Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO)
Coordinating Committee Meeting

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

6:00 pm

College Township Municipal Building

AGENDA  

1.                  Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance  

2.         Election of Officers for 2009  

3.         Approval of Minutes:  November 25, 2008 Coordinating Committee meeting  

4.         Citizen Comments:  For items not on the agenda  

5.         FY 2009-10 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP):

Review Draft UPWP and candidate supplemental planning funds projects

            Action: Provide comments to staff  

6.         2009-2012 Centre County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP):

a.   Administrative actions for highway element – January 2009

                        No action required

            b.   Route 322 Corridor Safety Improvements Project

                        Action: Request to PennDOT to advance high-priority projects  

7.         Federal Economic Stimulus Legislation:

Status Report

                        No action required  

8.         Member Reports:

Reports about a significant item(s) of interest from each member (limited to 1 minute)

No action required  

9.         Announcements  

10.       Adjourn

ITEM 2  

ELECTION OF OFFICERS  

The Coordinating Committee should elect a Chair and Vice Chair for 2009.  In 2008, Dan Klees ( College Township ) served as Chair, and Elizabeth Goreham (State College Borough) served as Vice-Chair of the Coordinating Committee.  The Coordinating Committee should also consider the appointment of a Secretary.  Bob Jacobs, Director of the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office, currently serves as the MPO Secretary.  

Voting members of the Coordinating Committee include:  

 Presented by:   Bob Jacobs, CCMPO Secretary

 Action:             Election of officers and appointment of a Secretary for 2009.

ITEM 5  

FY 2009-10 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM (UPWP)  

Review Draft UPWP and Candidate Supplemental Planning Funds Projects  

  First Draft FY 2009-10 UPWP

Each year in February, the MPO adopts a UPWP for the fiscal year which begins on July 1 of that year and ends on June 30 of the following year.  The UPWP lists the work tasks to be completed by the CRPA and the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office (CCPCDO) on behalf of the CCMPO.  The MPO staff is currently operating under the FY 2008-09 UPWP.  

In early January 2009, the PennDOT Central Office provided guidance about the preparation of the UPWP.  Because of the economic climate, federal and state funding for the base UPWP will remain at the same level as in FY 2008-09.  The amount of supplemental planning funds to be made available on a statewide basis has not yet been determined.  However, PennDOT has indicated that MPOs and RPOs should focus on the completion of current supplemental planning funds projects before advancing new projects.  

In November 2008, several potential supplemental planning funds projects were discussed by the Technical and Coordinating Committees, including:  

·         Preparing a detailed inventory of local bridges for project identification and prioritization

·         Continuing the projects to coordinate land use and transportation plans (one of two supplemental planning funds projects from the FY 2007-08 and FY 2008-09 UPWPs)

·         Providing additional funds for the update of socioeconomic (land use) forecasts and the travel demand model for the new Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) (supplemental planning funds project in the FY 2008-09 UPWP)

·         Updating the 1998 CATA Public Transportation Plan (short-range transit plan) [this would be a follow-up project to the Assessment of Public Transportation Services in Centre County which is now underway, using supplemental funds from the FY 2007-08 UPWP]

·         Education efforts for municipalities where natural gas drilling is anticipated to occur.

·         Traffic counts to document shifts in travel patterns following the opening of I-99.  

Given the status of the three supplemental planning funds projects that staff is currently working on, time extensions will be needed for two of the three projects.  Thus, with the guidance from PennDOT to complete current projects before requesting funds for new projects, staff recommends that no new supplemental planning funds projects be proposed in the FY 2009-10 UPWP.  

After discussing this item at its January 14, 2009 meeting, the Technical Committee recommended that additional supplemental planning funds be requested for the LRTP forecast and travel demand model project.  The additional funds would be used to purchase licenses to operate the new model software.  The cost of new licenses was not included in the original cost estimate for this project.  If this approach is accepted by the Coordinating Committee, the Final Draft UPWP to be reviewed in February will include a task for additional supplemental funds estimated at $15,000 for the purchase of model licenses.  

A first draft FY 2009-10 UPWP is attached for review by the Coordinating Committee.  Based on the comments received, a final draft UPWP will be presented in February for adoption.  The new UPWP must be adopted by the Coordinating Committee by February 27, 2009.  

Attached is:  

·         First Draft FY 2009-10 UPWP  

The Coordinating Committee should receive a staff report, and provide comments to assist in the preparation of the new FY 2009-10 UPWP, including a request for additional supplemental planning funds.  

            Presented by:   Tom Zilla , CRPA  

            Action:             Provide comments to staff about the first draft FY 2009-10 UPWP and supplemental planning funds projects.

ITEM 6.a.  

2009-2012 CENTRE COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP)  

Administrative Actions for Highway Element – January 2009  

Highway Sheet #3

The 2009-2012 Centre County TIP was adopted by the CCMPO in July 2008, and became effective on October 1, 2008 following approval by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration.  The CCMPO approved amendments to the TIP in November 2008, and several other administrative actions have also been completed by PennDOT and CATA.  

As reported in November, amendments and administrative actions will be needed to reflect the latest status, estimated cost, and schedule for several projects on the highway element of the TIP.  PennDOT District 2-0 has been working to identify projects from which funding may be shifted because of changes in schedules and/or estimated costs.  

For example, additional funds are needed to advance the first two elements of the Route 26 Pine Grove Mountain project, and additional funds may be needed to initiate preliminary engineering and environmental studies for projects identified in the Route 322 Corridor Safety Feasibility Study.  Also, the Construction phase of the Old Fort Park and Ride Lot will not be advanced in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2009 as programmed on the TIP, which will require shifting funds to other projects to ensure that the funds committed in FFY 2009 are used.  

PennDOT District 2-0 and MPO staff presented several TIP changes to the Technical Committee on January 14, 2009.  The changes are considered to be administrative actions under the CCMPO’s adopted Procedures for TIP Modifications.  The Procedures allow project sponsors to complete administrative actions without requiring formal approval by the CCMPO Coordinating Committee.  

The most significant of the actions include:  

·         Shift $940,000 to the Route 26 Pine Grove Mountain project.  The shift of funds will allow two of the three elements of the Pine Grove Mountain project to proceed in FFY 2009 (truck pull-off, and upper escape ramp).  Federal funds will be shifted from the Route 45 Betterment, because the estimate of cost for that project is considerably less than the amount programmed on the TIP. State matching funds will be shifted from the Old Fort Park and Ride project, which will not be ready for construction in FFY 2009.  

·         Shift $157,279 to the SR 26 Pleasant Gap Betterment project in FFY 2009, from the Old Fort Park and Ride project.  

·         Shift $500,000 to the Preliminary Engineering phases of three pavement restoration projects, which will allow design of the projects to begin in FFY 2009:  

o   Old Route 220 (now SR 3040) from Bald Eagle to Port Matilda

o   Old Route 322 (now SR 3042) from Martha’s Furnace to Skytop

o   SR 26 ( Jacksonville Road ) from existing Exit 161 (Bellefonte) Interchange at I-80,
to the proposed location of the I-80/Route 26 Local Access Interchange  

·         Add $51,000 to the Transportation Enhancements (TE) Line Item in FFY 2009, from the deobligation of TE funds from a completed project.  

Attached is:  

Highway Sheet #3, which illustrates the details of the administrative actions.

The Coordinating Committee should receive a brief staff report.  No formal action is required.  

            Presented by:   Tom Zilla , CRPA  

No action required

ITEM 6.b.  

2009-2012 CENTRE COUNTY TIP  

Route 322 Corridor Safety Improvements Project  

Map 

In November 2008, PennDOT District 2-0 presented the results of the Route 322 Corridor Safety Feasibility Study to the Harris and Potter Township Boards of Supervisors, and to the CCMPO Committees.  Comments were provided to PennDOT about the proposed improvements.  

After further discussion of the high priority projects recommended in the study, MPO staff presented a recommendation to the Technical Committee on January 14, 2009 relative to advancing the improvements.  The Technical Committee subsequently approved the following recommendation to the Coordinating Committee:  

·         Request PennDOT to immediately advance two high-priority projects identified in the Route 322 Corridor Safety Feasibility Study:  

o   Project F-MOD – construct center turn lane near the Shaner sports complex
and realignment of Taylor Hill Road (staff also recommends that this project
include highway grade and site distance improvements recommended by Potter Township in Segment 680 east of Taylor Hill Road).  

o   Project I – Church Hill Road/Dogtown Road intersection improvements
and possible road closure.  

PennDOT will update the estimate of costs to proceed with the projects, and TIP amendments or administrative actions may be presented in February 2009.  

Attached is:  

·         Map illustrating the location of improvements proposed in the Route 322 Corridor Safety Feasibility Study (11” x 17”)  [this map was previously distributed in the November meeting agenda package]

The Coordinating Committee should receive the Technical Committee’s recommendation, and consider approving a request to PennDOT.  

            Presented by:   Tom Zilla , CRPA  

Action:             Request PennDOT District 2-0 to immediately advance Projects F-MOD and I as identified in the Route 322 Corridor Safety Feasibility Study, and incorporate improvements recommended by Potter Township in locations east of Taylor Hill Road .

ITEM 7  

FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS LEGISLATION  

Status Report  

Economic Stimulas letter from PennDOT

In January and February 2009, the U.S. Congress and the administration of President Obama are anticipated to develop and approve economic stimulus legislation.  A significant part of the legislation is expected to focus on transportation infrastructure.  

The premise of the transportation part of the stimulus package is that projects must be ready to be constructed or implemented within months after passage of the legislation.  Funding is expected to be provided to states according to the formulas established in the current SAFETEA-LU transportation authorization legislation.  The states would decide which projects receive funding.  

On January 15, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Democratic Caucus released its version of the legislation.  Information provided by the National Association of Regional Councils about the legislative process indicates that Congressional leaders are hopeful that the House and Senate will conclude negotiations about their respective bills and approve a package in mid-February.  

However, all parties continue to emphasize that there are several unknowns relative to a final stimulus package, including but not limited to:  

	Overall funding levels (The House Democrats’ version is $825 billion)
	Distribution methodology
	Special requirements
	Time period for advancing projects

On January 16, 2009, PennDOT released a preliminary list of candidate projects proposed for funding in Pennsylvania , if a stimulus package is approved by Congress and the new administration.  The preliminary list was prepared assuming an overall funding level of $1.5 billion for Pennsylvania .  PennDOT’s preliminary list is based on several other factors, including but not limited to:  

	Projects are focused on system preservation (e.g. bridge, pavement, and safety improvements).
	A six-month (180 days) timeframe is used for obligating funds.
	The 2009 TIP Financial Guidance is used to generally guide the distribution of funds to MPO and RPO areas.
	The list assumes the federal share to be 100%.

Attached is:  

Correspondence from PennDOT dated January 16, 2009

The preliminary list from PennDOT includes several projects in Centre County :  

The I-80/Route 26 Local Access Interchange was not included on PennDOT’s list of candidate projects, although it was recommended by CCMPO staff.

The PennDOT Central Office has indicated that the preliminary list will be reevaluated and updated based on the legislation that is ultimately approved by Congress.  Central Office representatives have encouraged MPOs and RPOs to continue working with the District Engineering Offices as more information becomes available.  

The Coordinating Committee should receive the staff report, and discuss whether any action should be taken by the CCMPO relative to other recommendations to PennDOT.  

            Presented by:   Tom Zilla, CRPA  

            No action required

ITEM 8  

MEMBER REPORTS  

About Significant Item(s) of Interest  

This agenda item provides an opportunity for voting and non-voting members to briefly report on an item(s) of significant interest within their organization, municipality, or planning region.  Items of interest may relate to transportation, other infrastructure, capital budgeting or land use.  Members are asked to limit their reports to approximately one minute in length.  

Voting members of the Coordinating Committee include:  

 *****  

            Presented by:   Committee members           

            No action required

ITEM 9  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Letter from Marion Township

1.                  Future Meeting Dates  

            a.         Technical Committee:  February 11, 2009, 9:30 am; College Township Municipal Building

ð  Election of Officers
ð  FY 2009-10 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
ð  Centre County Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
ð  2009-2012 Centre County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

            b.         Coordinating Committee: Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 6:00 pm; College Township Municipal Building  

ð  FY 2009-10 UPWP

ð  Centre County LRTP

ð  2009-2012 Centre County TIP

2.         At the September 23, 2008 Coordinating Committee meeting, representatives from Marion Township presented information expressing concern about the location and potential impacts of the proposed I-80/Route 26 Section A18 Local Access Interchange.  PennDOT District 2-0 and MPO staff subsequently attended the October 14, 2008 Board of Supervisors meeting to provide a report and receive comments from the Township.  PennDOT and MPO staff also attended the January 15, 2009 Nittany Valley Joint Planning Commission meeting to discuss the issue.  

            In late December 2008, correspondence to the CCMPO was received from Marion Township requesting that the I-80/Route 26 Section A18 Local Access Interchange be reconsidered (correspondence is attached).  The Township’s correspondence states that the current roadway condition of Route 26 does not favor the proposed location of the Local Access Interchange, and states that local access should be provided at the site of the existing Exit 161 interchange.  

            Typically, correspondence received by the CCMPO is provided to the Coordinating Committee in the first agenda package following its receipt, and if action is requested, the item is placed on the following meeting agenda for discussion.  The Chair, in consultation with the Coordinating Committee, should indicate whether this item will be included on the February 24, 2009 meeting agenda for discussion.  

3.         At the November 2008 CCMPO meetings, MPO staff provided a report about a new program intended to advance “Smart Transportation” principles in the Commonwealth.  The “Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI)” is being funded by PennDOT with a total of $60 million in federal and state funds from the Secretary of Transportation’s spike funding allocation in the first two years of the 2009-2012 TIP (FFY 2009 and 2010).  Eligible projects may receive up to $5 million for construction activities, or up to $300,000 for planning activities.  

Initial applications were submitted to the PennDOT Central Office by December 15, 2008.  Over 300 applications were received statewide, and at least 11 projects in Centre County were submitted by prospective sponsors, including two applications that were submitted by the CCMPO.  

All applications received from prospective project sponsors will be provided to PennDOT Engineering District Offices, MPOs, and RPOs for review, following an initial eligibility screening by the PennDOT Central Office.  Comments will then be returned to the Central Office review committee charged with approving the applications.  

Because of the number of applications received statewide, the applications have not yet been provided to the District Offices, MPOs, and RPOs.  Once the applications are received, review comments are scheduled to be provided to the Central Office in late January 2009.  No date has been provided for notification about approval of funding.  

4.         In response to numerous requests from MPOs and RPOs for supplemental planning funds to implement local bridge improvement initiatives, PennDOT formed a Municipal Bridge Task Force, in conjunction with the North Central RPO, Northern Tier RPO, Williamsport MPO, and the CCMPO.  This group has been working to develop a process for inventorying municipal bridges throughout the Commonwealth.  

Lycoming County was chosen as a pilot study, and in cooperation with PennDOT District 3-0, has undertaken a process to identify all local bridges between 8’and 20’ in length.  This inventory will supplement the existing bridge inspection program that currently includes local bridges over 20’ in length.  The study results to date have shown that the bridge problem facing Pennsylvania could in fact be much larger than originally realized.  

Using the Lycoming County GIS system as a base, approximately 172 small bridges have been identified that currently are not part of a regular inspection program.  PennDOT District 3-0 Municipal Services completed a very basic observation of each structure, and assigned a “good, fair or poor” rating to determine which of the structures needs an immediate inspection. Lycoming County ’s intent is to access liquid fuels funding to provide the initial funding for an enhanced inspection program.  

The CCMPO staff has actively participated in the Municipal Bridge Task Force, and is interested in undertaking a similar process to determine if the need exists to request an expansion of the municipal bridge inspection program. The CCMPO staff, through this task force, is also investigating an approach to make municipal and state bridges compete on equal terms for limited fiscal resources.  Staff will provide a presentation about the Task Force efforts and recommended outcomes at a future meeting.

4.         CCMPO staff contact information:  

                  Centre Regional Planning Agency              Telephone:       814-231-3050 
                  2643 Gateway Drive                                  Fax:                 814-231-3083 
                State College , PA   16801  

                        Tom Zilla, Transportation Planner       tzilla@crcog.net

                        Trish Meek, Transportation Planner     tmeek@crcog.net

                        Greg Kausch, Transportation Planner  gkausch@crcog.net  or  gkausch@catabus.com

                        Lori Shingler, Office Manager             lshingler@crcog.net

                  Centre County Plng & Community Dev. Office    Telephone:       814-355-6791 
                  420 Holmes Street – Willowbank Office Building   Fax:               814-355-8661 
                    Bellefonte, PA  16823            

                        Bob Jacobs , Director                           rbjacobs@co.centre.pa.us

                        Sue Hannegan , Assistant Director        shannegan@co.centre.pa.us

                        Mike Bloom , Transportation Planner   dmbloom@co.centre.pa.us