).
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 MPO’s Transportation Planning Process includes multiple opportunities for public input. The Planning Board will host a public hearing, with additional public comment opportunities at Billings City Council, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Policy Coordinating Committee meetings.
ALTERNATIVES
The Technical Advisory Committee may:
- Recommend approval of TIP Amendment 2 to ensure continued federal funding for MPO projects; or,
- Decline to recommend approval, which may risk continued federal funding for the MPO.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The TIP identifies available federal funding sources for transportation projects, with no direct impact on City or County budgets. Non-federally funded projects are already accounted for in other planning documents, such as the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
SUMMARY
Regular TIP updates are essential to maintain federal funding, align with regional priorities, and support transportation development. This amendment primarily reflects future project additions and funding adjustments.