MCC# 96-130

GJCC# 72-96

(RESOLUTION NO. MCM 96-130)

RESOLUTION NO. 72-96

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY OF MESA AND THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION CONCERNING ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 1997 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM AND THE FISCAL YEARS 1997-2002 TRANSPORTA-TION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, The City and County have been designated by the Governor as the  Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Grand Junction/Mesa County Urbanized Area; and

WHEREAS, Part 2 of Article 1 of Title 29, Colorado Revised Statutes authorizes the parties to contract with one another to make the most efficient and effective use of their powers and responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, The City and County realize the importance of both short and long range planning in the development of an efficient transportation system, and are both aware that it is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Planning Organization to perform those planning functions; and

WHEREAS, The City and County, in their performance of those planning functions for the Urbanized Area, wish to use Federal Highway Administration transportation planning funds in coordination with the Colorado Department of Transportation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF MESA, COLORADO AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO:

That the Fiscal Year 1997 Unified Planning Work Program and the Fiscal Years 1997-2002 Transportation Improvement Program/Annual Element for the Grand Junction/Mesa County Urbanized Area, hereunto attached, was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Mesa, Colorado on August 5, 1996, and by the City Council of the City of Grand Junction, Colorado on July 17, 1996.

CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION    COUNTY OF MESA

/s/ Linda Afman     /s/ Kathryn H. Hall

President of the Council      Chairman of the Board

Grand Junction City Council      Mesa County Board of Commissioners

17th day of July, 1996        5th day of August, 1996

Attest:        Attest:

/s/ Stephanie Nye       /s/ Monika Todd

City Clerk        County Clerk

file:upjoinre.doc

FY 1997

UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM

FOR THE

GRAND JUNCTION/MESA COUNTY URBANIZED AREA

Prepared by the

Grand Junction/Mesa County

Metropolitan Planning Organization

and the

Colorado Department of Transportation,

Program Management Branch

In cooperation with the

U.S. Department of Transportation,

Federal Highway Administration

May, 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction  3

Summary of the Budget  6

UPWP Work Tasks  8

Tables

Summary of the Budget - Table 1  6

UPWP Task Costs - Table 2  8

Figures

Transportation Planning Terminology - Figure 1  2

Urbanized Area Map - Figure 2  4

MPO Local Review Process - Figure 3  5

Task Schedule - Figure 4  19

Figure 1

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING TERMINOLOGY

Air Quality Control Commission  AQCC

Annual Element  AE

Colorado Department of Transportation  CDOT

U.S. Department of Transportation  DOT

Federal-Aid Highway Program Manual  FHPM

Federal Highway Administration  FHWA

Federal Transportation Administration  FTA

Fiscal Year for the MPO  FY

Highway Planning and Research Funds  HPR

Intermodal Surface Transportation Act  ISTEA

Metropolitan Planning Organization  MPO

FHWA planning funds made available through CDOT to the MPO  PL Funds

SPR Funds

FTA funds made available through CDOT to the MPO  Section 8 & 9 Funds

State Implementation Plan  SIP

Title VI of the U.S., Civil Right Act of 1964, as amended  Title VI

Transit Development Plan  TDP

Transportation Improvement Plan  TIP

Transportation Policy Advisory Committee  TPAC

Transportation Technical Advisory Committee  TTAC

Unified Planning Work Program  UPWP

Urban Transportation Planning Process  UTPP

Vehicle Miles Traveled  VMT

INTRODUCTION

The Unified Planning Work Program describes planning tasks and personnel costs and budget funds for the Fiscal Year 1997 running from October 1, 1996 through September 30, 1997.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), composed of Grand Junction and Mesa County elected officials and staff, coordinates this planning with state officials from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Health Department who, through the Air Quality Control Commission, is charged with protecting air quality throughout Colorado. The ultimate goal of this planning process is an efficient, effective transportation system.

To further the continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative planning for the Grand Junction Urbanized Area (Fig. 2), the Federal Highway Administration provides PL funds to the MPO under the administration of the CDOT. The 1997 PL allocation is $75,212 (including $15,886 in previously unexpended PL funds). PL funds are matched at a 17.21% ratio by the MPO members. Thus, for every $100 expended by the MPO on approved tasks, $82.79 will be reimbursed by PL funds up to the budgeted amount. The MPO plans to program $75,212 of the available PL funds in FY 1997. The MPO also plans to program $19,000 of Section 8 funds, $48,000 in Section 9 funds, and $20,000 of SPR funds. These funds are matched at a 20.0% ratio by the MPO members. The MPO proposes to spend a total of $199,597, including local match, on transportation related tasks contained in the FY 1997 Unified Planning Work Program.

The CDOT, as the Contract Administrator, monitors the timely accomplishment of tasks and the reimbursement process. In addition, the CDOT actively participates in the planning process through the provision of technical services. (See Figure 3 for the MPO structure.)

The current local operational structure allows for the maximum funding to be channeled to local City and County agencies, through the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) and Transportation Policy Advisory Committee (TPAC), to provide staff and resources for completion of the various tasks. The MPO continues to shift much of the administrative activity associated with each task (development, implementation and monitoring) into the task budget itself. This allows the MPO Administrator to focus on required documents, annual certification and overall policy development for the agency and direct more dollars to actual studies and activities.

A new MPO Administrator/Planner took over in October of 1995 from the previous administrator, the County=s Director of Public Works. The new position, in the Planning & Development Dept., now performs administrative functions and works directly supporting the task elements of the FY 1997 UPWP. This office is the "single point-of-contact" between MPO agencies, state and federal officials. The technical operational agencies assume an active role in developing, implementing and monitoring the program tasks. The MPO Administrator provides technical support and performs the managerial tasks necessary for the MPO to comply with state and federal requirements. Program goals call for continued support of planning, monitoring and implementation tasks, and minimum administrative overhead. The MPO's local approach to this UPWP should accomplish those goals.

FIGURE 2

URBANIZED AREA MAP

FIGURE 3

GRAND JUNCTION / MESA COUNTY

METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

LOCAL REVIEW PROCESS

Summary of the Budget

For FY 1997 it is proposed that $199,597 be expended by the MPO on transportation planning. Of that amount $37,385 would be the required match from Grand Junction, Mesa County and other local sources. Federal Highway Administration funds, Federal Transportation Administration funds and State Planning Research funds, through the Colorado Department of Transportation, would provide $162,212 for our regional transportation planning efforts. A breakdown of these funds by task group and agency is shown below.

Table 1

FUNDING BREAKDOWN

SOURCE OF FUNDS

These amounts are further broken down in table 2 by task and agency.

Table 2

UPWP TASK COSTS

GRAND JUNCTION / MESA COUNTY MPO

UPWP Work Tasks

The major portion of this document consists of work tasks to be completed during Fiscal Year 1997 (October 1, 1996 to September 30, 1997). These work tasks are intended to monitor and implement the continuing, cooperative and comprehensive urban transportation planning process carried out by the MPO and CDOT in the Grand Junction urbanized area. The agencies with primary responsibility for completion of each task are listed in the UPWP. The UPWP is intentionally presented as an outline of primary funding sources and planning schedules. An overview of the entire planning process is contained in the Memorandum of Agreement establishing the MPO. (See Figure 3 for the MPO structure)

Figure 4 provides a summary of scheduling for all UPWP tasks. Work tasks of a continuing nature are differentiated from those with definable time frames. Modifications in task schedules are reflected in quarterly PL monitoring reports. Significant changes in schedules will be agreed to by CDOT and the MPO.

An accomplishment report for FY 1997 will be completed in October, 1997 and submitted to the CDOT.

A.  MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

The primary objective of the UPWP management activities is to provide for the on-going management of the urban transportation planning program in the Grand Junction urbanized area. Secondary objectives include coordination of planning efforts between local, regional and state agencies, and monitoring and documentation of transportation planning efforts and technical studies through locally adopted planning documents. Since the MPO and CDOT share responsibility for compliance with Federal planning guidelines, both agencies are involved in program management activities.

A.1.  Task Name:  Fiscal Year 1998 (October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998)

Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

Objective:  To perform the necessary management tasks to produce a FY98 UPWP that will include all transportation planning activities, regardless of Federal funding sources, which significantly impact the local Study Area, whether performed on a federal, state, or local level.

Methodology:  The MPO staff, with input from the local government technical staff and the CDOT, will be responsible for preparing the FY97 UPWP. The UPWP will be prepared in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements. Each task in the UPWP will be described in terms of objective, methodology, product, schedule, agency responsibility, costs and CDOT.

Product:    A Unified Planning Work Program for FY 1998.

Schedule:  A meeting to discuss planning work needs will be held in March. UPWP first draft will be completed in April, with local adoption by May 15th. The MPO Contract will be signed by the Grand Junction City Council, Mesa County Commissioners, and State of Colorado by September 30th.

Agency:    MPO Administrator.

Personnel:  Local 15 days

Costs:     $2,851 (Includes non-salary costs)    

A.2.  Task Name:  Citizen Participation.

Objective:  To encourage public involvement in transportation planning and increase awareness of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Process.

Methodology:  Citizens will actively participate in the development of policy for the MPO through the City and County Planning Commissions. Local staff will prepare information for the media and the public, hold open meetings of the TTAC, and advertise public hearing on items requiring public comment.

Products:  Press releases concerning transportation issues and an annual report. The annual report will be a brief overview of work performed by the MPO during the fiscal year. The report will be in language understandable by the general public.

Schedule:  Continuous throughout the year. Annual report in September 1997.

Agency:    MPO Administrator.

Personnel:  Local 5 days

Costs:     $1,000 (Includes non-salary costs)

A.3.  Task Name:  Program Administration.

Objective:  To effectively administer, manage, support, monitor, coordinate, control the continuing federally assisted transportation planning process for the Grand Junction urbanized area.

Methodology:  The local staff will be responsible for carrying out the following activities:

(1) Maintain the commitments included in the Memorandum of Agreement and the contracts for planning funds (PL funds and Section 8 funds); (2) Submit monitoring reports on the FY97 UPWP tasks; (3) Maintain and document expenditures and submit financial reports; (4) Support members of the decision making bodies, Transportation Policy Advisory Committee, Transportation Technical Advisory Committee and the City and County Planning Commissions in their decisions on MPO related activities; (5) To monitor significant policy activities on the federal, state and local levels that could have potential impact on MPO activities. At the direction of the MPO, represent the MPO members in federal, state, and local decision making processes; (6) Represent the MPO in the Regional Planning Organization; (7) Monitor UPWP task activities; (8) Assist in development of RFP's for UPWP study and coordinate contract management.

The Colorado Department of Transportation staff will participate in the above listed activities and, in addition, perform necessary administrative functions to assure the effective coordination and participation of other branches of State government and appropriate federal agencies in the MPO Transportation Planning Process.

Schedule:  Continuous through the year with quarterly monitoring reports (October, January, April, and July) and TTAC meetings as required.

Agency:    MPO Administration.

Personnel:  Local    28 days

Costs:    $5,602.00  (Includes non-salary costs)

A.4  Task Name:  Minutp Maintenance

Objective:  To purchase a maintenance contract to develop the capability to maintain and use the Minutp software package, and perform transportation analysis to facilitate local transportation planning.

Methodology:  MPO member agencies will use the Minutp software to analyze development proposals and scenarios and develop transportation plans that effectively recognize the transportation requirements in an area.

Product:    The product will be reports generated on an "as needed" basis to assist in transportation planning and development.

Schedule:  Continuous throughout the year. Results included in quarterly reports to CDOT.

Agency:    MPO Administration

Personnel:  Local 0 days

Costs:    $650.00 (Non-salary cost)

A.5  Task Name:  Training and Travel

Objective:  To provide training for MPO member agency personnel and increase their expertise in transportation planning and related issues. Pay for travel associated with ongoing programs.

Methodology:  Member agency staff will participate in training courses that focus on the different aspects of transportation planning. The MPO will participate in costs incurred for providing MinUTP and GIS-T training to staff members. The MPO will also participate in the Census Transportation Planning Package training.

Products:  The product of this effort will be the successful completion of training courses by selected staff members.

Schedule:  Continuous throughout the year. Progress reports furnished quarterly.

Agency:    MPO Administration

Personnel:  Local 5 days

Costs:    $5,001  (Includes non-salary costs)

A.6  Task Name:  TDP/MPO Coordination

Objective:  To provide administrative oversight of the Transportation Development Plan    (TDP) planning process, methodologies and contractual requirements on behalf    of the MPO and its member agencies. To monitor the contract with the TDP    consultant and to regularly report on progress and financial status to the TTAC    and TPAC. To coodinate on-going MPO planning and monitoring activities with    the TDP project and support the multi-modal objectives of both efforts.

Methodology:  Member agency staff will prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) in      cooperation  with a citizens advisory committee for the TDP project and      the TTAC. A consultant will be selected with input from the citizen        advisory committee. The MPO will receive monthly progress reports on      the contract’s progress from the  consultant and citizen advisory        committee. Member agency staff will assist the consultant and the TDP      advisory committee in their duties and provide local staff support to the      TDP project.

Products:    The products of this effort will be a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), a      Request for Proposals (RFP), the creation and maintenance of the TDP      Citizens Advisory Committee, regular newsletter updates, quarterly      progress reports to member agencies, participation in the TDP project      and assistance rendered to the consultant for local GIS and MinUTP      data, project support needs and public meetings and hearings scheduling      arrangements.

Schedule:    Continuous throughout the year. Progress reports furnished quarterly.

Agency:    MPO Administration

Personnel:  Local 100 days

Costs:  $31,688 (Includes non-salary costs)

B. MONITORING ACTIVITIES

The primary objective of monitoring is to provide support to transportation planning, implementation, and service activities through the collection, maintenance and analysis of certain factors indicating the condition of land use development and the existing transportation system. Data normally maintained by participating agencies will be utilized to meet reporting requirements as much as possible. A compatible data base will be utilized to the maximum extent feasible.

B. I  Task Name: Field Traffic Monitoring Systems

Objective:  Funding for monthly telephone service charges for data retrieval from

field monitoring stations.

Methodology:  Provide for automatic data retrieval via phone lines from existing and      proposed  count stations.

Product:  Continuous data stream to fulfill traffic management systems needs.

Schedule:  Monthly, October 1996 through October 1997

Agency:  City of Grand Junction & Mesa County Public Works

Costs:  City $1350.00  County $2360.00 (inc. Non-salary Expense)

B.2  Task Name: Traffic Counting

Objective:  To monitor traffic conditions at a variety of intersections and other      critical locations.

Methodology:  Engineering staff will conduct traffic counts at no less than I hour      intervals, with some specific intersection monitoring. Locations will be      coordinated with CDOT.

Product:  An on-going traffic monitoring program with the ability to produce      information on peak hour and directional flows, and developing        AADTS.

Schedule:  On-going effort, with results submitted annually.

Agency:  City of Grand Junction and Mesa County Public Works

Personnel: City 56 Days County 33 days

Costs:  City $5,000.00 County $3,000.00

B.3  Task Name: Traffic Accident Report Coordination

Objective:  To obtain and file all traffic accident information in Mesa County

within the MPO area.

Methodology:  Obtain photocopies of itemized traffic accident report from the Colorado State Patrol, and Grand Junction Police Department enter data and scan collision diagrams to computer inventory.

Product:  Computer inventory of accident information with the ability to produce location maps.

Schedule:  October 1996 through October 1997.

Agency:  City of Grand Junction and Mesa County Land Use and Transportation

Personnel:  City 26 Days County 15 Days

Costs:  City $1,557.00 County $2,010.00

B.4 Task Name:  Traffic Control Sign Inventory

Objective:  Field inventory of all traffic control signs.

Methodology:  Field inspection of all traffic control signs, confirming their location,

and re-coordinate their condition.

Product:  Updated computerized inventory, with report at activity conclusion.

Schedule:  Ongoing throughout the year.

Agency:  Mesa County Public Works

Personnel:  Local 55 days

Costs:  Local $5,000.00

B.5 Task Name: Traffic Counting Equipment

Objective:  To monitor traffic conditions at a variety of intersections and other      critical locations.

Methodology:  Engineering staff will conduct traffic counts with no less than 1-hour      intervals,  with some specific intersection monitoring. Locations        coordinated with CDOT.

Product:  An on-going traffic monitoring program with the ability to produce      information on peak hour and directional flows.

Schedule  :On-going, with results submitted annually.

Agency:  Mesa County Public Works

Costs:  Local $5,000.00

Equipment:  County 5 counters

The primary objective of purchasing traffic counters is for monitoring traffic to provide support to transportation planning, implementation, and service activities through the collection, maintenance and analysis of certain factors indicating the condition of land use development and the existing transportation system.

C.    PLANNING ACTIVITIES

The primary objective of planning activities is to support the decision-making process of the MPO through the development of studies and analyses concerning short and long-term transportation needs.

C.1.  Task Name:  Major Street Plan

Objective:  To further detail the future arterial and collector street system,on-street and off-street pedestrian and bicycle path system (including proposed multi-modal facilities from the Transportation Development Plan). Also to develop a capital improvements plan, right-of-way acquisition plan and necessary methodologies and procedures for implementing the Major Street Plan in the urban area.

Methodology:  Traffic, planning, engineering and administrative staff will work with the member agencies and CDOT during 1996-97. Policy recommendations and administrative actions will be reviewed with agency staffs. Public workshops will be conducted to review alternative actions and recommended procedures.

Product:  Detailed areas of the Major Street Plan will be developed in maps, funding charts and right-of-way/land acquisition recommendations for streets, hike/bike pathways and other alternative transportation modes for each proposal in the urban area.

Schedule:  Draft plan will be developed by May 1997, with final product due in September 1997.

Agency:  Mesa County Planning & Development

Mesa County Public Works

 City of Grand Junction Public Works

 City of Grand Junction Community Development

Personnel:  Local 200 days

Costs:  $34,453.00 (Includes non-salary costs)

C.2.  Task Name: Census Coordination and Summary.

Objective:  To continue to compile census data, and maintain Census/MPO GIS data base in a format usable by the public and local entities and to ensure more accurate data for coordinated transportation planning and modeling between the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County and the Colorado Dept. of Transportation.

Methodology:  MPO Administrator will coordinate local contact with Census officials and the State Demographer. Staff will continue to compile the census data in a summary format. Annual updates and projections will be included. Update the 1990 TIGER File to insure a more complete enumeration coverage of the 2000 Census for localities. Develop a more complete and coordinated list of addresses between the U.S. Post Office, City of Grand Junction and Mesa County. Reconcile road centerlines acquired from CDOT, the TIGER, USGS and the local E911 database and attach CDOT, TIGER and E911 attributes to the new road centerline database.

Product:  Updated TIGER file for Mesa County, including a coordinated update to the Master Address File (MAF) in association with the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Post Office and other service agencies in the area. Updated data and GIS mapping will be maintained in a summary document on CD-ROM which can be easily manipulated and printed by users. Also, the continued update and development of a computerized GIS database capable of providing the following information for the MPO area: zoning, road classifications, traffic counts, bicycle system information and census data analysis for use in the MinUTP transportation model. The focus of the product is to produce a usable analysis tool (tabular/geographic formats) to provide transportation related information, both to member agency staffs and the general public.

Schedule:  Continuous throughout the year. Quarterly reports.

Agency:  Mesa County Planning & Development

     Mesa County Information Mgmt Dept. - GIS Division

     City of Grand Junction Technical Services

Personnel:  Local 50 days

Costs:  $29,907.00 (Includes non-salary costs)

C.3  Task Name: Transportation Development Plan (TDP)

Objective:  To develop a new Transportation Development Plan for the Grand Junction/Mesa County urbanizing area.

Methodology:  Citizens and MPO member agency representatives will participate in the development of the TDP. A professional transit consulting firm will be retained to work with the MPO, member agencies, the Grand Junction City Planning Commission, the Mesa County Planning Commission and various citizen groups to coordinate needs and planning processes. Also to coordinate with CDOT Region 3 and the CDOT Transit Unit.

Products:  The product of this effort will be a document addressing the long-term and short-term transit and other alternative transport needs of the MPO area.

Schedule:  The final draft of the TDP is scheduled for completion and in May 1997.

Agency:  Mesa County Planning & Development

Personnel:  Consultant - 200 days

Costs:  $60,000 (Includes non-salary costs)

D.  IMPLEMENTATION TASKS

     Implementation activities refer to lists of capital projects adopted by the MPO which establish policy guidance on the use of transportation funds in the urbanized area of Grand Junction.

D.1.  Task Name:  Fiscal Years 1998-2003 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).

Objective:  The Fiscal Years 1998-2003 TIP will establish the capital projects in the urbanized area for which federal assistance is expected. It will contain an annual element showing specific projects to which funds have been committed.

Methodology:  MPO, City Engineering, County Engineering and CDOT District 3 staff will develop a TIP using information from existing capital improvement programs, monitoring data concerning traffic volumes, accidents, and revenue projections.

Products:  The FY 1998-2003 Transportation Improvement Plan.

Schedule:  First draft in June with local adoption by July 15th.

Agency:  MPO Administrator.

Personnel:  Local 3 days

Costs:  $650.00 (Includes non-salary costs)

E. SERVICE TASKS

     Service activities refer to assistance to local and other governmental agencies concerning transportation issues.

E.1.  Task Name:  Services.

Objective:  To provide technical data and general assistance to requesting agencies and the public.

Methodology:  Published reports or data will be supplied when available. Local MPO staff will also provide planning assistance to local or state agencies. The MPO technical library will be maintained for use by the agencies. General assistance will be provided to the public, as requested.

Products:  Inquiries answered, assistance provided.

Schedule:  Continuous.

Agency:  MPO Administration

Personnel:  Local 10 days

Costs:  $2,520.00 (Includes non-salary costs)

FIGURE 4

TASK SCHEDULE

TASKS          1996      1997                1997

OCT  NOV  DEC  JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP

A.1  FY98 UPWP    |  |  |  |  |  |  D  R  |  |  | |

A.2  CIT.PART.    **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  R

A.3  PROG ADMIN  **  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  R

A.4  MINUTP MAIN  **  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  R

A.5  TRAINING    **  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  R

A.6  TDP/MPO COOR.  **  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  R

B.1  FIELD MONT.  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  R

B.2  TRAF. COUNT  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  R

B.3  ACCIDENT RPT.  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  R

B.4  SIGN INVENTORY **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  R

B.5  COUNT EQUIP.  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  R

C.1  MAJOR ST.    **  **  **  **  **  **  **  D  **  **  **  R

C.2  CENSUS      **  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  R

C.3  TDP        R  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  **  R  **  R

D.1  FY98TIP      **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  D  R  **  **

E.1  SERVICES    **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  **  R

L E G E N D

- - -  =  TASK ACTIVITY TIME FRAME

**  =  CONTINUOUS TASK ACTIVITY

D  =    DRAFT REPORT DUE

R  =    REPORT DUE

TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN

FISCAL YEARS 1997-2002

FOR THE

GRAND JUNCTION/MESA COUNTY URBANIZED AREA

OCTOBER 1, 1996 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

PREPARED BY THE

GRAND JUNCTION/MESA COUNTY AREA

METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

IN COOPERATION WITH THE

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT BRANCH

AND THE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

May 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Figure 1 - Transportation Planning Terminology   1

Figure 2 - Urbanized Area Map   2

Introduction   3

Contents   3

Format   3

Process   4

Figure 3 - Local Review Process   5

Transportation Improvement Plan FY'S 1997-2002   6-8

Transportation Improvement Plan and Annual Element   9-17

Private Sector Documentation   18

Certification  19-21

FIGURE 1

 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING TERMINOLOGY

Air Quality Control Commission  AQCC

Annual Element   AE

Colorado Department of Transportation  CDOT

U.S. Department of Transportation   DOT

Federal-Aid Highway Program Manual   FHPM

Federal Highway Administration   FHWA

Federal Transit Administration   FTA

Fiscal Year for the MPO   FY

Highway Planning and Research Funds   HPR

Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act   ISTEA

Metropolitan Planning Organization   MPO

FHWA planning funds made available through CDOT to the MPO   PL Funds

FTA funds made available through CDOT to the MPO   Section 8 Funds

Section 9 Funds

State Implementation Plan   SIP

Surface Transportation Program   STP

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended   Title VI

Transit Development Plan   TDP

Transportation Improvement Plan   TIP

Transportation Policy Advisory Committee   TPAC

Transportation Technical Advisory Committee   TTAC

Unified Planning Work Program   UPWP

Urban Transportation Planning Process   UTPP

Vehicle Miles Traveled   VMT

FIGURE 2

URBANIZED AREA MAP

Palisade

INTRODUCTION

The Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) is a six-year capital improvement program for the urbanized area of Grand Junction and Mesa County (See Map). The plan's purpose is to carry out continuing, comprehensive and cooperative transportation planning by:

C  Coordinating projects in the urbanized area initiated by individual City, County and State agencies.

C  Defining the costs of these projects and the available financial resources.

C  Prioritizing the projects to make the best use of available resources.

The TIP not only serves the needs of the people of the area for an efficient transportation system, but also satisfies regulations jointly issued by the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), regarding the content and purpose of the program. An approved plan is necessary to maintain the federal funding for highways and streets within the planning area, and for federal assistance on transit programs. It is developed by the Grand Junction/Mesa County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

CONTENTS

The plan shall contain all federally funded transportation projects in the urbanized area initiated by Mesa County, Grand Junction or by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). It is necessary to include operating and/or capital grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) FTA to agencies (public or private) in the urbanized area.

Only projects within the Federal Aid Urban Boundary are eligible for Federal aid. The Federal Aid Urban Boundary is defined by the urban area boundary illustrated in Figure 1, and is made up of those streets which are not urban extensions of primary highways such as U.S. 50.

In 1985 the City and the County went to a two year cycle in the sharing of urban system funds. This allows the money to be used more effectively on larger projects. Annual adjustments of funds were made as required with input from the City, County and CDOT. Beginning in 1992, the City and County began to apply for these funds jointly and coordinate their planned improvements in such a way as to maximize the efficiency of the funds expended.

For informational purposes, projects locally funded and of regional significance may be included so that improvements to the total urbanized area transportation system can be considered.

FORMAT

Format for the TIP is specified by federal and state requirements. Projects are broken out by:

1. Funding Source - (STP, FTA, etc.)

2.  Priority - The projects are listed by priority in the first year of the program. The first year is the only year  in which commitments are made. This year is frequently called the annual element.

Each project must identify the location, description, responsible agency, general purpose, whether the project has received or will receive federal/state funding beyond the program period, and the breakdown of funding by year and source. This format is standardized by the CDOT for all urbanized areas.

Location, description, and responsible agency are self-explanatory. The general purpose relates to whether the project furthers goals of the long-range plan or the Transportation System Management Element, which emphasizes solution of short-term needs by relatively low capital intensive means (i.e. signal timing to increase traffic flow). Other purposes may be safety related. An example might be "for relief of traffic congestion and implementation of adopted plan".

PROCESS

The projects in the plan were proposed for inclusion by the implementing agencies. Projects will be considered by members of the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC), composed of representatives from all public agencies involved in construction or operation of transportation systems in the Grand Junction Urbanized area. The first year, the portion of the plan to which financial commitments are made, is discussed with elected officials to assure that matching funds will be included in the local agency budgets.

After review of the plan, the TIP is forwarded to the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee (TPAC), composed of local representatives from the Grand Junction City Council, the Mesa County Board of Commissioners, the State Transportation Commission and the State Air Quality Control Commission. The TPAC may refer the plan back to the TTAC or endorse the program and place it before the Mesa County Commissioners and the Grand Junction City Council for their approval. The Council and the County Commission will approve the plan or refer it back to the TPAC for consideration. A copy of the final document is sent to the State Clearinghouse for review and approval.

The plan is sent to the Governor for his approval, and then forwarded to the Federal Highway Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for concurrence and/or comments. The FTA Region VII office in Denver, Colorado is also copied with the approved document.

Amendments to the TIP involve major changes in the costs of projects or the addition or deletion of projects. These are approved in the same manner as the program. Flexibility is required to allow for construction cost changes or unforeseen difficulties. An "Urban Transportation Planning Process Certification" is part of the TIP. This document is a brief certification between the CDOT and the MPO that work is, or is not, being completed in a satisfactory manner.

Figure 3

 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND ANNUAL ELEMENT

 FY'S 1997-2002

BRIDGES

Location:  City of Grand Junction, Colorado

Project Description:  Replacement of a functionally obsolete bridge - Grand Avenue over Indian Wash

Responsible Government:  City of Grand Junction

Past Funding:    N  Future Funding:  N  Long Range:  Y  TSM:    

Location:  City of Grand Junction, Colorado

Project Description:  SH 50 Viaduct Replacement

Responsible Government:  State of Colorado

Past Funding:  Y    Future Funding:  N  Long Range: Y  TSM:

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Clifton overpass replacement

Responsible Government:    State of Colorado

Past Funding:  N    Future Funding:  N  Long Range: Y  TSM

URBAN

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:   Construction of corridor and safety improvements to the North-South Corridor.

Responsible Government:  City of Grand Junction

Mesa County

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    Y    Long Range:  Y    TSM:    

Location:  Grand Junction/Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Construction of corridor and safety improvements along Unaweep Avenue

Responsible Governments:    City of Grand Junction

Mesa County

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:    Y  TSM:    

Location:  Grand Junction/Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Construction of corridor and safety improvements along 24 Road

Responsible Governments:    Mesa County

City of Grand Junction

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:    Y  TSM:    

ENHANCEMENT FUNDS

Location:  City of Grand Junction, Colorado

Project Description:  Construction of a trail connecting the 7th Street Corridor to the Horizon Drive Corridor

Responsible Government:    City of Grand Junction

Past Funding:  N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:    Y    TSM:    

Location:  Town of Palisade, Colorado

Project Description:  Construction of an attached pathway along First Street in Palisade, Colorado

Responsible Government:    Town of Palisade

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:    Y    TSM:    

Location:  City of Grand Junction, Colorado

Project Description:  Construction of a detached pathway along 24 Road to new regional park.

Responsible Government:    City of Grand Junction

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:    Y    TSM:    

Location:  City of Grand Junction, Colorado

Project Description:  Construction of a trail connecting the Horizon Drive Trail to 1st Street

Responsible Government:    City of Grand Junction

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:    Y    TSM:    

Location:  City of Fruita, Colorado

Project Description:  Construction of a hike & bike pathway along State Highway 6 & 50

Responsible Government:    City of Fruita

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:    Y    TSM:    

ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Major Widening of Highway 50 southeast of Grand Junction

Responsible Government:    State of Colorado

Past Funding:    Y    Future Funding:    Y    Long Range:    Y      TSM:    

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Intersection improvements at 22 2 Road and SH 340 - Redlands Area

Responsible Government:    State of Colorado

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:  Y    TSM:    

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Minor widening of Redlands Parkway to 1st Street

Responsible Government:  State of Colorado

Past Funding:    N    Future Funding:    N    Long Range:  Y    TSM:    Y

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FUNDS

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Operating assistance for transit services.  Project utilizes FTA 49 USC #5307 (formerly Section 9 funds).

Responsible Government:    Mesa County

Past Funding:    Y      Future Funding:    Y      Long Range:  Y  TSM:  

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Capital acquisition for 1997 is taken from the amended 1993/97 TDP.

Project utilizes FTA 49 USC #5307 (formerly Section 9 funds).

(*Denotes replacement vehicle)

This plan includes replacement of existing transit vehicles, capital maintenance, and purchase of other capital items proposed in the amended 1993/97 TDP.

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Associated capital maintenance for transit services.  Project utilizes FTA 49 USC #5307 (formerly Section 9 funds).

Responsible Government:    Mesa County

Past Funding:    Y      Future Funding:    Y      Long Range:    Y  

Location:  Mesa County, Colorado

Project Description:  Five year Transportation Development Plan (TDP) for years 1998-2002.

Project utilizes FTA 49 USC #5307 (formerly Section 9 funds).

Responsible Government:    Mesa County

Past Funding:  Y      Future Funding:      Y    Long Range  :  Y

PRIVATE SECTOR DOCUMENTATION - UMTA CIRCULAR C 7005.1

The Grand Junction/Mesa County Urbanized Area has formally adopted policies for the involvement of the private transportation providers. A joint resolution and policy was adopted by the Mesa County Board of Commissioners on June 2, 1987, and by the Grand Junction City Council on June 3, 1987. The resolution is on file in the MPO Administrator's office.

Currently, Mesa County contracts for 100% of its transportation services with a private operator who has expressed an interest in providing transit service for the urbanized area. This operator is directly involved in the planning process through Mesa County and the local transportation coalition, of which Mesa County is a member.

The coalition meets monthly and is open to members and the public in general. Any private provider can use this forum to propose contracting opportunities, make suggestions for service, or make complaints.

Proposals on new or expanded service will be evaluated throughout the year. Opportunity for input, on this TIP, from private enterprise was provided. A legal notice was placed in the area newspaper soliciting input and/or comments. No comments were received during FY 1995 (or ALL input was considered and/or addressed in the approved TIP/AE document).

There are currently no known impediments to contracting services for Mesa County. Mesa County is committed to using the private sector to its fullest economic capability.

The private sector policy, as submitted to FTA, sets forth procedures to resolve complaints or conflicts with regard to proposals, contracting, or involvement of the private sector in transit services. There were no complaints submitted during FY 1995 and none to date during FY 1996.

Proposals and bids, from the private sector, are evaluated on a "true cost" basis when comparing them to the public sector. Currently, Mesa County contracts out 100% of its transit services to the private sector.

CERTIFICATION

URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS

GRAND JUNCTION/MESA COUNTY URBANIZED AREA

AUGUST, 1993

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) have amended 23 CFR Part 450 and 49 CFR Part 613, relative to urban transportation planning. This revision, effective August 1, 1983, is intended to: (1) increase flexibility at the State and local level; (2) reduce red tape and simplify administration of the planning process; and (3) shift certain responsibilities from the Federal to the State and local level, while maintaining an appropriate Federal oversight role.

The most recent certification covering the "3C" Continuing, Cooperative, and Comprehensive Transportation Planning process in the Grand Junction/Mesa County Urbanized Area, the process was approved by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration. There were no conditions placed on the area.

This certification of the Grand Junction/Mesa County urban transportation planning process assures that activities support the development and implementation of a Transportation Development Plan (TDP), Transportation Improvement Plan/Annual Element (TIP/AE), and subsequent project development activities, including the environmental impact assessment process. These activities are included in the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) to the degree appropriate for the size of this urbanized area, and the complexity of its transportation problems. In addition, the planning process is consistent with the involvement of appropriate public and private transportation providers, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and special efforts to plan public mass transportation facilities and services that can effectively be utilized by elderly and handicapped persons. A Minority Business Enterprise Plan does not exist for the MPO. It is understood by the MPO it must follow MBE guidelines and provide for maximum opportunity for minority business participation on any contracting opportunities.

The State and the MPO certify that the planning process is being carried on in compliance with applicable requirements of 23 CFR Part 450, 49 CFR Part 613, and Section 174 and 176(c) and (d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7504, 7506(c) and (d)).

The above certification statement is a preface to the following specific comments concerning:

A.  FTA Transportation Development Plan

B.  Transportation Improvement Plan/Annual Element (TIP/AE)

C.  Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)

D.  Major Technical Activities since last Certification

E.  Specific Recommendations for Improvements

F.  Conditions on the Area

A.  FTA TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The County engaged a transportation consultant to perform a Transportation Development Plan detailing the existing transit program, projected growth, and current problems. The report prepared by the consultant detailed present and future alternatives for providing service, and cost projections. The report was amended in May, 1994 to address continuation of the local transit program. The TDP covers fiscal years 1993-1997.

B.  TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN/ANNUAL ELEMENT

The Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) is a product of the continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3C) transportation planning process, carried out in the Grand Junction/Mesa County, Colorado Urbanized Area. The time period for the current TIP is October 1, 1993 through September 30, 1998. The geographic area covered by this TIP is the Grand Junction/Mesa County Urbanized Area. All projects contained in this TIP have been found to be consistent with applicable portions of the current Colorado State Implementation Plan (SIP). Projects for Elderly and Handicapped Transportation will be taken from the Mesa County Transportation Development Plan: 1993-1997 and any updates.

C.  UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM

The City Council of Grand Junction and the Mesa County Board of Commissioners are the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Grand Junction/Mesa County Urbanized Area. Responsibility for carrying out the "3C" transportation planning process rests jointly with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the MPO as described in the current Memorandum of Agreement. A contract was executed between the State of Colorado for the use and benefit of the State Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning and the Grand Junction/ Mesa County MPO in October, 1995. The contract was based on the FY 1996 UPWP, which was approved through the 3C planning process and addresses the planning needs in the Grand Junction/Mesa County Urbanized Area.

D.  MAJOR TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES SINCE LAST CERTIFICATION

The major technical activities of the Grand Junction/Mesa County MPO during FY 1995 included:

* Various traffic counting activities.

* Development of 1990 Census Product for public distribution.

* Preparation/distribution of materials for public information.

* Efforts to comply with Title VI requirements.

* Preparation of the FY 96 Unified Planning Work Program.

* Preparation of the FY's 1995-2000 Transportation Improvement Plan and Annual Element.

* Completed the "2015" planning process (SWIFT)

E.  SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

None.

F.  CONDITIONS ON THE AREA

None.

The above certification and comments have been reviewed and jointly agreed to by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Grand Junction/Mesa County MPO.

Approved as part of the FY's 1997-2002 Transportation Improvement Plan by the Mesa County Board of Commissioners on the ________day of _____________,1996, and by the Grand Junction City Council on the _______day of ____________,1996. (Joint resolution attached)

Approved as part of the FY's 1997-2002 Transportation Improvement Plan by the Colorado State Transportation Commission on the __________ day of ___________________, 1996.