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What's Happening In Transportation

For information about the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), browse the latest issue of TPB News.

TPB Prepares to Approve the Draft 2008 CLRP, FY 2009 - 2014 TIP and Air Quality Conformity Analysis

On June 12 the TPB released the Draft 2008 CLRP, the Draft FY 2009-2014 TIP and the accompanying Air Quality Conformity Analysis for public comment. The comment period ended on July 12, 2008. Click here to review the comments received. The TPB will be asked to approve the CLRP, TIP and Conformity Analysis at its July 16, 2008 TPB meeting.

A number of new or accelerated projects in this year's plan were proposed to be funded with revenues generated by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The availability of this funding stream is uncertain at this time. If the Virginia General Assembly does not replace the funding stream by July 16, then the TPB will not approve the new projects and conformity analysis and instead will be asked to approve a "conformity neutral" TIP. Eight projects have been identified that will be removed from the TIP prior to its approval if no conformity determination is made.

More information may be found on the CLRP website, including information about proposed projects:

Review the comments received.

TPB Approves Projects for the 2008 TLC Program

At its February meeting, the TPB approved eleven technical assistance projects for inclusion in the FY 2008 Transportation/ Land-Use Connections (TLC) Program. The TPB anticipated funding six projects in FY 2008. However, staff from MDOT agreed to make available $100,000 in funds from Maryland's Technical Assistance account in the TPB's Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) to fund the additional projects.

To review the projects selected for inclusion in the FY 2008 TLC Program and more information about the TLC Program, visit the TLC website.

Funding Services for Transportation-Disadvantaged Populations

On June 18, the TPB approved 12 projects for funding under the 2008 project solicitation for the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom programs. Five of the projects related to the purchase, operation, and maintenance for 21 wheelchair-accessible taxicabs for dispatch in the District of Columbia.

For information about the programs, please visit the TPB's Coordinated Human Services Transportation Planning website.

Applications were accepted through April 30, 2008.

TPB Reacts to Regional Value Pricing Study

At its March meeting, the TPB received a briefing on the final report of the TPB Regional Value Pricing Study. The study was developed during 2007 with guidance from the TPB Value Pricing Task Force. The study analyzes the potential impacts of several different scenarios for building new highway toll lanes, adding tolls to existing highways, and enhancing bus services.

Arlington County Board Member Chris Zimmerman, Chairman of the TPB Value Pricing Task Force, reminded the TPB that the study "is not a proposal, it is a 'what if' study that provides insight into the implications of tolling on our region." The study, which concludes tolling would increase transit use regardless of the scenario, also investigates the impacts of the scenarios on land-use and population groups.

The study was funded by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Executive Summary, Goals and Comments

Final Report

TPB Approves New Participation Plan

On December 19, the TPB approved the new Participation Plan. The Plan, which was required by the 2005 federal transportation reauthorization legislation, is the first of its kind for the TPB. It establishes goals and strategies for the TPB to use in developing a variety of tools to reach out to people with different levels of interest and expertise. The Participation Plan replaces the 1999 TPB Public Involvement Process.

TPB Receives Recognition for Two Programs

The TPB received an award from the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) at the 2007 AMPO Annual Conference in early October. The Honorable Mention Award for Excellence in Metropolitan Transportation Planning was presented to the TPB for the Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan and Program.

The TPB was presented with the Outstanding Award for an Implemented Program/Tool for the Transportation/ Land-Use Connections Program at the National Capital Area Chapter for the American Planning Association (NCAC-APA) 60th Anniversary and Awards Gala on November 8, 2007.

Maryland Transportation Plan Update

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is updating its Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, known as the Maryland Transportation Plan (MTP). This plan establishes a 20-year vision for transportation in Maryland and helps guide statewide improvements across all means of transportation, including highways, roads, tunnels, bridges, trains, buses, water ports, airports, bike paths, and sidewalks.

Visit the MTP project website at www.mdot.state.md.us/Planning to complete an online survey and join MDOT's mailing list to stay informed.

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