December 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this Briefing we offer up updates on the Mobilizing Tomorrow<\/strong>, the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program<\/strong>, a $25 million BUILD grant<\/strong> for water trails, an e-scooter survey<\/strong>, and staff news.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ADOPTED: Long-Range Transportation Plan, Mobilizing Tomorrow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The region has an updated long-range transportation plan, Mobilizing Tomorrow<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides setting a long-term vision for our region\u2019s\ntransportation plan, the plan is important because it is a federal requirement\nfor the region\u2019s jurisdictions to be eligible for federal transportation\nfunding. The Des Moines Area MPO develops this plan on behalf of its member\ngovernments as one of its primary functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan was developed by staff over an 18-month period\nunder the guidance of a steering committee, with representation from the public\nand private sectors. The final plan was adopted in November by unanimous vote\nof the MPO Policy Committee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Notably, the plan places increased emphasis on preserving\nand improving the existing roadway system, increasing the spending target for\nmajor roadway reconstruction and replacement projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n NOW ACCEPTING: Surface Transportation Block Grant Applications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Applications are being accepted<\/a> now through January 17, 2020, for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2024 Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. An estimated $13 million will be available for highway, bridge, street, transit and pedestrian projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The\napplications will be scored and go out for public comment in February. The MPO\nPolicy Committee will vote on final awards in May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For\nmore information on these programs, please call or email MPO staff at\n515-334-0075 or info@dmampo.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FUNDING: $25 Million BUILD Grant for Water Trails <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In case you missed the big news, the Des Moines Area MPO received a $25 million grant for Central Iowa Water Trails from the highly competitive Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, or BUILD, grant program of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant was one of only 55 awarded nationwide, out of 666 applications, and it was one of only six grants to receive the maximum award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The grant\nwill significantly accelerate the implementation of the Central Iowa Water\nTrails initiative, which includes 86 projects throughout the region.\nSpecifically, the grant will help to activate a five-mile stretch of the Des\nMoines River by mitigating the Scott Avenue Dam and making improvements at\nthree neighborhood access points. The total cost of these four projects is\n$31.25 million, 80 percent of which will be covered by the BUILD grant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Click\nhere for more information.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n SURVEY: What do you think of e-scooters?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another significant step has been completed in the pursuit of opening the Des Moines Transload Facility next year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The public is being asked what they think of e-scooters in a\nnewly opened survey<\/a>.\nThe deadline to respond is Sunday, January 19, 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An\ne-scooter, short for electric scooter, is an electric powered, stand-up scooter\nthat can carry a person at approximately 15 miles per hour for short distances.\nPrivately owned e-scooters are already being used within the public right of\nway in the Des Moines region. Additionally, several scooter-sharing companies\nhave expressed interest in starting a program in Des Moines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Des Moines Area\nMPO is part of a larger study group exploring possible regulations and a\nscooter-share program pilot, together with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit\nAuthority, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Operation Downtown, and the Street\nCollective of Greater Des Moines. The study is being closely coordinated with\nthe City of Des Moines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n STAFF NEWS: Zhi Chen earns entry into AICP Candidate Program <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Please join us in congratulating MPO Associate Planner Zhi Chen<\/strong> for passing the AICP Exam and becoming one of the first planners in Iowa to join the AICP Candidate Program of the American Institute of Certified Planners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n CALENDAR: 2020 MPO Committee Dates <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The dates of been set for the standing meetings of the MPO\u2019s three primary committees and can be found using the links below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transportation Technical Committee<\/a> IN THE NEWS: Water Trails, Transload, E-Scooters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Des Moines Area MPO has been in the news quite a bit\nrecently. Here are the headlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WeAreIowa 5: Survey asks what Des Moines residents think of e-scooters<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n That\u2019s it for this briefing. If you have comments or questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gunnar<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gunnar Olson <\/strong>| Communications and Strategy Manager <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" METROPOLITAN PLANNING BRIEFING December 2019 In this Briefing we offer up updates on the Mobilizing Tomorrow, the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, a $25 million BUILD grant for water trails, an e-scooter survey, and staff news. ADOPTED: Long-Range Transportation Plan,… <\/p>\n
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Executive Committee<\/a>
Policy Committee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Des Moines Register: Work on new $25 million transloading facility in Des Moines could begin in early 2020<\/a>
Business Record: Lawmakers\u2019 wish list for next session<\/a>
Transportation For America: Connecting people to jobs and services<\/a>
Business Record: Much to pay attention to in 2020 in downtown Des Moines<\/a>
KCCI: Des Moines City Council moves forward on $25 million railroad facility<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Des Moines Area MPO | 420 Watson Powell, Jr. Parkway, Suite 200 | Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-334-0075 | golson@dmampo.org<\/a> | www.dmampo.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n