Staff recommends the Billings Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) hear the presentation on the components of the 2023 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), and make a recommendation to the Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO) governing bodies. Final action on the LRTP will occur at the Policy Coordinating Committee meeting July 18th.

This Draft 2023 LRTP includes updates to current transportation conditions, forecasts future population impact on the transportation system, models future traffic volumes to 2045, and includes transportation project priorities.  The Plan also complies with the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) requirements to ensure the community qualifies for Federal Transportation funds.  For this LRTP, a Project Oversight Committee (POC) was formed to assist staff and the consultant with transportation project review and consultations with stakeholder organizations. The POC included local representation from the Board of County Commissioners, City Council, City Engineering Division, Planning Division, MET Transit, and County Public Works. In addition, extensive coordination with the Montana Department of Transportation, Billings Department of Aviation and Transit, Bike/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and City Public Works was conducted to ensure the most up-to-date information was included in the plan.  At this meeting, the TAC will receive a formal presentation from the consultant (Andy Daleiden, and staff) on the contents of the updated Transportation Plan.  TAC will then make a formal recommendation to the MPO's governing bodies for formal adoption of the Plan.  The adoption schedule is as follows:

• TAC - June 8
• Yellowstone County Board of Planning - June 27
• Billings City Council - June 26
• Yellowstone County Commissioners - June 27
• Policy Coordinating Committee - July 18

TAC may choose to recommend the Final Draft Plan as is, or choose to make amendments to the Plan as needed before making a recommendation.

There will be no direct financial impact with review and eventual adoption of the 2023 LRTP update.  This plan acts as a guide to the development and implementation of multi-modal transportation system projects for the Billings Urban Area.  The projects within the plan are prioritized through this LRTP, the City's CIP, community engagement in all of these processes, and ongoing City/County review.