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Proposed MPO Rule

This Friday, August 26, 2016, is the last day to submit public comments on the U.S. DOT’s proposed Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform Proposed Rule [Docket No. FHWA-2016-0016; FHWA RIN 2125-AF68; FTA RIN 2132-AB28].

Since this proposed rule has massive impacts to our region and transportation projects, we strongly encourage municipalities/agencies to submit public comments. A template letter and talking points are provided for agency’s use.

Under the proposed rule, it would require one of the following actions:

  • Merge 2-3 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) into one. This could mean our MPO (CMAP) would merge with our two neighboring state’s MPO’s – Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) and Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC). There’s potential that Michigan’s MPOs may be included too.
  • Keep the MPOs separate, but would require the development of one combined Long Range Plan, Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and set of performance targets. This option requires the approval of all state governors involved (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin & potentially Michigan). This also gives the Governors veto power over the Long Range Plan and TIP.

Click here to read Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) summary of the proposed rule and to view the Metropolitan Planning Area Boundaries and Urbanized Area Map.

Please be aware that an MPO (aka CMAP) is a federally mandated and federally funded transportation policy-making organization that is made up of representatives from local government and governmental transportation authorities. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs are channeled through MPOs.

If you have any questions, please contact CMAP staff, Tom Kotarac (312-386-8654) or Jesse Elam (312-386-8688).