BOWLING GREEN - WARREN COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Transcription

1 BOWLING GREEN - WARREN COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Performance and Expenditure Report July 1, 2015 June 30, 2016 September 2016 Prepared and submitted by: Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization 1141 State Street Bowling Green, KY Contact Person: Karissa Lemon MPO Coordinator Karissa.lemon@bgky.org This document is prepared by the Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization, in cooperation with or with financial assistance from the following public entities: The United States Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Highway Administration and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This financial assistance notwithstanding, the contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the funding agencies. 1

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3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Title: Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization Annual Performance and Expenditure Report July 1, 2015 June 30, 2016 Date: September 20, 2016 Author: Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization Bowling Green, Kentucky Local Planning Agency: City-County Planning Commission of Warren County The City-County Planning Commission of Warren County is the designated staff agency for the Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization. State Planning Agency: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 2

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Bowling Green-Warren County Annual Performance and Expenditure Report Fiscal Year 2016 Section A Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Element 01 Administration Unified Planning Work Program Public Involvement Data Collection and Analysis Project Identification and Prioritization Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) Transit Planning Multimodal Planning Special Studies Section B Revisions Section C Financial Report for FY

5 ELEMENT 01 Administration A. PURPOSE Provide administrative services to manage and support the MPO committees and their activities and ensure the planning program is compliant with all applicable federal and state requirements. Provide training to MPO staff to acquire necessary skills and knowledge concerning MPO planning and operation. Provide technical assistance to Warren County local governments, agencies, and WKU with transportation planning projects, funding information, and other related needs. B. WORK TASKS 1. Facilitate meetings of the MPO Committees (Policy and Technical Advisory) to accomplish the goals and objectives of the MPO. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) prepared meetings materials, s, conducted meetings and provided support services: July 27, 2015 Discussed TIP comments; review MTP chapter updates; August 24, 2015 Approved TIP; September 28, 2015 Discussed and recommended Level of Service Study Scope and Contract to PC; October 26, 2015 Report of BGMU by TAC member; Discussion and approval of Transit 5303 Study; Approval of 2040 MTP public comments and final submission; November 23, 2015 Discussion of Draft National Freight Strategic Plan and Multimodal Network; Presentation of Healthy Communities Grant on behalf of Greenways; Review of MPO Title VI Report; January 25, 2016 Discussion and approval of functional classification changes and FY 2017 UPWP discussion of changes, studies and future plans; February 22, 2016 Approved draft FY 2017 UPWP; FHWA Division Administrator (Thomas Nelson, Jr.) presentation on FAST Act; March 28, 2016 Recommend for approval by PC the Final FY 2017 UPWP; Presentation of Final Campbell Lane (US 231) Level of Service (LOS) Study by RPM Transportation Consultants, LLC; April 25, 2016 Transportation updates from officials at the City of Bowling Green Public Works, KYTC District 3, Warren County Public Works, WKU Transit and GO bg Transit; May 23, 2016 Reviewed and accepted draft transportation sections of the Veterans Memorial Lane and Nashville Road corridor studies, which were completed by MPO staff; Discussion of the CSX Railroad / Robinson Avenue closing led by Bowling Green Public Works; and June 27, 2016 meeting canceled, but staff sent reminding TAC members of the cancelled meeting. Policy Committee (PC) prepared meeting materials, s, conducted meetings and provided assistance as needed to committee members: July 13, 2015 Reviewed MTP chapter updates; August 10, 2015 Discussed TIP comments, review MTP chapter updates and survey responses; September 14, 2015 Signed and approved TIP; September 30, 2015 Approved Level of Service Study Scope and Contract; November 9, 2015 Approved Transit 5303 Study, approved 2040 MTP; January 11, 2016 Approved Title VI Report and FY 2017 UPWP Discussion; and April 11, 2016 Approved FY 2017 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and reviewed the final results and recommendations of the Campbell Lane (US 231) Level of Service (LOS) study. 1

6 2. Provide financial administrative services, including budgeting, bookkeeping, and preparation of invoices. An annual audit per 23 CFR (a) will be prepared and submitted to required recipients. July 2015, October 2015, January 2016, April 2016 MPO Coordinator provided necessary financial services for quarterly reports and invoices, consulting services, budget preparations, and worked with Planning Commission financial administrator for bookkeeping purposes. October 2015 MPO submitted FY 2015 annual audit to KYTC Office of Audits, which was conducted by host agency, City-County Planning Commission of Warren County. 3. Provide support services, including the maintenance of MPO membership, preparation of minutes, preparation and distribution of committee materials, and review and update bylaws. Staff updated MPO TAC membership as needed; Prepared meetings materials, distributed s, compiled packets, and provided support services for the following TAC and PC meetings: Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) July 27, 2015 August 24, 2015 September 28, 2015 October 26, 2015 November 23, 2015 January 25, 2016 February 22, 2016 March 28, 2016 April 25, 2016 May 23, 2016 Policy Committee (PC) July 13, 2015 August 10, 2015 September 14, 2015 September 30, 2015 November 9, 2015 January 11, 2016 April 11, Prepare and submit quarterly progress reports and related documentation to the KYTC Division of Planning and Office of Transportation Delivery. MPO Coordinator prepared and submitted: FY th quarter progress report and invoice; FY st quarter progress report and invoice; FY nd quarter progress report and invoice; FY rd quarter FTA 5303 invoice; and FY rd quarter progress report and invoice. 5. Serve as the MPO liaison between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration in operating and conducting the transportation planning program. Administered to miscellaneous tasks for the up-keep and function of the MPO. Attended KYTC public meetings for KY 446 and US 68 (Nashville Road). MPO staff communicated with and collected the proper documentation for submitting FY16 FTA 5303 invoices for reimbursement (April 2016 for 3 rd quarter). 6. Develop and distribute an Annual Listing of Obligated Projects. December 2015 Prepared and distributed FY15 Annual Listing of Obligated Projects. 7. Monitor state and federal policies, legislation and other transportation information. Ongoing throughout FY 2016: Staff worked to stay up-to-date on any new legislation, transportation-related laws and guidelines, state and federal policies, and reviewed various transportation-related articles and news blogs for these updates. 2

7 Monitored state and federal policies with changing administrations and the passing of the FAST Act. Kept up-to-date with changes the FAST Act would implement in transportation planning processes. 8. Provide technical assistance to local governments and agencies in their preparation of Transportation Grants and other applications or their administration. Staff attended regular BRIGHT Coalition meetings, which meets to discuss how local agencies can implement various practices to make our community healthier. Additionally, staff worked with a sub-committee dealing with the integration of health and transportation, and met several times throughout the 3 rd quarter. o Regular BRIGHT Meetings: August 11, 2015; December 8, 2015; and May 10, 2016 o Sub-committee Meetings: January 15, 2016 and February 15, Staff gave a presentation and downtown walking tour to Western Kentucky University graduate students regarding the purpose, goals, function and work of the MPO. MPO Coordinator attended Greenways Commission meetings on the following dates: o January 4, 2016 o February 1, 2016 o March 7, 2016 o April 4, 2016 o May 2, 2016 o June 6, Staff will provide education, to local public agencies (LPAs) with over 50 employees, on the requirement of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for authorizing federal aid expenditures. The MPO will collect copies of the most recent documents from all entities within the metropolitan planning area that are required to have an ADA Transition Plan. The MPO will seek to increase awareness and understanding of all policy and technical advisory committee members of the ADA issues. The MPO will seek ADA representation and input in the on-going work of the Transition Plans. May June 2016: Staff communicated with the City of Bowling Green Public Works Department regarding the development and extent of their ADA transition plan. Staff noted the need for the City of Bowling Green and Warren County to respectively have ADA Transition Plans. Both entities recognized the need and are in the process of developing ADA Transition Plans, respectively. 10. Educate local governments of the availability of KYTC s Local Public Agency (LPA) Guide documenting federal requirements for the oversight and administration of federal-aid projects. Assist LPAs with project technical assistance through MPO document updates such as amendments and administrative modifications, coordinating assistance, and other technical assistance as needed to educate LPAs on federal requirements. Compile a list all entities that are required to have ADA Transition Plans and collect the latest documents. December 2015 MPO staff assisted with administrative work associated with the TAP project funds received for the Moss Middle School greenway connection, including a TIP Modification Staff will attend training, as needed or required, to obtain the knowledge and capacity necessary to manage and support the MPO. Required training includes the attendance at FHWA/KYTC/MPO meetings. MPO Staff attended Statewide Planning Meetings in Frankfort, KY on the following dates: o October 28, 2015 o January 20, 2016 October 10, 2015 Interacted with other MPOs and transportation officials with information to create a safer multimodal transportation network through attendance of the KY Bicycle and Bikeways Commission Annual Conference in Elizabethtown, KY 2

8 Participated in the following transportation webinars regarding public transit and freight management: o October 16, (SR500A) Regional Models of Cooperation -- Regional Transit Planning o November 3, the FHWA Office of Freight Management and Operations webinar on the National Performance Management Research Data Set (NPMRDS) Participated in the following transportation webinars: o February 11, 2016 FHWA/FTA s EDC3 Regional Models of Cooperation - Congestion Management o February 11, Pedestrian Planning for Communities: A Transferable Training Program in Kentucky o March 3, 2016 Fostering Livability on Commercial Highways and Arterial Streets o May 5, 2016 Partnering for Strong Economies: Regional Councils and Walkable Communities o May 10, 2016 The National Performance Management Research Data Set (NPMRDS) Quarterly Webinar Series related to freight. May 19-20, 2016 MPO Coordinator attended the Kentucky chapter of the American Planning Association s (APA) conference, located in Bowling Green, KY. Time included education opportunities and seminars relating to the planning field as well as prep work for leading a downtown walking tour for one of the sessions. C. COSTS Staffing: 300 Staff Hours (MPO Coordinator) Funding Sources Estimated Budget Actual Expenses FHWA $ 3, $7, KYTC $ $ LOCAL $ $ 1, TOTAL $ 4, $ 9, *Travel costs = $ for MPO quarterly meetings 3

9 ELEMENT 02 Unified Planning Work Program A. PURPOSE The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) outlines the work elements that the MPO intends to carry out during the fiscal year. The UPWP also details the funding for the MPO and allocates the funds to each work element. The UPWP extends from July 1 through June 30 of each year. B. WORK TASKS 1. Develop the FY 2017 UPWP with the consultation of local officials involved in the MPO and operators of publicly owned transit. January March 2016: Staff additionally discussed budget criteria, met with the CCPC financial officer and executive director to ensure the work tasks and MPO budget. Development, revisions and processing of FY 2017 Draft UPWP to MPO committees and partners. April 2016: Compiled final FY 2017 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for approval by MPO Policy Committee (PC). Distributed FY 2017 UPWP to MPO partners. Work included final text editing, merging, printing and packaging of document. Submitted FY 2017 UPWP to eclearinghouse. 2. Seek the assistance, guidance and oversight from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet s Division of Planning, Transportation Delivery and District 3, Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration, Kentucky Division in determining the appropriate work to be completed for FY January March 2016: MPO staff met with fellow in-house planners to discuss planning issues, obstacles and areas of the community in need of attention. This discussion revolved around plans, studies and other relevant tasks to include in the FY 2017 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). MPO staff consulted with KYTC Division of Planning and KYTC District 3 officials to identify the needs of the MPO area and the areas of growth for the MPO. Consultation led to developing the draft FY 2017 UPWP. Further assistance was given by KYTC Division of Planning with establishing budget criteria and finalizing work tasks included in the final FY 2017 UPWP. 3. Review the MPO Prospectus to ensure it meets all federal and state standards. Modifications will be made as necessary to keep the Prospectus up-to-date. Ongoing: MPO staff ensured the Prospectus was up-to-date; no modifications were needed. 4. Maintain the FY 2016 UPWP and amend as needed. No amendments were necessary for the FY 2016 UWP. 5. Prepare and distribute an Annual Performance and Expenditure Report. Prepared and distributed the FY15 Performance and Expenditure Report for submission to KYTC. The report was submitted to KYTC Division of Planning September 22, C. COSTS Staffing: 60 Staff Hours (MPO Coordinator) Funding Sources Estimated Budget Actual Expenses FHWA $ $ 1, KYTC $ $ LOCAL $ $ TOTAL $ 1, $ 1,

10 ELEMENT 03 Public Involvement A. PURPOSE Conduct an outreach program that ensures public involvement in the decision making process related to transportation planning of the Bowling Green/Warren County MPO. B. WORK TASKS 1. Maintain a list of civic groups, organizations, public agencies, and representatives of transportation agency employees, private providers of transportation, neighborhood associations, and other interest groups potentially affected by transportation plans. Staff stayed up-to-date with the list of contacts provided in the MPO Participation Plan. 2. Assist the MPO Policy Committee in determining what procedures will be appropriate to carry out a meaningful public involvement program with relation to citizen review of the UPWP, MTP and TIP. The MPO developed an additional approach to reaching the community about transportationrelated issues, concerns, news and upcoming projects with the creation of a quarterly newsletter. The newsletter was distributed via the MPO website, through and/or any meetings the MPO participated in. o Development of the MPO Newsletters with work including: i. Design and layout of newsletter ii. research of relevant transportation planning news iii. coordination with the City, County and KYTC on current projects iv. drafting and finalizing text v. taking and editing photographs for the newsletter o vi. publishing final newsletter on MPO website and distributing through Distributed Winter 2015 and Spring 2016 MPO Newsletter to MPO committees, Western Kentucky University faculty and staff, Greenways Commission, and other community members. o MPO Coordinator began work on the Summer MPO Newsletter to be distributed July Work included updating text for the newsletter and gathering ideas for new feature articles. 3. Implement the June 2015 Participation Plan by carrying out outreach activities, which gather public input concerning TIP and MTP amendments and updates. Conducted two public forums for the 2040 MTP Update, one in FY16 on September 15, Collected and reviewed any comments submitted from local agencies and/or the public for the 2040 MTP Update (public review period was September 11 October 10). February 11, 2016 and February 25, 2016 Participated in public input meetings for the West End Walk & Ride project. Meetings were opportunities for community members in the West End to voice their opinion on deficiencies in the transportation network and areas most in need of improved infrastructure for walking and bicycling. Meetings were held at two different elementary schools located in the West End. MPO staff worked alongside project committee for the West End Walk & Ride. Staff provided input for distribution of survey to community members and project stakeholders. Staff communicated with the local transit agency regarding the participation process of the MPO in coordination with the transit agency. 5

11 4. Address implications of Title VI, including but not limited to Low English Proficiency, Environmental Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of Communicated with KYTC personnel to address implication of Title VI and began a draft of the MPO Title VI Report. Staff responded to s addressing ADA compliancy and upcoming responsibilities and stayed upto-date with the duties of the MPO in regards to these matters. 5. As required for federal compliance, consult with state and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, and historic preservation in reviewing the Participation Plan and other documents. July-August 2015 Consulted with state and local agencies responsible for environmental matters to review and comment on the 2040 MTP and TIP. 6. Conduct periodic assessments of the effectiveness of the MPO Participation Plan and make revisions as necessary to ensure the process is serving its intended purpose. No revisions were necessary for the MPO Participation Plan. C. COSTS Staffing: 103 Staff Hours (MPO Coordinator) Funding Sources Estimated Budget Actual Expenses FHWA $ $ 2, KYTC $ $ LOCAL $ $ TOTAL $ 1, $ 3,

12 ELEMENT 04 Data Collection and Analysis A. PURPOSE Collect and maintain transportation related data (i.e. land use, population, employment, environmental justice, traffic counts, crash information) for transportation planning and analysis. Integrate safety considerations into the MPO transportation planning process in order to save lives and reduce injuries. Consider ways to increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. B. WORK TASKS 1. Develop and maintain a multi-layered GIS database and map of transportation related features and information for the area served by the Bowling Green/Warren County MPO. Developed and maintained a GIS database displaying transportation projects and alternative modes of transportation for the MPO area. Provided maintenance to the database displaying alternative modes of transportation (greenways, sidewalks, transit) for the MPO area. This work included interaction with the Greenways Coordinator to create and/or update various maps for planning purposes, maintenance, and identification of trailheads along the existing greenways. Provided periodic maintenance on the greenways GIS for use by the Greenways/Multimodal Coordinator. 2. Utilize collected traffic counts and update of crash data for integration into the site and safety planning efforts and into the transportation GIS system. Collected traffic count and crash data to compile an analysis of roadways in the downtown area information used for a collaboration effort with the City-County Planning Commission and Western Kentucky University. Utilized traffic count data for incorporation into Nashville Road and Veterans Memorial Lane corridor studies. 3. Develop visualization techniques and analysis tools to assist in the identification and prioritization of projects for all modes of transportation. Developed a series of maps through GIS revealing the alternative transportation gaps in the West End (lower income, minority populated area) of the MPO area. o Maintained maps created for the West End Walk & Ride project, funded through the Healthy Communities grant, which reveal gaps in the alternative transportation system on o the West End of Bowling Green. Continued maintenance, as needed and requested, to the West End Walk & Ride maps, a healthy communities grant to identify gaps in the pedestrian/cyclist routes on the West End of Bowling Green. Developed visuals for a community project related to land use and multi-use paths in the downtown Bowling Green area. 4. Coordinate with local agencies, to ensure that MPO collected data can be used by the local government s GIS systems. Provided maintenance on the greenways GIS and produced various maps requested by the Greenways Commission. Worked with local transit agency to obtain files of transit stop locations, which were then converted 7

13 to be used in GIS software. 5. Assist with the examination of potential safety issues to include the update of crash data analysis, discovery of high crash locations, participation in safety audits, and identification of low cost safety improvement projects eligible for HSIP and other special funds. Fall 2015 Participated in KYTC D-3 safety audit of US 68/KY Consult with KYTC, FHWA, and other MPOs to determine appropriate means and methodologies for incorporating transportation security considerations into the planning process. No consultation was performed in FY Support projects and programs that address security problems and enhance secure travel for all system users (motorists, public transportation riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians) to share the transportation network securely. Staff participated in KY 884 and KY 446 public and stakeholder meetings for planning and design of these corridors. These projects are in response to providing a safe, reliable and efficient form of transportation for all users. 8. Distribute transportation data to local governments as requested. Distributed transportation data to GO bg Transit through means of creating a map displaying transit routes in coordination with City and KYTC priority snow-clearing routes. 9. The MPO will incorporate relevant Census data into planning activities and documents. Collected Census data for incorporation into corridor studies and for use with the development of a Title VI Report. Obtained a series of Census and American Community Survey (ACS) data to create and analyze various demographics and statistics of the MPO area. This data and mapping was and will be used for general planning purposes and overall knowledge and familiarity of the Bowling Green-Warren County area. 10. Monitor emerging freight and congestion performance measures (to be set by USDOT) and participate in discussions with KYTC and other MPOs on forthcoming performance targets. Staff monitored the release and public participation for review of the USDOT Draft National Freight Strategic Plan and Multimodal Network. C. COSTS Staffing: 183 Staff Hours (MPO Coordinator) Funding Sources Estimated Budget Actual Expenses FHWA $ 3, $ 4, KYTC $ $ LOCAL $ $ TOTAL $ 4, $ 5,

14 ELEMENT 05 Project Identification and Prioritization A. PURPOSE The MPO will work with the KYTC to develop the Bowling Green - Warren County MPO Unscheduled Needs List (UNL) and Prioritization Lists according to the latest agreed upon methodology, format, and schedule. B. WORK TASKS 1. The UNL will be used for the Recommended State Highway Plan; to be submitted to the Kentucky General Assembly as sessions are conducted. This list will be updated and revised on an on-going basis to be included in future TIPs, MTP, and KYTC Highway Plans. Reviewed the UNL for listed projects relating to KYTC planning studies for KY 446/US 31W. The UNL created in FY 2015 was reviewed and notes taken for changes and updates to the format, organization, and content. 2. Assist the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet with Highway Plan development. Staff met with officials from KYTC District 3 to discuss the prioritization of projects in FY 2017 and the process of creating and maintain PIFs. 3. Review and update Project Identification Forms (PIF) for projects within the metropolitan area. March 2016 Coordinated with KYTC to obtain PIF database account information. March 2016 Reviewed PIFs for familiarity and analyzed data. April-June 2016 MPO staff reviewed PIFs for duplicate projects and made note of changes to be made to maps and photographs needed for particular PIFs. Work continued with the production of maps for PIFs without maps already listed in the database. 4. Upon authorization by the Policy Committee, develop PIFs for new projects identified by existing planning studies, MPO members, citizens, and staff. May 2016 MPO staff responded to controversies within the community of a local road closing, communicated with transportation officials, and thus created a new PIF. C. COSTS Staffing: 55 Staff Hours (MPO Coordinator) Funding Sources Estimated Budget Actual Expenses FHWA $ $ 1, KYTC $ $ LOCAL $ $ TOTAL $ 1, $ 1,

15 ELEMENT 06 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) A. PURPOSE Maintain a current and fiscally constrained Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) of federal and significant state and local funded transportation capital improvement projects (highway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, enhancement, and safety projects). The TIP will be consistent with short and long range planning goals of the MPO. The TIP is necessary for the receipt and expenditure of federal funds. The current FY TIP has an expiration date of 11/08/15. An updated TIP will be prepared and approved prior to the expiration date. B. WORK TASKS 1. Update the FY Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is cooperatively developed and produced and covers a period of four years. Staff will consult with MPO stakeholders to obtain all federal and significant state and local funded transportation improvements for the Bowling Green-Warren County area. July September, 2015: MPO staff continued to review and finalize the updated FY TIP, creating the Draft TIP. Work included coordination with KYTC Division of Planning to collect appropriate project information, scheduling, cost estimates, and other necessary verbiage to include in the TIP July 2015: Communicated with the local transit agency (GO bg) and KYTC Division of Planning regarding participation policies and Program of Projects, in conjunction with the TIP. September October, 2015: Upon receipt of planning finding comments from FHWA, FTA and KYTC, MPO staff made revisions to tables and text included in the TIP to address the comments. Staff revised Excel spreadsheets, as necessary, to accommodate changes incurred throughout the TIP update process, used InDesign to create the TIP cover page and made final edits in Word, Excel and ArcMap. September 14, 2015 MPO Policy Committee approved the FY TIP. Staff sent the MPO Policy Committee approved TIP to KYTC, FHWA and FTA for final approval. 2. Monitor the status of TIP projects and determine when updates or changes to project related information are needed. Prepare TIP Amendments and Modifications as necessary. Monitored TIP projects in relation to the developing 2016 Highway Plan. Communicated with KYTC District 3 staff on potential for project on KY 185 (Gordon Ave) for a road diet, due to recent fatality along the corridor. 3. In accordance with the Participation Plan, process amendments and administrative modifications as needed, to add any new projects that occur during the year in order to maintain a current TIP. Prepared and submitted TIP Modification for awarded TAP funding for a project at Moss Middle School. Prepared and submitted TIP Modification to reflect a change for an increased utility phase for project item # located on KY Coordinate, review, and provide information on local transportation projects and studies. Coordinated with WKU Transit and GO bg on the current status of any local transportation projects and/or studies. Additionally, MPO staff reviewed information on local transportation projects and studies to ensure compliance and/or any update of information. 10

16 MPO staff assisted local officials regarding information on local transportation projects and studies included in the current TIP. Served on a transit study committee to evaluate current transit system information and establish the potential for rerouting the transit lines. Continued to serve on the transit study committee to review the realignment of GO bg transit and WKU transit routes. The committee met alongside the consultant to better understand the needs and deficiencies of the transit system, and work towards a cost-effective solution to boost transit ridership. 5. Ensure the TIP conforms to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO area. Reviewed the projects and funding listed in the Draft TIP and the Draft MTP to ensure the documents were in agreement. Staff also communicated with KYTC Division of Planning for assistance with the conformity of these documents. 6. Provide for adequate public comment during meetings of the MPO in order to ensure adequate public input into the TIP. All MPO TAC meetings are open for public comment, and included as an agenda item for each meeting. Provided a public and stakeholder comment period for the Draft TIP from July 17th to August 15th. Notification of the comment period was published in the Bowling Green Daily News and on the MPO website. No public comments were received. Comments from various agencies were included in the Appendix of the TIP. 7. Assess the TIP in the context of compliance with Title VI and Environmental Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act, Low English Proficiency issues, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of Consult with KYTC, FHWA, and other MPOs to determine appropriate means and methodologies for conducting Title VI (Environmental Justice) analysis of the burdens and benefits and the identification of disproportionate impacts. Reviewed and modified the TIP to ensure the compliance with Title VI and Environmental Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act, Low English Proficiency issues, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of Accessed the TIP and collected information for Title VI/ ADA/EJ. Communicated with the Title VI Coordinator of the Office of Civil Rights and Small Business Development regarding the BG-WC MPO s Title VI Report. o Discussed future visit to the MPO for a Title VI assessment and evaluation, as well as ways to o more accurately reflect Title VI implications into the MPO. Referenced KYTC s civil rights webpage to make potential modifications to the MPO Title VI Report. 8. Publish a current TIP with all Amendments and Modifications on the MPO website. November 2015 MPO staff prepared the TIP for final distribution. Work included design edits, merging documents, and compiling all necessary materials for mailing. MPO staff also published the TIP on the MPO website. C. COSTS Staffing: 234 Staff Hours (MPO Coordinator) Funding Sources Estimated Budget Actual Expenses FHWA $ 9, $ 5, KYTC $ $ LOCAL $ 1, $ 1, TOTAL $ 11, $ 7,

17 ELEMENT 07 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) A. PURPOSE Update the comprehensive Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for the Bowling Green - Warren County MPO area. The current Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) has an expiration date of 12/20/15. B. WORK TASKS 1. Coordinate between KYTC, FHWA, and the MPO partners the process of developing a new MTP. Coordinate the planning process to include those activities within the region and state that influence transportation development within the MPO area. Activities will include but not be limited to the following: a. Review and update the goals and objectives utilizing input from the TAC. Develop long and short range strategies and actions, b. Update social-economic data and land use (existing and projected trends). Incorporate land use information available from the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations and Greenways Master Plan. Utilize information from the Travel Demand Model. c. Incorporate environmental considerations through a consultation process with appropriate agencies and individuals and input from the public. Consult with KYTC, FHWA, and other MPOs to determine appropriate means and methodologies to aid in assessments of affected environmental resources and potential mitigation measures. Maintain a list of state, federal, and local agencies that are required for expanded consultation requirements. d. Review and update existing transportation system information, including the identification of system deficiencies, through consultation with transportation partners. e. Update the transit system information through consultation with transit system partners, the incorporation of information from recent studies and surveys, and public input. f. Conduct public forums throughout the community to solicit input concerning transportation needs and issues. Ensure compliance with the MPO Participation Plan to foster public input into the planning process. Review and update the community impact analysis. Evaluate the MTP in context of Title VI and Environmental Justice, Low English Proficiency, and Americans with Disabilities Act issues. July September, 2015: Coordinated with KYTC, FHWA, and MPO partners to obtain current findings, data, financial analyses, and/or other relevant information necessary for developing the MTP. o July September, 2015: Staff reviewed the goals and objectives of the MPO to ensure conformity with FHWA and KYTC transportation goals and objectives. o July September, 2015: Updated socio-economic data to be included into the MTP. o July September, 2015: Incorporated environmental considerations into the MTP from consultation with various statewide agencies. In particular, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife provided a list of endangered and threatened species in the MPO area. o o July September, 2015: Reviewed and updated information on the existing transportation system in the MPO area. Consultation with KYTC and other local agencies was conducted during this time. July September, 2015: WKU Transit and GO bg provided the MPO with necessary 12

18 o o o o information for updating the MTP regarding the transit system. Two public forums were held soliciting public input for the Draft MTP. The public forums were held on June 9, 2015 and September 15, Advertisements for the public forums were listed in the Bowling Green Daily News and on the MPO website. A public review and comment period was made available from September 11, 2015 to October 10, 2015 with a notice listed in the Bowling Green Daily News and posted on the MPO website as well as Draft copies available at government offices in the MPO area. Staff compiled the comments for inclusion into the MTP. November 9, 2015 MPO Policy Committee approved the Final MTP. November 2015 Prepared the Final 2040 MTP for distribution to planning partners, as listed in the Participation Plan, and for publication on the MPO website. Preparation included merging of chapters, maps, and all necessary materials; basic design edits; printing; and compiling the final document for mailing. Researched transportation planning issues, case studies, forthcoming planning techniques and articles relevant to the transportation planning process and analyzed innovative ways to work new ideas into future long-range transportation planning. Continued to review Title VI and Environmental Justice, Low English Proficiency, and Americans with Disabilities Act issues for the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO area. Drafted and published a Title VI Report on January 11, 2016, with inclusion of Low English Proficiency, Environmental Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 on the MPO website. The Report includes maps of low-income populations and maps of different races within Warren County. Explored ways to expand the public involvement and awareness of transportation issues within the community, especially ways to focus on interacting with persons of low income, minority and/or low English proficiency (LEP). Work will continue on this matter through the next fiscal year. Began updating and analyzing socioeconomic characteristics of Warren County and developing methods to represent changes in the County, as well as distributions of various populations across the County and within the urbanized area. Published a series of transportation maps, as included in the 2040 MTP, on the MPO website. Coordinated with KYTC on planning studies for future construction projects. Attended stakeholder meetings for the KY 446/US 31W study and provided input from MTP and other planning documents. Met with KYTC Division of Planning and District 3 partners to review and update the existing functional classification for BG-WC. Changes were made to the system and submitted to KYTC on March 3, 2016 to be incorporated into the statewide functional classification. 2. Amend or modify the current Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) as may be necessary. No MTP Amendments and/or Modifications were necessary throughout FY Explore the incorporation and/or expansion of alternative modes of transportation for the future of the Bowling Green - Warren County MPO area, such as pedestrians, buses and bicycles. Explored the incorporation and/or expansion of alternative modes of transportation through consultation with a Greenways sub-committee, dedicated to discussing future needs of expanding shared-use paths and sidewalks to underserved and unreached parts of the community. The meeting reviewed current and future plans for walkability and analyzed the transit routes as well. A sub-committee to discuss these matters was formed. o The sub-committee was a recipient of a Healthy Communities grant to identify gaps in the transportation system, especially for those not owning a vehicle. The project was named West End Walk & Ride. 13

19 o Attended training workshop for the abovementioned grant sponsored by the KYTC Bike/Ped Program Team and State Health Department. Participation in the West End Walk & Ride project steering committee o o Work included the attendance at steering committee meetings; and Involvement with local officials and project team members to consider safe and convenient routes for residents in the West End walking and/or bicycling to destinations. March 28, 2016 and April 18, 2016 participated in Greenways Commission working committee to work towards project planning and bicycle/pedestrian safety in schools, among other topics related to current work of the Greenways Commission. Establishment of working committee is to help guide the future of the alternative transportation in BG-WC and to set the groundwork for the future MTP. Discussed the future of the transportation system and inclusion of multimodal facilities in the downtown area with CCPC Executive Director. Meeting involved brainstorming future plans and implementation strategies, along with design of roadways and locations of need for bike lanes and shared-use paths. 4. Identify and evaluate ITS technologies as potential solutions to transportation needs in the metropolitan planning area. Participated with KYTC on Scottsville Road focus group meeting with KYTC regarding the SHRP2 Reliability Tool for Scottsville Road (March 21, 2016) 5. Coordinate with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and other stakeholders to help ensure that information for ITS elements within the metropolitan planning area is kept up-to-date in the Kentucky Statewide ITS Architecture. Coordinated with KYTC and other stakeholders to assess the current ITS elements in the MPO area. MPO staff collected the necessary information when updating the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). A status update of ITS elements as of summer 2015 was included in the MTP update. 6. Facilitate cooperation among local ITS stakeholders in determining the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder and inform the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet of any changes to stakeholder information including changes in roles and responsibilities and the establishment, amendment, or abolishment of agreements between stakeholders that would affect the Kentucky Statewide ITS Architecture. No local ITS stakeholders currently operate in the BG-WC MPO area. 7. Assist KYTC, the City of Bowling Green and Warren County in applying local access management policies and access management best practices. January March, 2016: MPO staff collected access management policies from KYTC District 3 when completing the transportation sections of the Nashville Road and Veterans Memorial Lane corridor studies. 8. Consult with KYTC, FHWA, and other MPOs to determine appropriate means and methodologies for incorporating climate change considerations into the planning process. Seek to increase MPO staff and committee member s awareness and understanding of climate change issues. The MPO will also consult with KTYC on the development of a list of vulnerable assets to address the impacts of climate change. July 2015 Through consultation and direction from KYTC and FHWA, the MPO staff made the MPO committees aware of the updated air quality conformity and climate change issues. 14

20 C. COSTS Staffing: 600 Staff Hours staff weeks (MPO Coordinator) Funding Sources Estimated Budget Actual Expenses FHWA $ 19, $ 14, KYTC $ 1, $ LOCAL $ 3, $ 2, TOTAL $ 23, $ 18,

21 ELEMENT 08 Transit Planning A. PURPOSE Assist GO BG and WKU Transit Services in those activities that will provide coordinated transportation services to meet the mobility needs of residents in the Bowling Green and Warren County area. B. WORK TASKS 1. Provide staff assistance and staff support in activities related to transit services. Provided staff assistance by actively working with GO bg and WKU Transit Services to provide coordinated transportation services to meet the mobility needs of residents in the Bowling Green and Warren County area. o July 14, 2015 Staff attended GO BG Transit Advisory Committee Meeting. o August 11, 2015 Staff attended BRIGHT Coalition Meeting. o Staff prepared Section 5303 RFP and worked with coordinated efforts to identify the needs of the MPO area. o October 13, 2015 MPO staff attended GO bg Transit Advisory Committee Meeting to help provide coordinated services to meet the mobility needs of the community. o October 22, 2015 MPO staff attended BRIGHT Coalition Meeting as leader of the Walk/Bike Sub-Committee. Committee initiated Cumberland Trace Elementary school participating in the National Walk/Bike to School Day on October 22. Staff registered the event on the national Walk/Bike to school website. 2. Serve as a liaison between GO BG, Federal Transit Administration and the KYTC. MPO staff coordinated selection of consultant, Parsons Brinkerhoff, for the Section 5303 Transit Needs Assessment and Route Realignment Study and worked with coordinated efforts to identify the needs of the MPO area. o Continued work included the organization of a Scoping Meeting with the consultant and project partners, held on September 28, 2015 at GO bg Transit office. o Staff drafted a Professional Services Agreement between the MPO and the Consultant, signed on November 19, 2015 and drafted a Notice to Proceed letter, issued on December 16, Provided continuing staff coordination for the Section 5303 Transit Route Realignment study for Bowling Green. Organized meetings for the following dates: o January 29, 2016 Kick-Off Meeting o February 26, 2016 Interactive Workshop o Scheduled and coordinated the final transit workshop to finalize route options and review the draft document on April 21, o Distributed maps and drafts of the plan to the steering committee and coordinated payment of invoices. 3. Solicit consultant services to assist with strategic planning to identify public transit needs (FTA 5303 funds and local match. MPO Multimodal Coordinator developed and released an RFP for consulting services related to the transit realignment study supported by FTA 5303 funds. Staff carried out the appropriate measures for the selection of a consultant, with guidance from KYTC Division of Planning. Staff performed the necessary administrative actions for the selection, contract development, and notice to proceed with the consultant. 16

22 4. Staff will serve on the GO BG Transit Advisory Committee. Attended the MPO Technical Advisory Committee meetings on the following dates and provided an update of the FTA Section 5303 Transit grant project. o January 25, 2016 o February 22, 2016 o March 28, 2016 o April 12, staff provided an update of the FTA Section 5303 Transit grant project, the West End Healthy Communities Grant project and other Greenways/multimodal related issues. 5. Staff will coordinate with GO BG Transit and WKU Topper Transit to identify projects or programs for addition to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Staff communicated with GO bg transit to obtain the correct information for inclusion into the TIP. 6. Staff will prepare and submit the FTA Section 5303 Assistance Application for transit planning assistance to KYTC Office of Transportation Delivery. Submitted the FY2017 Section 5303 Transit Application and accompanying documentation. 7. Coordinate with transit provider agencies on addressing emerging performance measures and ensuing performance targets related to transit asset management and transit safety. Staff stayed up-to-date with matters associated with the transit providers. 8. The MPO will work closely together with the Barren River Area Development District, Community Action of Southern Kentucky, Barren River Adult Day Care, the Housing Authority of Bowling Green and other providers to update the Coordinated Public Transit Human Services Transportation Plan. The Barren River Area Development District is the recipient for Section 5304 funding. The lead agency and designated recipient for JARC is the Housing Authority of Bowling Green. The designated recipient for Section 5310 funding is the KYTC. MPO staff coordinated with the BRADD staff regarding local transit planning in the Bowling Green area. Staff was unable to attend the annual meeting, but took necessary measures to be informed of any updated information regarding FTA funding. C. COSTS Staffing: 160 Staff Hours (Greenways Coordinator) Funding Sources Estimated Budget Actual Expenses FHWA $ 4, $ 4, KYTC $ $ LOCAL $ $ SUBTOTAL $ 5, $ 5, FTA (5303) $ 44, $ 44, LOCAL FTA (5303) $ 11, $ 11, TOTAL $ 60, $ 60, Direct Costs - $55,000 for Transit Needs Study 17

23 ELEMENT 09 Multimodal Planning A PURPOSE Assist the City of Bowling Green and Warren County in the coordination, promotion and development of alternate forms of transportation within the Bowling Green/Warren County urbanized area. Carry out the goals and objectives of the adopted countywide Greenways Master Plan. B. WORK TASKS 1. The Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan provides the framework for this work element and outlines goals and objectives listed in the Greenways Master Plan for bicycling and walking in the county. The MPO Staff will facilitate and/or coordinate with stakeholders and partnering agencies to increase bicycle and pedestrian access to the transportation system, developing safe interconnected facilities of high quality for bicycling and walking and promoting/increasing their use. As requested, assist in the analysis of bicycle/pedestrian issues pertaining to Warren County. Facilitated Greenways Committee meetings and coordinated with committee members on the following dates: o July 6, 2015 o August 3, 2015 o November 2, 2015 o December 7, 2015 o January 4, 2016 o February 1, 2016 o March 7, 2016 o April 4, 2016 o May 2, 2016 o June 6, 2016 MPO Multi-modal staff attended MPO Technical Advisory Committee meetings to represent multimodal and transit interests on the following dates: o October 26, 2015 o November 23, 2015 o January 25, 2016 o February 22, 2016 o March 28, 2016 o April 25, 2016 o May 23, 2016 July-September 2015: The staff proactively engaged with the community, public agencies, and state and federal entities to work toward developing a well-connected and safe alternative transportation network. o Staff contacted various organizations at WKU as well as shopping centers and o businesses to join the Adopt-a-Trail program for Greenways. Staff hosted a Greenways Clean-up day and worked alongside WKU s Big Red Blitz program to engage incoming freshman in cleaning up various greenways trails. October 9, 2015: MPO Multi-modal staff attended the 2015 Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission Annual Meeting in Elizabethtown, KY to coordinate and network with regional and state agencies to advance multimodal projects in Warren County. Staff coordinated the update of the Greenways Master Plan which was approved by the City of Bowling Green and Warren County on December 15, 2015 (Municipal Order No ). May 19-20, 2016: Attended multimodal related educational sessions at the KAPA Conference. 18