NOTICE OF MEETING · RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the September 6, 2012, MPO Technical...

Altoona Ankeny Bondurant Carlisle Clive Dallas County Des Moines DART Grimes Johnston Mitchellville Norwalk Pleasant Hill Polk City Polk County Urbandale Warren County Waukee West Des Moines Windsor Heights

The MPO receives federal funding and may not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, or national origin, according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information or to obtain a Title VI Complaint form, call 515-334-0075.

NOTICE OF MEETING

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Technical Committee (TTC)

*************************** 9:30 a.m., Thursday, October 4, 2012

Des Moines Area MPO Burnham Conference Room ***************************

TENTATIVE AGENDA

1. Call To Order 2. VOTE: Approval of Agenda 3. VOTE: Approval of Meeting Minutes……...............................................................................Page 3

Approve the September 6, 2012, meeting minutes. 4. REPORT and VOTE: Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program

Amendment Request ................................................................................................................. Page 7 Report on the Iowa Department of Transportation’s request to amend three project descriptions in

the Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program; consider approval. 5. REPORT AND OPTIONAL VOTE: City of West Des Moines Request to Update Termini . 0

Report on a request from the City of West Des Moines to update the eastern termini of the Southwest Connector.

6. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Small Member Surface Transportation Program .......... Page 13 Report on the MPO’s Small Member Surface Transportation Program application process and a

review of project scores; consider a recommendation to the STP Funding Subcommittee; consider approval

7. REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Rail Grant Award .............................................................. Page 14 Report on the MPO being awarded a grant through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s

Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program; consider approval. 8. REPORT: MAP-21 Recommendation to the Iowa Department of Transportation ............ Page 15

Report on the MPO’s recommendation to the Iowa DOT regarding MAP-21 funding distribution. 9. REPORT: Polk County Request for Surface Transportation Program Funds ................... Page 18

Report on a request from Polk County for additional Surface Transportation Program funds for the Southwest Connector.

10. REPORT: Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Surface Transportation Program Schedule ............. Page 19 Report on the Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Surface Transportation Program Schedule.

11. REPORT: Ames-Des Moines Corridor Transit Study .......................................................... Page 21 Report on a potential transit study along the Ames-Des Moines corridor.

12. REPORT: MPO Planning Area Boundary Amendment ........................................................ Page 22 Report on proposed amendments to the MPO’s Planning Area Boundary.

13. REPORT: DART Federal Funding Transfer Request ............................................................ Page 24 Report on DART’s request to transfer federal funding from FHWA to FTA.

14. REPORT: Central Iowa Trail Counting Program Update ..................................................... Page 26 Brief report and overview of the central Iowa trail counting program.

15. REPORT: Congestion Management Status Report ............................................................. Page 28 Report on development of the Congestion Management Status Report.

Agenda Report

MPO Transportation Technical Committee

© FY 2013 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Please call (515) 334-0075 to obtain permission for use.

16. REPORT: The Tomorrow Plan Update .................................................................................. 9 Update on activities related to The Tomorrow Plan.

17. INFORMATION: Transportation Management Association Update…................................Page 30 18. INFORMATION: Combat Hunger Initiative ............................................................................ Page 31 19. Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Committee 20. Next Meeting Date

9:30 a.m., Thursday, November 1, 2012, Des Moines Area MPO Office. 21. Adjournment

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Agenda Report MPO Transportation Technical Committee


October 2012 Item No. 3

ISSUE: Approval of Meeting Minutes

VOTE: Consider approval of the September 6, 2012, MPO Technical Committee meeting minutes. BACKGROUND:

The minutes of the September 6, 2012, MPO Technical Committee meeting are enclosed on the following pages.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the minutes of the September 6, 2012, MPO Technical Committee meeting. STAFF CONTACT:

Jennifer Ratcliff, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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© FY 2013 Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Please call (515) 334-0075 to obtain permission for use.

MEETING MINUTES

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Technical Committee (TTC)

9:30 a.m., Thursday, September 6, 2012 Des Moines Area MPO Burnham Conference Room

The MPO TTC held a meeting at 9:30 a.m., on September 6, 2012, at the Des Moines Area MPO Conference

Room. Before the meeting, the MPO staff sent agenda packets to the MPO TTC representatives and posted the agenda at the MPO office at 11:00 a.m., August 31, 2012.

Representatives Present: Aaron Putnam, City of Altoona John Shaw, City of Altoona Paul Moritz, City of Ankeny John Peterson, City of Ankeny Eric Jensen, City of Ankeny Lori Dunham, City of Bondurant Jeff Schug, City of Carlisle Matt McQuillen, City of Clive Jim Hagelie, City of Clive Michael Ludwig, City of Des Moines Jennifer Bohac, City of Des Moines Jeb Brewer, City of Des Moines Mike Clayton, Iowa Department of Transportation* John Gade, City of Grimes Dave Cubit, City of Johnston David Wilwerding, City of Johnston Mike Johnson, City of Norwalk Ben Champ, City of Pleasant Hill Dennis Dietz, City of Polk City Kurt Bailey, Polk County Bret VandeLune, Polk County Paul Dekker, City of Urbandale Steven Franklin, City of Urbandale John Larson, City of Urbandale McKinlee Gibson, City of Waukee Brad Deets, City of Waukee Joe Cory, City of West Des Moines Jim Dickinson, City of West Des Moines Kara Tragesser, City of West Des Moines

Representatives Absent: Anthony Bellizzi, City of Cumming** Murray McConnell, Dallas County Chuck Burgin, City of Indianola** Doyle Scott, Madison County** Timothy Brandt, City of Mitchellville Steve Struble, Warren County Josh Heggen, City of Windsor Heights Jim Tishim, Des Moines Regional Transit Authority Julia Castillo, Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency Bryan Belt, Des Moines International Airport Tracy Troutner, Federal Highway Administration* Mark Bechtel, Federal Transit Administration* * Non-Voting, Advisory Representative ** Non-Voting, Associate Representative Others Present: Tony Boes, Snyder & Associates Glenn Lyons, Transportation Management Association* Staff Present: Todd Ashby, Executive Director Stephanie Muller, Executive Administrator Jennifer Ratcliff, Executive Assistant Dylan Mullenix, Principal Transportation Planner Nathan Goldberg, Senior Transportation Planner Luke Parris, Senior Transportation Planner Bethany Wilcoxon, Senior Transportation Planner Jennifer Roberts, Transportation Planner Intern

4


1. Call to Order

MPO TTC Chair Kurt Bailey recognized a quorum and called the September 6, 2012, meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.

2. Approval of Agenda

MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to approve the MPO TTC’s

September 6, 2012, meeting agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Approval of Meeting Minutes

MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to approve the MPO TTC’s August 2,

2012, meeting minutes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request

MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to approve the City of Des Moines’

request to amend a project in the Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program for the Southeast Connector TIGER grant award.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program

Administrative Modification Request

MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to approve the City of Des Moines’ request to modify a project Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program to move funding forward for the Southeast Connector.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment

Request

MPO staff presented; discussion only on item 6. 7. MPO Planning Area Boundary Amendment

MPO staff presented; discussion only on item 7.

8. US 65/Iowa 5 Interstate Designation Update


9. Congestion Management Process


10. The Tomorrow Plan Update

MPO staff presented; discussion only on item 10. 11. Transportation Management Association Update

Glenn Lyons of the TMA presented; no discussion on item 11.

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12. Other Non-Action Items of Interest to the Committee 13. Next Meeting Date

9:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 4, 2012, Des Moines Area MPO Burnham Room. 14. Adjournment

MOTION: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the MPO TTC’s September

6, 2012, meeting; Chair Bailey adjourned the meeting at 9:49 a.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6

Agenda Report




ISSUE: Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment Request

REPORT and VOTE: Consider approval of a request from the Iowa Department of Transportation to amend three project descriptions in the Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND:

The Iowa Department of Transportation requested the following revisions to the Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program (FFY 2013-2016 TIP):

Sponsor: Iowa Department of Transportation Project: I-35: I-80/235 to IA 141 (NB) Project Number: IM-()—13-77 Work Type: Pavement Rehab Funding: $5,105,000 Interstate Maintenance funds; $5,672,000 total cost. Change: Update project termini to read “80/35 to IA 141.” Revision Type: Amendment Sponsor: Iowa Department of Transportation Project: I-35: I-80/235 to IA 141 (SB) Project Number: IM-()—13-77 Work Type: Pavement Rehab Funding: $5,104,000 Interstate Maintenance funds; $5,671,000 total cost. Change: Update project termini to read “Westown Parkway north to 0.6 miles east of IA 141.” Revision Type: Amendment Sponsor: Iowa Department of Transportation Project: IA 415: S. of Polk City to IA 141 Project Number: HSIP-()—2H-91 Work Type: Pavement Widening Funding: $1,260,000 Highway Safety Improvement Program funds; $1,400,000 total cost. Change: Update project termini to read “IA 141 to NW 16th St. in Ankeny.” Revision Type: Amendment

The MPO staff notes the amendments are subject to MPO approval and a public comment period. The MPO staff will hold a public input meeting to hear comments on the amendment requests prior to MPO approval. Included, immediately following, is a map showing the project locations.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the amended project descriptions in the FFY 2013-2016 TIP. STAFF CONTACTS:

Luke Parris, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: City of West Des Moines Request to Update Termini

REPORT AND OPTIONAL VOTE: Request from the City of West Des Moines to update the eastern termini of the Southwest Connector.

BACKGROUND: On September 5, 2012, the MPO staff received letter from the City of West Des Moines requesting that the MPO consider revising the eastern terminus of their Southwest Connector project. The current eastern terminus is identified as South 1st Street in the Surface Transportation Program applications for the Southwest Connector. The City of West Des Moines would like to formally update the termini to end at Iowa Highway 28. The City of West Des Moines notes that they have consulted with the City of Des Moines, Polk County, and the Iowa Department of Transportation, and they each agree with the request. Included, immediately following, is the request letter from the City of West Des Moines. Staff notes that the City of West Des Moines first received funds for the Southwest Connector starting in the early 2000s. The intent of the City of West Des Moines’ portion of the Southwest Connector was to extend from Iowa Highway 5 to South 1st Street (Iowa Highway 28), according to application documents. Since that time, the Iowa Highway 28/South 1st Street Corridor has shifted approximately 300 feet to the east into the City of Des Moines. A map detailing the location of the termini is included on the following page.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend that the MPO recognize the change to the eastern termini for the City of West Des Moines’ Southwest Connector project.

STAFF CONTACT:

Luke Parris, [email protected]; Dylan Mullenix, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report




ISSUE: Small Member Surface Transportation Program Application

REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Brief report on the MPO’s Small Member Surface Transportation Program application process and a review of project scores; consider a recommendation to the STP Funding Subcommittee.

BACKGROUND:

In January 2012, the MPO approved revisions to the MPO’s Surface Transportation Program (STP) guidelines. The MPO dedicated a set aside of STP funds for the MPO’s members that receive one vote at the MPO, i.e., a population less than 11,500. In January 2012, the MPO’s action identified that approximately $200,000 be awarded to Small Member STP applicants in FFY 2016. The guidelines approved by the MPO state that up to 5% of the annual STP funds be set aside for the Small Member Government category. The MPO’s FFY 2016 STP target was identified as $10,048,000. Five percent of the STP target for FFY 2016 would be $502,400. There is currently $353,000 in unprogrammed STP funds for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2016. At the August 2012 MPO Executive Committee meeting, the committee discussed keeping the award amount at the $200,000 level for FFY 2016 due to potential changes to the STP funds through the recent Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) transportation bill. For the Small Member STP funds, the MPO staff received eight applications from four member governments. The MPO staff scored the projects utilizing a modified version of the existing STP scoring criteria. Staff notes that the scores for the Small Member STP projects are for informational purposes only and do not determine project eligibility. Included as a supplemental item to this agenda packet are the complete scoring sheets for the FFY 2016 Small Member Government STP projects. Next steps for the STP Funding Subcommittee involves hearing brief presentations from the project sponsors and a meeting to award the funds. Staff will work with the subcommittee to find times for these meetings starting with the first week in October.

RECOMMENDATION:

Offer a recommendation on which project(s) to fund, if desired, to the STP Funding Subcommittee.

STAFF CONTACT:

Luke Parris, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Rail Grant Award

REPORT and OPTIONAL VOTE: Agree to receive grant funds awarded to the MPO through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program.

BACKGROUND:

On May 24, 2012, staff submitted a grant application to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) Program. This program is funded through state legislature appropriation funds and loan repayments from past rail development projects. This RRLG Program provides finical assistance to projects that improve the rail system in Iowa. At their September 11, 2012, meeting, the Iowa Transportation Commission awarded the MPO a grant for $100,000 (to be matched with $25,000 in local funds) to conduct a rail port planning and development study. Included, as a supplemental item, is a copy of the award letter. The MPO must provide a signed notification of acceptance to the Iowa DOT’s Office of Rail Transportation, by November 13, 2012.

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommend that the MPO authorize the chair so sign the notification of acceptance for the $100,000 Iowa DOT RRLG Program funds.

STAFF CONTACT:

Zach Young, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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mailto:[email protected]

Agenda Report




ISSUE: MAP-21 Recommendation to the Iowa Department of Transportation

REPORT: Updated on recommendations made by the MPO regarding the distribution of funds under MAP-21.

BACKGROUND:

On July 6, 2012, a new transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) was signed into law. MAP-21 includes several changes from the previous law that will potentially impact funding to MPOs, notably:

Changes the distribution of sub-allocated Surface Transportation Program (STP)

funds to 50% by population and 50% to the state (from 62.5% by population and 37.5% to the state);

Changes to the Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program. This program is now called Transportation Alternatives and merges several programs not previously included in TE, such as Safe Routes to Schools and Recreational Trails, into one category and will now be entirely distributed through competitive grants; and,

Eliminates the bridge program. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) will be working with the Iowa Transportation Commission over the coming months to make decisions regarding the distribution and use of federal funds in the state. The Iowa DOT has solicited input from MPOs and Regional Planning Affiliations in the state with the goal of making consensus recommendations to the Transportation Commission regarding implementation. The Iowa DOT indicated they would like any recommendations by September 26, 2012, to allow their inclusion in discussions to take place with at the October Transportation Commission meeting. Some of the more critical questions the Iowa DOT has identified to address include:

How should Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds be distributed? How will bridges be funded with the elimination of the bridge program? and, How will the new Transportation Alternatives program be administered and

distributed?

In response to the request for input from MPOs, the MPO Chair formed an ad hoc committee to discuss and form recommendations to these questions. This committee met on September 6, 2012, and September 18, 2012. Included, immediately following, is a letter to the Iowa DOT summarizing the MPO’s recommendations regarding MAP-21 funding distribution. MPO staff will provide additional details at the October 4, 2012, MPO TTC meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:

None. Report and discussion only.

STAFF CONTACT:

Dylan Mullenix, [email protected]; and, Luke Parris, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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Altoona Ankeny Bondurant Carlisle Clive Dallas County Des Moines Grimes Johnston Mitchellville Norwalk

Pleasant Hill Polk City Polk County Urbandale Warren County Waukee West Des Moines Windsor Heights

September 25, 2012

Mr. Stuart Anderson

Director, Planning, Programming, and Modal Division

Iowa Department of Transportation

800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa 50010

Dear Mr. Anderson:

SUBJECT: MOVING AHEAD FOR PROGRESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY RECOMMENDATIONS

On July 17, 2012, following the release of the new surface transportation authorization bill, Moving Ahead

for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), you requested assistance regarding the distribution and use of

MAP-21 funding. The MPO formed a MAP-21 subcommittee to discuss funding and distribution scenarios

and specifically addressed the following questions:

How should Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds be distributed?

How will bridges be funded with the elimination of the Highway Bridge Program (HBP)?

How will the new Transportation Alternatives (TA) program be administered/distributed?

In discussing those questions with its MAP-21 subcommittee, the MPO developed the following

recommendations for proceeding with MAP-21 funding and administration.

1. Maintain the existing split of 62.5% of STP funds to the MPOs/RPAs and 37.5% of the

STP funds to the state. Due to the overall increase in STP funds under MAP-21, this

would result in STP funding increases for the MPOs/RPAs and the state.

2. The state utilizes a portion of statewide STP funds to set up a Local Bridge Program that

would function as a replacement for the HBP. Funding for the Local Bridge Program

would be equivalent to funding levels for the city and county portions of the HBP. The

MPO notes that HBP funds under the previous bill were consolidated into the National

Highway Performance Program (NHPP), which would provide state funding for bridge

projects.

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Ashby/Anderson Letter

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Recommendations

September 25, 2012

Page 2

3. Utilize the 62.5% and 37.5% split for the TA program after funds have been set aside for

the Recreational Trails program. The MPO notes that funding for the TA program would

be less than the funds available under the STP Transportation Enhancements (TE).

Excess MPO/RPA STP funds (as identified in point one) would be transferred to the TA

program to maintain historic TE and Safe Routes to Schools funding levels. Under the

new TA program, the MPOs/RPAs would continue to provide funds for activities eligible

under the old TE program and would be responsible for administering funds for the Safe

Routes to School Program. The Iowa Department of Transportation would administer TA

funds for statewide trails and other eligible TA activities.

4. Evaluate the ability to offset the loss in federal transit capital funding under MAP-21 from

historic levels by providing a set aside of the total STP funds.

The MPO feels these recommendations provide the best solution to maintain continuity with funding levels

and distribution procedures utilized under the previous transportation bill. Maintaining this continuity

provides certainty that the funds awarded to critical MPO projects through Federal Fiscal Year 2016 will not

need to be reduced. These recommendations also continue to provide funding to critical bridge projects

across Iowa that are in jeopardy with the loss of the HBP. Lastly, the recommendations maintain continuity

for the TA program at levels similar to the old TE program and prevent the need to cut funding.

The MPO appreciates the opportunity to add to the dialogue regarding the future of federal transportation

funding in the state. Please feel free to contact the MPO office with any questions or comments.

Respectfully,

R. Todd Ashby, Executive Director

Des Moines Area MPO

RTA:ldp

cc: Chris Coleman, Des Moines Area MPO Chair

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Agenda Report




ISSUE: Polk County Request for Surface Transportation Program Funds

REPORT: Request from Polk County for additional Surface Transportation Program funds for the Southwest Connector project.

BACKGROUND: Polk County has requested that the MPO consider awarding Polk County $450,000 in unallocated Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds to assist in the completion of the eastern termini of the City of West Des Moines’ Southwest Connector project. In developing the project, the project stakeholders identified a funding gap associated with the cost of the intersection of the Southwest Connector with Iowa Highway 28. Polk County worked with the City of West Des Moines, City of Des Moines, and the Iowa Department of Transportation to determine the additional cost and to develop a funding strategy to cover the funding gap. The MPO staff has reviewed the currently available STP funds and notes that there is currently $899,000 in unallocated STP funds for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2013. The STP Funding Subcommittee met on September 18, 2012, and recommended that the MPO approve the request. The MPO staff notes that the STP Funding Subcommittee also discussed proceeding with a formal process to allocate the remainder of FFY 2013 funds to eligible projects this fall.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Luke Parris, [email protected]; Dylan Mullenix, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Surface Transportation Program Schedule

REPORT: Brief report on the Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Surface Transportation Program Schedule.

BACKGROUND: Each year the MPO awards Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds to critical roadway projects throughout the region. The MPO will begin the process for selecting and awarding Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2017 STP funds in November 2012. The MPO staff will hold a STP Workshop on November 1, 2012, following the MPO TTC meeting, to provide a brief overview of the funding programs, discuss STP Scoring, funding applications, and to answer any questions. The MPO staff will mail applications to eligible project sponsors, and host applications on the MPO website in October 2012. STP Applications are due to the MPO office by 4:30 p.m., on Friday, December 7, 2012. The MPO staff will work with the MPO TTC Engineering and Planning Subcommittees to review and score projects. Included, immediately following, is the schedule for FFY 2017 STP funding.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT: Luke Parris, [email protected];

(515) 334-0075.

19

SCHEDULE FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2017 SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FUNDING November 1, 2012 MPO Surface Transportation Program (STP) Workshop held to provide a brief

overview of the funding programs, discuss STP Scoring, STP Applications, and

to answer any questions.

December 7, 2012 STP – Project sponsors will submit a STP Applications by 4:30 p.m., to

determine project eligibility and the appropriate funding category. STP

Applications will be available and/or sent to eligible project sponsors in

October.

STP Pre-Applications may be obtained by mail or downloaded from MPO web

site: www.dmampo.org.

December 2012 STP – Project evaluation and scoring by MPO staff and the MPO TTC

Engineering and Planning Subcommittees used to determine which projects are

eligible to receive STP funding.

February 2013 MPO STP Funding Subcommittee reviews STP project presentations.

March 2013 MPO STP Funding Subcommittee meets to develop STP funding

recommendations before April’s MPO Meeting.

April 2013 STP Recommendations to MPO TTC and MPO Policy for discussion.

May 2013 STP Recommendations to MPO TTC and MPO Policy for action.

May 2013 Draft Federal Fiscal Years 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program

(FFY 2014-2017 TIP) to MPO TTC and MPO Policy for project review and

comment. Public comment period and public meeting held.

June 2013 Draft FFY 2014-2017 TIP to MPO TTC and MPO Policy for action.

June 15, 2013 Draft FFY 2014-2017 TIP transmitted to Iowa DOT and Federal Highway

Administration.

July 2013 Draft FFY 2014-2017 TIP to MPO TTC and MPO Policy for action.

July 15, 2013 Final FFY 2014-2017 TIP transmitted to Iowa DOT.

* All dates are tentative and subject to change.

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Agenda Report




ISSUE: Ames-Des Moines Corridor Transit Study

REPORT: Report a potential transit study along the Ames-Des Moines corridor. BACKGROUND:

There has been interest for several years by planning, economic development, and transit agencies along the Ames-Des Moines corridor to study mass transportation options along the corridor. The Ames-Des Moines corridor has been identified both within the MPO’s Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the Iowa Department of Transportation’s 2009 Passenger Transportation Funding Study as a candidate for potential transit service. The study of transit service between the two metropolitan areas was again identified as a major project in the Capital Crossroads Strategic Plan under the Physical Capital. MPO staff currently is working with Iowa State University to determine their ability to conduct the study and to determine cost estimates. The proposed study would include the following tasks:

Identify potential ridership; Analyze various modes to serve the forecasted ridership; Determine service details for likely modes, including routes, frequencies, vehicle

requirements, costs, and fare structures; Identify potential funding sources; and, Identify benefits for service recommendations, including economic development,

emissions reductions, congestion relief, fuel savings, and social service benefits. MPO staff will provide additional details regarding a refined scope of work, project timeline, and cost estimates once they become available.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Zach Young, [email protected]; and, Dylan Mullenix, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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Agenda Report




ISSUE: MPO Planning Area Boundary Amendment

REPORT: Report on proposed amendments to the MPO’s Planning Area Boundary. BACKGROUND:

The MPO reviews its Planning Area Boundary (PAB) when updating the long-range transportation plan as well as when updating the Urban Area Boundary (UAB). The MPO approved a new UAB in August 2012. The MPO’s current PAB was approved in December 2007 during Horizon Year 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan’s development. At a minimum, the PAB must include the UAB. At a maximum, the PAB can be no larger than the Metropolitan Statistical Area. In practice, the MPO’s PAB incorporates all land that is anticipated to be urbanized in the next twenty years as well the boundaries of all member cities. The boundary also follows US Census geography, where possible, for data collection purposes. Due to annexations by several member cities since the last update to the PAB, there are some instances in which the municipal boundaries of member cities extend outside the MPO’s PAB. Any changes to the PAB must be approved by the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA). This item will appear on the November 8, 2012, CIRTPA meeting agenda for their approval. Staff requested that member governments submit any proposed amendments for the PAB to MPO staff no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012. Staff did not receive any additional amendments. The MPO staff anticipates a vote on an updated PAB to take place in December 2012, which will allow time for further refinement by the MPO and for discussion with the CIRTPA. A map showing the proposed boundary changes is included on the following page.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:


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Agenda Report




ISSUE: DART Federal Funding Transfer Request

REPORT: Report on the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority’s request to transfer federal funding.

BACKGROUND:

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) annually submits a request to the MPO to transfer Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds from the Federal Highway Administration to the Federal Transit Administration and into DART’s FTA grant. Included, immediately following, is a copy of DART’s letter requesting the transfer. Following the MPO’s approval at the November meeting, staff will send a letter to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Public Transit requesting that DART be allowed to expend $700,000 in STP funds in Federal Fiscal Year 2013.

RECOMMENDATION:

None. Report and discussion only. STAFF CONTACT:


24


September 24, 2012 Todd Ashby Executive Director Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization 420 Watson Powell, Jr. Way, Suite 200 Des Moines, IA 50309 RE: Transfer of Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Dear Mr. Ashby: The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) requests the Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO’s) concurrence to transfer the Committee’s $700,000 in Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The purpose of this transfer is for the purchase of three heavy‐duty buses, which is incorporated into DART’s capital plan for 2013 (FTA separates STP funds from formula fund grants). Please place this item on the October MPO meeting agendas and if approved by the committees, request that the Iowa DOT in turn ask the FHWA to have these funds transferred to DART’s FTA grant IA‐95‐X016. If you have questions, please contact me at (515) 283‐5005.

Sincerely,

Debra Meyer Capital Planning Manager, DART

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Agenda Report




ISSUE: Central Iowa Trail Counting Program Update

REPORT: Brief report and overview of the central Iowa trail counting program BACKGROUND:

In October of 2011, the MPO and the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA) purchased forty infrared trail counters from TRAFx Ltd. The MPO and CIRTPA staff began distributing the counters to its members in April of 2012. The following member jurisdictions/agencies currently have trial counters in the field:

Ankeny – 2 counters Dallas County – 5 counters High Trestle Trail Committee – 7 counters Urbandale – 4 counters Windsor Heights – 2 counters

Included, immediately following, is a map showing trail counters locations. The MPO staff is currently working with the Central Iowa Bicycle and Pedestrian Roundtable to establish a methodology for extrapolating short term counts into annual user numbers. Staff is also working with Iowa State University graduate students in the statistics program to develop a methodology to determine annual trail usage across the Central Iowa Trails system. If your jurisdiction is interested in checking out trail counters please contact the MPO staff for more details.

RECOMMENDATION: None. Report and discuss only. STAFF CONTACT:


26




ISSUE: Congestion Management Status Report Update

REPORT: Report on Congestion Management Status Report. BACKGROUND:

The MPO staff annually develops a Congestion Management Status Report, which documents several pieces of information that can be used to monitor the area’s congestion. This report has traditionally focused on results from the annual Travel Time Survey (TTS) and the Vehicle Occupancy Count (VOC) Survey. In recent years, staff has made efforts to expand the scope of the report to include information related to the usage of public transportation and other alternate modes of transportation as well as other data that may be useful in monitoring congestion. The MPO staff conducts the TTS and VOC annually in the fall. The 2012 surveys are underway and will be completed later in October. The MPO staff also is collecting travel speed data for the freeway system from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Traffic Management Center. Staff anticipates that a draft version of the Congestion Management Status Report will be available in early 2013.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Nathan Goldberg, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: The Tomorrow Plan Update

REPORT: Update on activities related to The Tomorrow Plan. BACKGROUND:

General Update At its September 6, 2012, The Tomorrow Plan Steering Committee voted to move forward focusing on the future land use plans and regional systems scenarios. This vote was based on feedback from the technical team, the Steering Committee, and the public. The MPO staff has since been meeting with technical committee members to further discuss these scenarios as well how to move into the writing and implementation of the plan. The planning team will meet with the Steering Committee on Thursday, October 4, 2012, for the first of two workshop session designed to provide substantial input to the team about how to pull the plan together so that it will be truly meaningful and actionable. The second session will be held later in October. The completion of a quantitative survey also is being pursued to supplement the results of Design My DSM. More information will be provided at the October 4, 2012, meeting. Regional Analysis of Impedements As part of planning process for The Tomorrow Plan, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is requiring the development of a Regional Analysis of Impediments (AI) to assess fair housing issues in the metro area. The Regional AI has a broad scope that encompasses issues of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, and disability. In addition to developing the Regional AI, HUD requires that the findings be utilized by the Steering Committee to inform the recommendations of The Tomorrow Plan.

The MPO staff worked with the City of Des Moines and City of West Des Moines to develop a strategy for the completion of the Regional AI. As part of their in-kind contribution to The Tomorrow Plan, the City of Des Moines has contracted with Iowa State University to assist in the development of the Regional AI. During August 2012, Iowa State University conducted a survey of housing providers, performed interviews and focus groups, and analyzed data.

Preliminary findings from the AI were provided at the September 6, 2012, MPO TTC meeting. The final AI will be available at the beginning of October.

RECOMMENDATION:


STAFF CONTACT:

Bethany Wilcoxon, [email protected]; and, Luke Parris, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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ISSUE: Transportation Management Association Update

INFORMATION: Report of the Transportation Management Association’s (TMA) Commuter Club program performance through July 2012 and other recent activities.

BACKGROUND:

The TMA’s Commuter Club program, formerly known as Rest Your Car, is a volunteer-based program that allows commuters to track trips made using alternatives to single-occupant vehicles.

Commuter Club Performance through July 2012

Feb. 2012

March 2012

April 2012

May 2012

June 2012

July 2012

August 2012

Year to Date 2012

Total Miles Reported 363,281 365,764 321,366 316,618 298,004 260,567 290,165 2,681,817

Total Reports Made 17,358 18,896 16,692 16,462 15,746 13,916 15,552 137,538

Total Unique Persons

Reporting 792 658 617 588 585 553 530 1,151

Average

Miles/Report 42 38.71 38.51 38.47 37.85 37 37 44

New Members 33 30 18 18 17 13 9 166

Source: Transportation Management Association, 2012. Note: January 2012 and Year to Date 2012 numbers were reconciled using numbers reported under a previous reporting system. The new

Commuter Club website started February 13, 2012. The TMA staff also has been involved with the following activities:

Staffed booth at the August 2, 201, Tomorrow Plan open house at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates;

Worked with Commuter Club website developer to update the site; Worked with the MPO’s Transportation Advisory Group to prepare an application

for the JobLinks Mobility Institute; Worked on high-speed rail campaigns; Attended Age-Friendly Communities E-Team and Leadership team planning

meeting at AARP-IA; Staffed booth at the Farm Progress Show in Boone with the Iowa Association of

Railroad Passengers to promote the Chicago-Omaha High Speed Rail study; and, Worked to develop the All Aboard for Iowa passenger rail website.

RECOMMENDATION:

None. Information only. STAFF CONTACT:

Glenn Lyons, [email protected]; (515) 286-4969.

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ISSUE: Combat Hunger Initiative

INFORMATION: Report on the Combat Hunger Initiative. BACKGROUND:

The MPO is proud to announce that it is once again supporting the Food Bank of Iowa in its Combat Hunger initiative. The Food Bank of Iowa serves 42 Iowa counties and partners with over 285 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, non-profit care centers, domestic violence shelters, and youth and senior programs and rehabilitation centers. The drive will assist the Food Bank of Iowa to feed those struggling to eat during these tough economic times. The MPO would like to do its part to make sure that no one in Iowa goes hungry this holiday season and invites all of its member representatives to participate in helping to support our community. The MPO staff will be collecting donations through November 12, 2012, and will have a box available at the MPO Office during the following upcoming meetings for donations:

(TTC) Thursday, November 1, 2012 – 9:30 a.m.; (Executive) Wednesday, November 7, 2012- 11:30 a.m.; and, (Policy) Thursday, November 15, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.

While any types of non-perishable food items are appreciated, the following items are particularly needed: Protein Products

Boxed Meals or Meals in a Can (Stews, Chili, Soups, etc.) Canned Meats (Tuna, Salmon, Chicken) Beans Peanut Butter

Grains

Cold Cereal Rolled Oats or Instant Oatmeal Rice Pastas

Fruits/Vegetables

Canned Vegetables Canned Fruits Prepared Pasta Sauces 100% Fruit Juice Dried Fruit

Dairy

Dry, Evaporated, or Condensed Milk Paper Products & Miscellaneous Items

Toilet Paper Paper Towels Baby Wipes Diapers Seasonings Cooking Oils Condiments & Dressings

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So, if your cupboards are full, please consider helping others less fortunate and help the MPO make this drive a success. No donation is too small and any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your participation!

RECOMMENDATION:

None. Information only.

STAFF CONTACT:

Jennifer Ratcliff, [email protected]; (515) 334-0075.

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