Latest news with #TransportationImprovementProgram
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ramsey County Board gets feedback on projects to be funded by Riverview Corridor money
Ramsey County commissioners heard public feedback Tuesday on an initial list of projects that could be funded by money previously designated for the Riverview Corridor project. The county had allocated around $730 million for the project, but canceled the project in September. The 12-mile corridor was to connect downtown St. Paul to the Mall of America in Bloomington through a potential streetcar. A Transit and Transportation Investment Plan was presented to the county board last week and provides direction for how those funds may be reallocated. A vote on the projects is expected June 10. Specific projects, funding amounts and anticipated year of construction will be approved through the county's Transportation Improvement Program, which is adopted annually by the county board. Approval of the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program is expected in the fall. Some community members at Tuesday's public hearing expressed concern that the Transit and Transportation Investment Plan does not include West Seventh Street, where the Riverview Corridor was to run. City projects and other investments in West Seventh had been passed over 'because it was always thought that a major investment was coming our way with Riverview,' said Meg Duhr, president of West Seventh/Fort Road Federation, a district council representing the West Seventh neighborhood. 'Individual community members and neighborhood organizations have spent years working for or against this project, wasting human capital and time while generating deep neighborhood conflict,' Duhr said. 'And now here we are considering a transit and transportation investment plan that details all the ways that the county will spend the funds previously allocated for Riverview without a single project in our community and no mention of the remaining critical needs on West Seventh itself.' Infrastructure conditions on West Seventh Street worsened as the area lost out on millions in infrastructure and transit investment, Duhr said. Metro Transit in 2014, for example, backed off of plans for a $28 million rapid bus line from downtown St. Paul to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. The change in plans came at the urging of St. Paul and county officials who were concerned that it might interfere with the Riverview Corridor. Others at Tuesday's meeting raised concerns with the plan's focus on roads rather than public transit and also called for county support of the New West Seventh Corridor, a transportation plan that includes the city of St. Paul, Metro Transit, the state Department of Transportation and other partners. Speakers included people from the Riverview Corridor's citizen advisory committee, Sustain St. Paul and Highland District Council's transportation committee. In its Transit and Transportation Investment Plan, the county identified five project categories focused on roadways, transportation network improvement projects, corridor improvements, Union Depot and railroad safety and access and other areas. Potential projects, categories and prioritization methods were identified during internal staff workshops held earlier this year. Community members can submit comments on the plan until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. Ramsey County: Economic Development Authority to allow flexibility on housing projects Air quality alert extended to noon Wednesday throughout Minnesota 'An absolute privilege': Darts President Ann Bailey offers advice, reflects on 10 years in Dakota County aging services Charges to be dismissed in St. Paul sexual assault case Maplewood shooting: St. Paul man fired on car while kids cowered nearby, charges say
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials accepting public comments for proposed EV charging station
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say starting June 5, the public is invited to review and provide feedback on a proposed amendment in regard to an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) says this proposed amendment will be to the Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This amendment includes the addition of a new project: the construction of an EV charging station at 3220 West Parrish Avenue in Owensboro. Officials say the TIP serves as a short-range planning document that identifies all scheduled transportation projects—ranging from highway improvements and rail upgrades to pedestrian walkways and public transit—within the MPO area through fiscal year 2028. GRADD says the TIP also outlines estimated project costs and designates the local, state and federal funding sources that will be used. Officials say public input is part of the transportation planning process. A 15-day public review and comment period will be held from June 5 to June 19. First medical cannabis safety compliance facility breaks ground in KY GRADD says community members are encouraged to review the proposed amendment and share their thoughts during this window. Copies of the amendment will be available at the following locations: Owensboro City Hall Daviess County Judge/Executive's Office Owensboro Transit System Green River Area Development District (GRADD) Office Daviess County Public Library Whitesville City Hall Online Officials say alternative formats can be provided upon request with at least seven days' notice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ARC approves $207 million increase for long-term transport plan budget
The Atlanta Regional Commission announced last week that they'd amended their 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, adding $207 million in additional budget for improvement projects. The section amended was for the 2024-2027 fiscal year Transportation Improvement Program and the new funding includes 25 projects across the Atlanta region, according to ARC on May 14. "The amendment reflects cost increases, changes to project timelines, and new projects that are exempt from air quality requirements, which include remaining projects funded through the 2024 TIP solicitation process," ARC said in a statement. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] ARC said the amended cost will impact changes to project timelines and new projects that are exempt from air quality requirements. More detailed information is available about the Transportation Improvement Program here, while updates on the amendment itself are here. TRENDING STORIES: 20 parks to close on Lake Lanier Judge rules that deputy who shot, killed DeKalb airman can't leave to seek employment As restaurant closures hit West Midtown, one Atlanta restauranteur offers a lifeline Here are the projects included with the additional funding: Cost estimate adjustments to: I-75 Commercial Vehicle Lanes in Henry County SR 20 (Cumming Highway/Knox Bridge Highway) Widening in Cherokee County Upper Riverdale Road Bridge Upgrade in Clayton County SR 13 (Peters Street) Bridge Replacement in City of Atlanta Projects that are exempt for air quality review include: 2024 TIP Solicitation Peachtree Safe Street project (City of Atlanta/Midtown Alliance) Marietta Boulevard Safe Street project (City of Atlanta) Federal Recreational Trail Program Rivers Edge Trail extension (Clayton County) Chattahoochee RiverLands Recreational Trail and Riverview Trailhead (City of Smyrna) Wheel Beautiful – Riverlands Scenic Universal Access Trail (City of Chattahoochee Hills) [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Chicago Tribune
13-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Kane County Board approves five-year transportation plan
On Tuesday, the Kane County Board passed its five-year plan for transportation projects to be completed within the county in the coming years. The plan, which accounts for fiscal years 2025 to 2029, includes over 150 projects at different stages in the improvement process, according to documents included in Tuesday's meeting agenda. The county's share of the cost over the next five years amounts to just under $540 million, with more than 70% going toward projects that are obligated or required due to safety and maintenance reasons, agreements and federal funding commitments. This year's list includes no new projects, according to the summary of the resolution from Tuesday's meeting agenda, due to 'funding constraints.' The plan is expected to be updated throughout the year. According to the summary of the resolution, just over half of the projects are expansions, a number of which are taking place at Randall Road intersections in the county, per an April presentation to the Transportation Committee about the five-year plan. About 30% of the projects are maintenance for pavement, bridges and more, the resolution summary says. There are also a number of projects related to intersection safety, and a few bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects. The Transportation Improvement Program for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 was presented to the county's Transportation Committee at its March 18 meeting, and then passed by the committee on April 15. It was then OK'd by the full board Tuesday as part of the meeting's consent agenda. But it remains to be seen how the county settles its financial woes, as it continues to grapple with a looming shortfall and starts the budgeting process for next year. And county funds are not the only possible shortfall on the horizon. Kane County's transportation services could also be impacted in the near future by an impending budget gap from the Regional Transportation Authority. Residents in Chicago and the surrounding areas could see the elimination of bus routes, fare increases and a reduction in Metra train services, among other cuts, if lawmakers do not fill a $771 million budget gap expected to hit the region's four transit agencies as early as next year when the remainder of COVID-19 funding is used up, according to past reporting. Also on the table is a possible consolidation of the RTA, the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace suburban bus system, an idea the RTA opposes and that, according to past reporting, has faced pushback from suburban groups and elected officials who believe consolidation would limit suburban input on transit in the future.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Holyoke mayor urges residents to voice support for downtown street upgrades
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia is asking residents to support what's known as the High and Maple Streets Corridor Improvement Project by sending comments to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. Garcia wants residents to share a sense of urgency to improve the busy corridor, which is contending for money in competition with other projects — even though possible construction remains years away. A 21-day public review period ends May 23. 'This project is up for the resources needed for implementation in the year 2030,' he said. The project is important because it will fix aging traffic signals, make pedestrian crossings safer and add bike lanes. These changes will help reduce accidents and make the streets better for all, Garcia said in a post on Facebook this week. Intersections along High and Maple streets are heavily used and have been the subject of transportation audits, planning and evaluation since 2011. The junctions are on the state's Department of Transportation's 200 worst intersections list and are in the top 5% of problematic intersections in the Pioneer Valley. Both lists are based on state crash data. Gary Roux, principal planner and traffic manager at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, said transportation documents were recently released for public review and comment. 'There is a clear need for the project in the area, but we have limited funds and many worthy projects,' Roux said. 'We are always interested in hearing which projects are supported by the region's residents.' According to Garcia, the corridor is home to obsolete traffic signals and non-compliant pedestrian crossings. The routes lack modern 'complete streets' features necessary for a vibrant and accessible downtown. Upgrades would cut down on accidents between cars and people, make intersections safer and encourage walking and biking, which fits with Holyoke's plan, he said. Part of the project area lies in the MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative District. This program helps neighborhoods grow by improving public spaces and working with local partners. Garcia said that making the streets better and easier to use will help attract private investment, support new businesses and make High Street a lively and welcoming place. 'Although the project has faced challenges and delays, including removal from prior Transportation Improvement Programs, the city remains committed to its completion,' he said. Garcia applauded the state DOT's recent decision to move the project forward to early design stages, aiming for construction in 2029-2030. 'It is essential that this momentum continue so that Holyoke can realize the full benefit of this critical investment,' he said. The regional Transportation Improvement Program lists the High and Maple streets project for possible federal funding in the 2029 fiscal year, said Roux, of the PVPC. The commission is required to provide a public comment period before the document can be finalized. Every year, the commission releases a five-year project schedule. 'Based on the status of each project through the design process, we will update it and make recommendations,' Roux said. Roux said many factors influence when a project can proceed. Funding is a key factor, as well as a project's readiness to be advertised for construction. Read the original article on MassLive.
