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Ann Arbor to Downtown Detroit rapid transit analysis presented: Public meetings scheduled The technical analysis for the Ann Arbor to Downtown Detroit rapid transit study is complete and was presented to the project's steering committee by SEMCOG and its consultant. The results of the analysis of ridership and cost for the five alternative service concepts along the corridor are:
Three meetings with the public have been scheduled to present the results of the analysis:
The analysis was conducted under strict Federal Transit Administration (FTA) modeling standards to ensure credibility of the results and the ability to compete for federal capital funding. While FTA's approach focuses on likely riders, SEMCOG notes that it has been a challenge to predict ridership for rapid transit when we currently do not have that level of service in our region. It was noted that there is fierce competition for FTA "New Starts" funds:
SEMCOG discussed several next steps beyond the technical analysis to seek a desirable transit solution in this corridor. The discussion focused on exploring low-cost options to attracting increased ridership, including:
In addition, these next steps will be taken:
Contact: Carmine Palombo, SEMCOG Director of Transportation Programs. TIP amendments announced The public is invited to comment on projects being considered for amendment to the FY 2006-2008 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a short-range planning tool used to implement the goals, objectives, and projects of the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan. Projects must appear in the TIP in order to receive federal transportation funding. The amendment adds 47 projects to the TIP and removes 12 projects. The net cost of projects being added is $85.4 million, funded from federal, state, and local transportation agencies. Of the 47 projects being amended to the TIP, four were already in the approved TIP but have changes in scope; 15 provide funding for 17.3 miles of roadway preservation; 11 rehabilitate or replace 34 additional bridges; seven address safety and traffic operations; four are studies; three increase the capacity of the road network; two make enhancements to the roadside; and one improves a nonmotorized corridor. Projects in a TIP amendment must undergo the same scrutiny as original projects — an air quality conformity analysis, an environmental justice review, and a public comment process (details are available from SEMCOG). The TIP as amended, estimates $2.8 billion in expenditures. A complete list of all projects, including amendment, is available from SEMCOG Information Services or on www.semcog.org. Comments on projects should be mailed, phoned, or faxed to SEMCOG Information Services; contact information is available in the box below. Address e-mail comments to infoservices@semcog.org. Comments can be made in person at the following meetings, all held at SEMCOG offices:
Contact: SEMCOG Information Services. SEMCOG University on obtaining federal-aid highway funds will be held on December 5 SEMCOG along with the Michigan Department of Transportation are teaming up to educate local government representatives and their consultants about the process for obtaining federal-aid highway funds for projects that will improve their local street and road system. SEMCOG University will present Navigating Your Way Through the Federal-Aid Highway Project Process on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, from 9 a.m.- noon (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) in SEMCOG’s Buhl Building office in downtown Detroit. Federal and state law and policy guide the distribution of the funds to improve our transportation system. With our needs far exceeding available funds, a complete understanding of these requirements is an absolute necessity to avoid major delays that can result in loss of project funding. This workshop will improve understanding of a complex and lengthy funding process. This SEMCOG University workshop is free-of-charge. Seating is limited and preference will be given to local governments who currently have projects in the FY 2006-2008 Transportation Improvement Program. You are encouraged to reserve a spot by Tuesday, November 28, 2006. Contact: Sally Walt, SEMCOG Transportation Administrative Assistant, to RSVP. You can register online at www.semcog.org; the link to the workshop is under Planning Issues on the home page. SEMPeople Congratulations to Jack La Belle, long-time member of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners, who was appointed to represent the county on the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Board.
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