Bill > S1878

This bill aims to improve transportation planning by establishing mechanisms for sub-regional and joint planning among metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), which are regional bodies responsible for transportation planning. The bill recognizes that some areas with significant population and economic activity are now spread across multiple MPOs, and that even within a single MPO, specific areas may have unique infrastructure needs. To address this, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, will identify distinct geographic areas for focused transportation planning. These areas, called sub-regions, will be identified based on factors like proximity to MPO boundaries, major roadways, commuting patterns, economic base, land use plans, and input from local officials and employers. If a sub-region falls within one MPO, that MPO will designate it for planning; if it spans multiple MPOs, those MPOs must agree to plan jointly. A planning committee, including representatives from various transportation agencies, regional planning bodies, transit authorities, businesses, and municipalities within the sub-region, will oversee this planning. Funds for sub-regional projects will come from a portion of federal funds allocated to the relevant MPOs, with a formula for allocation considering economic activity, commuting data, land development plans, and existing infrastructure. The MPOs will then contract with regional planning agencies to carry out the planning and administrative duties for these sub-regions.