MWCOG.org - Transportation

What's Happening In Transportation

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

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 Scenario Study Task Force Guides Scenario Planning

In March, the TPB received a briefing on the activities of the TPB Scenario Study Task Force. The TPB discussed the development of two new transportation and land use scenarios to be analyzed in FY 2009.

The first of the two scenario study activities is the development of the CLRP Aspirations Scenario, which draws from the strategies explored in previously studied scenarios to develop a scenario that represents realistic yet ambitious levels of transportation investment and accompanying land use stewardship.

The "What Would It Take" Scenario will begin with the performance objective of reducing regional carbon dioxide emissions and will determine the scale and mixture of interventions that might achieve this objective.

For more information on the TPB Scenario Study Task force, please refer to the following links:

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 Public Forum on the Draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Thursday, May 15, 2008

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Hear about the Washington region's new draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which will include all the regionally significant transportation projects that are anticipated to be funded over the next six years. The official public comment period on the TIP and the Constrained Long-Range Transportation Plan (CLRP) will begin on June 12.

For more information, contact Andrew Austin at 202-962-3353 or aaustin@mwcog.org. Please visit the www.mwcog.org/tipforum for more information.

Funding Services for Transportation-Disadvantaged Populations

The TPB is pleased to announce the 2008 project solicitation under the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom programs. Funds are available for collaborative projects that improve transportation options for those who face mobility constraints.

For information about the solicitation and application requirements, including dates for the pre-application conferences, please visit the TPB's Coordinated Human Services Transportation Planning website.

Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2008.

Proposed 2008 CLRP Projects to be Tested for Air Quality Conformity

The TPB on February 20 approved the Scope of Work for the Air Quality Conformity Assessment for the 2008 Constrained Long-Range Plan (CLRP) and the FY 2009-2014 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

New projects proposed for the 2008 CLRP include BRAC-related improvements to I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, widening of Route 50 in the City of Fairfax, the Columbia Pike Streetcar, and the Fairfax Connector Service Transit Development Plan.

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

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.

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.

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.

Periodicals

Planning Documents

Regional Transportation Issues