Consent 1.C.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 01/23/2017
- TITLE
- Funding Agreement between Billings MPO and the Montana Department of Transportation
- PRESENTED BY:
- Wyeth Friday
- Department:
- Planning & Community Services
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The 2017 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), approved by the City Council on September 12, 2016, included the completion of a statistically valid Travel Demand Census. The survey data collected from this census is essential for the development of the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization TransCad Traffic Model. The purpose of a traffic model is the ability to identify impacts to the transportation system as the community continues to grow through housing and commercial development. The model can identify through scenarios of growth patterns the type, size and design of future roadways.
In September of 2016, the Planning Division solicited proposals from qualified consultants to complete the travel census. Three proposals were received and reviewed by a selection committee including City, County, and Montana Department of Transportation staff. The consultant selected was Westat from Rockville, Maryland. The UPWP budgeted amount for this census was $70,000. During negotiations with Westat, the Montana Department of Transportation proposed increasing the budget to $140,000 that would allow for additional surveys to be completed and include the entire County. Therefore, this Funding Agreement is being presented to the Billings City Council for the Mayor's signature. With this additional funding, the MPO can complete a statistically valid survey and obtain the vital data needed for the traffic model.
In September of 2016, the Planning Division solicited proposals from qualified consultants to complete the travel census. Three proposals were received and reviewed by a selection committee including City, County, and Montana Department of Transportation staff. The consultant selected was Westat from Rockville, Maryland. The UPWP budgeted amount for this census was $70,000. During negotiations with Westat, the Montana Department of Transportation proposed increasing the budget to $140,000 that would allow for additional surveys to be completed and include the entire County. Therefore, this Funding Agreement is being presented to the Billings City Council for the Mayor's signature. With this additional funding, the MPO can complete a statistically valid survey and obtain the vital data needed for the traffic model.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
City Council may:
- Approve the funding agreement between the Billings MPO and MDT to complete the $140,000 Household Census, or;
- Disapprove the funding agreement between the Billings MPO and MDT and reduce the contract with Westat to $70,000 that will reduce the amount of surveys completed.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This project is approved in the 2017 UPWP for 100% Federal transportation funding. The additional $70,000 to improve the project is to be contributed by MDT. There will be no direct financial impact to local funds with the approval of this agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Funding Agreement between the Billings MPO and MDT for the completion of the Household Travel Census and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement.