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| Planning Board | |
| Date: | 04/28/2026 |
| Title: | 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 3 - Public Hearing and Recommendation |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
Information
RECOMMENDATION
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) reccomends the Planning Board (PB) receive a presentation of the 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 3 and conduct a public hearing to collect public testimony regarding the TIP Amendment. Following the public hearing, TAC recommends the PB forward a recommendation of approval of the TIP Amendment 3 to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC). The PCC is scheduled to take final action on the TIP at its meeting May 19, 2026.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The 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. 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 3 are marked in red and green in the TIP tables (attached).
1. Project Additions – These are new projects that identify project timing and funding sources but not necessarily project details. Listing projects in the TIP is the first step in project development.
1. Project Additions – These are new projects that identify project timing and funding sources but not necessarily project details. Listing projects in the TIP is the first step in project development.
- MDT Project - Laurel Road/Montana Avenue: Sidewalk improvements to meet ADA compliance.
- MDT Project - 1st Avenue South: Pavement preservation on 1st Avenue South.
- MDT Project - Junction Highway 312 to Mile Post 7.29: Striping and durable pavement markings.
- MDT Project – South Frontage Road: Mullowney Lane to Wise Lane: Roadway striping.
- MDT Project – Montana Avenue Bridges: Bridge rehabilitation.
- MDT Project – Shiloh Road: King Avenue to Rimrock Road: Pavement preservation.
- MDT Project – State Avenue: Pavement preservation.
- MDT Project – King Avenue Signals: Intersection upgrades/signals.
- MPO – Johnson Lane Sidewalks: Transportation Alternatives sidewalk project.
- MPO – Safe Routes to School: Transportation Alternatives project that will improve safe routes to schools.
- MET Transit - Update Federal Transit Administration (FTA) allocations and new projects.
- 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 TIP provides the MPO a listing of federally funded projects through 2028. The Planning Board may:
· Forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 3 to the PCC which will allow the continuation of federal funds to the MPO, or;
· Not forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 3 to the PCC. Not forwarding a positive recommendation could jeopardize continued federal funding for projects in the MPO.
· Forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 3 to the PCC which will allow the continuation of federal funds to the MPO, or;
· Not forward a recommendation of approval of the 2024-2028 TIP Amendment 3 to the PCC. Not forwarding a positive recommendation could jeopardize continued federal funding for projects in the MPO.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The TIP identifies available federal funding sources for transportation projects. However, many federally funded projects require a local match, which may have implications for City and County budgets. These local contributions are typically identified in other planning documents, such as the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Non-federally funded projects are also accounted for in these existing planning documents.
SUMMARY
TIP Amendment 3 updates the Billings MPO Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2024–2028, which prioritizes regional transportation projects and programs federal surface transportation funding. The amendment adds new projects, adjusts funding allocations, and revises project schedules to reflect updated costs, funding availability, and regional priorities.
Key updates include the addition of several MDT roadway projects (such as pavement preservation, bridge rehabilitation, striping, signal upgrades, and ADA sidewalk improvements) and two MPO Transportation Alternatives projects: Johnson Lane Sidewalks and a Safe Routes to School initiative. The amendment also updates funding sources and project timelines as needed.
The MPO planning process includes public hearings and opportunities for comment at Planning Board, City Council, County Commission, and Policy Coordinating Committee meetings. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) may recommend approval to maintain eligibility for federal transportation funding or decline approval, which could risk funding. The amendment does not directly affect City or County budgets, as federal funds support the projects and local projects are already included in other plans.
Key updates include the addition of several MDT roadway projects (such as pavement preservation, bridge rehabilitation, striping, signal upgrades, and ADA sidewalk improvements) and two MPO Transportation Alternatives projects: Johnson Lane Sidewalks and a Safe Routes to School initiative. The amendment also updates funding sources and project timelines as needed.
The MPO planning process includes public hearings and opportunities for comment at Planning Board, City Council, County Commission, and Policy Coordinating Committee meetings. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) may recommend approval to maintain eligibility for federal transportation funding or decline approval, which could risk funding. The amendment does not directly affect City or County budgets, as federal funds support the projects and local projects are already included in other plans.