Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960 AGENDA The MPO Board of the Gaston‐Cleveland‐Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will meet Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Gastonia Police Department Community Room. The Police Department is located at 200 Long Avenue in Gastonia, NC. Dinner will be served at 5:45 PM and the meeting will begin at 6:30 PM. The following is the agenda for the meeting: 1. Reading of the Ethics Statement Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every GCLMPO Board member to avoid conflicts of interest. Does any GCLMPO Board member have any known conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the GCLMPO Board today? If so, please identify the conflict and refrain from any participation in the particular matter involved. 2. Set Agenda Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair The agenda needs to be set to include adding “New” or “Other Business.” 3. Determination of Quorum and Good Standing Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair The bylaws for the MPO require a quorum of 50% of voting members. This requires attendance of at least nine (9) of the following members: [ ] City of Belmont [ ] City of Bessemer City [ ] Town of Boiling Springs * [ ] City of Cherryville [ ] Town of Cramerton [ ] Town of Dallas [ ] City of Gastonia (1/2) [ ] City of Gastonia (2/2) [ ] City of Kings Mountain * [ ] City of Lincolnton [ ] City of Lowell * [ ] City of Mount Holly [ ] Town of Ranlo [ ] City of Shelby [ ] Town of Stanley [ ] County of Cleveland [ ] County of Gaston [ ] County of Lincoln *Not in Good Standing (Missed three or more consecutive meetings) According to the MPO Board Bylaws, the NC Board of Transportation member is the only voting member that does not count towards the quorum. [ ] NC Board of Transportation
Transcript
Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
AGENDA The MPO Board of the Gaston‐Cleveland‐Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will meet Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Gastonia Police Department Community Room. The Police Department is located at 200 Long Avenue in Gastonia, NC. Dinner will be served at 5:45 PM and the meeting will begin at 6:30 PM. The following is the agenda for the meeting: 1. Reading of the Ethics Statement
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair
In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every GCLMPO Board member to avoid conflicts of interest. Does any GCLMPO Board member have any known conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the GCLMPO Board today? If so, please identify the conflict and refrain from any participation in the particular matter involved.
2. Set Agenda Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair The agenda needs to be set to include adding “New” or “Other Business.”
3. Determination of Quorum and Good Standing
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair
The bylaws for the MPO require a quorum of 50% of voting members. This requires attendance of at least nine (9) of the following members: [ ] City of Belmont [ ] City of Bessemer City [ ] Town of Boiling Springs * [ ] City of Cherryville [ ] Town of Cramerton [ ] Town of Dallas [ ] City of Gastonia (1/2) [ ] City of Gastonia (2/2) [ ] City of Kings Mountain *
[ ] City of Lincolnton [ ] City of Lowell * [ ] City of Mount Holly [ ] Town of Ranlo [ ] City of Shelby [ ] Town of Stanley [ ] County of Cleveland [ ] County of Gaston [ ] County of Lincoln
*Not in Good Standing (Missed three or more consecutive meetings)
According to the MPO Board Bylaws, the NC Board of Transportation member is the only voting member that does not count towards the quorum. [ ] NC Board of Transportation
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
4. Approval of Minutes Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair Review and adopt the minutes from the regularly scheduled meeting of August 28, 2014. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented.
5. Introduction of Members & Guests
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair All guests shall introduce themselves at this time.
6. Public Comment
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair
Any public comment will be presented and addressed at this time. Public comment should be kept to a reasonable period of time.
CONSENT AGENDA
7. Administrative Modification Presenter: Bernie Yacobucci, Transportation Planner I
Project C‐5505 – Belmont rail trail, Woodlawn Avenue to Belmont Abbey College and downtown. Convert abandoned NCDOT railroad line to a pedestrian trail. Delay construction from FY 14 to FY 15 to allow additional time to resolve right‐of‐way issues.
TCC ACTION: Approved the Administrative Modification
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
REGULAR AGENDA 8. FY 16‐17 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Project Prioritization
The NCDOT has asked transportation planning organizations in the state to update their prioritized lists of CMAQ projects for FY 16‐17 funds. The MPO is tentatively expected to receive $2.9 million over the two year period. An overview of the solicitation, ranking process, and recommended project lists will be presented. TCC ACTION: Recommend MPO Board approve the process and project prioritization ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented
9. CommunityViz Software for Updating Socioeconomic Data in Regional Travel Demand
Model Presenter: Hank Graham, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner
Mr. Graham will recap the results of an October 15 workshop on the use of CommunityViz software and the software’s potential application to improve MPO’s current socioeconomic data update process for Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) in the Regional Travel Demand Model. A draft resolution supporting participation in the CommunityViz effort is provided for review. TCC ACTION: Recommend the MPO Board approve participation in the CommunityViz project ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented
10. FY 2015 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Amendment
Presenter: Hank Graham, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner
The approved FY 2015 UPWP may be amended to account for additional costs related to indirect costs. TCC ACTION: Recommend Approval to MPO Board ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
11. Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Update Presenter: Bret Baronak, Senior Transportation Planner MPO staff will present requests for support for local bicycle and pedestrian planning grant applications, as well as recent pedestrian count update. Additionally, staff will discuss the intent to form a MPO bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee aimed at overseeing non‐motorized transportation planning issues. TCC ACTION: Recommended local bicycle and/or pedestrian planning grants to MPO Board for approval. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented
12. Resolution Supporting a Transportation Improvement Funding Source
In order to meet the growing financial demands of improving the transportation infrastructure in the State of North Carolina, the GCLMPO Chair has requested a resolution supporting the leveraging of additional revenue to meet these growing transportation needs. The North Carolina Legislature passed Article 46, The One‐Quarter Cent County Sales and Use Tax Act in 2007. This legislation enables counties to create a referendum for a sales tax to meet financial needs, including transportation projects. A support resolution encouraging the GCLMPO counties to implement this measure has been prepared for Board action.
TCC ACTION: Not presented to the TCC. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve support resolution for additional revenue source for all phases of transportation projects to be distributed to each GCLMPO member County for future implementation efforts.
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
13. Resolution Supporting a Modification of Procedures for Environmental Review and Legal
Challenges Involving Federal Highway Construction Presenter: Hank Graham, Principal Planner, GCLMPO The GCLMPO Board Chair has requested a resolution to support a modification to existing process and procedure for addressing legal challenges related to the environmental review of federally funded transportation projects. The aim is to implement procedure revisions that would require environmentally‐based legal challenges to take place earlier in the project development process. This would allow for a projects to be completed in a more time‐efficient manner, and not be subject to delays due to expensive and unnecessary litigation. TCC ACTION: Not presented to the TCC ACTION REQUESTED: Approve support resolution to modify procedures for environmental review and challenges involving federal highway construction.
14. Other Business a. NCDOT Division 12 Project Update b. Area Transit System Ridership Update c. 2015 Meeting Calendar d. Letter from Rep. Kelly E. Hastings
15. Adjournment
If you have any additional items or questions regarding this agenda, please call Hank Graham at 704‐854‐6663, Bernie Yacobucci at 704‐854‐6604, Bret Baronak at 704‐866‐6980, or Bjorn Hansen at 704‐854‐6632. You can also e‐mail us at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected] respectively.
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MEETING MINUTES Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln
Metropolitan Planning Organization Board (GCLMPO) August 28, 2014
The scheduled Board meeting of the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization was held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 from 6:30pm until 8:22pm at the Gastonia Police Department Community Room, located in the Gastonia Police Department building, 200 Long Avenue in Gastonia, North Carolina. Members Present: Joe Carpenter Gaston County, Commissioner (Vice Chair), MPO Board (Chair) Richard Turner City of Belmont, Council Member Becky Smith City of Bessemer City, Mayor H. L. Beam Town of Cherryville, Mayor Ronnie Worley Town of Cramerton, Mayor Rick Coleman Town of Dallas, Mayor Dave Kirlin City of Gastonia, Council Member Todd Pierceall City of Gastonia, Council Member Howard Shipp City of Kings Mountain, Council Member Perry Toomey City of Mount Holly, Council Member Linda Rhyne Town of Ranlo, Commissioner Dennis Bailey City of Shelby, Council Member Danny Sparrow Town of Stanley, Mayor Pro-Tem Staff/Others Present: Hank Graham GCLMPO, Principal Transportation Planner Bernie Yacobucci GCLMPO, Transportation Planner I Bjorn Hansen GCLMPO, Senior Transportation Planner Vicki Wright GCLMPO, Transportation Grant Facilitator Bill Toole Belmont Citizen Don Barkley Gastonia Citizen Dale Burkett Gastonia Citizen James Walker Charlotte Citizen Kathy Harrington Member of the NC Senate, District 43 Bill McCarter Cleveland County Planning Director Brian Wert NCDOT-Transportation Planning Branch, GUAMPO Coordinator Dana Bumgardner Member of the NC House of Representatives, District 109 Jill Puett City of Cherryville, Council Member David Keilson NCDOT, Division 12 Transportation Planning Engineer Jim Prosser Centralina Council of Governments, Executive Director
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Absences 2014 YTD (x = Absent)
Member Dec Jan Mar May Aug City of Belmont ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ City of Bessemer City x ------ ------ ------ ------ Town of Boiling Springs x x x x x City of Cherryville ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Town of Cramerton x x ------ x ------ Town of Dallas x ------ ------ ------ ------ City of Gastonia (1/2) ------ ------ ------ x ------ City of Gastonia (2/2) ------ ------ ------ x ------ City of Kings Mountain ------ x x x ------ City of Lincolnton x x ------ ------ x City of Lowell x x x x x City of Mount Holly ------ x ------ ------ ------ Town of Ranlo x ------ x ------ ------ City of Shelby ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Town of Stanley ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Cleveland County ------ ------ ------ ------ x Gaston County ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Lincoln County ------ x ------ x x NCDOT BOT - Division 12 x ------ x x x
1. Reading of the Ethics Statement
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board (Chair) Mr. Carpenter stated that in accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every GCLMPO Board member to avoid conflicts of interest. He asked if any GCLMPO Board member has a known conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the GCLMPO Board today and if so, please identify the conflict and refrain from any participation in the particular matter involved. There were no conflicts to report.
2. Set Agenda Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board (Chair) Mr. Carpenter asked whether any additions or changes needed to be added to the agenda. He then stated that he wanted to add a presentation of the Garden Parkway to the agenda as Item 13A. He also explained that since he has received many questions about the Garden Parkway’s history and issues, he decided to make a presentation about it.
Mr. Carpenter entertained a motion to approve the agenda with the additional item. Mr. Toomey made the motion to set the agenda as presented. Mr. Pierceall seconded the motion and the motion was passed unanimously.
3. Determination of Quorum and Good Standing
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board (Chair) Ms. Wright confirmed that the quorum had been met.
4. Approval of Minutes
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board (Chair) Mr. Carpenter stated that it was time to review and adopt the minutes from the regularly scheduled meeting of May 22, 2014 and asked if anyone had any revisions or changes that needed to be added. He then stated that Mr. Walker had previously informed him that he actually resides in Charlotte, but noticed he was listed in the previous minutes as a Gastonia citizen. Mr. Walker then clarified that he was from Gaston County but does currently reside in Charlotte. Mr. Carpenter requested that this correction be noted.
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Mr. Toomey made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Sparrow seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
5. Introduction of Members & Guests Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board (Chair) Mr. Carpenter asked for each guest to introduce themselves at this time. The following guests introduced themselves: Ms. Harrington (Member of the NC Senate, District 43), Mr. Barkley (Gastonia Citizen), Mr. Walker (Charlotte Citizen), Mr. Bumgardner (Member of the NC House of Representatives, District 109) and Mr. Burkett (Gastonia Citizen).
6. Public Comment Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board (Chair) Mr. Carpenter stated that public comments will be presented and addressed at this time. Mayor Beam announced that the City of Cherryville had recommended and lobbied hard for the widening and improvements project for NC Hwy 279 (Dallas-Cherryville Hwy) to be moved up on the project list to occur sometime in 2015-2016. He added that the City Council and staff of the City of Cherryville were happy that this project had ranked highly. However now that the NCDOT has reclassified all state roads, this project has now been broken into two phases with the latter part of the project to be completed around 2026 which will further delay completion much later than we expected. He offered a recommendation that the NCDOT convert (11) No Passing Zones to Passing Zones to improve traffic flow and safety conditions. He also requested that the MPO would endorse his recommendations. Mr. Bumgardner addressed the possible availability of upcoming budget funding for the I-85 widening project. He stated that if we wanted to secure funding for projects in Gaston County, particularly I-85, we need to move with all possible speed to get all the Gaston delegation and full support of the MPO to get something done to get this project started immediately. He further mentioned that Gaston County has a negative reputation because people dread driving on I-85 through Gaston County because of the heavy traffic congestion and much needed road repairs. Don Barkley voiced his concerns that the project improvements at I-85 and Hwy 321 interchange have been stalled for years and are still on hold and he cannot get any information about the status. He has actively contacted both the local and state, but is not getting any substantial answers from either source. He stated that he has been pursuing this issue for many years and is tired of getting the “runaround”. He stated that he informed the NCDOT that this improvement was needed when the Right of Way was dedicated over 50 years ago and it still has not been done. He posed the following questions, "Why are we building greenways when we need roads?" and "Is a greenway project holding up the road projects we need?" He also requested a copy of the most current Relocation Assistance package. Richard Turner suggested implementing the Pennies for Progress to help raise revenue to supplement decreasing federal funding for road improvements. He also mentioned that the City of Belmont was involved in a study called "Build A Better Boulevard introduced the premise that "road diets" would stimulate the economy. He disagreed with this idea because "road diets" are basically designed to create traffic backlogs to stimulate revenue. He added that due to the projected growth of our area, this would have an adverse effect. As we grow, our traffic needs will also grow.
CONSENT AGENDA
7. Administrative Modification Presenter: Bernie Yacobucci, Transportation Planner I Project I-5000 (US321/I-85) - Delay Right-Of-Way from FY14 to FY15 and construction from FY16 to FY17 to allow additional time for planning.
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ProjectW-5311 (US 321 at SR 2416-Robinson Rd) – Delay Right-Of-Way from FY14 to FY15 to allow additional time for coordination with the railroad.
ACTION REQUESTED: For Information Only. 8. Approve Conformity Analysis for R-2248G and U-2507AA Presenter: Bernie Yacobucci, Transportation Planner I
Projects R-2248G (I-485, Western Outer Loop/Oakdale Road – New Interchange) and U-2507AA (IBM Connector-Mallard Creek Road to IBM Drive) are being added to the CRTPO MTIP. The transportation conformity analysis demonstrates that these projects do not reduce air quality so we must approve conformity analysis for the non-attainment region.
TCC ACTION: Recommended approval to MPO Board. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented. 9. Gaston Urban Area Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) Amendment
Presenter: Hank Graham, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner An amendment to the Gaston Urban Area CTP is proposed in and around the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Mount Holly. The amendment would re-align a proposed extension of a minor thoroughfare (Clearwater Lake Rd) and extend an existing minor thoroughfare (Rankin Ave) to tie into this realignment.
TCC ACTION: Recommend MPO Board release proposed CTP amendment for public comment and come back for TCC and MPO Board consideration at September meetings
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented. 10. Resolution Endorsing Statewide Tier Projects in the Metrolina Region
Presenter: Hank Graham, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner Resolution endorsing statewide tier projects in the Metrolina Region.
TCC ACTION: Recommended approval to MPO Board. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve as Presented.
Mr. Carpenter inquired if anyone wanted to discuss Items 7-10 of the Consent Agenda. Since no one offered additional discussion of these items, Mr. Carpenter entertained a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Toomey made the motion. Mr. Worley seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Items 7-10 are listed below for reference. Mr. Carpenter then moved on to the Regular Agenda Items.
CONSENT AGENDA
11. Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) Consolidation Process Presenter: Brian Wert, P.E., GCLMPO Coordinator, NCDOT - Transportation Planning Branch Mr. Wert explained that following the expansion of the MPO to include all of Gaston, Cleveland, and Lincoln counties, there is now a need to consolidate and update the various adopted and draft CTP documents in the three counties. A brief overview of the process, a basic schedule, and short-term goals were discussed. As this item was for information and discussion only, no further action was required at this time.
12. Approval of Ranking Methodology Used to Distribute Points to the Projects and Approval of Points Assigned to the Projects at the Regional and Division Tiers. Presenter: Bjorn Hansen, AICP CTP, Senior Transportation Planner Mr. Hansen presented the recommendations of the project ranking subcommittee, who approved project lists and points assignments used for the June 21-July 21 public comment period. He also presented and responded to comments received from the 30-day public comment period for the project rankings and point assignments.
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Mr. Carpenter entertained a motion to approve the ranking process as amended, to approve the responses to the public comments questions, and to approve the rankings and points assignments for the projects at both the divisional and regional tiers. Dr. Kirlin made the motion. Mr. Worley seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Carpenter introduced the next item (13), but then interjected that if there was a general consensus within this group that the MPO staff can prepare resolutions to submit to our legislators to request a local option sales tax to fund local road projects but not replace the state funding already in place; and a resolution to support the City of Cherryville by requesting the (11) No Passing Zones that they cited on NC Hwy 279 be changed back to Passing Zones. He added that each city and county within GCLMPO should also submit these resolutions because it would take a concerted regional effort to help get this approved.
13. 2013 Socio-Economic Baseline Update for Regional Travel Demand Model Presenter: Bjorn Hansen, AICP CTP, Senior Transportation Planner Mr. Hansen presented that the MPO staff and a TCC subcommittee had completed the updating of the socio-economic baseline from 2010 to 2013 for all Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) currently in MPO for the Metrolina Regional Travel Demand Model and the process and specifics that was used to adequately complete this update. Mr. Carpenter asked how the numbers and projections gathered for this report. Mr. Hansen answered that the staff collected population data from the Census Bureau, and contacted each county in the region for permits data for where household properties were permitted and destroyed. We then calculated household size averages based on how many and units are there and the population. For jobs, we took the 2010 baseline numbers and compared them to the NCESC 2010 and 2013 numbers and calculated ratios to determine growth or decline in the different categories equally across all (3) counties. Mr. Hansen added that the process that they used to determine the calculations may not have been perfect but it was consistent and the sources of information were credible. Mr. Carpenter then inquired if the Board needed to approve this report for submittal. Mr. Hansen affirmed this was the case.
Mr. Carpenter made the motion to approve this report. Mr. Toomey seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
13a. “The Garden Parkway… At a Crossroads” Presentation
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair Mr. Carpenter covered the history, present status, and future plans for the Garden Parkway. As this item was for information and discussion only, no further action was required at this time.
14. Charlotte Regional Alliance for Transportation (CRAFT) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
Presenter: Hank Graham, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner Mr. Graham reviewed the changes that CRAFT has proposed for its governing document, the CRAFT MOA. He added that the membership changes reflect recently amended MPO/RPO boundaries and associated name changes and changes to the Executive Committee meeting schedule are intended to better reflect actual practice and what is feasible for scheduling future meetings. Mr. Graham then asked the Board to approve these changes as presented.
Mr. Worley made the motion to approve this report as presented. Dr. Kirlin seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
15. TIGER Freight Mobility Plan Update
Presenter: Joe Carpenter, MPO Board Chair The Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG) submitted a planning grant application for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funds on April 28, 2014. Mr. Carpenter explained that due to the need of increasing freight movement within our region, we are
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applying for a Tiger grant to complete this update. He also added that we would need representatives from this organization to facilitate this process. Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Hansen, and Mr. Wert expressed the great need for our region to get more involved in Freight Mobility Planning and to ensure no one within this region gets left out of these planning initiatives. Mr. Carpenter then asked for volunteers to serve in this effort. Both Mr. Bailey and Mr. Eaddy were suggested appointees.
16. New Business
Mr. Graham announced that the September MPO Board meeting would be cancelled and the November meeting date would be shift later by one week because the November meeting regularly competes with the Thanksgiving holiday.
There being no other business, Mr. Carpenter adjourned the meeting at 8:22 pm.
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Agenda Item #7 To: MPO Board Members From: Bernie Yacobucci, Transportation Planner I Date: December 3, 2014 Subject: Administrative Modifications to the 2012‐2020 Metropolitan Transportation
Improvement Program (MTIP)
BACKGROUND: Project C‐5505 – Belmont rail trail, Woodlawn Avenue to Belmont Abbey College and downtown. Convert abandoned NCDOT railroad line to a pedestrian trail. Delay construction from FY 14 to FY 15 to allow additional time to resolve right‐of‐way issues.
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve on Consent. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Item N from NC Board of Transportation October meeting.
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REVISIONS TO THE 2012-2020 STIP
ITEM N
HIGHWAY PROGRAM
(HANDOUT)
STIP MODIFICATIONS
DIVISION 10DIVISION 10MATTHEWS, INTERSECTION OF NC 51 AND MATTHEWS-
MINT HILL ROAD. CONSTRUCT A SUPERSTREET.
DELAY CONSTRUCTION FROM FY 14 TO FY 15 TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY.
CONSTRUCTION FY 2015 - (DP)$526,000
FY 2015 - (C)$132,000
$658,000
U-5511
MECKLENBURG
REGIONAL
PROJ.CATEGORY
CHARLOTTE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
-
DIVISION 12DIVISION 12MOORESVILLE, NC 115 AND NC 150 IN MOORESVILLE.
CONSTRUCT SOUTHBOUND NC 115 RIGHT TURN LANE
AT NC 150 AND WESTBOUND NC 150 SHARED
THROUGH-RIGHT LANE AT NC 115.
DELAY RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM FY 15 TO FY 16 AND CONSTRUCTION FROM FY 15 TO FY 17 TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME FOR PLANNING.
RIGHT-OF-WAY FY 2016 - (CMAQ)$92,000
FY 2016 - (L)$29,000
CONSTRUCTION FY 2017 - (CMAQ)$836,000
FY 2017 - (L)$264,000
$1,221,000
* C-5200
IREDELL
EXEMPT
PROJ.CATEGORY
CHARLOTTE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
-
BELMONT, RAIL TRAIL, WOODLAWN AVENUE TO
BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE AND DOWNTOWN.
CONVERT ABANDONED NCDOT RAILROAD LINE TO A
PEDESTRIAN TRAIL.
DELAY CONSTRUCTION FROM FY 14 TO FY 15 TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME TO RESOLVE RIGHT-OF-WAY ISSUES.
CONSTRUCTION FY 2015 - (CMAQ)$1,040,000
FY 2015 - (L)$260,000
$1,300,000
C-5505
GASTON
EXEMPT
PROJ.CATEGORY
GASTON CLEVELAND LINCOLN URBAN
AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING
ORGANIZATION
-
8Wednesday, October 01, 2014
* INDICATES FEDERAL AMENDMENT
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
Agenda Item #8 To: MPO Board Members From: Bjorn E. Hansen, AICP CTP, Senior Transportation Planner Date: December 3, 2014 Subject: FY 16‐17 CMAQ Project Prioritization
BACKGROUND: The NCDOT has asked transportation planning organizations who receive Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds to revalidate their lists, which were developed in 2011. The MPO conducted a solicitation for projects from late August through October 24. The NCDOT has advised the MPO they have approximately $2.9 million available for FY 16‐17 (two years). The NCDOT asked for these project lists to be submitted to them by December 2014, meaning the MPO much approve a project list at their December 3, 2014 meeting. A total of 13 projects, requesting $4.8 million in CMAQ funds, were submitted. A subcommittee reviewed these projects at two meetings: October 28 and November 3. The subcommittee was comprised of David Keilson, NCDOT Division 12, Jackie McSwain, NCDOT Division 12, Brian DuPont, Mt. Holly, Bret Baronak, GCLMPO staff, and Bjorn Hansen, GCLMPO staff. The major feedback provided to the applicants to refine their projects included:
1. Provide greater detail about project scope and timeline 2. Include adequate money in budget for inspections 3. Include a minimum one‐foot planting strip for all sidewalk projects 4. Be aware a North American Long Eared Bat study would be required for all projects
starting after April 1, 2015. The subcommittee did not choose to eliminate any projects from consideration, as the NCDOT has yet to provide an official two‐year CMAQ total for the MPO. The subcommittee instead approved the project list in rank order, using the MPO’s previously adopted ranking process, with minor adjustments. These adjustments to the pollutant and cost‐effectiveness criteria were deemed necessary because none of the projects received more than the minimum points for these two criteria. The scales were therefore modified to reflect the relative differences between project attributes.
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
Pollutant Reduction
Points Before After
25 100,000 kg or more 250 kg or more
20 75,000‐99,999 kg 200‐249 kg
15 50,000‐74,999 kg 150‐199 kg
10 10,000‐49,999 kg 100‐149 kg
5 Less than 10,000 kg 50‐99 kg
Cost‐Effectiveness
Points Before After
20 $24,99 or less per kg removed Less than $2,000 per kg removed
15 $25‐49.99 per kg removed $2,000‐2,999 per kg removed
10 $50‐ 99.99 per kg removed $3,000‐3,999 per kg removed
5 $100‐199.99 per kg removed $4,000‐4,999 per kg removed
0 More than $200 per kg removed More than $5,000 per kg removed
The resulting project rankings and scores based on these modifications are shown on the attached page. The subcommittee unanimously approved these scores and rankings.
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve Ranked CMAQ Project List as Presented ATTACHMENTS:
1. Prioritized FY 16‐17 CMAQ Candidate Project List 2. MPO Project Ranking Process
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Gaston-Cleveland- Lincoln MPO Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Project Ranking Criteria
APPROVED BY THE MPO: September 28, 2010 BACKGROUND In August 2010, the Gaston Urban Area MPO formed a CMAQ subcommittee with the task of developing criteria to recommend projects to the MPO based on a comprehensive and technically-oriented project ranking process. Since the total value of proposed projects often significantly exceeds available funds, an objective evaluation of proposals is necessary to determine the best use of CMAQ funds. The following project ranking criteria are the result of research and discussions by air quality and transportation professionals from the Gaston MPO region. The committee considered specific quantitative criteria for each of the categories, although this did not always prove to be feasible. The overarching goal was to create a thorough assessment that did not place undue burdens upon the applicant. When a quantitative measure of the absolute effectiveness of the project was not possible or reasonable, criteria based on a yes/no answer was created. PROJECT RANKING CRITERIA
1. Pollutant Reduction (25 points possible): This is the most important consideration for a project. How many kilograms of the four main pollutants: Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Particulate Matter 2.5 microns in diameter (PM 2.5), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and Carbon Monoxide (CO), will the project reduce over the lifetime of the project? NOx, due to its role in Ozone formation, is the most important pollutant in the region, with PM the second most important. VOCs and CO are currently not found in high enough concentrations to significantly affect air quality, so emission reductions are not considered as a part of the pollutant reduction in this process. The applicant is responsible for all emissions calculations, with review by a Gaston MPO project ranking committee. Pollutant reductions are calculated by taking the calculated yearly NOx reductions and 25 percent of the PM 2.5 reductions, and then summing the two numbers. This yearly number is then multiplied by the number of years in the project lifetime. The result is the lifetime pollutant reduction. EXAMPLE: A project will annually reduce NOx by 1,000 kilograms per year and PM2.5 by 1,000 kilograms per year. The applicant would take all of the NOx benefits and 250 kilograms (25 percent) of the PM2.5 reductions, and sum them. The net pollutant reduction would then be 1,250 kilograms.
The generalized project lifetimes are as follows:
a. Bus Purchase - see Federal Transit Administration schedule for lifetime b. Transit Operations Improvements - length of program funding c. Park and Ride Lots - 20 years d. Intersection Improvements - 10 years e. Signal Improvements - 5 years f. HOV/HOT Lanes - 20 years g. Telecommuting Center - 10 years h. Advocacy and Education - length of program funding
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i. TMO and TMAs - length of program funding j. Sidewalks, Bike Lanes, and Greenways - 20 years k. ITS Capital Improvements - 10 years l. ITS Operations Improvements - 3 years m. Truck Stop Electrification - 10 years n. Retrofit Technology - 5 years o. Other Project - see Gaston MPO staff
The lifetime pollutant reduction point breakdown is as follows:
a. 100,000 or more kilograms removed = 25 points b. 75,000-99,999 kilograms removed = 20 points c. 50,000-74,999 kilograms removed = 15 points d. 10,000-49,999 kilograms removed = 10 points e. Less than 10,000 kilograms removed = 5 points
2. Project Cost Effectiveness (20 points possible): What is the CMAQ cost per kilogram of pollutant removed over the life of the project, with kilograms removed defined by the weighting process from Criteria #1? Projects that fall in the more-cost effective categories will receive additional points. The category breakdowns are as follows:
a. $24.99 or less per kilogram removed = 20 points b. $25.00-$49.99 per kilogram removed =15 points c. $50.00-$99.99 per kilogram removed = 10 points d. $100.00-$199.99 per kilogram removed = 5 points e. $200.00 or more per kilogram removed = 0 points
3. Transportation Impact (15 points possible): Will the proposed project improve the transportation system? Will it improve freight movement or non-Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV) travel? Will the project address an identified non-vehicular safety issue? If it reduces vehicular congestion, just how much congestion does it eliminate in terms of hours of delay per day?
a. Promotes multi-modal options, including freight movement (Yes = 5 points, No = 0 points)
b. Improves vehicular, pedestrian, or bicyclist safety (Yes = 2 points, No = 0 points) c. Reduces congestion (0 points for non-traffic project, 2 points for projects that do
reduce congestion, but did not perform calculation). The following scores are for those applicants who performed a before and after analysis of congestion:
1) Less than 10 seconds of delay per vehicle reduced = 4 points 2) 10-20 seconds of delay per vehicle reduced = 6 points 3) Greater than 20 seconds per vehicle reduced = 8 points
4. Policy and Information Sharing (5 points possible): Does the project intend to educate the public or community decision makers on how to improve air quality? Does the applicant attempt to make institutional change in organizations to reduce pollution? (Yes = 5 points, No = 0 points) a. Distributes best practices to public and decision makers b. Involves institutional changes to an agency regarding air quality and transportation 5. Applicant Financial Commitment (5 points possible): Does the applicant have a significant financial stake in the project? Are they contributing a significant amount of their own resources towards the total project cost? If so, then they will receive more points than those who may only contribute the minimum amount necessary. The ranges of percent match of total project cost, and corresponding points, are as follows:
a. 0-20% = 0 points b. 20-49% = 2 points
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c. 50% or more = 5 points 6. Project Readiness (10 points possible): Does the project require environmental review? Has the applicant implemented projects in the past that are of similar complexity? Has the applicant implemented previous CMAQ projects, or projects similar in complexity?
a. Environmental considerations 1) Environmental study not prepared = 0 points 2) Environmental document already received, categorical exclusion, or no
environmental review required = 5 points b. Sponsor’s ability to implement: does the applicant have a proven record implementing
projects of similar type or difficulty? 1) Yes = 5 points 2) No = 0 points
7. Project Maintenance and Management (10 points possible): Has the applicant anticipated the ongoing maintenance and management obligations of the project? Does the applicant have a plan, and capability, for maintenance and supervision of completed project?
a. Plan and resources in place = 10 points b. No committed or identified plan and resources = 0 points
8. Concurrency with Existing Plans (10 points possible): Has the proposed project been identified through a previous planning effort? Does the project help address an issue identified in one of the following types of plans? (Yes = 10 points, No = 0 points)
a. Transportation (LRTP, TP, CTP, Bicycle Plan, Pedestrian Plan, or other locally adopted transportation plan or list for community)
b. Land Use or Comprehensive Plan c. Recreation Plan d. Economic Development Plan
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
Agenda Item #9
To: MPO Board Members From: Hank Graham, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner Date: December 3, 2014 Subject: CommunityViz Software for Updating Socioeconomic Data in Regional Travel
Demand Model
BACKGROUND: On October 15th, MPO staff and member‐community representatives were provided a presentation on the utilization of the Community Viz software program and its potential to enhance the socio‐economic data update process for inclusion into the Regional Travel Demand model. Centralina COG and consulting staff presented an overview on the benefits and advantages to incorporating this software into regional modeling efforts, gave examples of other communities that are currently utilizing the program, and discussed anticipated costs. Meeting participants agreed in principal with the concept of incorporating this software, citing its scenario planning and travel demand modeling benefits. Within the Region, the CRTPO has initiated a contract to utilize the software.
The cost to initiate and implement the software is estimated to be $26,700 in the first year. Maintenance costs in subsequent years would be a much more nominal amount approximated to be less than $5,000. Given that it is midway through the fiscal year, and the MPO has obligated all of its available funding to other activities; thus no funding is available at this time to allocate to the project. Moreover, member communities agreed that they would not want to undertake a budget amendment mid‐year to provide the local funding contribution for this project.
The consensus was to begin financial participation in this regional effort starting July 1, 2015. This allows planning for and inclusion of funding in the FY‐16 budget. Staff has communicated this approach to CRTPO and inquired if they would be acceptable to GCLMPOs non‐monetary participation at the onset of the process, with the understanding that financial contribution would begin July 1, 2015. CRTPO was amenable to this approach.
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve participation in the regional Community Viz project. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution supporting participation in Community Viz.
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RESOLUTION ENDORSING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GASTON-CLEVELAND-LINCOLN MPO (GCLMPO) AND THE CENTRALINA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (CCOG) FOR PURCHASING AND UTILIZATION OF SOFTWARE TO ENHANCE REGIONAL TRAVEL DEMAND MODELING
WHEREAS, a comprehensive and continuing transportation planning program must be carried out cooperatively in order to ensure that funds for transportation program projects are effectively allocated to the GCLMPO; and
WHEREAS, the GCLMPO is located within the analysis area for the Metrolina Regional Travel Demand Model (MRM); and
WHEREAS, the MRM is a tool for evaluating existing and future travel demand in the Greater Charlotte Region; and
WHEREAS, the GCLMPO provides important population, socio-economic, and school enrollment data that is utilized by the MRM to analyze projected transportation demand; and
WHEREAS, Community Viz is a software program that can improve the MPOs current socioeconomic data update process for Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) in the MRM; and
WHEREAS, the MPO staff and Transportation Technical Committee Members agree that utilization of this software will provide improved output from the MRM; thus allowing for more informed decisions regarding future transportation needs; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost of purchasing and implementing the software is $26,700 to be shared by the MPO and its participating communities; and
WHEREAS, the participation in this project will begin July 1, 2015; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Transportation Advisory Committee of the GCLMPO hereby endorses the City of Gastonia, which serves as the Lead Planning Agency for the GCLMPO, entering into an agreement with the Centralina Council of Governments for implementation and utilization of the Community Viz Software Program.
Resolution adopted upon a motion of ______________________, seconded by_______________________, by a vote of the majority of the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization Board.
North Carolina
Cleveland County
I, Sovara G. Wright, a Notary Public for said County and State, do hereby certify that Joe D. Carpenter personally appeared before me on this the 3rd day of December, 2014, and acknowledge the due execution of the foregoing instrument.
Witness my hand and official seal, this the 3rd day of December, 2014.
__________________________________________
Sovara G. Wright
Notary Public
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
Agenda Item #10
To: MPO Board Members From: Hank Graham, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner Date: December 3, 2014 Subject: FY 2015 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Amendment
BACKGROUND: The adopted FY2015 GCLMPO‐UPWP outlines MPO work to be completed in Fiscal Year 2014‐2015 by task code category. The UPWP also includes the dollar amount budgeted by grant funding source for each task code for the fiscal year. The total approved UPWP budget is $587,520. This is comprised of Transportation Planning grant funds, Transit Planning grant funds and a local share match. Transit Planning grant funds and Special Studies funded by Transportation Planning grant funds will not be subject to local match cost sharing as Gastonia is the only local government currently utilizing these funds. Since the 2014‐2015 UPWP was adopted in March GCLMPO staff have received additional funding requests. The proposed amendment to the FY2015 UPWP includes is simply to cover an additional $12,804.00 of local cost share and does not include any increase in the total budget request currently approved. Simply put, the transportation planning budget utilizes all grant allocations and is $12,804.00 over the approved local match cost share. The current UPWP, adopted in March 2014, uses the maximum amount of eligible Transportation Grant funds. All additional funding requests must be shared on a per capita basis across all participating local governments. New cost share allocation tables are provided on the last page of the budget amendment provides the breakdown of the member distribution of the additional funds needed to cover the budget. In the future, staff will attempt to match the municipal budget up with the grants earlier. To assist with this topic a complex but detailed spreadsheet has been created to apply all grant funds across all Transportation Planning Division budgetary line items. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the UPWP Amendment(s) as Presented. ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2014‐2015 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment cost share tables
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GASTON-CLEVELAND-LINCOLN
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM
FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015
Adopted March 27, 2014
Amended
December 3, 2014
Prepared for:
City of Gastonia, NC Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO Board
Federal Transit Administration Federal Highway Administration, and
North Carolina Department of Transportation
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UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM PROGRAM DESCRIPTION FOR FY 2014-2015
GASTON CLEVELAND LINCOLN METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
JULY 1, 2014 -JUNE 30, 2015
DESIGNATED RECIPIENT: CITY OF GASTONIA, NC (LEAD PLANNING AGENCY) The Unified Planning Work Program (PWP) is the instrument by which the Urban Area describes to the federal and state grant agencies how it plans to carry out the federally mandated “continuing, cooperative and comprehensive” (3-C) planning process. By law, Congress has determined that "It is in the national interest to encourage and promote the development of transportation systems embracing various modes of transportation in a manner which will efficiently maximize mobility of people and goods within and through urbanized areas and minimize transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution. To accomplish this objective, metropolitan planning organizations, in cooperation with the State, shall develop transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas of the State. Such plans and programs shall provide for the development of transportation facilities (including pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities), which will function as an intermodal transportation system for the State, the metropolitan areas, and the Nation. The process for developing such plans and programs shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation problems." (§134, Title 23, US Code) Each year the planning staff of the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO reviews the planning goals and objectives and identifies new projects for the coming year. This is done in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Statewide Planning Branch. Some of these tasks are ongoing such as a traffic count program or the collection of socioeconomic data. Others have a more defined scope such as the Thoroughfare Planning process, a transit ridership survey, or a corridor study. After considering the amount of work necessary to complete the task, an estimate of funding is developed for each task code. The following section outlines the work to be completed in fiscal year 2014-2015 by task code category. Also included is the dollar amount budgeted for the year. The recommendations are as follows:
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Task Codes TASK CODE II – CONTINUING TRANSPORTATION Task Code II-A: Surveillance of Inventory Data II-A-l Traffic Volume Counts - Vehicle counts will be collected as needed throughout the
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO in support of corridor studies and other analyses. Staff will disseminate traffic volume counts from the Metrolina Regional Model when necessary. Staff will also evaluate the accuracy of counts collected by NCDOT. ($7.500.00)
II-A-4 Traffic Accidents – Analysis of unit member local government vehicular accident
reports will be conducted. The data will be used to determine whether roadway safety improvements are necessary. ($7,395.00)
II-A-5 Transit System Data - Data related to the operation of Gastonia Transit will be
collected as needed. Specifically, data collection efforts recommended in the Community Transportation Services Plan (CTSP), such as boarding and alighting counts, will be carried out as time permits. Also, the bus stop inventory completed as a part of the CTSP will be incorporated into the Lead Planning Agency's Geographic Information System. ($19,270.00)
II-A-10 Mapping - Maps will be created for various projects such as corridor studies, transit
planning and corridor protection activities. ($17,000.00) II-A-12 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Inventory – During the fiscal year, work will continue
on the completing a sidewalk and greenway trail inventory for the entire MPO area. This effort will aid staff in identifying the best routes for connecting major county resource attractions and "missing links" in the sidewalk and greenway trail system. ($13,000.00)
Task Code II-B: Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) II-B-3 Travel Model Updates - LPA staff will fund a local share and work with NCDOT’s
Transportation Planning Branch, Charlotte Department of Transportation and the Charlotte Regional Alliance for Transportation (CRAFT) to amend the Regional Model and specifically the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Area as needed. ($10,000.00)
II-B-7 Forecasts of Future Travel Patterns - The datasets compiled for the regional modeling
effort will need to be forecasted to our horizon year and any other years determined necessary for air quality modeling purposes. Several different land use scenarios may be studied. ($7,000.00)
II-B-8 Capacity Deficiency Analysis – Staff will utilize transportation modeling analysis to
determine whether existing roadway segments are deficient in capacity flows. This effort will primarily occur during the review of proposed land developments. ($10,000.00)
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II-B-9 Highway Element of the LRTP - Staff will make any necessary adjustments and amendments to the adopted Thoroughfare Plan based on corridor studies done to refine alignments. These changes need to be coordinated with all necessary governing boards and NCDOT. Further, any amendments that are proposed through the County Comprehensive Plan process will be reviewed ($10,000.00)
II-B-10 Transit Element of LRTP - Staff will utilize the Section 5303 grant for transit planning
activities to implement the issues raised through the Community Transportation Services Plan (CTSP). We will also continue to work to implement the goals of the 2025 Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation Plan, through such projects as the Gastonia-Charlotte Express Bus service. This is an extension of a project being conducted by Charlotte Area Transit System. ($22,000.00)
II-B-ll Bicycle and Pedestrian Element of the LRTP - Staff will continue to work with
NCDOT Division of Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning to publish the Gaston County bicycle route map. The original map was completed in FY 2003-2004 and adopted by the Transportation Advisory Committee. We will continue to encourage the design of future transportation improvements that accommodate alternate modes of transportation. ($12,500.00)
II-B-l4 Rail, Water or other mode of LRTP – Staff will continue to work with NCDOT Rail
Division and its leasee to renovate and redevelop the P&N Railroad Corridor for Freight and Economic Development purposes. In addition to rail efforts, MPO staff will work with unit member local governments along river corridors to research and implement blueways transportation activities. ($5,000.00)
II-B-l5 Freight Movement/Mobility Planning - Staff will continue to work with NCDOT and
the Metrolina Partners to better incorporate freight data into the Metrolina Model. Staff will also continue working to determine what investments offer residents of the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO a full range of real, practical mobility choices that suit their lifestyles and improve their lives. ($10,000.00)
II-B-17 Congestion Management Strategies - Staff will work to preserve the functional integrity
of the thoroughfare system by encouraging good access management practices. This will be done through coordination with municipal staffs and the development community. ($8,000.00)
II-B-18 Air Quality Planning Conformity Analysis - The MPO must make a determination as to
the conformity of the Long Range Transportation Plan to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality. Staff will work with NCDOT Transportation Planning Branch and other appropriate agencies to complete regional conformity efforts. ($5,000.00)
TASK CODE III: ADMINISTRATION III-A Planning Work Program - Preparation of the annual Planning Work Program (PWP),
and all related activities, is the objective of this category, along with the preparation of detailed task outlines as required by the Federal Transit Administration. ($12,500.00)
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III-B Transportation Improvement Program - Under this task code, staff will prepare the biennial Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP). Staff will also evaluate any new projects proposed to be added to the Unmet Needs List using the methodology approved by the Technical Coordinating Committee and Transportation Advisory Committee. ($10,000.00)
Task Code III-C: Civil Rights Compliance/Regulatory Requirements III-C-2 Environmental Justice - Recipients of federal funds must comply with Executive Order
12898 regarding environmental justice. Staff will work to ensure public involvement of low-income and minority groups in decisions making, prevent disproportionately high and adverse impacts on low-income and minority groups and assure that a proportionate share of benefits are received. ($9,000.00)
III-C-6 Public Involvement - Staff will initiate an effort to update the adopted Public
Involvement Process to better reflect current planning activities and to ensure an open exchange of information and ideas. Create and maintain a new Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO logo and webpage. ($9,000.00)
Task Code III-D: Incidental Planning and Project Development III-D-3 Special Studies – Planning and Engineering Services will be obtained to conduct and
complete transportation planning and corridor studies in Belmont and Gastonia as needed for projects on the adopted Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) maps and in the 2035 LRTP. ($271,256.00)
III-D-4 Regional and Statewide Planning - Staff will continue to participate in activities of the
Charlotte Regional Alliance for Transportation (CRAFT) and the North Carolina Association of MPOs. Also, a significant amount of time will be spent on the development of the Metrolina Regional Travel Demand Model. Staff will participate in other regional planning efforts and workshops as required. ($34,000.00)
III-D-5 Corridor Protection - Staff will continue to participate in activities such as adoption of
the model right-of-way protection ordinances and/or new subdivision ordinances. Staff will continue to monitor conformance with the adopted Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) maps through the review of proposed site plans, subdivisions and rezonings for local governments. ($10,000.00)
III-E: Management and Operations - Staff planners will: attend the meetings of and prepare
the agendas and minutes for the various committees it serves; document expenditures; file for reimbursement of expenditures; attend training sessions; and generally, manage all functions of the MPO. The Prospectus, Memorandum of Understanding and any other administrative agreements or procedures will be updated as necessary. Assistance and information will be provided to other agencies, the press, developers and the general public in regard to transportation-related issues. ($68,000.00)
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Task
CodeDescription Federal State LPA
II-A
II-A-1 Traffic Volume Counts $6,000 $1,500 $7,500
II-A-4 Traffic Accidents $5,916 $1,479 $7,395
II-A-5 Transit System Data $15,416 $1,927 $1,927 $19,270
III-D-3 Metrolina Regional Model UpdateGaston Cleveland
Lincoln MPO
Transportation
Planning/Engineerin
g Services
$13,885 $3,471 $17,356
$217,085 $54,271 $254,000
TOTAL
Note: This form must be submitted to NCDOT-PTD even if you anticipate no DBE Contracting Opportunities. Note “No contracting opportunities” on
the table if you do not anticipate having any contracting opportunities.
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Table #4
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Sections 104(f) and 5303
FY2014-2015 Funding Sources Table and Task Narratives
Table #4
Gaston
1 MPO Nam e Gas ton C lev eland L inc o ln Gas ton C lev eland L inc o ln Gas ton C lev eland L inc o lnGas ton C lev eland
L inc o ln
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L inc o lnGas ton C lev eland L inc o ln Gas ton C lev eland L inc o ln Gas ton C lev eland L inc o ln Gas ton C lev eland L inc o ln Gas ton C lev eland L inc o ln
Vehicle counts will be collected as needed throughout the Gaston Urban Area in support of corridor studies and other analyses. Staff will also evaluate the accuracy of
counts collected by NCDOT.
Accident counts will be collected throughout the
Gaston Urban Area in support of corridor studies and other analyses. Accidents will be mapped and evaluated for
accuracy.
To collect and study data as needed related to the operation of Gastonia
Transit and for efforts recommended in the Community Transportation Services
Plan (CTSP) for the Gaston County Access Transportation System.
Utilize Arc GIS to map all
Transportation Planning activities
and needs
Collect and map bicycle and
sidewalk data
Conduct necessary data collection for
updated model runs
Forecast roadway projects for each
horizon year
Review and coordinate
transportation improvements when needed
Forecast highway projects for each horizon year
To implement the issues raised through the Community Transportation Services Plan (CTSP), and monitor the
Transit Element of the 2035 Multi-Modal Long Range Transportation
Plan and the USEPA 8-Hour Ozone Non-Attainment Conformity Report.
Bicycle and pedestrian projects for each horizon
year
Piedmont and Northern Rail Road
Renovation and Redevelopment
Conduct study of Freight traffic within
the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln
MPO area
Conduct traffic congestion management
actives when needed
Conduct training on various air quality
modeling techniques
Prepare and implement an annual PWP
Review all aspects of the TIP to recommend
changes when necessary
Implement an aggressive
environment justice awareness program
Increase and improve Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO Public
Involvement
Conduct corridor studies and functional designs for Gaston Cleveland Lincoln
MPO transportation corridors in terms of alignment, feasibility, environmental
impact and design.
Coordinate with regional transportation partners, MPO
local governments, and NCDOT on regionally
significant projects
Continue to get ROW dedication and if possible construction of proposed
widenings and new roadway construction of Gaston
Cleveland Lincoln MPO thoroughfares
Perform Management duties of the Gaston Cleveland
Lincoln MPO. Maintain the Prospectus, Memorandum of Understanding and any
other administrative agreements or procedures
will be updated if necessary
6Tangible Product
Expected
Updated traffic volume counts for major and minor thoroughfares
within the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO Area
Updated traffic accident counts and location for major and
minor thoroughfares within the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln
MPO Area
Complete a Gastonia Transit Expansion Study. Conduct an annual boarding and alighting ridership study/survey regarding
current routes and potential new routes for Gastonia Transit and the Gastonia Express Bus Route (85X) for Charlotte
Area Transit (CATS). Continue to incorporate data needed as
recommended by the CTSP.
Digital maps reflective of both
factual and conceptual data.
Create and transfer mapping data to
webpage.
Update Gaston Cleveland Lincoln
MPO Map depicting all
collected data
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) counts. Update socio economic
data for new 2005 base year.
Data input for Travel Demand
Model
Capacity tables for transportation
facilities county-wide
Data input for Travel Demand Model
Implement policies and recommendations specified in the West Corridor Transit Alternatives
Study. Completion of Franklin/Wilkinson Boulevard Transit
Corridor Improvement Study. Staff will also work with Gastonia Transit and
Gaston County ACCESS to implement CTSP recommended transit changes
and work with CATS to improve express bus service. (5303 funds)
Updated data and information for the 2035
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO LRTP
Updated data and information for the
2035 Gaston Cleveland Lincoln
MPO LRTP
Report documenting
freight traffic within the Gaston
Cleveland Lincoln MPO area
Modeling output for land development proposals
Implement various measures and programs to
decrease ozone and its component
parts
An annual PWP that is
comprehensive and beneficial to the
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO public
Funded TIP projects that
demonstrate the greatest need
Policy document that outlines
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO's Environmental
justice efforts and standards
Create a public involvement Plan for the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
area
Prepare transportation studies and complete functional designs for Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO transportation
corridors
Regional Coordination ROW dedication and construction
Data will be used to access existing and proposed travel
demand and roadway congestion.
Data will be used to access existing and proposed travel
demand, roadway congestion, and safety.
Data will be collected monitor existing routes and support goals and objectives
of the "Transit Element of LRTP."
Utilize Arc GIS to map all
Transportation Planning activities
and needs.
Use updated data to supplement and improve Bike and
Pedestrian activities and
planning efforts.
Revise and update travel model data to
correspond and comply with current TIP and air quality
conformity reporting.
The datasets compiled for the
regional modeling effort will need to
be forecasted to our horizon year and any other years
determined necessary for air quality modeling
purposes. Several different land use scenarios may be
studied.
Staff will utilize transportation
modeling analysis to determine
whether existing roadway segments
are deficient in capacity flows. This effort will primarily occur
during the review of proposed land developments.
Staff will make any necessary adjustments and amendments to the adopted Thoroughfare Plan
based on corridor studies done to refine alignments. These
changes need to be coordinated with all necessary governing
boards and NCDOT. Further, any amendments which are proposed
through the County Comprehensive Plan process will
be reviewed.
Work in this task code is related to work being done under the task codes "Transit System Data" (data collection) and "Regional or Statewide Planning"
(West Corridor study).
Staff will continue to work with NCDOT Division of
Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning to publish the
Gaston Urban Area bicycle route map. This map was completed in FY 2003-
2004 and adopted by the Transportation Advisory
Committee. We will continue to encourage the
design of future transportation
improvements which accommodate alternate modes of transportation.
Staff will continue to work with NCDOT Rail
Division and its leasee to renovate and redevelop the
P&N Railroad Corridor for Freight
and Economic Development
purposes.
Further detailed study will be
conducted on rail and heavy truck
freight traffic within the MPO area. The MPO will also study a full range of real, practical mobility
choices the suit the lifestyles and
improve the lives of the residents within
the MPO.
Staff will work to preserve the functional integrity of the thoroughfare system
by encouraging good access management practices. This will be
done through coordination with
municipal staffs and the development community.
The MPO must make a
determination as to the conformity of the Long Range
Transportation Plan to the State
Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality .Staff will
work with NCDOT Statewide Planning Branch and other
appropriate agencies to
complete this effort by February 1,
2005
Preparation of the annual Planning Work Program (PWP), and all
related activities, is the objective of this
category, along with the preparation
of detailed task outlines as required
by the Federal Transit
Administration.
Under this task code, staff will
prepare the biennial
Metropolitan Transportation Improvement
Program (MTIP). Staff will also
evaluate any new projects proposed to be added to the Unmet Needs List
using the methodology
approved by the Technical
Coordinating Committee and Transportation
Advisory Committee
Recipients of federal funds must
comply with Executive Order 12898 regarding
environmental justice. Staff will work to ensure
public involvement of low-income and minority groups in decisions making,
prevent disproportionately high and adverse impacts on low-
income and minority groups
and assure that a proportionate share
of benefits are received.
Staff will initiate an effort to update the adopted Public Involvement Process to better reflect current planning activities
and to ensure an open exchange of information and ideas
On-Call Planning and Engineering services will be obtained to conduct work as needed. A corridor study of Wilkinson
Blvd. will be conducted in the City of Belmont. The City of Gastonia will
conduct a Traffic Impact Study of the Franklin Square Area. A Bi-State Mobility Plan will be conducted for the Metrolina Region. NCDOT will be conducting an
Interstate Ramp Metering Feasibility Study along the I-85 Corridor will be
completed. Participation in the Metrolina Regional Model will continue. Additional transportation corridor functional designs
may be pursued.
Staff will continue to participate in activities of the Charlotte Regional Alliance for Transportation (CRAFT)
and the North Carolina Association of MPOs. Also, a significant amount of time
will be spent on the development of the Metrolina
Regional Travel Demand Model and the CONNECT project conducted by the
Centralina Council of Governments.
Staff will work on a model right-of-way protection
ordinance for new residential subdivisions. Staff will
monitor conformance with the adopted Gaston Urban
Area Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) maps through the review of
proposed site plans, subdivisions and rezoning
for local governments.
Attend meetings and prepare the agendas and
prepare MPO meeting minutes for MPO boards
and committees, document expenditures; file for
reimbursement of expenditures; attend training
sessions; and generally, manage all functions of the
MPO.
11Agency Responsible
for Task Completion
NCDOT, & Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
NCDOT, & Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Urban Area MPO, Charlotte Area Transit (CATS), and consultants.
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
NCDOT, & Gaston Cleveland Lincoln
MPO
NCDOT, & Gaston Cleveland Lincoln
MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
NCDOT, & Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
City of Gastonia Transportation Planning Dept. in conjunction with
NCDOT Public Transportation Division, Gastonia Transit, Gaston
County ACCESS and consultant (yet to be determined).
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO
Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO Gaston Cleveland Lincoln
Cleveland County 63,866 16.70% $16,148 $18,287 $2,138
Cramerton 4,165 1.10% $1,064 $1,205 $141
Dallas 4,488 1.20% $1,160 $1,314 $154
Gaston County 79,290 20.70% $20,016 $22,667 $2,650
Gastonia 71,741 18.80% $18,179 $20,586 $2,407
Kings Mountain 10,296 2.70% $2,611 $2,957 $346
Lincoln County 67,779 17.70% $17,115 $19,382 $2,266
Lincolnton 10,486 2.80% $2,708 $3,066 $359
Lowell 3,526 0.90% $870 $986 $115
Mount Holly 13,656 3.60% $3,481 $3,942 $461
Ranlo 3,434 0.90% $870 $986 $115
Shelby 20,323 5.30% $5,125 $5,804 $679
Stanley 3,556 0.90% $870 $986 $115
Total 382,429 100.00% $96,697 $109,501 $12,804
Voting Member Local Match Obligation by Population
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census
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FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM (UPWP) FOR THE GASTON-CLEVELAND-LINCOLN METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
WHEREAS, a comprehensive and continuing transportation planning program must be carried
out cooperatively in order to ensure that funds for transportation program projects are effectively allocated to the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO; and
WHEREAS, The City of Gastonia, as Lead Planning Agency for the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO Planning Area, has been designated as the recipient of FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program grant funds, FTA Section 5307 Transit Administration Program grant funds and FHWA Section 104(f) Planning grant funds; and
WHEREAS, members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Board (MPO Board) agree that the Planning Work Program will effectively advance the transportation planning process for FY 2014-2015;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
1. That the MPO Board of the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hereby endorses and approves the Unified Planning Work Program for FY 2014-2015.
2. The total UPWP budget amount is now $587,521.00.
3. The Chairperson of the Board is hereby authorized to make changes in this program that do not materially affect the scope of this Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and is further authorized to make budget changes to this UPWP not to exceed 10 percent (10%) of the total budget approved by the state of North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) without prior consultation with the Board.
4. The Principal Transportation Planner is authorized to furnish such additional information to the United States DOT and the North Carolina DOT that they may require in connection with the application and implementation for the Program.
A motion was made by _____________________ and seconded by ______________________for the adoption of the following resolution and upon being put to a vote was duly adopted. I, Joe D. Carpenter, Chairperson of the MPO Board for the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO Area, do hereby certify the UPWP budget for fiscal year 2014/2015 of the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln, duly held on the 3rd day of December, 2014. Joe D. Carpenter, MPO Board Chairperson Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization
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ATTESTED: ________________________________________________ James H. Graham, Jr., AICP, Principal Transportation Planner Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO Coordinator I, Sovara G. Wright, a Notary Public for said County and State, do hereby certify that Joe D. Carpenter personally appeared before me on this the 3rd day of December, 2014, and acknowledge the due execution of the foregoing instrument. Witness my hand and official seal. Sovara G. Wright Notary Public
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
Agenda Item #11
To: MPO Board Members
From: Bret Baronak, Senior Transportation Planner Date: December 3, 2014 Subject: Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Update
BACKGROUND:
The towns of Cramerton and McAdenville will be jointly applying for funding through the NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative to develop a comprehensive bicycle transportation plan. The requested funding amount is $40,000 comprised of a 90/10 matching grant formula. NCDOT requires a local contribution amount of 10% when population is less than 5,000. Each community has endorsed applying for the funding through resolution approval. Applications are due to the NCDOT on Friday, December 5, 2014 and should include a support resolution from the MPO. Staff is recommends Board approval of bicycle planning grant support resolution. Schedule details as follows:
Activity Date
Issue Call for Proposals September 4, 2014
Application Submission Deadline – 5:00 PM December 5, 2014
Awards Committee Makes Recommendations to NCDOT
April, 2015
Board of Transportation Gives Approval April, 2015
Municipalities Notified of Award June, 2015
Municipal Reimbursement Agreement Executed and NTP issued
Within 6 Months of Award Notification
Plan Completion Deadline Within 18 Months from Execution of MRA
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve bicycle and pedestrian planning grant resolution. ATTACHMENT: MPO support resolution for application of bicycle plan funding by Towns of Cramerton and McAdenville.
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RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (NCDOT) BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE TOWNS OF CRAMERTON AND MCADENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
WHEREAS, the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (GCLMPO) Board, Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), and coordinating GCLMPO staff, by adopted memorandum of understanding and general policy, support multi-modal transportation connectivity and enhanced efforts to provide for greater mode choice, which includes improved accommodations for bicycle and pedestrian mobility; and WHEREAS, the GCLMPO has reviewed the proposed grant application and is in full support of NCDOT funding assistance for the development of a comprehensive bicycle transportation plan; and WHEREAS, the Towns are seeking funding in the amount of $36,000.00 from NCDOT for Plan preparation and completion, and are committed to fulfilling a ten percent matching requirement for the grant equal to $4,000.00, for total funding amount of $40,000; and WHEREAS, Cramerton and McAdenville understand the importance of planning for bicycle transportation and the resultant positive benefits such as improved public health, economic development, social interaction, and enhanced environmental quality; and WHEREAS, the NCDOT understands the advantages and benefits of multi-jurisdictional planning and is amicable to accepting a joint funding request for bicycle planning funds; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (GCLMPO) Board and Coordinating GCLMPO staff is in full support and endorses the Bicycle Planning Grant joint application prepared by the Towns of Cramerton and McAdenville.
Passed and Approved this 3rd Day of December, 2014
James H. Graham, Jr. AICP, Principal Transportation Planner
GCLMPO Coordinator
Resolution adopted upon a motion of ______________________, seconded by_______________________, by a vote of the majority of the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization Board.
North Carolina
Cleveland County
I, Sovara G. Wright, a Notary Public for said County and State, do hereby certify that Joe D. Carpenter personally appeared before me on this the 3rd day of December, 2014, and acknowledge the due execution of the foregoing instrument.
Witness my hand and official seal, this the 3rd day of December, 2014.
__________________________________________
Sovara G. Wright
Notary Public
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Pedestrian Counts GCLMPO staff has been actively involved in utilizing portable pedestrian counter equipment at various locations to collect data on pedestrian travel. The information helps to support decision‐making regarding pedestrian/shared‐use facility planning. Staff will provide an overview on the different counting locations that have been chosen thus far as well as the trends and characteristics of the data collected. Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Staff has discussed and determined that the formation of specific committee to oversee bicycle/pedestrian issues would be beneficial to elevating the non‐motorized component of the MPO. To better address the growing demand for improved bicycle and pedestrian transportation. BPACs are becoming an increasingly common part of the functionality of MPOs throughout the Country, The membership of a BPAC typically consists of professional planning staff, public health organizations, school districts, advocacy groups, environmental entities, general public, and others that deem non‐motorized transportation as an asset to a community. Ultimately, the BPAC would make recommendations to the MPO Board regarding non‐motorized planning decisions. Functions of a GCLMPO BPAC include but are not limited to:
Developing a scoring methodology for bicycle/pedestrian projects in the SPOT process
Identifying locations for placement of pedestrian counting equipment
Overseeing the development of an official bicycle conditions and routing map for the MPO region
Assist in the review of traditional highway and bridge plans and provide recommendations on the incorporation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
Provide technical assistance to communities developing non‐motorized plans and projects
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
Agenda Item #12
To: MPO Board Members From: Bret Baronak, Senior Transportation Planner Date: December 3, 2014 Subject: Additional Transportation Revenue Options ‐ Resolution
BACKGROUND:
In 2007, North Carolina Legislature passed enabling legislation that permits Counties to create a referendum for a sales tax to levy an additional funding source to meet a County’s growing financial needs. The “One‐Quarter Cent County Sales and Use Tax” – Article 46 allows funds to be used to address a variety of needs – including transportation infrastructure improvements.
Projections show that the costs of improving the transportation infrastructure and accommodating a growing population in North Carolina and the GCLMPO Region are significantly higher than what future revenues can sustain. Implementation of a local funding source through a sales tax referendum is an option that may worth considering to narrow the funding gap. The GCLMPO Board Chair has requested a resolution supporting this leveraging of additional funding to meet transportation infrastructure needs.
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve support resolution for additional revenue source for all phases of transportation projects. ATTACHMENT: Support resolution endorsing GCLMPO Counties to seek additional transportation funding through local sales tax referendum.
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RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE COUNTIES OF GASTON, CLEVELAND, AND LINCOLN TO CREATE A REFERENDUM FOR ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCE FOR TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
WHEREAS, the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization
(GCLMPO) Board has deemed an improved multi-modal transportation system as the top priority for the GCLMPO region; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) projects a forty-two percent increase in North Carolina’s population by 2040; and
WHEREAS, the projected growth in the GCLMPO and Metrolina Region will continue to increase demands for transportation accessibility, connectivity, and mode choice; and
WHEREAS, NCDOT’s 2010 Report on the Condition of the State Highway System reported that if funding remains stagnate, the percent of highway miles in good condition in North Carolina is projected to drop from 68 to 50% by 2017; and
WHEREAS, according to NCDOT’s 2040 plan “There is strong evidence that long-term funding from traditional NCDOT revenue sources …will not be sufficient or sustainable”; and
WHEREAS, NCDOT’s 2040 plan estimates that over the next 30 years, North Carolina will require nearly $123 billion to improve our transportation system and a minimum of $66 billion to keep spending at the same level as today; and
WHEREAS, NCDOT’s highway network is the nation’s second largest state-maintained system, and planning for its needs will be challenged by the large shortfall in funding created by an unsustainable revenue source;
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Legislature passed Article 46, One-Quarter Cent County
Sales and Use Tax (2007-323, s. 31.17(b)) enabling counties to create a referendum to leverage an additional funding source to meet growing financial needs, including transportation projects; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization endorses an alternative funding source where such funds will be solely dedicated to funding environmental review, permitting, engineering/design, and construction of transportation projects. ________________________________________________ Joe D. Carpenter, Chair, Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization Board ATTESTED: ________________________________________________ James H. Graham, Jr. AICP, Principal Transportation Planner Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization
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Resolution adopted upon a motion of _____________, seconded by ____________, by a vote of the majority of the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization. North Carolina Cleveland County I, Sovara G. Wright, a Notary Public for said County and State, do hereby certify that Joe D. Carpenter personally appeared before me on this the 3rd day of December, 2014, and acknowledge the due execution of the foregoing instrument. Witness my hand and official seal, this the 3rd day of December, 2014. __________________________________________ Sovara G. Wright Notary Public
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
Agenda Item #13
To: MPO Board Members From: MPO Staff Date: December 3, 2014 Subject: Federal Project Environmental Review Procedures ‐ Resolution
BACKGROUND: The United States has numerous regulations concerning the required environmental documentation and associated review procedures for Federally‐funded highway projects. The regulations are in place to ensure that highway project implementation has incorporated all necessary measures to minimize impacts to the environment. The MPO Board Chair has requested a resolution supporting a modification to the environmental review procedures that reduces the period of time that third parties have to challenge the environmental study for the project. Concern arises that legal challenges that are made long after the project has gone through its project development and environmental impact analysis, resulting in project delays or termination. The modifications would require challenges to take place much earlier in the process so extensive effort and valuable resources do not become futile, due to the need to respond to delayed or unnecessary litigation. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve support resolution to modify procedures for environmental review and challenges involving federal highway construction. ATTACHMENT: Support Resolution for the modification of environmental review and legal challenge procedures
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TO REQUEST THE ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS TO RECOMMEND AND SUPPORT LEGISLATION MODIFYING PROCEDURES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND CHALLENGES INVOLVING FEDERAL HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
WHEREAS, transportation infrastructure is a critical component of any local economic development program; and, WHEREAS, there are numerous statutes and regulations in the United States Code and the Code of
Federal Regulations concerning highway environmental studies and challenges to such studies; and,
WHEREAS, two recent federal highway projects in or around Gaston County have been terminated or
postponed due to litigation arising out of environmental studies associated with highway construction; and
WHEREAS, it is in the economic interest of Gaston County, the State of North Carolina, and the United
States of America to have revised procedures in which environmental challenges to highway construction projects are made earlier in the highway planning process, resulting in highways being completed faster and reducing the likelihood of expensive and unnecessary litigation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners that:
1. The Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization (GCLMPO) hereby requests that the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) examine existing legislation concerning Environmental Impact Studies and legal challenges arising out of it, and take any actions within its purview to recommend and support a modification of relevant laws and regulations to streamline the process and limit when legal challenges to environmental studies for highways can be filed to two years from the date a highway project is formally proposed.
2. The GCLMPO hereby requests that any such modification of existing laws and regulations should require that those challenging Environmental Impact Studies must conduct their own environmental studies prior to initiating any legal challenge.
3. This resolution shall be forwarded to the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
RESOLVED THIS THE 3rd DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014, BY THE BOARD OF THE GASTON CLEVELAND LINCOLN METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION. _______________________________ Joe D. Carpenter, Chair, MPO Board Gaston Cleveland Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization
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ATTESTED: ________________________________________________ James H. Graham, Jr. AICP, Principal Transportation Planner Gaston Cleveland Lincoln MPO Coordinator Resolution adopted upon a motion of ________________________ and seconded by _________________________by a vote of the majority of the Gaston Cleveland Lincoln Urban Area MPO Board. North Carolina Gaston County I, Sovara G. Wright, a Notary Public for said County and State, do hereby certify that Joe D. Carpenter personally appeared before me on this the 3rd day of December, 2014, and acknowledge the due execution of the foregoing instrument. Witness my hand and official seal, this the 3rd day of December, 2014. __________________________________________ Sovara G. Wright Notary Public
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Post Office Box 1748 150 South York Street Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 Phone (704) 866-6837 Fax (704) 869-1960
Agenda Item #14 To: MPO Board Members and Interested Persons From: MPO Staff Date: December 3, 2014 Subject: Transit Ridership Update
JANUARY M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
FEBRUARY M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
MARCH M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
APRIL M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
MAY M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
JUNE M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
JULY M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
AUGUST M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SEPTEMBER M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
OCTOBER M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
NOVEMBER M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
DECEMBER M T W Th F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
2015 Technical Coordinating Commit-tee (TCC) meets on the 2nd Wednesday bi-monthly begin-ning in January. Note: November meeting date change - Veter-ans’ Day conflict The MPO Board meets on the 4th Thursday, except in November, of every other month at the Po-lice Community Room, 200 Long Avenue, Gastonia, NC MPO Staff Contacts Hank Graham, AICP Principal Transportation Planner/GCLMPO Coordinator [email protected] 704-854-6663
