MobileMetropolitan Planning
Organization
Federal Certification Process
“Public Involvement Component”
April 13, 2011
Federal Highway AdministrationFederal Transit Administration
Federal Review Team
• Shaun Capps, FHWA-Alabama Division
• Holly Peterson, FTA Region 4
Federal Certification Review Mandate
• FHWA and FTA jointly review and evaluate MPO planning processes for each Transportation Management Area (TMA) at least every four years. (23 U.S.C. 134, and 49 U.S.C 1607)
• TEA-21 added a requirement for public involvement that is appropriate to the metropolitan area under review. (23 U.S.C. 134 (I) (5))
Review Topics• Organizational Structure of the Study
Area• Metropolitan Planning Area Boundaries
• Agreements & Contracts• Unified Planning Work Program• Long Range Transportation Plan
• Financial Planning• Air Quality
• TIP Development & Project Selection• Public Outreach
• Self-Certifications• Title VI & Related Requirements• Congestion Management Process
• List of Obligated Projects
Overview of the Certification ProcessIn general, the review consists of three primary activities:
1. A site visit including discussions with the following:- Staff representing the MPO, ALDOT and the local transit agency;- Local elected officials; and- The general public.
2. A report prepared by FHWA/FTA, which summarizes the review’s findings, and issues the certification action.
3. A closeout presentation of the review’s findings at a future MPO Policy Board Meeting.
Opportunity for Public Comment
• Are you provided with the opportunity to participate in the transportation planning and programming process?
• Do you receive information about transportation issues early enough in the process so staff and the MPO can utilize your suggestions/recommendations?
• Do you have reasonable access to the technical and policy information that is used to develop the Long Range Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Plan?
• Do you receive adequate notice of transportation planning and programming activities?
• Do you have adequate time to comment on key decision points in the process?
• Do you feel your comments are being taken into consideration by staff and the MPO?
• What are the positive aspects of the transportation planning process?
• What suggestions do you have for improving the process?
Thank you for your time
Opportunity for Public Comment (continued)