Rural Consultation Process

Transcription

1 Rural Consultation Process The Ohio Department of Transportation Rural Consultation Process

2 CONTENTS Definitions of Terms Introduction Federal Requirements for Rural Consultation Rural Consultation Processes 3.1 Background Planning Partners Mechanisms for Coordination Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPO) Annual District Government or Legislative Days District Staff Attendance at Local Government Meetings Ohio s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) Process Consultation with Transit Stakeholders Informal Processes Collaborative Products and Processes 4.1 ODOT s Project Development Process (PDP) Statewide Transportation Plan - Access Ohio 2040 (AO40) Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Direct Funding and Decision Making By Rural Local Officials Addtional Funding Opportunities Conclusion Resources

3 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS Definitions taken directly from 23 CFR , , and 49 U.S.C 5310 Consultation means one or more parties confer with other identified parties in accordance with an established process and, prior to taking action(s), considers the views of the other parties and periodically informs them about the action(s) taken. Cooperation means that parties involved in carrying out the transportation planning and programming processes work together to achieve a common goal or objective Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan means a locally developed, coordinated transportation plan that identifies the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes, provides strategies for meeting those local needs, and prioritizes transportation services for funding and implementation. The Federal Transit Authority (FTA) 5310 program is intended to enhance mobility for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing funds for programs to serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services. Long-Range Statewide Transportation Plan means the official, statewide, multimodal, transportation plan covering a period of no less than twenty years developed through the statewide transportation planning process. 2

4 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) means the geographic area determined by agreement between the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the area and the Governor, in which the metropolitan transportation planning process is carried out. Non-Metropolitan Area means a geographic area outside a designated metropolitan plannning area. Also referred to as rural area Non-Metropolitan Local Officials means elected and appointed officials of general purpose local government in non-metropolitan areas with responsibility for transportation. Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) means a statewide prioritized listing/program of transportation projects covering a period of four years that is consistent with the long-range statewide transportation plan, metropolitan transportation plans, and TIPs; required for projects to be eligible for funding under title 23 U.S.C. and title 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) means a prioritized listing/ program of transportation projects covering a period of four years that is developed and formally adopted by an MPO as part of the metropolitan transportation planning process, consistent with the metropolitan transportation plan, and required for projects to be eligible for funding under title 23 U.S.C. and title 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53. 3

5 Rural Consultation Process 1. INTRODUCTION An open exchange of information between transportation users and government officials leads to enhanced decision-making. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) understands this, and prioritizes collaboration with local officials throughout its transportation planning and project selection processes. ODOT s rural consultation process outlines the state s long standing and emerging efforts to cooperate with local officials in non-metropolitan areas of the state. Utilizing the processes outlined in this document, ODOT works closely with local stakeholders in the development of the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to make informed transportation infrastructure improvement decisions in rural areas. This process documentation is an update of ODOT s initial rural consultation process, which was published in December 2003, as required by federal regulation. 4

6 2. FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RURAL CONSULTATION As specified in the United States Department of Transportation 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Section (b), The State shall provide for non-metropolitan local official participation in the development of the long-range statewide transportation plan and the STIP. The State shall have a documented process for cooperating with non-metropolitan local officials representing units of general purpose local government and/or local officials with responsibility for transportation that is separate and discrete from the public involvement process and provides an opportunity for their participation in the development of the long-range statewide transportation plan and the STIP. Further, States must review and solicit comments from non-metropolitan local officials and other interested parties for a period of not less than 60 days regarding the effectiveness of the consultation process and proposed modifications within two years of process implementation, and thereafter at least once every five years. A specific request for comments shall be directed to the state association of counties, state municipal league, regional planning agencies, or directly to non-metropolitan local officials. Each State, at its discretion, shall be responsible for determining whether to adopt proposed modifications. If a proposed modification is not adopted, the state shall make publicly available its reasons for not accepting the proposed modification, including notification to non-metropolitan local officials or their associations. MAP-21, which is the current federal transportation funding authorization legislation, provides guidance for cooperating with non-metropolitan officials in H.R Section 1202 (m), 5

7 ODOT District Map which states To carry out the transportation planning process required by this section, a State may establish and designate regional transportation planning organizations to enhance the planning, coordination, and implementation of statewide strategic long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of nonmetropolitan areas of the State. To improve upon existing methods of collaboration, ODOT has created a regional transportation planning organization (RTPO) pilot program and is cooperating with 5 agencies in the development of the statewide transportation plan, STIP, and regional rural transportation plans. 3. RURAL CONSULTATION PROCESSES 3.1 Background ODOT is comprised of 12 district offices and a central office. The central office is responsible for developing ODOT policies and programs, managing local government funding programs, and carrying out transportation system analyses. District offices are responsible for maintaining pavement and bridge conditions on select roadways and are involved with the development of local governments projects. Much of the collaboration that occurs with stakeholders transpires at the ODOT district level. Coordination between ODOT staff, local officials, and other stakeholders is critical. ODOT staff have the expertise to assist local governments in solving their transportation challenges and to provide/find funding opportunities. Similarly, input from local officials helps ODOT make informed project selection decisions. The following outlines longstanding, as well as, emerging mechanisms for cooperating with local officials in non-metropolitan areas of Ohio. 6

8 3.2 Planning Partners 3.3 Mechanisms for Coordination ODOT district and central office staff cooperate with stakeholders in rural Ohio both formally and informally. ODOT s primary rural Ohio stakeholders include: Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) Economic Development Districts (EDDs) County Engineers County Commissioners Public Transit Agencies City Councils Mayors Township Trustees All of the above mentioned partners advocate on behalf of the residents and businesses within their regions and communicate community concerns to ODOT. While specific activities vary by district and project, cooperation between ODOT and non-metropolitan local officials occurs throughout the state. The following activities provide opportunity for collaboration between ODOT and local elected officials Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) On July 1, 2013, ODOT entered into formal agreement with five multicounty planning organizations (or councils of government) providing them with funding to conduct regional transportation planning in coordination with local stakeholders, Ohio MPOs, and ODOT. Much of Ohio s non-metropolitan local official coordination occurs between ODOT and these organizations. These five agencies are called Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) and cover 34 non-metropolitan counties in Ohio. 7

9 Ohio RTPOs Buckeye Hills Hocking Valley Regional Development District (Buckeye Hills) Logan Union Champaign Regional Planning Commission (LUC) Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA) Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) RTPOs are readily equipped to cooperate with ODOT in the development of the statewide planning process as their committee structures are comprised primarily of locally elected officials. In September 2014, ODOT will initiate development of the SFY STIP. The RTPOs will coordinate public involvement and local elected officials review of the STIP projects within each RTPO area and coordinate feedback with ODOT. Additionally, RTPOs regularly meet with ODOT district and central office staff to discuss transportation issues in their region and provide feedback on ODOT projects and planning processes. Ohio RTPOs also meet to discuss the best practices for rural transportation planning. 8

10 3.3.2 Annual District Government or Legislative Days Most ODOT Districts hold annual Government or Legislature Days. These daylong events include displays of projects and administrative processes, hand-outs, speakers on locally hot issues, and roundtable discussion sessions. Detailed lists of projects by county with the names of district contacts may also be provided. This provides an opportunity for rural local officials to understand the projects that are occurring in their region, and provide feedback to ODOT District Staff Attendance at Local Government Meetings District staff are active participants in the communities. They participate in meetings that include but are not limited to City Council meetings, Regional Planning Commission meetings, Economic Development meetings, County Commissioner meetings, and other meetings of regional significance. ODOT Districts use these meetings as a prelude to consultation with rural local governments on transportation issues and projects. ODOT attends additional governmental meetings as warranted or at the request of local officials Ohio s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) Process The Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) was established by the Ohio General Assembly in 1997 under Ohio Revised Code Section TRAC is a permanent body established for overseeing the project selection process for major new transportation capacity projects. The TRAC is comprised of nine members, with the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation acting as chair. Six members are appointed by the Governor and one each by the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and the President of the Ohio Senate. 9

11 TRAC s process includes selection of specific transportation projects, using clearly defined criterion to score and rank each project. Local governments may submit projects for ranking and selection. Inclusion of a submitted project in the local agency s long-range transportation plan is an important part of the ranking process. For more information on the TRAC, visit oh.us/trac/pages/default.aspx Consultation with Transit Stakeholders Transit service is an important topic for communities in rural Ohio. ODOT cooperates with rural local officials regarding transit in the following ways: Locally Developed Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plans FTA Section 5310 must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services plan (coordinated plan) and that plan shall be developed through a process that includes representatives of public, private, and non-profit transportation and human service providers, and participation by the general public. The collaboration that occurs throughout the development of coordinated plans provides ample opportunities for local officials to be part of the overall transportation planning and project selection process, as pertains to transit. Rural Intercity Bus Consultation Process ODOT cooperates with intercity bus operators using the process outlined below. Bus operator s comments assist ODOT in making decisions such as developing intercity bus routes. Per federal regulation 49 U.S.C. 5310, projects selected for funding under 10

12 1. Identify intercity bus providers in the State. 2. Send letter to Ohio intercity bus carriers with explanation of the consultation process. 3. Schedule individual consultation meetings to discuss current and proposed ODOT transit routes. 4. Incorporate comments into ODOT plans and policies. 5. Document the cooperation processes Informal Consultation Processes ODOT districts often communicate informally with rural local officials. Often times informal coordination arises from project specific questions or discussions. Over the years, partnerships have been developed between ODOT and rural officials that have led to open communication. 4. COLLABORATIVE PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES 4.1 ODOT s Project Development Process (PDP) ODOT s formal Project Development Process (PDP) is used for every project. The required planning level public involvement in the PDP includes local officials as stakeholders in the process. Consequently, rural local officials are informed of every ODOT project. The stakeholder involvement continues through the construction phase of ODOT s PDP. Activities include formal public meetings, open houses, informational notifications, and coordinating project legislation agreements with affected local jurisdictions. 11

13 4.2 Statewide Transportation Plan - Access Ohio 2040 (AO40) Ohio s long-range transportation plan, Access Ohio, was first published in the 1990s and has been subsequently updated twice. The most recent plan update has a horizon year of 2040 and includes a comprehensive inventory, forecast, and analysis of the trends and issues affecting transportation throughout Ohio. In developing Access Ohio 2040, ODOT formed a steering committee comprised of modally diverse stakeholders throughout the state. Many of these stakeholders were local officials. ODOT hosted several meetings with Access Ohio steering committee members, including a series of regional meetings where ODOT travelled to different portions of the state to get feedback as the plan progressed. ODOT also solicited feedback on the state s transportation system via a customer preference survey. 4.3 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) The STIP is a document that lists Ohio s plan for utilizing federal transportation dollars over a four year period. To receive federal funding, a project must be listed on the STIP. Early in the STIP development process, ODOT district staff meet with rural local officials on an individual basis and in groups to discuss potential projects for inclusion in the STIP. In turn, local officials keep ODOT apprised of the progress of their locally initiated projects in order to coordinate project delivery, maintenance of traffic, and other related issues. The local officials have access to the complete STIP via ODOT s STIP website, including any amendments. As part of the STIP process, ODOT allocates funding for the Local Bridge Program (LBR), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and the County Surface Transportation Program (CSTP). These programs 12

14 are administered by the County Engineer Association of Ohio (CEAO). The counties submit projects to the oversight committee for review and project selection. 4.4 Direct Funding and Decision Making by Rural Local Officials The State of Ohio provides rural officials direct decision making authority for selecting and advancing local transportation projects. A portion of the state motor fuel tax goes directly to municipalities, counties, and townships for highways under their jurisdiction. Local governments vary in their use of these funds for planning, construction, maintenance, and operations. The project selection for these funds is made by the individual local government. Ohio counties and municipalities also have the right to levy vehicle local permissive license taxes to increase the amount of funding available for local transportation projects. 4.5 Additional Funding Opportunities Several ODOT programs provide funding which rural areas are eligible: The Highway Safety Improvement Program provides federal funds for improving the safety of the existing state highway system. State and locally sponsored projects compete together for funding. The Transportation Alternatives Program provides federal funds to local governments for projects which focus on non-motorized modes of transportation, community improving activities, environmental mitigation activities, and construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas. The Small Cities Program provides federal funds to cities with populations of 5,000 to 25,000 that are not located within a MPO area. This program may be used for any road, safety, or signal project on the Federal-Aid system. 13

15 The Municipal Bridge Program provides federal funds to municipal corporations and Regional Transit Authorities for bridge replacement or bridge rehabilitation projects. The Safe Routes to School Program provides funds to encourage and enable children in grades K-8 to bicycle or walk to school safely. Funds can be used for both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects and may be up to 100% federally funded. The Appalachia Local Access Road (LAR) Program provides $1 million annually for roads which improve access to industrial parks, businesses, educational centers, and recreational areas in Ohio s 32 Appalachian counties. The Township Sign Safety Program provides $1 million annually in ODOT Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds to upgrade safety signage on Ohio s township roadways. ODOT provides funds to the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO) for county funded programs. The CEAO serves as program manager and is responsible for project selection, funding criteria, and program priorities. The Urban Paving Program funds eligible surface treatment and resurfacing projects on state and U.S. routes within municipal corporations. Ohio s Bridge Partnership Program is designed to help reduce the excess of deficient county bridges. ODOT works cooperatively with County and City Engineers to replace bridges in need of repair and/or replacement. The Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) Program promotes intergovernment and public-private cooperation by coordinating resources in transporation and funding for: preliminary engineering, detailed design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. 14

16 5. CONCLUSION ODOT is committed to early and ongoing collaboration with all partners and stakeholders, welcoming feedback using the processes discussed above, as well as through informal communication streams. Working together with officials in rural Ohio, agencies throughout the state will collaborate to maintain a vibrant transportation network. Through all these efforts ODOT remains committed to working as partners with FTA, FHWA, Ohio s MPOs, rural local governments and other regional and state government organizations to provide the citizens and businesses of Ohio with a safe, efficient, and accessible transportation system. 6. RESOURCES ODOT s Rural Consultation website: Pages/RuralLocalConsultation.aspx Office of Statewide Planning and Research website: default.aspx Access Ohio website: StatewidePlanning/access.ohio/Pages/default.aspx STIP Website: default.aspx 15