The Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is mandated by the Federal Highway Act of 1973 to provide a cooperative, comprehensive, and continuing transportation planning and decision-making process.  This decision-making process requires the MPO to develop a Public Participation Plan (PPP) to outline processes and procedures to engage the public in transportation planning projects.  The MPO is currently operating under the 2008 PPP that was developed in accordance with the SAFETEA-LU highway bill. This plan is outdated and lacking current transportation planning requirements.  Therefore, the MPO is bringing forth an update to the Public Participation Plan that will guide transportation planning public outreach for future transportation projects.

City Council may:

• Approve the Public Participation Plan and instruct PCC Designee Mayor Cole to give a positive recommendation to PCC, or;
• Disapprove the Public Participation Plan and instruct Mayor Cole to give a negative recommendation to PCC.  Disapproval would place the Billings MPO in direct conflict with MAP-21 legislation requiring MPO's to provide a process and the tools to give all affected groups and individuals the opportunity to comment on transportation plans and projects.

There should be no direct financial impact from the adoption of this plan.  However, the plan will provide a process for public participation and assist with transportation planning procedures and the completion of projects in a timely manner.

 

The Technical Advisory Committee recommends City Council approve the Public Participation Plan and forward a recommendation of approval to the Policy Coordinating Committee.  The Policy Coordinating Committee is scheduled to act on the plan at its September 11 meeting.