{"id":16402,"date":"2019-10-31T13:01:59","date_gmt":"2019-10-31T18:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dmampo.org\/?p=16402"},"modified":"2023-08-24T14:58:15","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T19:58:15","slug":"metropolitan-planning-briefing-october-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dmampo.org\/metropolitan-planning-briefing-october-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"METROPOLITAN PLANNING BRIEFING — OCTOBER 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

METROPOLITAN PLANNING BRIEFING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

October 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this briefing we have updates on the region\u2019s long-range transportation plan, grant applications,<\/strong> the Des Moines Transload Facility<\/strong>, and an upcoming speaker<\/strong>. Also, we ask you to join the MPO\u2019s participation in Combat Hunger<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MOBILIZING TOMORROW: Public feedback sought<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nDes Moines Area MPO is in the final stretch of an 18-month process updating the\nregion\u2019s long-range transportation plan, Mobilizing Tomorrow. The MPO is collecting public\ncomments online<\/a> through November 10. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nMPO updates the long-range transportation plan every five years to address the\nchanging needs and priorities of the community, as well to adjust to evolving\ntechnologies and best practices in transportation. The Mobilizing Tomorrow<\/em><\/a> update\nsets goals for the transportation system out to year 2050, and it outlines how\nthe cities, counties and transit agencies of the metropolitan planning area\nwill invest approximately $600 million in transportation funding over the next\n35 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on Mobilizing Tomorrow<\/em>, please call or email MPO staff at 515-334-0075 or info@dmampo.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NOW ACCEPTING: TAP grant applications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applications\nare being accepted<\/a> now through December 6 for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)\n2024 Transportation Alternatives Program, also known as the Surface\nTransportation Block Grant Set-Aside Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These grants provide funding for programs and projects defined as\ntransportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle\nfacilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public\ntransportation, environmental mitigation, and safe routes to school projects.\nEach year, approximately $1.2 million is available in funding for our region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\napplications will be scored and go out for public comment over the winter. The\nMPO Policy Committee will vote on final awards in May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In related\nnews, the application period for the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program\nwill open in December, following the adoption of long-range transportation\nplan, Mobilizing Tomorrow. The plan will include updated scoring criteria,\nwhich is being reviewed by the Planning and Engineering Subcommittees, as well\nas the Funding Subcommittee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on these programs, please call or email MPO staff at 515-334-0075 or info@dmampo.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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GIVING SEASON: Food donations being accepted at MPO <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MPO is participating in Food Bank of Iowa\u2019s Combat\nHunger food drive this year, collecting donations online<\/a>\nwith a $500 goal, as well as food items at its office. Donations are being\naccepted through Thursday, November 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most-needed items<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n