Engagement in the Transportation Process
This page outlines the major transportation plans produced by MARC, their prupose, timeline and potential engagement strategies.
Metropolitan Transportation Plan
Overview
The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is the centerpiece of our planning process and serves as a blueprint for the long-term management of the region's transportation system. It identifies improvements for the next 20 to 30 years and sets goals, policies and strategies ranging from road and transit improvements to projects that enhance bike, pedestrian and freight movement.
MTP Public Participation Strategies
Updates
The MTP must be updated every five years while in air quality attainment and every four years when in non-attainment. When an update is being developed, a specific public participation strategy will be developed to outline the public participation process. The final public review and comment period will last at least 30 days, as federally required.
When an update is being developed, a specific public participation strategy will be developed to outline the public participation process. We will share drafts of chapters throughout development, in addition to when it is officially released for public comment as a single document or platform.
Timeline
Between major updates, amendments can be made to the plan as new projects, funding or programs arise. The process for MTP amendments is a 14-day review period to allow for simultaneous public comment periods for amendments impacting both the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program.
Comments
When comments are solicited during the public review period, information will be shared through a variety of channels including but not limited to websites, blogs, social media, email lists and digital and print advertisements.
We will gather, summarize and analyze public comments on the draft MTP, including on the financial plans, and include them as part of the final document.
Amendments versus administrative modifications
Many factors can lead to adjustments to transportation plans and projects, some which may be considered minor and do not require a full review. In such cases, an administrative modification may be made.
An administrative modification is a revision that does not require public review and comment, redemonstration of fiscal constraint, or a conformity determination (in nonattainment and maintenance areas).
Administrative modifications can only be made to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program and the Unified Planning Work Program. Administrative modifications may include minor changes to project costs, funding sources, and project initiation dates.
We will follow established guidelines for each MPO product to determine whether proposed changes will be processed as administrative modifications or amendments.
Please see the webpages for the MTP, TIP and UPWP at marc.org for plan and program specific information about amendment and administrative modifications.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Overview
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) contains major surface transportation projects planned to receive federal, state and local funding in the next five years. Project examples include new roadways, additional through lanes to existing streets, interchange construction or modification, improvements to intersections, transit amenities and bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transportation programs, among others.
TIP Public Participation Strategies
Updates
We update the TIP every two years and process amendments on a quarterly cycle. Special amendments may also be processed at other times throughout the year.
In the event of declared state and/or federal emergencies, or at the discretion of MARC's executive director, MARC may elect to process any emergency-related TIP revisions through an expedited public participation process - a seven-day review instead of 14 days. Emergency-related revisions that would normally require formal approval can be ratified by the MARC Board of Directors at the next scheduled opportunity.
Participation period
Early and continuous public participation should be done for the TIP including calling for public review and comments on projects submitted by local governments. TIP full plan updates and amendments require a 14-day public comment period.
Comments
When we receive a comment on the TIP or its amendments, we will provide an individual response, acknowledging the comment and addressing any issues. During an update to the TIP, we will gather, summarize and analyze public comments, including on the financial plans, and include them as part of the final document.
Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
Overview
The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is a document that describes all the work we plan to take on in the coming year. The plan describes each major activity, who will perform the work and the schedule for completing it. The UPWP also contains information on the proposed budget for each activity.
MARC develops the UPWP with input from local governments, area transit providers, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
Update Frequency
The UPWP is updated annually in August/September and released for public review and comment for a minimum of 14 days.
Final approval is made in November/December. Amendments are made throughout the year and are released for public comment when projects are either added or deleted, or when significant changes are made to the document.
Public Participation Plan
Overview
The Public Participation Plan specifies goals, strategies and techniques to be considered when engaging the public in our planning process. This planning process, dictated in the first section of this document, occurs every five years, following the year of the adoption of the MTP. Additionally, MARC will develop an Annual Engagement Workplan to supplement this plan in a more iterative, incremental manner.
Process
This planning process, dictated in the first section of this document, occurs every five years, following the year of the adoption of the MTP. Additionally, MARC will develop an Annual Engagement Workplan to supplement this plan in a more iterative, incremental manner.
Comments
The plan requires a 45-day public review and comment period. All comments will be considered in the final review by the TTPC, prior to its adoption. The adopted plan will be posted on the MARC website and be available in both English and Spanish.
Additional considerations
Special Plans
We sometimes develop or facilitate the development of special plans and studies beyond those that are federally required. This additional planning work may include developing a more detailed plan for a particular mode of travel, like a regional bike or freight plan, or assisting local governments in developing a corridor or area plan. The processes to develop these will include a public participation process in most cases. Project managers will develop a public participation strategy with guidance from this Public Participation Plan.
Coordination with partner agencies
MARC will consult with agencies and officials within the MARC MPO boundary who are responsible for other planning activities that are affected by transportation, including transit agencies, state departments of transportation and federal agencies. We will coordinate planning processes by ensuring representatives from these organizations are continually involved in and informed about the activities of MARC committees and work groups. We will also work closely with KDOT and MoDOT to coordinate the public involvement and consultation processes for their statewide transportation planning.