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| Date: | 10/13/2026 |
| Title: | Billings MPO 2027-2031 Transportation Improvement Program |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
Information
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) approve the 2027-2031 Transportation Improvement Program based on the recommendations of the City-County Planning Board, Billings City Council, and the Board of County Commissioners.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The TIP is the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization’s federally required, short-range program of transportation projects anticipated to receive federal transportation funding within the Billings Metropolitan Planning Area. The TIP is developed in coordination with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), local jurisdictions, and transportation partners.
The Billings MPO is adopting a new 2027–2031 TIP primarily to coordinate the TIP development and review schedules of Montana’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Moving the Billings MPO to this schedule will place Montana MPOs on a consistent TIP timeline, improving coordination among the MPOs, MDT, and federal transportation agencies. The only update to the document is the incorporation of MDT’s current safety performance measures, updated Transit Asset Management information, and an update to the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan targets.
Purpose of the 2027–2031 TIP
The primary purpose of adopting the 2027–2031 TIP at this time is administrative coordination rather than changes to the MPO’s transportation investment priorities. Establishing a common TIP timeline for Montana MPOs will:
The Billings MPO is adopting a new 2027–2031 TIP primarily to coordinate the TIP development and review schedules of Montana’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Moving the Billings MPO to this schedule will place Montana MPOs on a consistent TIP timeline, improving coordination among the MPOs, MDT, and federal transportation agencies. The only update to the document is the incorporation of MDT’s current safety performance measures, updated Transit Asset Management information, and an update to the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan targets.
Purpose of the 2027–2031 TIP
The primary purpose of adopting the 2027–2031 TIP at this time is administrative coordination rather than changes to the MPO’s transportation investment priorities. Establishing a common TIP timeline for Montana MPOs will:
- Align the Billings MPO TIP cycle with the other Montana MPOs;
- Provide a more consistent statewide schedule for TIP development, review, and approval;
- Improve coordination with MDT and federal transportation partners; and
- Simplify future TIP and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) coordination.
STAKEHOLDERS
The review of the FY27-31 TIP followed the MPO’s Transportation Planning Process, which provides multiple opportunities for public input. On September 17th, the Technical Advisory Committee met and recommended the governing bodies approve the request to amend the FY27-31 TIP and forward the recommendation to the PCC. On September 22nd, the Planning Board, acting as the designated MPO, held a public hearing on the request and voted to recommend approval of the TIP to the PCC. The Billings City Council on September 28th voted to forward a recommendation of approval to the PCC, and on October 6th, the Yellowstone County Commissioners recommended approval of the TIP to the PCC.
ALTERNATIVES
The TIP provides the MPO a listing of federally funded projects through 2031. The Policy Coordinating Committee may:
- Approve the 2027-2031 TIP that will allow the continuation of federal funds to the MPO, or;
- Not approve the 2027-2031 TIP. Not approving the amendment could jeopardize continued federal funding 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. No funding commitments are being made through this TIP amendment process, as actual project specific funding and development occur as projects move through federal, state and local processes.
SUMMARY
The 2027–2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is being adopted primarily to align the Billings MPO’s TIP schedule with the other Montana MPOs and improve coordination with MDT and federal transportation agencies. The TIP does not change the MPO’s transportation investment priorities. Updates are limited to current MDT safety performance measures, Transit Asset Management information, and Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan targets.
The TIP identifies federally funded transportation projects anticipated through 2031 and supports the continued availability of federal transportation funding in the Billings metropolitan area. The document has proceeded through the MPO’s established review process, with recommendations for approval from the Technical Advisory Committee, Planning Board, Billings City Council, and Yellowstone County Commissioners. Staff recommends that the PCC approve the 2027–2031 TIP.
The TIP identifies federally funded transportation projects anticipated through 2031 and supports the continued availability of federal transportation funding in the Billings metropolitan area. The document has proceeded through the MPO’s established review process, with recommendations for approval from the Technical Advisory Committee, Planning Board, Billings City Council, and Yellowstone County Commissioners. Staff recommends that the PCC approve the 2027–2031 TIP.