UNIFIED
PLANNING WORK PROGRAM
FISCAL
YEAR 2007
Adopted
by the NARTS Policy Committee on
June_ , 2006
PARTICIPATING
AGENCIES
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Avoca |
Greenland |
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Benton County |
Highfill |
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Bentonville |
Johnson |
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Bethel Heights |
Lincoln |
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Cave Springs |
Little Flock |
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Centerton |
Lowell |
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Decatur |
Pea Ridge |
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Elkins |
Prairie Grove |
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Elm Springs |
Rogers |
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Farmington |
Siloam Springs |
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Fayetteville |
Springdale |
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Garfield |
Springtown |
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Gateway |
Sulphur Springs |
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Gentry |
Tontitown |
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Goshen |
Washington County |
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Gravette |
West Fork |
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Razorback Transit |
Ozark Regional
Transit, Inc. |
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Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |
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Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission |
IN COOPERATION WITH:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
and FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
This Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Unified Planning
Work Program (UPWP) outlines the planning activities of the Northwest
SAFETEA-LU
FACTORS CONSIDERED BY PROGRAM ELEMENT
On August 10, 2005,
Congress signed into law (Public Law 109-59), the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users, which is referred to
as SAFETEA-LU. This law requires, under
Section 5303, that plans and programs address the eight factors listed
below. The factors, which apply to each
element of the Unified Planning Work Program, are listed in the table
below.
In general: The metropolitan transportation planning
process for a metropolitan area under this section shall provide for
consideration of projects and strategies that will:
1.
Support the economic vitality of the
2.
Increase the safety of the transportation system for
motorized and non-motorized users;
3.
Increase the security of the transportation system
for motorized and nonmotorized users;
4.
Increase the accessibility and mobility options
available to people and for freight;
5.
Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy
conservation, and improve quality of life, and promote consistency between
transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic
development patterns;
6.
Enhance the integration and connectivity of the
transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;
7.
Promote efficient system management and operation;
and
8.
Emphasize the preservation of the existing
transportation system.
100: Data Collection/Analysis X X X X X X
200: Short Term Planning and X X X X X X X X
Technical
Support
300:
400: Transportation Improvement X X X X X X X X
500: Administration X X
100: DATA
COLLECTION/ANALYSIS
A.
NWARPC staff will maintain files that indicate
demographic and infrastructure elements
within the NARTS Area. Census
data and other information will be utilized and incorporated into reports,
thematic maps, and TAZ boundaries.
Examples of data to be maintained include: changes in population,
population shifts within the region, new building permit and construction
activity, new industrial development and new or expanding employers. Data collected may also include
socio-economic characteristics, land use developments, changes in political and
economic structures, master street plans, and capital improvement projects.
Collection of regional development data from units of government will continue.
B.
NWARPC staff will maintain files for traffic count
data at locations determined by the AHTD and local jurisdictions. Traffic counts will be supplied by AHTD and
local jurisdictions.
C.
TAXI SUBSIDY PROGRAMS FOR BENTONVILLE,
1.
The 2006 Annual Evaluation Reports will be prepared
for each participating City. The
report will include year-end data
including client data, coupon data, travel trends,
purpose of travel, administrative
functions, and questionnaire results.
2.
NWARPC staff will assist the cities in the annual
questionnaire process. This survey is an
important measure to ensure program quality and to solicit the direct input
from the riders. The comments and
suggestions provided by the riders will be addressed jointly by the NWARPC, AAA
of NW Arkansas, Ozark Regional Transit Inc., the Cities, and taxi
companies. Appropriate action will be
taken to preserve the efficiency and success of the programs.
3. The staff will provide each of the taxi
programs with an “Individual Ridership Report”
showing the number of coupons used per
client for the calendar year. This
information is very helpful for city and
agency planning and budgeting purposes.
It is
also a mechanism where abuses are
detected.
4. Updated Participant Master Lists will be
maintained for each taxi program.
END PRODUCTS COMPLETION
DATES
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A. Demographic and Development Data for the
NARTS Area will be published in NWARPC’s publications “Regional Housing” and
“Regional Development Data”. Products
will also include thematic maps by Census boundaries and data outputs by TAZ
boundaries for transportation planning and analysis. |
Regional Housing Reports: August 2006, November 2006 March 2007 (Annual Report) May 2007 |
|
B. Traffic data
files showing most recent traffic counts
and changes relative to previous counts will be maintained in cooperation
with AHTD and local jurisdictions. |
On-going |
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C1. The 2006 Annual
Evaluation Reports will be prepared for each participating City. The report will include year-end data including
client data, coupon data, travel trends, purpose of travel, administrative
functions, and questionnaire results. |
February 2007 |
|
C2. NWARPC staff
will assist the cities in the annual questionnaire process. This survey is an important measure to
ensure program quality and to solicit the direct input from the riders. The comments and suggestions provided by
the riders will be addressed jointly by the NWARPC, AAA of NW Arkansas, Ozark
Regional Transit Inc., the Cities, and taxi companies. Appropriate action will be taken to
preserve the efficiency and success of the programs. |
January 2007 |
|
C3. The staff will
provide each of the taxi programs with an “Individual Ridership
Report”showing the number of coupons used per client for the calendar year. This information is very helpful for city
and agency planning and budgeting purposes.
It is also a mechanism where abuses are detected. |
February 2007 |
|
C4. Updated
Participant Master Lists will be maintained for each taxi program. |
February 2007 |
Federal $75,000
Local (MPO)
$18,750
Total $93,750
Element
Percent 23.93%
200: SHORT
TERM PLANNING and TECHNICAL SUPPORT
A.
Staff will assist counties, cities, citizens, and the
media in understanding the process of MPO transportation planning and the
impact of transportation projects both short term and long term. NWARPC staff will update, as necessary, a
brochure and web page outlining transportation planning procedures for the
NARTS Technical Advisory and Policy Committees, and the general public. This brochure and web page will detail how
regional plans are implemented and who to contact for questions and
answers.
B.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING: The staff
will continue to work closely with the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest
Arkansas in order to stay informed of elderly transit issues and coordinate and
develop services as needed.
C.
INTER-GOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS: Review area FTA and FHWA funding
applications.
D.
OZARK REGIONAL TRANSIT INC. ASSISTANCE: NWARPC will continue to work with Ozark
Regional Transit’s management providing transit assistance as they seek to
improve and provide additional transit services for
E.
RAZORBACK TRANSIT:
The staff will continue to monitor and respond to the needs of Razorback
Transit and support their activities.
F.
AHTD/ARKANSAS TRANSIT ASSOCIATION/SOUTHWEST TRANSIT
ASSOCIATION: Continue to support AHTD, ATA, and SWTA by assisting their efforts
in providing local, state, and federal public transportation services,
assistance and information. Pertinent meetings and training seminars will be
attended.
G.
PUBLIC TRANSIT/HUMAN SERVICES COORDINATION PLAN:
Assist AHTD in developing uniform measures for Public Transit/Human Services Coordination planning and programming, and developing monitoring performance measures. The SAFETEA-LU requires a locally developed, coordinated public transit/human services transportation plan for sub recipients to qualify for three transit programs. This planning will be undertaken by the MPO.
These programs are the Elderly and Individuals with Disabilities, the Job Access and Reverse Commute, and the New Freedom. The sub recipients must also be selected through a competitive process involving the MPO. The amount and sources of funding for this task will be determined upon finalization of pending FTA circulars and guidance on implementation for meeting this new requirement. Funding is anticipated from one or more of the following FTA funded programs: Sec 5307 (Urbanized Area); Sec. 5311 (Other than Urbanized Area); Sec. 5310 (Elderly & Persons with Disabilities); Sec. 5316 (Job Access and Reverse Commute); and Sec. 5317 (New Freedom). Local match, if necessary, and as appropriate, will be provided by the MPO.
H.
MAPPING/GIS: Provide mapping and GIS assistance to
participating units and maintain county and regional maps. Coordinate Regional GIS efforts in three
primary areas:
(1) Centerline files (2)
Aerial imagery (3) File sharing
and workflow strategies.
I.
PLANNING ASSISTANCE:
Staff will assist counties and cities in utilizing transportation
resources by disseminating information regarding transportation programs. Staff will also assist counties and cities
regarding transportation planning, updating master street plans, and
utilization of the travel demand model.
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A. Shared Database Information: NWARPC website, and other pertinent data, newsletter, news releases, relevant technology transfer information and informational brochure. |
On-going |
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B. NARTS
participation |
On-going |
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C. Application
Reviews |
On-going |
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D. NARTS participation |
On-going |
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E. NARTS participation |
On-going |
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F. NARTS participation |
On-going |
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G1. Developed
uniform measures and monitoring performance measures |
On-going |
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G2. Public Transit/Human Services Coordination Plan |
January 2007 |
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G3. Assist in
competitively selecting sub recipients within the metropolitan area. |
On-going |
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I. Maps and digital data sets |
On-going |
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J. Informational
memos and assistance |
On-going |
COOPERATING AGENCIES: NWARPC, AHTD, FTA, ATA, Ozark Transit, Razorback Transit, Life Styles, Inc., Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas, area human service agencies and local jurisdictions.
Federal $80,000
Local (MPO) $20,000
Total $100,000
Element
Percent 25.53%
300: LONG RANGE PLANNING
A.
ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATING JURISDICTIONS:
1.
Work with the jurisdictions to update master street
plans as needed.
2.
Work with the jurisdictions to further define project
priorities and explore funding options.
B.
TRANSPORTATION MODELING:
1.
Work in conjunction with AHTD in developing a travel
demand model and zone forecasting.
2.
Train staff on maintenance and use of the model.
3.
Utilize the model to refine the Long Range Plan.
4.
Assist cities as needed with model scenarios.
C.
INCORPORATE THE FULL TWO
1.
Work with the new cities to create an understanding
of the work and role of the MPO.
2.
Revise the NARTS Agreement of Understanding and Bylaws to better accommodate all
participants.
D.
REGIONAL BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITY SYSTEM:
The NWA
Heritage Trail Plan is the adopted bicycle and pedestrian facility plan for
Northwest
1.
Staff will offer assistance to participating jurisdictions in
development of their respective
master trails plans.
2.
Staff will offer informational assistance to citizen groups formed to
promote the
Heritage Trail.
3.
Efforts will be made to promote proper signage for
the Heritage Trail.
4.
Additions to the Heritage Trail Plan will be
evaluated.
5.
An off-road regional trail plan will be evaluated.
E.
2030 NWA Regional Transportation Plan:
The Regional Transportation Plan
was adopted by the Policy Committee on April 20, 2006. Specific Plan recommendations call for
continued efforts by the MPO including but not limited to:
1.
Explore alternative funding sources.
2.
Promote Access Management concepts.
3.
Encourage and explore transportation alternatives.
4.
Continue refinement of a regional arterial network.
5.
Locate and highlight essential ROW needs and
encourage cities and counties to protect these ROW’s.
6.
Maintain regional unity toward funding large regional
projects.
7.
Pursue a study and analysis of the “Western Beltway”.
F.
CONTINUE THE TAC WORK GROUPS AND FOCUS TEAMS:
Topics
including but not limited to:
1.
ITS Regional Architecture
2.
Heritage Trail
3.
Travel Demand Modeling
4.
5.
Community Involvement
G.
ITS REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT:
The MPO will participate cooperatively with the AHTD, and the consulting firm procured by the Department, to develop the ITS Regional Architecture. Federal funds, designated for NWA Arkansas’ ITS Regional Architecture and ITS deployment projects, will be utilized. Matching funds will be utilized for Regional Architecture development as indicated in the Cost Data table. Matching funds necessary for deployment projects will be provided by state and local governments for their respective ITS initiatives, provided such projects are consistent with the developed Regional Architecture. The local ITS Focus Team will continue to meet, and will be a resource for the Architecture development effort.
H.
EVALUATE TRANSIT ALTERNATIVES FOR NW
The 2030 Regional Transportation Plan recommends
the pursuit of an analysis of the transit
needs of the region. While
funding sources are limited, efforts will be made to identify potential funding
sources for an appropriate transit development plan or some form of a transit
alternatives analysis.
I. EVALUATE THE SAFETY OF THE TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEM:
The MPO will evaluate the usefulness of TransCad to
store and display crash data.
J. SAFETEA-LU COMPLIANCE:
The 2030 NWA Regional
Transportation Plan will be evaluated and amended as needed and required by
SAFETEA-LU.
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A1. Update of
Master Street Plans as needed |
On-going |
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A2. NARTS
participation |
On-going |
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B. Transportation
Model |
September 2006 |
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C1. Involve cities
in the planning process |
On-going |
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C2. Revised NARTS
Bylaws and Agreement of Understanding |
December, 2006 |
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D. Revisions of
the Heritage Trail Plan |
On-going |
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E. |
On-going |
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F. TAC Study
Group Recommendations |
On-going |
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G. ITS Regional
Architecture |
February 2007 |
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H. Transit
Analysis |
June 2007 |
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I. Crash data
storage and display recommendations |
June 2007 |
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J. Plan Amendments
|
On-going |
COOPERATING AGENCIES:
NWARPC, AHTD, AAA of Northwest Arkansas, Razorback Transit, Ozark
Regional Transit, Inc.,Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport Authority, and local
governments.
Federal $ 94,400
Local (MPO) $ 23,600
Total $118,000
Element
Percent 30.12%
The following additional earmarked and matching funds are
available for the NW
|
Funding Type |
FEDERAL (ITS)* |
SPR * |
STATE |
LOCAL |
TOTAL |
|
Amount |
$187,500 |
$150,000 |
$35,000 |
$2,500 |
$375,000 |
*ITS
– Federal earmarked ITS funds
*SPR – State Planning and Research
400:
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
A.
Develop and approve the 2007-2010 TIP.
B.
The current TIP will be monitored and amended as
necessary
C.
An annual listing of projects for which Federal funds
have been obligated will be published.
|
A. 2007-2010 TIP |
August 2006 |
COOPERATING AGENCIES: NWARPC, AHTD, FHWA, FTA,
Razorback Transit, Ozark Transit, and Local Governments.
Federal $ 16,000
Local (MPO) $ 4,000
Total $ 20,000