NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Thursday, June 15, 2017, 9:00 A.M. NIRPC Lake Michigan Room 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN

D RA FT A G E N D A

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an

individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.

Call to Order

NIRPC Executive Board Meeting 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN May 18, 2017

Minutes

Chairman Michael Griffin called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions.

Executive Board members present included Geof Benson, Karen Freeman-Wilson, Michael Griffin, Justin Kiel, Blair Milo, Diane Noll, Ed Soliday, Greg Stinson and James Ton.

Other Commissioners present included Jan Bapst, Kevin Breitzke, Robert Carnahan, Christine Cid, Bill Emerson, Jr., Will Farrellbegg, Jack Jeralds, Jeff Larson, Tom Schmitt, Brian Snedecor, Dave Shafer and George Topoll.

Guests present included Rick Powers, Justin Mount, Lyndsay Quist, Matt Deitchley, Jon Kruger, David Wright, Bill McCall, George Van Til, Jim Nowacki, Mike Hawkins, Satya Tallamraju, Pam and Julie (Concerned Families of the West Lake Corridor Project), Jill Murr, Christopher Murphy, Joseph Crnkovich, Tom Silich, Silvia Collins, Satyah Kobetis, Nick Barbknecht, Tim Zorn and Andrew Steele. Joyce Newland participated via conference phone.

Staff present included Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Angie Hayes, Mitch Barloga, Scott Weber, Gary Evers, Eman Ibrahim, Stephen Sostaric, Meredith Stilwell, James Winters and Mary Thorne.

Michael Griffin announced that by general consent, the Technical Planning Committee report would be moved to the beginning of the agenda.

Technical Planning Committee

Kevin Breitzke reported that the Technical Planning Committee met on May 9. There are four actions for consideration. The Public Comment Report for the Air Quality Conformity, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Companion Update Amendment #4, and the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program was available in the packet. Stephen Sostaric explained the report. There were no significant comments requiring another comment period.

The first action is on Resolution 17-11, the Air Quality Conformity for the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update, Amendment #4 and FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program. Scott Weber explained the Conformity Determination which concludes that emissions will be below the motor vehicle emission budgets in the State Implementation Plan for the ozone non-attainment area. On a motion by Greg Stinson and a second by Geof Benson, the Executive Board voted to adopt Resolution 17-11 the Air Quality Conformity for the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update, Amendment #4 FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program.

Scott Weber explained Resolution 17-12, the Environmental Justice Analysis for the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update, Amendment #4 and the FY 2016-2019 Transportation Improvement Program. The analysis shows the impacts range from positive to none and do not outweigh the potential benefits of the projects. On a motion by Greg Stinson and a second by Geof Benson, the Executive Board voted to adopt Resolution 7-12, the Environmental Justice Analysis for the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update, Amendment #4 and the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program.

Mitch Barloga explained Resolution 17-13, Amendment #4 to the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update, the inclusion of two new transportation expansion projects consisting of the NICTD double tracking and West Lake Extension projects and also moving the Illiana out to 2040 and changing the southern terminus of the I-65 added travel lanes to SR 2. On a motion by Jim Ton and a second by Geof Benson, the Executive Board voted to adopt Resolution 17- 13, Amendment #4 to the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update.

Mitch Barloga explained Resolution 17-14, the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program. It consists of 650 projects including those mentioned above, with a total street value of

$1.6 billion. The Transportation Improvement Program is fiscally constrained and consistent with the state implementation plan for air quality and has been completely vetted. On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by Greg Stinson, the Executive Board voted to adopt Resolution 17- 14, the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program.

The next meeting of the Technical Planning Committee is scheduled for June 13 at 9 a.m. at NIRPC.

Approval of Minutes

Michael Griffin noted the departure and the arrival of a Commissioner, adding that there was still a quorum. The minutes of the April 20, 2017 meeting of the Full Commission were approved on a motion by Geof Benson and a second by Greg Stinson.

Report of the Chair

Michael Griffin said that the Cline Avenue Bridge resolution of support for expediency in rebuilding the bridge will be tabled until he can meet with Mayor Anthony Copeland.

Report of the Executive Director

• Ty Warner reported that the previous votes taken were historic, having adopted the largest TIP in NIRPC’s history, and appropriate as it is National Infrastructure Week.

• Today, Governor Holcomb signed HB 1144 for the NICTD double tracking and West Lake Corridor.

• The House and Senate Bills to abolish the MPO consolidation rule passed and President Donald Trump signed the bill last Friday.

• The Triennial review is in June and the Quadrennial review is in July.

• An Open House will be held here in the building on June 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• The vehicle disposition sale is in June.

• Flyers from Construction Advancement Foundation on two workshops for LPAs and contractors were available. One is on May 24 from noon to 2 p.m. on Construction Manager at Risk laws and one is on June 30 from noon to 2 p.m. on asphalt technology.

• There is a Community Crossings local road and bridge funding meeting on May 31 at the INDOT LaPorte District Office. Sessions are from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• INDOT is working on guidance for implementation of the swap provision. Michael Griffin explained the funding swap idea to allow locals to get access to funds from the state.

• Ty Warner introduced NIRPC’s HR Consultant, Mike Russell.

• Ty Warner thanked NIRPC staff for their work on the Transportation Improvement Program and coordination with NICTD.

  

  Michael Griffin commented on the significance of the transit development district for economic development and quality of place.

  Finance & Personnel Committee

  Dave Shafer reported for Karen Freeman-Wilson. The committee met this morning. There are three items for consideration. The first are budget amendments adding $14,000 in additional Lake Michigan Coastal grant funds for the Deep River Dam Study and adding $2,000 from the Shared Ethics Advisory Commission to be used for the Communication Partner Agency. On a motion by Jim Ton and a second by Diane Noll, the Executive Board voted to adopt the budget amendments.

  
  

  The second action is the Deep River Dam Study agreement between NIRPC and Flatland Resources, LLC at a contracted price not to exceed $44,780. On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by Greg Stinson, the Executive Board voted to adopt the Deep River Dam Study agreement.

  
  

  The third action is procurement recommendations for the purchase of a replacement utility vehicle for East Chicago Transit not to exceed $28,000 in federal funds and the purchase of security cameras and lighting for the City of Valparaiso not to exceed $100,000 in federal funds. On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by Diane Noll, the Executive Board voted to adopt the procurement recommendations as presented.

  
  

  Environmental Management Policy Committee

  Geof Benson said the committee discussed priorities of the President’s proposed skinny budget cutting a lot of funding to NOAA, Coastal, GLRI, EPA, etc. and submitted a request to the Legislative Committee to consider crafting an official position for NIRPC with regard to proposed federal budget priorities.

  
  

  Legislative Committee

  Blair Milo thanked the EMPC committee for their work on the skinny budget letter. There was passage of a temporary spending bill through the fall. The Legislative Committee is dialoguing with the National Association of Regional Councils as to the content of the spending bill and the ultimate federal budget.

  
  

  The Indiana General Assembly finished their session and Blair Milo thanked Ed Soliday for his outstanding leadership in having an opportunity to have a long term transportation spending plan. There is an aggressive timeline for the Community Crossing program which creates greater opportunity for local government to access funding for improvements to local roads and bridges. Ed Soliday urged locals to get their applications in. The Community Crossings program is data driven and we must first take care of current infrastructure and then build for the future. The local match can be from any source. A community must have an asset management plan. Available funds will be about $200 million per year. A county above 50,000 in population, the match is 50/50. For populations under 50,000, the match is 75/25. For populations under 10,000, the match is 75/25. The process time is under 90 days. Ed Soliday encouraged applications this year as there was $58 million left on the table last year due to a low application rate.

  
  

  Ty Warner commended Justin Kiel for developing an asset management plan for LaCrosse at his kitchen table, adding that this program is available to any size community.

  
  

  Indiana Department of Transportation

  Rick Powers asked that people register for the meetings to be held on May 31 at the LaPorte District office at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for the Community Crossings Program. There are also other district meetings being held throughout the state. INDOT is working on the swap program

  guidance document, but it will not affect FY 2018 projects. The I-65 widening project work will begin in June; be cognizant in construction areas. Blair Milo offered the use of a larger facility for the meetings on May 31 if needed. Blair Milo presented Matt Deitchley with a “Bravo-Zulu” (well- done) award for his dedication to his work and in his responses to some questions in La Porte. Several Commissioners thanked INDOT staff for all their work.

  
  

  Other Business

  Bob Carnahan noted that the April meeting was that of the Full Commission.

  
  

  Public Comment

  Jim Nowacki, Gary, discussed complete streets, sidewalks and flooding issues. Rick Powers responded that INDOT has been working with the City of Gary and the Gary Sanitary District on the water issue.

  
  

  Announcements

• Blair Milo said La Porte is hosting the Maple City Grand Prix from June 9 to June 11 on Stone Lake.

• Bob Carnahan said “16 Plus” will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow in Schererville to discuss what took place in the Legislature.

• Dave Shafer announced the National Association of Regional Councils Conference and Exhibit will be held June 4 to 7 in Monterey, California. Geof Benson is standing for president- elect. Blair Milo is on the Board of Directors and Ty Warner is on the Board of Executive Directors council. Dave Shafer is past Chair.

Adjournment

Hearing no other business, Michael Griffin adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m.

A Digital MP3 of this meeting is filed. Contact Mary Thorne at the phone or email below should you wish to receive a copy of it. DVD recordings will be available once they are received by NIRPC from the videographer.

For requests for alternate formats, please contact Mary Thorne at NIRPC at (219) 763-6060 extension 131 or at mthorne@nirpc.org. Individuals with hearing impairments may contact us through the Indiana Relay 711 service by calling 711 or (800) 743-3333.

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICY COMMITTEE

NIRPC- Lake Michigan Room May 4, 2017

Members/Guests: Geof Benson, Deb Backhus, Jennifer Gadzala, Will Farrellbegg, Michael Kuss, Tim Kingsland, Reggie Korthals, Richard Morrisroe, Natalie Johnson, George Topoll, Michelle Caldwell, Mary Tanis, Tim Zorn, Lauri Keagle, Susan MiHalo, Dorreen Carey, Jeff Loewe, Maggie Byrne, Michael Spinar, Brenda Scott-Henry, Jeff Edstrom, Kay Nelson, Nathanael Pilla

NIRPC Staff: Kathy Luther, Meredith Stilwell

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Chairman Benson called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions.

Approval of April 6, 2017 EMPC Minutes

On motion by Will Farrellbegg and second by Richard Morrisroe, the April 6, 2017 EMPC meeting minutes were unanimously approved as presented.

Presentations:

a. Minimizing Our Impact: Why Native Plants Matter – Nathanael Pilla, Save the Dunes

There are 15,000 acres within the National Lakeshore and ranks in the top 10 in species diversity, with over 1,200 species of vascular plants and over 250 bird species. In comparison, the Great Smoky Mountains is 244,000 acres and Yellowstone is 2,219,789 acres. The National Lakeshore ranks third in number of orchid species with 31. Only Everglade National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have more with 39 and 36. The habitat setup of the Lakeshore that allow for plant assemblies to thrive. There has been over a 90% decline in monarchs since 1976 and is mainly due to habitat loss. Gardening smart helps not only the butterflies, but also other species that are plant specific and if the plants are gone, there is not a food or pollinator source. Phragmites are one of the many invasive plants that is impacting the habitat and does not only shades out other plants, but also destroys habitats for reptiles. Save the Dunes has created a booklet for homeowners called Living in the Dunes which is a resource that provides a simple tool for those that want to take part in removing some of the stresses that invasive plants pose on Northwest Indiana’s natural communities.

NIRPC Business:

1. Federal Environmental Budget Cuts Survey Results – Kathy Luther, NIRPC

   Proposed budget cuts for FY 2018 were discussed at the April EMPC meeting. Based on the discussion, a survey to rank the priority of proposed budget cuts was distributed to the EMPC email list. Based on the results which did not produce a significant spread in rankings, Kathy proposed ways to narrow down top priorities. Boards reflecting the survey rankings were posted in the room. In addition, a draft memo to the Legislative Committee regarding the budget cut impacts was distributed to those present for review. Kathy noted she wanted to include in the memo that all of the categories are important and after evaluating, surveying, and discussing them the top rankings would be listed. The rankings and memo would be what is in common to the group as a whole and everyone can lobby individually as well.

   
   

   

2. Recommendation to NIRPC Legislative Committee on Federal Budget Cuts Prioritization

   After discussion, voting members of the Committee voted on the greatest impacts to the region/2040 Plan and impacts to their organization using different colored markers to denote each. Kathy will tally the results for completion of the memo to the Legislative Committee.

   
   

   Public Comment:

   
   

   Richard Morrisroe thanked NIRPC for its role with Drew Hart and the Forest Service for the 50 trees planted in Washington Park in East Chicago.

   
   

   The Town of Dyer gave out 50 trees to residents and 250 trees were planted on Arbor Day. Due to the response this year, 500 trees will be ordered next year.

   
   

   Announcements:

   
   

   • May is military appreciation month.

   • Kay Nelson reviewed Bills that came out of the session successfully.

   • Upcoming meetings and events information will be forwarded to the Committee. Meeting adjourned at 10:26 a.m.

   
   

   

   e

   
   

   Technical Planning Committee Meeting‌‌

   NIRPC Lake Michigan Room 6100 Southport Road, Portage May 9, 2017‌

   MINUTES

   
   

   

   Chairman Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self- introductions. Members present included Kevin Breitzke, George Topoll, Geof Benson, David Wright, Mark O’Dell, Tom MacLennan, Beth Shrader, Margot Sabato, Joe Rurode and Stephen Stofko. Others present included Jeff Huet, Frank Rosado, Jr., Ray Riddell, Lauri Keagle, Joe Crnkovich, Claudia Taylor, Jerry Siska, Deena Schriks, Robin Bardozi Tillman, Bruce Lindner, Mike Yacullo, Don Oliphant, Karie Kochneke, Ismail Attallah, Tom Schmitt, Chris Moore, Jake Dammarell and Andrew Steele. Joyce Newland participated via conference phone. Staff present included Kathy Luther, Gary Evers, Stephen Sostaric, Scott Weber, James Winters and Mary Thorne.

   
   

   The INDOT participation survey was available at the table in the lobby.

   
   

   The minutes of the April 11, 2016 Technical Planning Committee meeting were approved on a motion by Geof Benson and a second by Margot Sabato.

   
   

   Implementation Planning

   • Stephen Sostaric said the public comment report for the FY 2018-2021 TIP, Amendment #4 to 2040 Plan Companion Update and the Air Quality Conformity Analysis was in the packet. There were no comments warranting an extension of the comment period.

   • Scott Weber reported on the Air Quality Conformity Determination for the FY 2018-2021 TIP, Amendment #4 to 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update. On a motion by George Topoll and a second by Tom MacLennan, the committee voted to recommend the Air Quality Conformity Determination to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

   • Scott Weber reported that the Environmental Justice Analysis shows that there are no adverse impacts to the environmental justice areas. On a motion by George Topoll and a second by Mark O’Dell, the committee voted to recommend the Environmental Justice Analysis to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

   • Kathy Luther described Amendment #4 to the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update adding the NICTD double tracking project, moving the West Lake Extension project into the list of financially-constrained capacity expansion projects and scope revision for the Illiana Expressway and changing the terminus for the I-65 added travel lanes from US 30 to SR 2. On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by George Topoll, the committee voted to recommend Amendment #4 to the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Companion Update to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

     Programming

   • Gary Evers said the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program is the largest we have ever done. It consists of 650 projects with a total street value of $1.6 billion. Several projects of significance were noted. The TIP is fiscally constrained and consistent with the State implementation plan for air quality and has been completely vetted. On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by George Topoll, the Committee voted to recommend the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program to the NIRPC Board for adoption.

     
     

     

     Topical Committee Reports:

   • Kathy Luther said the Environmental Management Policy Committee heard a presentation on botany in the Dunes and reviewed the President’s skinny budget. The committee will raise the priority of environmental budget cuts to the legislators.

   • There was no report from the Ped, Pedal & Paddle Committee.

   • James Winters reported that the transit operators resolved a significant problem last month and constrained the 2017 TIP without any significant service cuts. The operators will convene following this meeting to discuss the project selection process.

   • There was no report from the Land Use Committee.

   • Stephen Sostaric said that the Rail Vision/Freight Committee will meet on June 21 at 9 a.m. to work on grade crossings and the possibility of getting assistance from Valparaiso University School of Engineering students.

   • Scott Weber said the Surface Transportation Committee met last week and discussed the Household Travel Survey coordinated jointly with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. The committee also overviewed HB 1002. Questions should be directed to Ty Warner. INDOT will be developing guidance on how the federal-state funding swap program is to be implemented. Ty Warner will be involved in working with INDOT on behalf of the MPOs to help give input on how it will be put into practice. The committee will meet again on June 6.

     
     

     Planning Partners:

   • Federal Highway Administration – Joyce Newland said the certification review is scheduled for July 18-19.

     
     

     There were no requests for public comment.

     
     

     Emerging Trends: James Winters showed a brief video from Strong Towns on the fiscal impacts of sprawl on a municipality’s budget.

     
     

     Announcements:

     • Kathy Luther announced that NIRPC is hiring two interns for an 8-12 week period. Applications for the paid positions are due by June 1.

     • South Shore Clean Cities will hold a Work Awareness workshop on May 25. The Green Drives Conference is in Naperville on May 18.

     • Great Lakes Basin Transportation recently announced a vague build program with plans for new rail, road, and air transport capacity or the Midwest region. Much more information is needed.

     • Kevin Breitzke announced the upcoming meetings and noted the office is closed on May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Now that Purdue Northwest is occupying a space in the building, the remodel is complete and an Open House will be held here on June 15 from 4

   p.m. to 6 p.m. The next Technical Planning Committee meeting will be on June 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in the Lake Michigan Room at the NIRPC office.

   
   

   

   On a motion by Geof Benson and a second by George Topoll, Kevin Breitzke adjourned the meeting at 10:05 a.m.

   
   

   A Digital MP3 of this meeting is filed. Contact Mary Thorne at the phone number or email below should you wish to receive a copy or a portion of it.

   
   

   The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.

   

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   MRPC

   Regional Planning Commission

   
   

   RESOLUTION 17-15

   
   

   A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTING THE AMENDMENT OF THE UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

   
   

   WHEREAS, the preparation of a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP} is a necessary and required part of the metropolitan area transportation planning process as specified in 23 CFR 450.314; and by its State statutory authority, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC} is charged with planning responsibility in three domains of transportation, environment and economic development; and

   
   

   WHEREAS, the work tasks described within NIRPC's UPWP for the three-county northwestern Indiana region are in conjunction with the programs of the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and significant planning projects in the region by other agencies; and

   WHEREAS, this program has been prepared for planning (PL}, and Air Quality (CMAQ} funds through the Federal Highway Administration, Section 5303 technical study funds through the Federal Transit Administration, Sections 5307 and 5323 and planning funds through the Federal Transit Administration, private foundation,and NIRPC's locally derived funds;

   WHEREAS, the work elements contained in the program respond to the transportation and air quality planning needs of Northwest Indiana and are in keeping with federal requirements found in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST} Act of 2015 and accompanying guidelines and regulations;

   
   

   WHEREAS, all regional transportation and other significant planning projects in the three-county region should be included in the UPWP;

   WHEREAS, NIRPC is amending the UPWP for fiscal year 2018 to include two new projects and amend the budget;

   
   

   WHEREAS, the first part of the amendment includes Surface Transportation Program (STP} planning funds of $201,250 that will be allocated for E-TIP software and the Household Travel Survey (HTS} Program that was approved in FY 2017;

   WHEREAS, the total fund of the E-TIP software is $45,000 and for the HTS is $156,250;

   
   

   10

   
   

   WHEREAS, the second part of the amendment includes a Transit Needs Analysis (TNA) program;

   
   

   WHEREAS, the purpose of the TNA program is to examine the state of transit service operations in northwest Indiana,primarily in Lake and Porter Counties, and make recommendations for system-wide operational efficiencies;

   WHEREAS, the scope of the program includes project selection and scoring, performance metrics, rational bases for fund allocations, and decision making processes and hierarchies, in light of budgetary realities and projections.

   WHEREAS, the third part of the amendment includes adding the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region V planning emphasis areas (PEAs) to the UPWP report for FY 2018;

   WHEREAS, the PEAs for FY 2018 includes first Implementing the National Transportation Performance Management final rulemakings and final planning regulation,and second Continuing compliance efforts for Title VI Program Management ;

   WHEREAS, the key areas of the National Transportation Performance Management are safety, freight movements, congestion management,public transit safety and state of good repair, infrastructure conditions,system reliability,and emissions;

   WHEREAS, NIRPC previously established a process for the performance based planning as well as for the Title VI program and will continue to address them to satisfy the requirements of the final rulemakings.

   NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission adopts the Unified Planning Work Program first amendment of Fiscal Years 2018.

   Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on this fifteenth day of June,2017.

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   ATIEST:

   
   

   

   Diane Noll Secretary

   Michael W. Griffin Chairperson

   
   

   
   

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   Amendment (1) to the Unified Planning Work Programs (UPWP) FYs 2018:‌

   Amendment 1 includes amendments to existing programs and it includes also budget amendments.

   Amendment 1-1:

   A STP planning program is added to the UPWP for FY 2018 with total funds of $201,250 in FY 2018 ($161,000 federal with 20% local match of 4,250). The funds are allocated for new E-TIP software and the Household Travel Survey (HTS) Program. The HTS is moved from the Short Rang Planning task to the STP Planning task. The total fund of the E-TIP software is $45,000 and 156,250 for the HTS. The following are the programs description:

   
   

   Household Travel Survey

   
   

   STAFF: SCOTT WEBER

   
   

   

   OBJECTIVE:

   The purpose of this task is to ensure that NIRPC best informs stakeholders about travel patterns using reasonably current data about origins and destinations of transportation users within NW Indiana and between NW Indiana and the greater Chicago area. Also, this would help NIRPC satistfy the requirements of the Transportation Conformity Rule to validate a Travel Demand Model no more than 10 years prior to the first year of a Conformity Determination.

   
   

   

   BACKGROUND:

   NIRPC last completed a Household Travel Survey between 2007 and 2008 jointly with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) for the entire Chicago area including the NIRPC area. Staff has processed the Household Travel Survey data from the previous effort and incorporated it into the trip generation and trip distribution methods of the current travel demand model. However, nearly 10 years have passed since this data has been available, and NIRPC is required to keep the first horizon year in air quality conformity models validated with data no older than 10 years.

   
   

   

   WORK ELEMENTS/METHODOLOGY:

   1. Work with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) on the procurement process for vendor(s) to complete the work.

   2. Ensure that the scope of work in the CMAP-led procurement process requires data to be collected on travel patterns that include a substantial number of NW Indiana households. The methodology will most likely include significant use of smart phone data but with at least a minimal amount of user confirmation.

   3. Work with CMAP on selecting potential vendor(s) that satisfy the scope of work and other requirements.

   4. Work with the selected vendor(s) to conduct a pilot study of the data collection for the region.

   5. Plan a data collection timeframe to ensure that data collection takes place before the end of Fiscal Year 2017.

      
      

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   6. Acquire post-processed and user manual-accessible data from the vendor(s)

      
      

      Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - E-TIP Software

      
      

      STAFF: GARY EVERS, AMANDA POLLARD

      
      

      
      

      

      OBJECTIVE:

      The purpose of this task is to provide the forum for making transportation investment decisions through a coordinated, participatory process, implementing the Regional Transportation Plan through development or update of a Transportation Improvement Program.

      
      

      

      PAST WORK/BASIS:

      The current 2016-2019 TIP is scheduled to be replaced by the FY 2018-2021 TIP in early 2017. This task will permit us to develop the new TIP and maintain the current TIP (via amendment and modification) as-needed, until the new TIP is approved for use by FTA and FHWA. All projects in the TIP are consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan (CRP), as amended. The CRP established policies which the TIP implements.

      NIRPC intends to develop its new TIP at the same time that INDOT is developing a new (2018-2021) STIP. Because all MPO-controlled FHWA funds for the period 2018-2021 are already selected, NIRPC intends to issue a NOFA (Notice of Fund

      Avaiilability) for new public transit projects during the final calendar quarter of 2016 or the first calendar quarter of 2017. The new TIP will be adopted in May 2017.

      NIRPC’s role with respect to Local Public Agency (LPA) federal aid construction projects continues to evolve. In addition to just maintaining a fiscally constrained list of projects in the TIP, we are actively engaged in the management and oversight of federal-aid construction projects as they advance to completion. A five-year spending plan is maintained. Progress is monitored on a quarterly basis and changes to the spending plan or TIP are made, depending upon the outcomes of the monitoring (i.e., tracking) meetings. INDOT is innvolved in this process. Financially, we are tracking the obligation of federal funds in INDOT’s accounting system, including contract change orders, to ensure that our spending does not exceed our apportionment. New for FY 2018 will be automation of the TIP Reports and Fiscal management through the procurement of TIP/Project Management software.

      NIRPC hopes to procure the same software now utilized by the Indianapolis MPO.

      Amendment 1-2

      Item 2 of the amendment includes a Transit Needs Analysis program that will be listed under the Long Range Planning task in the UPWP. A carry over will be utilized to cover the cost of hiring a consultant. The following is the program description:

      
      

      Transit Needs Analysis

      
      

      STAFF: JAMES WINTERS

      
      

      
      

      

      OBJECTIVE:

      Examine the state of transit service operations in northwest Indiana, primarily in Lake and Porter Counties, and make recommendations for system-wide operational efficiencies, including project selection and scoring, performance metrics, rational bases for fund allocations, and decision making processes and hierarchies, in light of budgetary realities and projections.

      
      

      

      PAST WORK/BASIS:

      
      

      • RBA Strategic Operations Plan (TranSystems), 2006

      • Northwest Indiana Transit Consolidation Plan (Parsons Brinckerhoff), 2009

      • 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan, 2011 & 2015

Amendment 1-3

Item 3 of the amendment includes the FHWA and FTA Region V planning emphasis areas (PEAs) for FY 2018. The following is NIRPC UPWP report amendment for the PEAs:

National Performance Management Measures:

NIRPC established a performance based planning process in 2015 with the release of MAP-21. NIRPC defined coordination in the selection of targets and linked planning and programming to performance targets. Performance based planning was incorporated in the update of the Long Range Transportation Plan portion of the (2040 CRP/RTP). The Plan included a description of the performance measures and performance targets that were used in assessing the performance of the transportation system. It also included a system performance report and subsequent updates evaluating the condition and performance of the transportation system with respect to the established performance targets.

In FY 2018, NIRPC will continue the work on the performance based planning and respond to any additional requirements of the National Transportation Performance Management final rulemakings.

NIRPC will share with INDOT the performance measures that were established by NIRPC for the 2040 Plan and the UPWP and coordinate targets. Since INDOT has an April 2017 deadline to produce targets toward the performance measures, NIRPC will have an October 2017 deadline as to whether to select or add to INDOT targets. The following are the current and upcoming NIRPC’s work in respond to the key areas that are highlighted in the new planning rule:

• Safety

  NIRPC’s safety planning work in page 93 of the UPWP for FYs 2017/2018 includes the following performance measures:

  • Crash Rate (per 1,000,000 vehicle miles traveled)

  • Traffic crashes injury rate/100,000 licensed drivers

  • Traffic crashes fatality rate/100,000 licensed drivers

  • Incident clearance response time (when available)

    In the new final planning rule a fifth measure is added for non-motorized and it will be addressed with the pervious measures.

    
    

• Freight Movements

  NIRPC’s Freight performance measures are listed in page 96 of the UPWP for FYs 2017/2018:

  
  

  • Trains per day through grade-crossings

  • Gate down time at grade-crossings

  • Number of fatal crashes involving heavy trucks

  • Vehicle classification by time of day, percent of trucks off-peak

  • Average speeds on freight significant highways

  • Average peak and off-peak travel time for trucks in freight significant corridors

  • Tonnage shipped through NWI ports, including total tons, domestic, foreign, imports, exports

  • Number of Businesses and Employment in Freight Generating Industries, including Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing, Mineral Extraction, Utilities, Transportation and Warehousing and Wholesale Trade

  • Percent of Mode Share for freight

  • Air Cargo Summary Data for Gary/Chicago International Airport: Tons Enplaned (Originating and Terminating)

  • Number of Public Highway-Grade Crossings

    
    

    Additional measures from the new rulemakings that will be added are:

  • % of Interstate System mileage meeting goal for reliability

  • % of Interstate System mileage considered uncongested

    
    

• Congestion Management

  Performance Measures NIRPC currently uses the following measures in Congestion Management:

  
  

  • Volume/Capacity (V/C) Ratio

  • % Under Speed Limit

  • Crash Rate (Crashes per million vehicle miles traveled)

  • Travel Time Index (TTI)

    NIRPC will work with INDOT in accordance with 23 CFR 490.507, 23 CFR 490.607, and 23 CFR 490.707 – on the following system measures that are also crossover into Freight:

    
    

  • Percent of Person-Miles Traveled on the Interstate System That Are Reliable (Level of Travel Time Reliability)

  • Percent of Person-Miles Traveled on the Non-Interstate NHS That Are Reliable (Level of Travel Time Reliability)

  • Percentage of the Interstate System Mileage providing for Reliable Truck Travel Times (TTTR)

  • Annual Hours of Peak-Hour Excessive Delay Per Capita

  • Percent of Non-SOV Travel

    
    

• Public Transit Performance Management Measures

  Currently, NIRPC and the transit operators are in the process of redeveloping the project selection process for transit projects to incorporate performance measures to increase safety and state –of-good repair. This will better connect the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Regional Plan to how projects are funded

  NIRPC has assisted transit operators, using transit funding, to purchase equipment to improve safety and security such as surveillance cameras in the bus yard and inside the buses with recording capabilities. NIRPC also provided funding to improve lighting, fencing, and guards services around stations.

  
  

  • Infrastructure Conditions/ Pavements

    The LPAs within the NIRPC region established pavement condition surveys and developed a database system for their roads. NIRPC will utilize this database as part of the selection criteria to fund transportation improvement projects.

    
    

  • Air Quality/ Emissions

    In 2014 NIRPC conducted an Air Quality Knowledge and Public Perception Survey to establish a baseline of what the residents of Northwest Indiana know about air quality, air quality action days, and transportation and other behavioral impacts on the air. NIRPC is repeating this study during summer months of 2017. These results will be used to establish metrics for the effectiveness of our CMAQ Air Quality Public Education programs in future years.

    
    

    In FY 2018, NIRPC will also work on tracking:

    
    

  • Emissions reductions by pollutant from CMAQ projects

  • Emissions reductions by CMAQ relative to total emissions reductions in non- attainment/maintenance area

  • Cost effectiveness of CMAQ projects

Title VI Program Management

In 2016, NIRPC hosted a successful one-day Title VI Workshop, led by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on August 30, 2016. Approximately 48 participants from Lake, Porter and La Porte communities, counties and LPA’s attended and 3 NIRPC staff. NIRPC will continue to monitor and provide technical assistance to communities /LPA’s in meeting Title VI requirements. All Title VI Technical Assistance and Training information is available on the NIRPC website. NIRPC quarterly tracks the status of LPA’s Title VI Plans. NIRPC communicates and coordinates with INDOT on status updates of LPA’s compliance with Title VI from Lake/Porter/La Porte Counties of completed/submitted plans to INDOT. Work is ongoing and NIRPC will continue to collect Title VI Plans from LPA’s and coordinate with INDOT on status.

US.Deparfmert

oflt:roportalion

fed•rol Highway

Admlnlslrotlon

Indiana Division 575 N. Pennsylvania St. Room 254

Indanapoils, N46204

317-226-7475

317-226-7341

January 30,2017

In Reply Refer To: HDA-IN

Dear Indiana MPO Directors and INDOT:

The Indiana Division Office of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration Region V (FTA) are issuing i1s annual planning emphasis areas (PEAs) for FY 2018. The PEAs will need to be addressed inthe metropolitan planning organizations' (MPOs') and the lndiana Deportment of Tr1msportatiou's (INDOT's) future work programs. TI1e pw·posc of the PEAs is to focus our efforts on implementing the final rulemak:ings for Moving Ahead fo1 Progress in 21 Century Act (MAP-21) and Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act).

The FY 2018PEAs are:

• Implementing the National Transportation Performance Management final rulemakings and final planning regulation

• Continuing compliance efforts for Title VI Program Management

As you know,FHWA and FTA published the final rule for Statewide and Nonmetropolitan TransportationPlanning; Metropolitan Transportation Planning Regulation on May 27, 2016 w!Uch updates the regulations to reflect the passage of MAP-21 and the FASTAct. Accordingly, the final rule establishes that the S1111cwidc and meliopolitan transportationplanning processes must provide for the use of a performance based approach to decision -making in support of the national goals described in23 USC 150(,b)'and the general purposes described in 49 USC 5301. INDOT, the MPOs, and the operators of public transportation must together establish targets in key national performance areas, coordinate the targets that they set for key areas, including data collection, and descnl>e the anticipated effect of their respective transportation improvement plans and programs toward achieving their targets.

The fma!planning rule has a phase-in requirement of two years from the date of the published rule (see 23 CFR 450.226 and 23 Cf'R 450.340). Prior to May 27,2018, INDOT and the MPOs may respectively adopt a long-range statewide transportation plan, Metropolitan Transportation Plans (MfPs), Statev.ide Transportation Improvement Prognun (STIP) and Transportation Improvement Prob'l'llJ11S (TlPs) using the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act:A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) requirements . On or after May 27,2018, FHWA and FTA may only approve a STIP update or amendment that has been developed

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according to the provisions and requirements of fai. s regulation, regardless of when the INDOT developed the STU'.

=

The new planning Nle add new section,23 CFR 503l4(h), that requires lhe Ml'Os, JNDOT, and the operatorsof public transportation tojointly agree and develop specific written provisions for cooperatively developing:and hmiog infomu:.tion related 1o trm.sporto.tion perfonmncc data, the selection of performance tar&ets,the reporting of performance Jargets, the reporting of performance to be used intracking the progress toward attainment of critical outcomes for the regions of the MPOs, (sec 23 CrR 4;0.31l6{d)) Md the coUcclion of dcto for the state asset

management plan for tre N•tional Highway System. INDOTnnd the MPOs decide to cith..: update their planning Memorandums of Agreements (MOAs) or S<lme other means outside of the MOAs to adhe1e w Lltl:s uc:w ruh:.

National Performa.oce Managtmeat Measures -All of the ational Performance Measures for key areas such as safety, in1hlstructure conditions, congestion, sysrem reliability, emissions, freight movment» 111s wecll JU. p11hli('. ll'('tn.i.I safety ap.d statf...of-good repair have been issued. As referenced above, the INDOT and the Ml'Os mu.t work cooperatively together to set performance measures and tu'gets. We commend INDOT and the MPOs for establishing a committee to set safety t:ars ts a'ld rttonunend ttJs format becontinued for the other perfonnance areas.

Tille \1Prog.nm Me.:no gcmc-nt - We continue our cmph03i:;; on the Title VI Program Man31l"ment When coosidering federal-aid highway funding for a local ttansportation project, the MPOs need to be able toensure the Locai Public Agencies (LPAs)complies with ttceir Title VI nondiscrim.irudion requirements. MPOs should survey local govemmcnt3 anddetcnnin< if tl1ey have a current Title VI Plan that identifies a per!Onresponsible for Title VI, Notification of Nondiscrimination,a C<Jmplaint process and steps usedtocollect ood evaluate data on Lnpacts frum 01LPA's programs <Utd prujotls. If a phm is not inplltce v.1th tile project sponsor (a city,

town. or county) >1eps mould be taken toprm<ide tcclmical assistance for tie development and implementation of such aplan. Please C<Jntact FHWA or INOOT for any training needs. Tnis will hitve the elfect of betier ensuring dl>.t programs and proje.".'ts adhere tothe principles of noridis.-.rirnination. as well as makini the MPO'snondiscrimination self-certifications accwate. The FHWA expects INDOT and theMPOs to monitor Title VI plai implementation and begin movifl& toward limiting funding 10 thoseentities that are not meeting tbeir requirements as federal-aid redpie.ots.

Ifyou have any questions, please contact eitt.er me, your F:HWA Planning and Environmental

Specialist,or s,,.,..,Weber, FTA Comm.unity Plonnet,at (312) 353-3888.

Sincerely,

Jay Ciavarella

Director, Officeof Planning & Program Devdopment

PTA Region V

ecc:

Indiana MPO Council Roy Nunnally, INDOT Larry Buckel, INDOT Susan Weber,FTA

l B

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