NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Thursday, April 18, 2019, 9:00 A.M.

NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN

Annotated Agenda

1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Diane Noll, Chair

2.0 Public Comment

Members of the audience who have signed up to comment on agenda items will be recognized by the Chair.

Time is limited to 3 minutes per commenter. Commenters must sign up on the blue form prior to the start of the meeting.

3.0 Approval of the Minutes of the March 21, 2019 Executive Board Meeting Pages 1-3

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

1. Technical Planning Committee – Kevin Breitzke Pages 10-137

2. FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #2

   1. Public Comment Report on FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #2 Pages 12-13

      Staff will present on public comments received for amendment #2 of the 2019-2020 UPWP

      ACTION REQUESTED: Informational

   2. Resolution 19-14, FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program

   Amendment #2 Pages 14-109

   Staff will present on Resolution 19-14, Amendment #2 to the FY 2019-2020 UPWP

   ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

3. FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement ProgramTransportation Improvement Program Amendment #21

   1. Public Comment Report on FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement

      Program Amendment #21 Page 110

      Staff will present on public comments received for Amendment #21 to the FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program

      ACTION REQUESTED: Informational

   2. Resolution 19-15, FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program

   Amendment #21 Pages 111-137

   Staff will present Resolution 19-15, FY 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment #21.

   ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

4. NWI 2050 Plan Presentation

ACTION REQUESTED: Informational

8.0 INDOT, Rick Powers, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner

9.0 Other Business

10.0 Announcements

11.0 Adjournment

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.

NIRPC Executive Board Meeting 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN March 21, 2019

Minutes

Call to Order - Chairperson Diane Noll called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

Executive Board Members present included Geof Benson, Karen Freeman-Wilson, Justin Kiel, Tom McDermott, Jr., Diane Noll, James Ton and George Topoll.

Other Commissioners present included Jeannette Bapst, Kevin Breitzke, Charlie Brown, Robert Carnahan, Bill Emerson, Jr., Don Ensign, Will Farrellbegg, Steve Kramer and Tom Schmitt.

Guests present included Justin Mount, Rick Powers, Terry Velligan, Zully Alvarado, John Kruger, Amy Stanley, Lisa Shrader, David Wright, Jake Dammarell, Christopher Murphy, Tim Werner, Tim Zorn and Andrew Steele.

Staff present included Dave Hollenbeck, Ty Warner, Daria Sztaba, Talaya Jones, Mitch Barloga, Lisa Todd, Dominique Edwards, and Mary Thorne.

Public Comments –

There were no comments from the public.

New Appointments – Dave Hollenbeck announced the appointments to the Commission of Blake Jefferson, Councilman from the Town of Kouts and Mayor John Cannon from the City of Portage.

Minutes – The minutes of the February 21, 2019 Executive Board meeting were approved on a motion by Jim Ton and a second by George Topoll.

Report of the Chair – Diane Noll

Diane. Noll reported that an article in the Times stated that nine Northwest Indiana communities were in the top 20 safest communities in Indiana in a report by SafeWise. St. John was the safest community, Dyer was third, followed by Crown Point at fourth, Chesterton seventh, Munster at ninth, Valparaiso at 14th, Griffith at 15th, Highland at 16th and Hobart at 20th.

Report of the Executive Director – Ty Warner

Mr. Warner reported on the second Rail Crossing Task Force meeting. At the meeting, staff presented on their research regarding crossing locations and associated land uses, a third party reported on his own findings at select crossings and Dave Hollenbeck reported on procedural issues for recourse. Tom McDermott added that Sen. Carolyn Jackson’s bill didn’t even get a hearing. The consensus was that we must lobby Congress to change the laws. Karen Freeman-Wilson indicated that this was an issue being discussed by the League of Cities, and Ty Warner added that The National Association of Regional Councils is also engaged with the issue. The National Association of Railroad Safety Engineers passed a resolution and the issue is also being discussed in Virginia.

Mitch Barloga offered that there was also a discussion of rail issues at a conference he attended last week in Arkansas on collaboration of regional trail initiatives. In response to a suggestion of Charlie Brown, Dave Hollenbeck will look at crafting a resolution for the Commission. The Task Force will meet again on May 29 at 1:30 p.m. at NIRPC.

Ty Warner gave a brief summary of the federal requirements for the plan update process and announced the draft NWI 2050 Plan will be going out for public comment from April 1-April 30. He showcased a half-page flyer listing the four Open Houses to be held the last full week in April in Hammond, Gary, Michigan City and Valparaiso. All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. Transit options are also shown on the flyer. Mr. Warner urged those present to attend and to share the half-pager among their own networks in an effort to help get the word out. NIRPC is putting this on all its social media channels as well. In order to meet Federal adoption deadlines, NIRPC anticipates adoption of the plan at the May Full Commission meeting.

Jim Ton commended Mr. Warner for his commentary in the recent NWI Times Progress Edition about roots, regionalism, and working together for the good of Northwest Indiana.

Finance & Personnel Committee – Justin Kiel

Justin Kiel said the committee met this morning to review the financial status, reconciliation of expenses, and approve the claims register. There were two actions recommended by the Committee and requested of the Board today.

Daria Sztaba explained Resolution 19-13, Amendment #1B to the FY 19-20 Unified Planning Work Program for the Household Travel Survey in the amount of $115,252 in PL funds with a 20% match. On a motion by Jim Ton and a second by Tom McDermott, the Executive Board voted to adopt Resolution 19-13, Amendment #1B to the FY 19-20 Unified Planning Work Program as presented.

Lisa Todd explained Procurement #18-26 for a new IT service contract which will bundle IT services, phone services and copier lease and print services in an amount not to exceed $60,000. On a motion by Justin Kiel and a second by George Topoll, the Executive Board voted to approve Procurement

#18-26 for a new IT service contract.

Technical Planning Committee – Kevin Breitzke

Kevin Breitzke reported that the Technical Planning Committee met on March 12 and heard staff presentations on the Performance-based Planning Framework and draft strategies. Both will be included in the draft NWI 2050 Plan. Staff also presented on the draft 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The framework, strategies and TIP will go out for public comment on April 1.

There is one action today for the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for the Engineering Services for Mutual Benefit Connected with a Federal and Bike Trail. Mitch Barloga explained the agreement for new signage for the Erie Lackawanna and the Prairie Duneland Trail. On a motion by Tom McDermott and a second by Jim Ton, the Executive Board voted to approve the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for the Engineering Services for Mutual Benefit Connected with a Federal

and Bike Trail. Ty Warner said this action ratifies the 2016 agreement. The next Technical Planning Committee meeting will be on April 9 at 10 a.m. at NIRPC.

Outreach Committee - Just Kiel

Justin Kiel said the Committee met on March 16 and worked to update the Public Participation Plan and improved outreach. He also highlighted the open houses for NWI 2050. The committee will meet again on May 8 at 10 a.m. at NIRPC.

Legislative Committee – Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown thanked Tom McDermott for nominating him as Chair of the committee. Ty Warner said that the resolutions approved by the Board regarding Senate Bill 83, House Bill 1090, NIRPC’s increase in appropriations, and funding for an erosion control were all transmitted to the delegation immediately after the last meeting. Conversations are being held on moving the appropriations request forward. Charlie Brown added that it would be very beneficial for communities on the Commission to contact their legislators as constituents and offering assistance. Bob Carnahan said the Lake County Solid Waste bill had been defeated.

Indiana Department of Transportation - Rick Powers

Rick Powers reported he has no information on the Community Crossings grant results. He asked for patience as construction season is beginning and the barrels are on the way. There is an $18 million investment in the NIRPC region. He also reminded the Commission of the new mapping tool, www.nextlevelroads.com.

Other Business -

• Tom McDermott said the Erie Lackawanna trail at Calumet in Hammond is shut down until November due to a bridge project.

• Bob Carnahan commented on the importance of participating in the 2020 Census to avoid loss in funding or representation in Congress. There is a presentation at Schererville Town Hall.

• Bill Emerson, Jr. said the Environmental Management Policy Committee will meet on April 4 at 9

  a.m. at NIRPC. He is looking to get more industrial partners to attend.

  
  

  Announcements –

• Bob Carnahan said the Cedar Lake Chamber will hold a business expo on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm at Hanover School Corp. with a lot of giveaways and vendors.

  
  

  Adjournment –

  Hearing no other business, Diane Noll adjourned the meeting at 9:50 a.m. The Executive Board will meet on April 18, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at NIRPC.

  
  

  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.

  
  

  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.

  NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

  FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

  February 21, 2019

  NIRPC Dune Room, Portage, Indiana

  
  

  Commissioners: Justin Kiel, George Topoll, Dave Shafer, Jane Jordan, Richard Hardaway, Diane Noll and Bob Carnahan.

  NIRPC staff and others: Dave Hardaway, Daria Sztaba, Kathy Luther, Talaya Jones, Glenn Wells, Lisa Todd, Meredith Stilwell and Candice Eklund.

  
  

  Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chairman Justin Kiel called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

  Approval of Minutes

  The minutes of the January 17, 2019 meeting were approved without exception on motion by Justin Kiel and second by Dave Shafer.

  
  

  Review of Financial Status – January 2019

  1. Daria Sztaba presented the January bank account reconciliations for the NIRPC general fund, the LaPorte County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and the Sequestered Revolving Loan Fund. There was an adjustment in the general fund due to an underpayment of $0.60 made to an employee for travel reimbursement. NIRPC issued a $30,000 loan from the Revolving Loan Fund to the Heston Supper Club restaurant in La Porte, Indiana

     
     

  2. Daria Sztaba presented the Budget to Actual Expenditures Report and the YTD January Expenses by Category, for January 1 through January 31, 2019. The general fund expenditures for the occupancy, capital outlays and contractual line items were within or under budget. Daria discussed the salaries line item being 4% over budget due to the vacation pay-off for the KRBC Executive Director who retired in December 2018. Justin Kiel inquired if NIRPC would be reimbursed for the vacation pay-off. Kathy Luther stated NIRPC would not be reimbursed as the position was a NIRPC employee receiving NIRPC benefits. The fringe benefits line item is currently under budget but incurred additional FICA and PERF contribution expenses as a result of the KRBC Executive Director retiring. The maintenance line item, for copier leasing and computer services, is currently $4,915 over budget. The new IT vendor was paid $3,500 to complete an audit of NIRPC’s servers and computers in addition to requiring a retainer of $1,000 for any additional services that may be necessary. The departmental line item for transportation is currently 7% over budget due to required staff training for the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Planning position. This training will provide the gathering, managing and analyzation of mapping and data collections necessary for the agency. Total general fund expenditures are under budget by

     $39,675.

     
     

  3. Daria Sztaba presented a graph representing revenue YTD as of January 2019. Daria noted federal and state agency payments will not be received until April 2019 because billing is generated on a quarterly basis. The first three months of data will only reflect interest earned and local agency payments.

  Approval of Claims Register – January 2019

  Daria Sztaba presented the January 2019 claims register. Total claims paid in January were

  $553,412.69. Daria referenced the loan payout to the Heston Super Club for $30,000. There were also Public Mass Transportation Funds (PMTF) payments made to the subrecipients in the 3rd quarter of 2018 totaling $131,532. On motion by George Topoll and second by Dave Shafer, the committee approved the claims register for January.

  
  

  Budget Amendment 1-2

  
  

  Daria Sztaba presented the budget amendment to reduce existing sub-contract by and add new funds of $21,825 to the 2019 Revenue budget. NIRPC received a sub-contract for the amount of $70,000 from the Great Lakes Commission to assume the responsibilities under an existing

  1. Fish and Wildlife grant for the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) contract, originally budgeted for $87,300, resulted in reduction of $17,300. The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC), is for the same cause and will be received in July 2019, as a result of this contract $21,825 was added to the FY 2019 revenue budget. It resulted in a net change in revenue of $4,525 and the same amount was added to the communication expense environmental programs. On motion by George Topoll and second by Diane Noll, the committee approved the additional funds for the amendment.

     
     

     Adjournment

     There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:54 a.m.

     
     

     

     NIRPC PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT POLICY 4-18-2019

     
     

     Policy Statement: It is the policy of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) that NIRPC Staff Team Leaders are in the best position to determine what goods and services they need to accomplish the work product required of their grants and programs. Purchasing and Procurement should be conducted in the most efficient and cost-effective method allowable that meets the agency goals outlined below. Procedures and processes are meant to support the Team Leaders ability to get products and services they need in a timely and cost-effective manner, while ensuring that financial, internal control, legal and regulatory requirements, and agency goals are met.

     
     

     Purpose and Goal of the Policy:

     The purpose of the Purchasing and Procurement Policy is to provide a decision-making framework that enables departments and program staff to participate in procurements. The policy also supports identification of the most appropriate procurement methods and procedures to apply to obtaining goods and services for the agency. The purpose of this policy is to enable NIRPC staff to conduct purchasing and procurement activities in the most efficient and cost-effective manner that meets agency goals, program needs, and is compliant with all applicable federal and state requirements.

     
     

     Goals:

     • Conduct business in a cost-effective, efficient and timely manner

     • Procure competitively priced high-quality goods and services from vendors that are responsive and responsible

     • Protect the interests of NIRPC

     • Ensure legal compliance with laws and regulations

     • Provide and fair and open climate for bidders and suppliers

     • Document the procurement process for grant and audit compliance

     • Maintain ethical business standards, financial responsibility, civic accountability, and public transparency

       
       

       Scope:

       This policy will apply generally to all goods and services purchased with funds for which NIRPC is responsible.

       
       

       MICRO PURCHASES – Less Than or Equal to $3,000

       • When the purchase is less than or equal to $3,000 in the aggregate

       • Micro purchases are exempt from the requirement to obtain a minimum of three (3) competitive quotes or to process a sole source justification

       • All purchases of supplies, equipment, and contractual services may be made from the lowest and most responsive and responsible bidder or supplier obtained in accordance with the informal purchasing procedures for micro purchases

       • Qualified bidders and suppliers should receive an equitable distribution of the awards

       • Fair and reasonable price determination will be used to justify purchases

       • All purchases made under this section shall have funds available in the approved budget, the prior approval of the Executive Director or designated appointee and a Purchase Order or Contract processed by the Finance Department

       • Award/Contract - approval by Executive Director or designated appointee

  NIRPC PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT POLICY 4-18-2019 Page 2

  
  

  SMALL PURCHASES – More than $3,000 TO Less Than or Equal to $50,000 IC 5-22-8

  • If the purchase is more than $3,000, but does not exceed $50,000 in the aggregate, purchase may be made off of the Indiana State Quantity Price Agreements (QPA) bid list OR initiate the appropriate procurement method from the list below, whichever is most advantageous

    • Request for Quotes

    • Sealed Bids

    • Competitive Proposals

    • Sole Source

  • All purchases of supplies, equipment, and contractual services may be made from the lowest and most responsive and responsible bidder or supplier obtained in accordance with the purchasing procedures for small purchases

    • A minimum of three (3) quotes required from responsive and responsible bidders or suppliers

    • If a single bid is received a cost or price analysis must be done to determine that the price is fair and reasonable

  • All purchases made under this section shall have funds available in the approved budget, the prior approval of the Executive Director or designated appointee and a Purchase Order or Contract processed by the Finance Department

  • Award/Contract - approval by Executive Director or designated appointee

    
    

    SMALL PURCHASES – Within the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) - More than $50,000 TO Less Than or Equal to $150,000 IC 5-22-8

  • If purchase is more than $50,000, but does not exceed $150,000 in the aggregate, a written Procurement Recommendation will be presented to the Finance and Personnel Committee for review and recommendation for approval by the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners will issue final approval to procure.

    • Upon approval, the Procurement Coordinator will cause the required Contract or Requisition and Purchase Order forms to be prepared and executed

  • Purchase may be made off of the Indiana State Quantity Price Agreements (QPA) bid list OR

    initiate the appropriate procurement method from the list below, whichever is most advantageous

    • Request for Quotes

    • Sealed Bids

    • Competitive Proposals

    • Sole Source

  • All purchases of supplies, equipment, and contractual services may be made from the lowest and most responsive and responsible bidder or supplier obtained in accordance with the purchasing procedures for small purchases within the SAT

    • A minimum of three (3) quotes required from responsive and responsible bidders or suppliers

    • If single bid received cost or price analysis must be done to determine that the price is fair and reasonable

  • All purchases made under this section shall have funds available in the approved budget, Board approval, and a Purchase Order or Contract processed by the Finance Department

  • Award/Contract - approval by the Board of Commissioners

    
    

    PURCHASES More Than $150,000 - Competitive Proposals IC 5-22-7

  • If purchase exceeds $150,000 in the aggregate, a written Procurement Recommendation will be presented to the Finance and Personnel Committee for review and recommendation for approval by the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners will issue final approval to procure.

    • Upon approval, the Procurement Coordinator will cause the required Contract or Requisition and Purchase Order forms to be prepared and execute

      NIRPC PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT POLICY 4-18-2019 Page 3

      
      

  • Purchase may be made off of the Indiana State Quantity Price Agreement (QPA) bid list OR

    initiate the appropriate procurement method from the list below, whichever is most advantageous

    • Competitive Proposals

    • Sole Source

  • If using the Competitive Proposal procurement method, a formal advertised bid is required

    • Make request to advertise for bids to appropriate Committee/Board

    • Notice is published two (2) times, at least a week apart, with the second notice published at least seven (7) days before the bid opening

    • If single bid received price analysis must be done to determine that the price is reasonable

  • Evaluation of proposals received from responsive and responsible bidders by assigned evaluation committee

  • All purchases made under this section shall have funds available in the approved budget, Board approval, and a Purchase Order or Contract processed by the Finance Department

  • Awards/Contract - approval by the Board of Commissioners

    
    

    FUNDING SOURCE FOR PURCHASE

  • Purchasing and procurement rules will follow this policy and IC 5-22 when using agency funds or the policy of the funding source, whichever is more stringent. All federal funds will follow 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance. Funding sources may include but are not limited to:

    • Local Government Funding

    • Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

      • Title 23 CFR – Federal Highway Administration

      • As it applies to INDOT and FHWA funds, Sole Source purchases must have prior approval from INDOT

        • A written justification is submitted to INDOT prior to the purchase

        • INDOT must approve the written justification prior to the purchase

    • Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)

    • Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)

    • Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

    • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

      • Title 23 CFR – Federal Highway Administration

      • As it applies to INDOT and FHWA funds, Sole Source purchases must have prior approval from INDOT

        • A written justification is submitted to INDOT prior to the purchase

        • INDOT must approve the written justification prior to the purchase

    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

    • Economic Development Administration (EDA)

    • US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS)

    • Department of Energy

    • Private Foundations

  
  

  
  

  

  RESOLUTION 19-16

  A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO ADOPT THE NIRPC PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT POLICY

  April 18, 2019

  
  

  Whereas, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (herein called the “Commission”) is a designated recipient of State and Federal funding for eligible projects; and

  
  

  Whereas, the Commission conducts procurements for itself and its subrecipients; and

  
  

  Whereas, 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance provides procurement guidance for all federally funded procurements; and

  
  

  Whereas, IC 5-22. Public Purchasing provides procurement guidance to State recipients and subrecipients in complying with the State Laws and Regulations that affect State funded procurements; and

  
  

  Whereas, IC 5-22-3-3 Rules; written policies, provides that the purchasing agency of a governmental body may establish written policies for purchases made by the purchasing agency that supplement article IC 5-22; and

  
  

  Whereas, the Commission has established a written “NIRPC Purchasing and Procurement Policy” in regard to State funded procurements; and

  
  

  Now, therefore be it resolved by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission that its “NIRPC Purchasing and Procurement Policy” is to be as part of the official policy and procedures to be followed by the Commission and its designated subrecipients.

  
  

  Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 18th day of April, 2019.

  
  

  
  

  

  Diane Noll, Chair

  
  

  ATTEST:

  
  

  
  

  

  George Topoll, Secretary

  

  
  

  EXHIBIT A

  
  

  LOCAL MATCH REQUIREMENT

  
  

  Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission FTA Procurement Procedures Manual

  Dated: June 2012

  Adopted: June 21, 2012 under Resolution 12-15

  Amended: December 13, 2012 under Resolution 12-24

  
  

  The FTA Procurement Procedures Manual under Section 3: Procurement Methods, Sub-Sections

  
  

  3.2 Micro Purchase and 3.3 Small Purchase Procurement Procedures states: “If a local share amount is required from a Subgrantee, the Procurement Coordinator shall verify receipt by the Commission of the local share as it must be received prior to making purchases.”

  All Subrecipients were required to sign a Procedures Overview document to the FTA Procurement Procedures Agreement that states: “I hereby certify as a representative of

  (subrecipient), that by signing below, all federal requirements relating to FTA C 4220.1F will comply with the Federal Laws and Regulations that affect FTA funded procurements. These FTA requirements are incorporated into the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission’s policies and procedures whereby being adopted by Resolution Number 12-15. The Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and the procedures required by law. Passed this twenty-first day of June, 2012.”

  Therefore, the Commission requires that Subrecipients utilizing grant funds which require local match, must pay the local match in advance of an item being procured.

  Subrecipients may request an exception to the local match requirement of advance payment under

  
  

  the following circumstances:

  LOCAL MATCH REQUIREMENT – EXHIBIT “A” Page 2

  
  

  1. The Subrecipient has an opportunity to be reimbursed the local match amount from a third-party

     
     

     but the Subrecipient cannot pre-pay the local match prior to being awarded funds from the third-

     
     

     party;

     
     

  2. The Subrecipient must show that they have ample cash on hand to pay the local match should the

     
     

     third-party funding fail to be awarded by submitting:

     
     

     1. Audited Financial Statements,

        
        

     2. Bank statement or bank reconciliation document or, other document showing cash on

        
        

        hand

        
        

     3. A Purchase Order to the Commission in the amount of the required local match

        
        

  3. NIRPC staff may add additional verification standards as deemed appropriate.

     
     

  4. The local match must be paid in full to the Commission before the scheduled delivery of the item

     
     

     being purchased; regardless of whether or not the third-party funds have been received by the

     
     

     Subrecipient.

     
     

  5. The Finance and Personnel Committee shall have the authority to grant such exceptions.

  
  

  
  

  

  RESOLUTION 19-17

  A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO UPDATING THE ADOPTED “FTA PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES MANUAL”

  April 18, 2019

  
  

  Whereas, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (herein called the “Commission”) is a designated recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants for funding FTA eligible projects; and

  
  

  Whereas, the Commission conducts procurements for itself and its subrecipients; and

  
  

  Whereas, FTA Circular 4220.1F provides procurement guidance to federal recipients and subrecipients in complying with the Federal Laws and Regulations that affect FTA funded procurements; and

  
  

  Whereas, because of a potential of a Subrecipient to be able to request an exception to the local match requirement to Section 3: Procurement Methods, Sub-Sections 3.2 Micro Purchase and 3.3 Small Purchase Procurement Procedures requiring that local share be received by the Commission prior to making purchases, we are desirous of establishing opportunity for subrecipients requesting an exception; and

  
  

  Whereas, the Commission has last updated its “FTA Procurement Procedures Manual” on the 13th day of December, 2012, Resolution 12-24; and

  
  

  Now, therefore be it resolved by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission that its “FTA Procurement Procedures Manual” is hereby amended to include those provisions referenced in Exhibit A as part of the official policy and procedures to be followed by the Commission and its designated subrecipients.

  
  

  Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this 18th day of April, 2019.

  
  

  

  Diane Noll, Chair

  
  

  ATTEST:

  
  

  
  

  

  George Topoll, Secretary

  Technical Planning Committee NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, Portage, IN

  March 12, 2019 Minutes

  
  

  Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions. Committee members present were Kevin Breitzke, Diane Noll, Mark O’Dell, Dean Button, Michael Griffin, David Wright, Tom MacLennan, Kelly Wenger, Will Farrellbegg, Margot Sabato and Jessica Miller.

  
  

  Others present were Tom Schmitt, Doug Ferguson, Craig Phillips, Jerry Siska, Jill Murr, K-Todd Behling, Katie Lemon, Frank Rosado, Jr., Michael Jabo, Claudia Taylor, Bruce Lindner, Laurie Keagle, John Novacich, Don Oliphant, Chris Moore and Beth Shrader.

  
  

  Staff present were Trey Wadsworth, Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Dominique Edwards, Scott Weber, Peter Kimball, Eman Ibrahim and Mary Thorne.

  
  

  The INDOT participation survey was available.

  
  

  The minutes of the February 12, 2019 meeting were approved on a motion by Dean Button and a second by Will Farrellbegg.

  
  

  There were no public comment requests.

  
  

  Trey Wadsworth reported that Amendment #2 to the Unified Planning Work Program will be brought to the committee at the April 9 meeting.

  
  

  Scott Weber presented on the Performance-based Planning Framework which will be included in the draft NWI 2050 Plan. These measures will be done by NIRPC as well as other stakeholders. NIRPC will be able to track implementation progress of the plan and allocate resources to areas to areas lagging in implementation progress and further convey transparently with the public. An example was provided. Brief discussion followed. On a motion by Michael Griffin and a second by Will Farrellbegg, the Technical Planning Committee voted to recommend the Performance-based Planning Framework to the Board for inclusion in the draft Northwest Indiana 2050 Plan, The Plan will go out for public comment on April 1st.

  
  

  Eman Ibrahim made a brief presentation on the NWI 2050 Plan Draft Strategies which were reviewed by the committees and put out for public comment ending February 22. Two comments were received regarding more transit and emphasizing partnerships. There are 335 strategies. Brief discussion followed. On a motion by Dean Button and a second by Mark O’Dell, the Technical Planning Committee voted to recommend the NWI 2050 Plan draft strategies to the Board for inclusion in the draft Northwest Indiana 2050 Plan. The Plan will go out for public comment on April 1.

  
  

  Charles Bradsky announced that Group 1 and Group 2 projects for the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program will be considered further. Group 2 is completed. The

  TIP is almost final and staff is waiting to hear from one Group 1 community and technical comments from Federal Highways and Federal Transit. Any revisions will be reviewed at the Transportation Resource & Oversight Committee meetings on March 26 and communicated back to the committees before going out for public comment along with the NWI 2050 Plan on April 1. It will then come back to TPC in May. No action was required.

  
  

  The topical committees will be meeting next month.

  
  

  Doug Ferguson reported that the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning MPO Committee will meet on Thursday on the O'Hare Express Service and the South Lakefront Framework Plan.

  
  

  Mitch Barloga reported that several communities applied for the Next Level Trails grant. There was $140 million in applications for an initial $25 million pot.

  
  

  Committee meetings at NIRPC were reviewed:

• The Finance & Personnel Committee will meet on March 21 at 8:30 a.m.

• The Executive Board will meet on March 21 at 9 a.m.

• The Surface Transportation Committee will meet on April 2 at 9 a.m.

• The Transit Operators Roundtable will meet on April 2 at 10:40 a.m.

• The Environmental Management Policy Committee will meet on April 4 at 9 a.m.

• The Land Use Committee will meet on April 4 at 10:39 a.m.

• The Ped Pedal & Paddle Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. on April 4.

The next Technical Planning Committee meeting will be held on April 9 at 10 a.m. Hearing no other business, Kevin Breitzke adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m.

2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #2

The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) contains all planning activities conducted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) staff that are funded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). By request of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the UPWP includes planning activities for two state fiscal years and is developed in even years (2018, being the most recent). After adoption by the Commission, the UPWP is submitted by NIRPC to INDOT and USDOT for their approval.

The first state fiscal year of the UPWP fully programs planning activities and reflects the most recently adopted NIRPC budget. The second year of the UPWP may only contain anticipated planning activities and estimated budgets. The second year of the UPWP, amended in odd years (2019, in this instance), fully programs the next state fiscal year with specific planning activities and reflects the most recently adopted NIRPC budget. UPWP Amendment #2 updates the 2020 planning tasks and budgets. Listed below are anticipated major deliverables as referenced in the amendment:

1. – Administration and Public Participation

   • 2019 Public Participation Plan

   • Bus Stop Inventory for Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

   • 2021-2022 Unified Planning Work Program

1. – Data Collection and Analysis

   • Annual Performance Dashboard (for performance measures listed in NWI 2050 Plan)

   • 2019 Congestion Management Plan

1. – Short-Range Planning

   • Strategy on How to Fund Transformative Investments

   • Post-War Housing Inventory of NWI

1. – Long-Range Planning

   • Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in NWI

   • E-Commerce in NWI

   • Public Health and Transportation

   • Update of the Sensible Tools Handbook

   • Designation of Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors

   • Green Streets Policy Recommendation

   • Transportation Vulnerability Assessment (multi-year effort)

20-500 – Multi-modal Planning

• Bicycle Tourism Strategies

• 2020 Greenways+Blueways Map

• Bicycle sharing Opportunities Map and Model Ordinance

• Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan

• Comprehensive Regional Transit Plan (multi-year effort) – pending 5307 award

• Regional Transit Website

• TAMP Annual Update

• 5310 Program Management Plan

Public Comment Report – April 1, 2019‌

FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #2

The FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #2 was released for a 7-day public comment period as required by the Commission’s 2014 Public Participation Plan. The comment period began on March 4, 2019 and ended on March 10, 2019. The draft FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #2 was made available at www.nirpc.org.

One public comment was received regarding working to achieve transit across three counties. Please see attached page.

Technical comments were received by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to clarify language and modify the Air Quality Public Education task. All comments required to be addressed have been reflected in the final draft of the FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #2. Changes are minor in nature and still propose to deliver the same tasks or activities as proposed in the initial draft.

12

13

RESOLUTION 19-14

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT #2 FOR THE FY 2019-2020 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM FOR

LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA

April 18, 2019

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, hereafter referred to as “the Commission”, being designated the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Lake, Porter, and LaPorte County area, has established a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transportation planning process to develop the FY 2019-2020 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP); and

WHEREAS, the preparation of a UPWP is a necessary and required part of the metropolitan area transportation planning process as specified in 23 CFR 450.308; and by its State statutory authority, the Commission is charged with regional planning responsibility for the environment, economic development, and transportation; and

WHEREAS, the work tasks described within the Commission’s UPWP are in conjunction with the programs and planning emphasis areas of the Federal Highway and Transit Administrations, and significant planning projects in the region by other agencies; and

WHEREAS, this UPWP Amendment #2 was developed through a participatory process as prescribed in the Commission’s 2014 Public Participation Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Commission approve the UPWP Amendment #2; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby adopts the FY 2019-2020 UPWP Amendment #2 and the Commission is authorized to enter into such agreements and contracts as may be required with the funding and administrative agencies for the execution of this UPWP.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this eighteenth day of April 2019.

ATTEST:

Diane Noll Chairperson

George Topoll Secretary

14

2019

2020

Amendment #2

Unified Planning Work Program

The NWI 2050 Plan guides NIRPC’s planning activities and identified four planning focus areas to implement the four visions for NWI: a connected, renewed, united, and vibrant NWI. These include, the environment, economy + place, people + leaders and mobility. Throughout this UPWP each task will be identified by the icons below for which planning focus area the task contributes to. Additionally, below, are the sixteen identified critical paths to achieve the visions of the NWI 2050 Plan.

Table of Contents

UPWP budget 6‌

2019 estimated task budgets after amendment #1B 7

2020 estimated task budgets – after amendment #2 9‌

About NIRPC 10

Background + purpose 10‌

State authority 10

NIRPC Commission – 2019 appointments 12‌

NIRPC committees 13

NIRPC staff organization and functions 14‌

About the UPWP 15

Required elements 15

FHWA + FTA planning emphasis areas 15‌

Metropolitan planning activities and tasks 16

1. | Administration + public participation 16

   1. | Planning management + administration 17‌

   2. | Public participation + communication tools 18

   3. | Title VI program management 19

   4. | Environmental Justice program management 20

   5. | Americans with Disabilities Act program management 21

   6. | UPWP development and management 22

1. | Data collection + analysis 23‌

   1. | Planning data collection 24

   2. | Planning data analysis + forecasts 25‌

   3. | GIS support services 26

   4. | Performance-based planning activities 27‌

   5. | Congestion management 28

   6. | Travel demand modeling 29‌

   7. | Air quality conformity 30

1. | Short-range planning 31

   1. | Transportation Improvement Program development 32‌

   2. | Transportation Improvement Program management 33

   3. | Environmental red flag investigations 34‌

1. | Long-range planning 35

   1. | 2050 comprehensive regional plan development – 2019 task only 36‌

   2. | NWI 2050 Plan implementation 37

   3. | Regional land use planning 41‌

   4. | Surface transportation planning 42

   5. | Environmental linkages planning 43‌

500 | Multi-modal planning 45

1. | Active transportation planning 46‌

2. | Transit planning – 2020 tasks 51

600 | Special planning activities 52

700 | FTA activities and tasks 53

1. | Sub-grantees oversight 54

2. | Transit planning – 2019 tasks 55

800 | NIRPC programs 56‌

800.1 | Air quality + education 57

800.2 | e-TIP 62‌

900 | NIRPC administration 63

Other significant regional planning activities 66

Appendices 67

UPWP submittal letters and resolution of adoption 67‌

INDOT approval letter 71

USDOT approval letter 73‌

Cost allocation plan approvals 75

Planning agreements 78‌

NIRPC / INDOT / transit operators 78

CMAP / NIRPC / IDOT / INDOT 90‌

FHWA planning emphasis area letter 92

UPWP budget‌

Transportation Environment Communication Finance Administration KRC ED

Transportation Environment Communication Finance Administration KRC ED

Trey Wadsworth

Trey Wadsworth

Mitch Barloga

Mitch Barloga

Gabrielle Biciunas

Gabrielle Biciunas

Charles Bradsky

Charles Bradsky

Eman Ibrahim

Eman Ibrahim

Terrell Waddell

Terrell Waddell

Scott Weber

Scott Weber

James Winters

James Winters

Reg. Planner

Reg. Planner

GIS Planner

GIS Planner

Graduate intern

Graduate intern

Undergrad intern

Undergrad intern

Kathy Luther

Kathy Luther

Joe Exl

Joe Exl

Rachel Veronesi

Rachel Veronesi

John Smith

John Smith

Dominique Edwards

Dominique Edwards

Daria Sztaba

Daria Sztaba

Connie Boos

Connie Boos

Allen Hammond

Allen Hammond

Talaya Jones

Talaya Jones

Lisa Todd

Lisa Todd

Meredith Stilwell

Meredith Stilwell

Mary Thorne

Mary Thorne

Carolyn Brown

Carolyn Brown

Admin Asst

Admin Asst

Jody Melton

Jody Melton

Ty Warner

Ty Warner

2019

UPWP

Staff cost Consultant / Equipment / Total

Federal

NIRPC

Non-NIRPC

Administration and public participation

section

partner / intern cost

license / other cost

task cost

share

share

share / in- kind value

Planning management + administration 100.1 222,280 - - 262,280 209,824 52,456 - 918 - - - - - - - - - - - 574 - - - - 164 - - - - 164 328 - - - -

Public participation + communication tools 100.2 157,585 - - 157,585 126,068 31,517 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 738 1,394 - - - - - 164 82 - - - - Title VI program management 100.3 5,185 - - 5,185 4,148 1,037 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82 - - - - - - - - - - -

Environmental Justice program management 100.4 5,185 - - 5,185 4,148 1,037 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82 - - - - - - - - - - -

ADA program management 100.5 13,371 - - 13,371 10,697 2,674 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82 - - 82 - - - - - - - -

UPWP development and management 100.6 45,468 - - 45,468 36,374 9,094 - 164 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 164 - - - - - 164 - - - -

Total costs for task group 449,073 - - 489,073 391,259 97,815 - Data collection + analysis

Transportation data collection 200.1 125,851 - - 125,851 100,681 25,170 - - - - - - 1,640 82 - 164 164 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Planning data analysis + forecasts 200.2 80,346 - - 80,346 64,277 16,069 - - - - - - - 82 - 984 164 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

GIS support services 200.3 92,003 - - 92,003 73,602 18,401 - - - - - - - - - 82 1,312 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Performance-based planning activities 200.4 39,475 - - 39,475 31,580 7,895 - - - - - - - 328 - 164 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Congestion management 200.5 21,829 - - 21,829 17,463 4,366 - - - - - - - 246 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PL + 5303 activities

PL + 5303 activities

Travel demand modeling 200.6 21,829 - - 21,829 17,463 4,366 - - - - - - - 246 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Air quality conformity 200.7 21,829 - - 21,829 17,463 4,366 - - - - - - - 246 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Total costs for task group 403,162 - - 403,162 322,530 80,632 - Short-range planning

TIP development 300.1 80,775 - - 80,775 64,620 16,155 - - - - 820 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

TIP management 300.2 93,434 - - 93,434 74,747 18,687 - - - - 820 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 246 - -

Environmental red flag investigations 300.3 17,519 - - 17,519 14,015 3,504 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 164 - - - - - - - - - - - 82 - - Total costs for task group 191,728 - - 191,728 153,382 38,346 -

Long-range planning

2050 CRP development 400.1 268,315 - - 268,315 214,652 53,663 - 410 - 984 - 820 - - - - - 1,640 1,640 328 164 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

CRP implementation 400.2 49,432 - - 49,432 39,546 9,886 - - - 492 - 164 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Environmental linkages planning 400.3 25,958 - - 25,958 20,767 5,192 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 164 - - - - - - - - - - - 246 - -

Regional land use planning 400.4 69,574 - - 69,574 55,659 13,915 - - - 164 - 492 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 164 - - - -

Surface transportation planning 400.5 53,692 - - 53,692 42,953 10,738 - - - - - - - 246 - 246 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 328 - - - -

Total costs for task group 466,971 - - 466,971 373,577 93,394 - Multi-modal planning

Active transportation planning 500.1 179,943 - - 179,943 143,955 35,989 - - 1,640 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 246 - - - -

Transit planning 500.2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Total costs for task group 179,943 - - 179,943 143,955 35,989 -

Total budget for PL / 5303 + match 1,690,877 - - 1,730,877 1,384,702 346,175 - 1,492 1,640 1,640 1,640 1,476 1,640 1,476 - 1,640 1,640 1,640 1,640 902 492 - 738 1,640 328 - 82 - - 328 1,312 - 574 - -

^ hours of staff time billed to PL + 5303 across all metropolitan planning activities / 1,640 = 100% ^

2019

Trey Wadsworth

Trey Wadsworth

Mitch Barloga

Mitch Barloga

Gabrielle Biciunas

Gabrielle Biciunas

Charles Bradsky

Charles Bradsky

Eman Ibrahim

Eman Ibrahim

Terrell Waddell

Terrell Waddell

Scott Weber

Scott Weber

James Winters

James Winters

Reg. Planner

Reg. Planner

GIS Planner

GIS Planner

Graduate intern

Graduate intern

Undergrad intern

Undergrad intern

Kathy Luther

Kathy Luther

Rachel Veronesi

Rachel Veronesi

John Smith

John Smith

Dominique Edwards

Dominique Edwards

Daria Sztaba

Daria Sztaba

Connie Boos

Connie Boos

Allen Hammond

Allen Hammond

Talaya Jones

Talaya Jones

Carolyn Brown

Carolyn Brown

Transportation Environment Communication Finance

Lisa Todd

Lisa Todd

Meredith Stilwell

Meredith Stilwell

Mary Thorne

Mary Thorne

Administration

Admin Asst

Admin Asst

Jody Melton

Jody Melton

Ty Warner

Ty Warner

KRC ED

Joe Exl

Joe Exl

UPWP

Staff cost Consultant / Equipment / Total

Federal

NIRPC

Non-NIRPC

section

partner / intern cost

license / other cost

task cost

share

share

share / in- kind value

Special

Special

No activities identified in this UPWP period 600.1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Total budget for 5307 + match - - - - - - -

5307

5307

Sub-grantees oversight 700.1 315,105 - - 315,105 252,084 63,021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,558 541 1,394 - - - 164 - -

Transit planning 700.2 186,410 - - 186,410 149,128 37,282 - 148 - - - 164 - 164 1,640 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 246 - -

Total budget for 5307 + match 501,515 - - 501,515 401,212 100,303 -

TIP funded activitie

TIP funded activitie

Staff cost Consultant / partner cost

Educational + promotional materials

Air quality + eduction (FY2018 CMAQ) 800.1 110,213 - - 450,000 360,000 1,300 90,000 - - - - - - - - - - - - 66 - 1,640 82 - - - - - - - - - 82 - -

Household Travel Survey (FY2017 STBG) 800.2 - 127,024 - 127,024 101,619 - 25,405 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-TIP (FY 2017 STBG) 800.3 - 45,000 - 45,000 36,000 9,000 -

Total budget for CMAQ or STP + match 110,213 172,024 - 622,024 497,619 10,300 115,405

2019 estimated task budgets after amendment #1B‌

Funding for CMAQ air quality public education will finish out the CMAQ Group 1 2018 funds already obligated. Amendment #1 is forthcoming, and will seek to secure funding previously obligated, and since de-obligated by INDOT to finish the Household Travel Survey already included in the 2019 work element, and previously approved in a 2017 amendment.

PL + 5303 activities

PL + 5303 activities

Trey Wadsworth

Trey Wadsworth

Gabrielle Biciunas

Gabrielle Biciunas

Charles Bradsky

Charles Bradsky

Mitch Barloga

Mitch Barloga

Eman Ibrahim

Eman Ibrahim

Peter Kimball

Peter Kimball

Vacant

Vacant

Scott Weber

Scott Weber

James Winters

James Winters

Interns

Interns

Interns

Interns

Interns

Interns

Kathy Luther

Kathy Luther

Joe Exl

Joe Exl

Env. Educator/ Coordinator

Env. Educator/ Coordinator

John Smith

John Smith

Dominique Edwards

Dominique Edwards

Daria Sztaba

Daria Sztaba

Connie Boos

Connie Boos

Allen Hammond

Allen Hammond

Talaya Jones

Talaya Jones

Lisa Todd

Lisa Todd

Meredith Stilwell

Meredith Stilwell

Mary Thorne

Mary Thorne

Carolyn Brown

Carolyn Brown

Candice Eklund

Candice Eklund

Ty Warner

Ty Warner

^ # of staff time billed to PL + 5303 across all metropolitan planning activities ^

Transportation Environment Communication Finance Administration ED

Transportation Environment Communication Finance Administration ED

Trey Wadsworth

Trey Wadsworth

Gabrielle Biciunas

Gabrielle Biciunas

Charles Bradsky

Charles Bradsky

Mitch Barloga

Mitch Barloga

Eman Ibrahim

Eman Ibrahim

Peter Kimball

Peter Kimball

Vacant

Vacant

Scott Weber

Scott Weber

James Winters

James Winters

Interns

Interns

Interns

Interns

Interns

Interns

Kathy Luther

Kathy Luther

Joe Exl

Joe Exl

Env. Educator/ Coordinator

Env. Educator/ Coordinator

John Smith

John Smith

Dominique Edwards

Dominique Edwards

Daria Sztaba

Daria Sztaba

Connie Boos

Connie Boos

Allen Hammond

Allen Hammond

Talaya Jones

Talaya Jones

Lisa Todd

Lisa Todd

Meredith Stilwell

Meredith Stilwell

Mary Thorne

Mary Thorne

Carolyn Brown

Carolyn Brown

Candice Eklund

Candice Eklund

Ty Warner

Ty Warner

2020

UPWP

Staff cost Consultant Direct cost Total

Federal

NIRPC

Non-NIRPC

Special

Special

Special planning activities

section

/ partner cost

task cost

share

share

share

No activities 20-600.1 - - - - - - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 82 0 820 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total budget + match - - - - - - -

5307

5307

FTA activities + tasks

Sub-grantees oversight 20-700.1 351,279 - 74,000 425,279 340,223 85,056 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1476 984 1312 0 0 0 82 0

Total budget for 5307 + match 351,279 - 74,000 425,279 340,223 85,056 -

TIP funded activities Staff cost Cntrct Direct Other direct

Air quality + eduction (FY2019 CMAQ) 20-800.1 - 360,000 - 450,000 360,000 7,060 82,940 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

E-TIP (FY 2019 STBG) 20-800.2 - 45,000 - 45,000 36,000 9,000 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

NWI transit plan (5307 pending award/match) 20-800.3 - 625,000 - 625,000 500,000 - 125,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total budget for CMAQ or STP + match - 1,030,000 - 1,120,000 896,000 16,060 207,940

NIRPC local cost Staff cost

NIRPC local cost 37,083 - 43,500 80,583 - 80,583 - 16 164 0 16 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 82

Kabelin Drain 13,905 - - 13,905 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 164 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Calument Land Conservation Partnership 54,002 - - 54,002 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 148 410 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Chicago Area Waterway System 64,573 - - 64,573 0 0 0 0 0 66 0 0 0 0 0 0 148 189 0 190 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 246 0

EPA Urban Waters 2,781 - - 2,781 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

USDA Forest Service Grant

20-900

10,429 - - 10,429 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 123 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

LaPorte Revolving Loan Fund 2,497 - - 2,497

Kankakee River Basin Commission 16,370 - - 16,370 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 164 0 0 0 0 0 0

Shared Ethics Advisory Commission 1,016 - - 1,016

Northwest Indiana Brownfields Coalition 33,142 - - 33,142 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 197 0 0 49 0 0 0 49 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total budget for local funding 235,797 - 43,500 279,297 - 80,583 -

Total budget for all tasks 2,317,787 1,071,475 177,500 3,656,762 2,701,972 539,841 207,940

2020 estimated task budgets – after amendment #2‌

In-Kind requests sent for pre-approval on April 2, 2019

match

NIRPC requests funding for CMAQ air quality public education be obligated from our 2019 Group 1 CMAQ allocation. These funds have already been approved for CMAQ eligibility in the June 2018 determination. In-kind match pre-approval has been submitted to INDOT and FHWA. In addition, to continue funding the e-TIP, NIRPC requested funding from our 2019 Group 2 STBG allocation. Funds for a regional transit study are pending approval of a FTA 5307 or Flex to FTA from Group 1 funds from the Commission.

Originally outlined in the 1962 Federal-Aid Highway Act, the “3C” transportation planning process requires cooperation among all levels of government, comprehensively consideration of many planning factors, and be a continuously evaluated planning process.

A Transportation Management Area is an urbanized area with greater than 200,000 people. Northwestern Indiana is such a region and this designation enhances NIRPC’s responsibilities under federal law. This includes the requirement that our planning process include a Congestion Management System and that USDOT certify that NIRPC conducts a 3C planning process.

About NIRPC‌

Background + purpose‌

NIRPC, as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Northwestern Indiana, has the responsibility to conduct the federally required “3C" transportation planning process for Lake, LaPorte, and Porter Counties. This Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is a core planning document required by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The UPWP is the approved work plan for the MPO staff, identifying planning tasks and activities to be conducted over the next two years.

This UPWP is also a financial planning document linking resources and staff where they will be the most effective in responding to significant local and regional issues and resolving area-wide problems. This includes describing other planning, administrative and program offerings of NIRPC as a council of governments. It includes all environmental and economic development planning, as well as transit administration, which includes sub-grantee oversight to transit providers in our region, grant administration, and procurement.

The UPWP continues to balance within the available resources, long and short- range planning and programming; special studies; data gathering, analysis, and dissemination; travel demand modeling; public involvement; and program administration. The UPWP attempts to address the major surface transportation issues facing our region and supports the necessary work required of an MPO in a Transportation Management Area. The UPWP is designed to maintain a certified, 3C transportation planning process in the context of a connected planning process with land use, social justice, economic development, and the environment.

State authority‌

Regional planning and coordination came to Northwestern Indiana in 1965 when enabling legislation was passed by the Indiana General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor. The first state law called for a transportation planning commission, which was inspired by the 1962 Federal Highway Act. The state law has since been amended to create what is known today as the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, a three-county council of governments. In the 2007 enabling legislation, NIRPC’s Executive Board membership was expanded and weighted voting was enabled.

NIRPC region showing county and municipal boundaries

Northwestern Indiana is 1,520 square miles comprising a wide mixture of land uses, from the environmentally unique Indiana Dunes to one of the nation's largest concentration of heavy industry, and from urban and suburban communities to productive farmland. The communities along Lake Michigan and the places to the south have a diversity of residents, housing values and incomes.

Northwestern Indiana is a very important part of the sixteen county 9.7 million-person Chicago-Naperville-Michigan City, IL-IN-WI Combined Statistical Area (CSA).

Northwestern Indiana’s population is 769,294 (2015) and has a labor force of 370,465 (2013) representing a significant portion of the CSA.

NIRPC’s governing body is the Commission composed of county and municipal elected officials and one Gubernatorial appointment. The Commissions membership is established in Indiana state statute and is required to meet in full at least four times per year. A smaller Executive Board is elected by and from the full Commission membership and takes on the routine business of NIRPC, except for the adoption of bylaws, election of officers, and annual budget appropriations.

Please check NIRPC.org for updates to Commission membership.

NIRPC Commission – 2019 appointments‌

NIRPC committees MPO functions:‌

• Technical Planning Committee

  

  • Receives funding requests from the Transportation Resource and Oversight Committees. Provides funding recommendations to the Commission regarding amendments to the TIP. Ensures that project requests are aligned with the long-range plan. Sets funding targets for transportation programs and sets evaluation criteria and priorities for projects.

  • Twelve Commissioners with a quorum of at least three, in addition to three transit operators, and one representative from: NWI Forum, INDOT, NICTD, GPTC, and Michigan City Transit.

• Topical Committees

  • Explore issues, trends, policies, programs, and regulations relevant to their assigned topics including the environment; bicycle, pedestrian, and paddling; land use; rail and freight; transit; and surface transportation.

• Transportation Resource Oversight Committee

  • Makes funding change recommendations to the TPC for transportation investments.

    COG functions:

• Legislative Committee

  • Determines positions on priority state and federal legislation across planning domains and topics of local interest.

  • Composed of Commissioners with a quorum of at least three Commissioners

• Local Government Assistance Committee

  • Provides a forum for sharing or learning best practices and issues related to local governments, provides training opportunity, explores funding opportunities, and local problem solving. Connects urban core communities and small towns for areas of common concern.

  • Composed of volunteer Commissioners with a quorum of at least three Commissioners, in addition to municipal officials.

Executive Director:

• Maintains Commission relationships

• Oversees all program functions

• Establishes internal policy

  NIRPC staff organization and functions‌

  
  

  

  

  Ty

  
  

  Administration team:

• Human resources

• Office management

• Administrative support

Warner

Executive Director

- Allen Hammond

DBE Officer (collateral duty)

Communication team:

• Public participation

• Graphics and documents

  Environment team:

  
  

  Kathy Luther

  Chief of Staff +

  Director of Environment

  
  

  Trey Joseph Wadsworth

  Director of Transportation

  
  

  Daria Sztaba

  Chief Financial Officer

  
  

  Meredith Stilwell

  Office Manager + Website Coordinator

• Air quality

  • Public education / outreach

    Environment Transportation Finance Administration

  • Permitting evaluation

  • Alternative fuels

• Watershed quality

  • Regional watershed planning

  • Water usage

  • Storm water public education

  • Great Lake Watershed Academy

• Natural resources

• Joe Exl

  

  Sr. Water Resource Planner

  
  

  Communication

  
  

• Dominique Edwards

  Public Participation Planner

• Mitch Barloga Transportation Planning Manager / Active Transportation Planner

  
  

• Gabrielle Biciunas

  Long-Range Planner

  
  

• Charles Bradsky

• Connie Boos

  Accounts Payable Manager

  
  

• Allen Hammond

  Compliance Manager

  
  

• Talaya Jones

  Chief Accountant

• Carolyn Brown

  

  Receptionist

• Mary Thorne

  Administrative Assistant

• Candi Eklund

  Administrative Assistant

  • Chicago Wilderness

  • Purdue Planning with Power

• Environmental management planning

  - Transportation linkages

  Finance team:

• Finance and accounting

• Transit sub-grantee oversight

  Transportation team:

• Long-range planning

• Unified Planning Work Program

• Transportation Improvement Program

• Outreach and public involvement

• Transit planning

• Land use planning

• Bicycle and pedestrian planning

• Travel demand forecast modeling

• Air quality conformity

• Data collection and analysis

• Demographics and population forecasts

• Congestion management

• Intelligent Transportation System planning

• Safety and security planning

• Geographic Information Systems planning

• Freight planning

• John Smith

  Production Manager

  Transportation Projects Manager

  
  

• Eman Ibrahim

  Planning Manager

• Peter Kimball Regional Planner / Spatial Analyst

  
  

• Scott Weber Transportation Planner / Analyst

  
  

• James Winters

  Transit Planner

• Vacant

  Technical Assistant

  
  

• Nathan Pasyk

  Intern

• Vacant

  Intern

• Vacant

  Intern

• Lisa Todd

Procurement Coordinator

About the UPWP‌

Required elements‌

A driving influence in the development of this UPWP is the federal transportation authorization act, The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST), and the Clean Air Act. The FAST Act was signed into law on December 5, 2015. The FAST Act is a five-year authorization and intends to improve surface transportation infrastructure, including our roads, bridges, transit systems, bicycle and pedestrian networks. The act contains ten

national planning factors, provides more flexibility for states and local governments, streamlines project approval processes and maintains a strong commitment to safety.

Transportation planning activities are accomplished by NIRPC in an open, transparent and inclusive process that complies with federal metropolitan planning regulations in order to maintain this region’s federal planning certification. According to the planning rule, NIRPC develops the three major required products of a metropolitan area transportation planning process, which are a UPWP, a metropolitan transportation plan with at least a 20-year horizon, and a shorter-range Transportation Improvement Program. The UPWP is organized by major activity and task, in addition to the following details: who will perform the work, the schedule for completing the work, the resulting products, the proposed funding, and a summary of the total amounts and sources of federal and matching funds. The UPWP and other products of the planning process are reviewed by INDOT, FHWA, and FTA for compliance.

FHWA + FTA planning emphasis areas‌

NIRPC also focuses on National Planning Emphasis Areas (PEAs) put forth periodically by USDOT. The PEAs help with the implementation of the FAST Act. On February 8, 2018, PEAs were issued for FY 2019 and again on January 29, 2019 for 2020. The following is a summary:

 2019

• Continue efforts on implementing the FAST Act and Title VI program; coordinate and document how INDOT and MPOs develop and share information related to transportation performance data; selection of targets; the reporting and progress of targets; and collection of data for asset management systems; ensure public participation plan includes public ports and providers of transportation; ensure Coordinated Human Service Public Transportation Plans are updated; and Transit Asset Management Plans are due October 1, 2018.

  o 2020

• Development of a transit bus stop inventory in support of the statewide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program, and the development of a Mobility Management Network in partnership with INDOT and other state agencies

Ten national transportation planning factors:

1. Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;

   
   

2. Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;

   
   

3. Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;

   
   

4. Increase accessibility and mobility of people and freight;

   
   

5. Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;

   
   

6. Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;

   
   

7. Promote efficient system management and operation;

   
   

8. Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system;

   
   

9. Improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts of surface transportation; and

10. Enhance travel and tourism.

Metropolitan planning activities and tasks‌

100 | Administration + public participation‌

Program #: 19-100

2019 budget (as originally programmed):

Federal $391,259 Local match $97,815 Total $489,073

Program #: 20-100

2020 budget:

Federal (PL) $409,578 Local match $102,395 Total $511,973

Tasks (major deliverables italicized):

• Planning management and administration

• Public participation and communication tools

  • 2019 Public Participation Plan

• Title VI program management

• Environmental Justice program management

• ADA program management

  • ADA bus stop inventories

• Unified Planning Work Program development and management

  • 2021-2022 Unified Planning Work Program

100.1 | Planning management + administration‌

Task objective:

Effective management of NIRPC team and resources to achieve high-quality and impactful outcomes from MPO

functions. Efficient administration of NIRPC grants and contracts, and support of all Commission and topical committees. Ensure that environmental concerns and protections are fully integrated into transportation planning as early as possible to improve both project delivery and environmental quality in the region. Ensure that overall agency outreach and communication is integrated with the public participation requirements of the MPO.

Task description:

Elements:

• Management of NIRPC team including the coordination of internal team meetings, delegation of work and committee assignments. Staff training, mentorship, professional development, time and attendance review, and execution of a new performance management processes.

• Administration of financial resources

• Administration of topical planning committees: production of agendas, minutes, and communication functions by Administrative Assistants for timely distribution of meeting materials.

Activities:

Transportation and Environmental Directors participate in meetings with partners on transportation topics, and subjects with linkages to NWI’s transportation network, throughout the year. Examples include the MPO Council in Indianapolis, Department of Natural Resources, Lake Michigan Coastal Program Coastal Advisory Board, Chicago Wilderness, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s Transportation Committee, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Illinois-Indiana Sea-Grant Advisory, Indiana Climate Change Impact Assessment Advisory Group, Urban Waters Federal Partnership, Calumet Collaborative, Port of Indiana, South Shore Clean Cities, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, etc.

Public outreach:

Coordinated implementation of MPO functions with the public, partners, stakeholders, state, federal, regional, and local agencies. Provide leadership level oversight of the NIRPC Outreach Committee.

Data collection/analysis: not applicable.

Task deliverables:

On-budget and on-schedule delivery of planning program including all grant deliverables and federally required 3C documents identified herein. Quarterly billing, performance evaluations, monthly committee and Commission meetings, and quarterly training activities.

• Task lead

  Trey Wadsworth

• Task contributors

  Kathy Luther, Mary Thorne, Meredith Stilwell, and Candi Eklund

• Topical committee

  All committees and Commission

• Task status

  Ongoing and permanent

• Prior task accomplishments

  • Management of staff performing UPWP tasks and projects

  • Management of planning processes.

  • Response to MPO recertification review, development of 60-day Action Plan, and implementation thereof.

  • Quarterly PL and CMAQ Program Reports and Billings

  • Annual PL and CMAQ Completion Reports.

  • Commission and Committee meetings staffed

  • Participation in meetings of coordinating partners

    
    

    

    
    

    • Task lead

      Dominique Edwards

    • Task contributors

      Mary Thorne, John Smith, Candi Eklund, and Meredith Stilwell

    • Topical committee

      Outreach Committee

    • Task status

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

    • Prior task accomplishments Attended National Transit Institute training “Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-making.” Continued public participation and adherence to the Public Participation Plan:

      • Website updates

      • New page creation

      • Posting of meeting dates

      • Posting of comment periods

      • Share NIRPC content w/ social media followers

      • Activation of the Outreach Committee

      • 60-Day Action Plan for better public participation

        
        

        
        

        

        100.2 | Public participation + communication tools‌

        Task objective:

        Implement the NIRPC Public Participation Plan, which includes the public participation requirements for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) found in the federal metropolitan planning regulations. This means the development and execution of a transparent planning process with ample opportunity for input from the public, partners, and stakeholders. Manage and update/upgrade the NIRPC website to be an informative and up to date source for NIRPC planning efforts, meetings, and resources to not only assist constituents who are familiar with and utilize NIRPC services, but to also increase awareness and inclusion of the general public in NIRPC efforts.

        Task description:

        Elements:

        Implement the updated Public Participation Plan, which is anticipated to be approved at the August 2019 Commission meeting. Execute communication strategies associated with all planning activities, including the coordination of public participation programs with state and federal entities. Ensure that contact lists are up to date and a list of accessible meeting locations is maintained. Ensure that the provision of alternative formats is made available when requested.

        Activities:

        Plan for, secure, and document public input pertaining to transportation, environmental, and economic development plans and programs, including comment periods and public meetings. Post content regarding planning activities and public comment periods on NIRPC's social media pages and website. Publish a quarterly newsletter for distribution to stakeholders and interested parties. NIRPC Website Coordinator will keep the website current.

        Public outreach:

        Identify and attempt to engage diverse participation from all communities with our region on NIRPC's plans and programs, particularly groups who have traditionally not been involved in transportation planning. Address PEA to ensure freight, ports, and providers of transportation are included in the PPP.

        Data collection/analysis:

        Utilize web, email and social media analytics to gauge outreach activities are successful. Track meeting participation and comments received to understand if participation reflects regional demographics.

        Task deliverables:

        Updated Public Participation Plan and consistent implementation thereof.

        
        

        1. | Title VI program management‌

           Task objective:

           Continue to ensure that NIRPC and partner Local Public Agencies (LPA) in our region comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This will have the effect of better ensuring that programs and projects adhere to the principles of non-discrimination, as well as make the MPO’s nondiscrimination self-certifications accurate.

           Task description:

           Elements:

           Assist and survey LPAs on compliance, including monitoring if LPAs have Title VI implementation plans and that they meet Title VI requirements. If such a plan is not in place with the project sponsor LPA, then INDOT may limit funding to those entities that are not meeting the requirements. Elements of an implementation plan include 1) identification of a person responsible for Title VI; 2) ensure utilization of “Notification of Nondiscrimination” statements; 3) a documented complaint process, and 4) steps used to collect and evaluate data on impacts from the LPA’s programs and projects.

           Activities:

           NIRPC will continue to offer technical assistance to those LPAs that need assistance in completing this requirement for the development and implementation of a Title VI Plan.

           Public outreach:

           Engage stakeholders via workshops, webinars, website and social media content in regard to NIRPC’s Title VI program. Provide assistance and support to regional Title VI Coordinators. Provide additional training and support to NIRPC Title VI Coordinator to better understand duties and responsibilities for Title VI.

           Data collection/analysis:

           Continue to monitor that all LPAs have Title VI implementation plans in effect. Monitor NIRPC’s outreach activities in Title VI protected communities.

           Task deliverables:

           Technical assistance to LPAs and robust public outreach.

            Task lead

           Dominique Edwards

           • Task contributors

             Not applicable

           • Topical committee

             Not applicable.

           • Task status

             Ongoing and permanent

           • Prior task accomplishments

        LPA compliance with Title VI.

        
        

        

        
        

    • Task lead

      Dominique Edwards

    • Task contributors

      None

    • Topical committee

      Not applicable

    • Task status

      New specifically highlight task, but activities have occurred in the past, and now intended to be ongoing and permanent.

      
      

      

      

    • Prior task accomplishments Attended National Transit Institute training “Introduction to Environmental Justice.” Completed analysis for NWI 2050 Plan and 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program.

      100.4 | Environmental Justice program management‌

      Task objective:

      NIRPC, as the MPO for Northwestern Indiana, is charged with evaluating our plans and programs for environmental justice sensitivity and to continuously expand outreach efforts to low-income, minority, and other potentially disadvantaged populations.

      Task description:

      Elements:

      Continue to identify environmental justice communities through analysis and expand outreach efforts to disadvantaged populations. Activities:

      Public outreach:

      Engage stakeholders via workshops, webinars, website, and social media content in regard to NIRPC’s Environmental Justice program. Provide support to regional stakeholders and engage disadvantaged groups that are traditionally removed from the transportation planning process. Data collection/analysis:

      Task deliverables:

      Increased inclusion of Environmental Justice communities in the transportation planning process in Northwestern Indiana.

      
      

      1. | Americans with Disabilities Act program management‌

         Task objective:

         Ensure all Local Public Agencies (LPA) in our region that are required to have transition plans are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Collect an inventory of all bus stops indicating whether or not they are accessible.

         Task description:

         Elements:

         ADA transition plans:

         • Assist LPAs with compliance, including monitoring if LPAs have ADA transition plans and that they meet ADA requirements. If such a plan is not in place with the project sponsor LPA, then INDOT may limit funding to those entities that are not meeting the requirements. Elements of an implementation plan include: 1) identification of an ADA Coordinator; 2) providing notice to the public about ADA requirements; 3) a documented grievance procedure; 4) developing internal design standards, specifications, and details; 5) assigning personnel for the development of a Transition Plan and completing it; 6) approving a schedule and budget for the Transition Plan; and 7) monitoring the progress on the implementation of the Transition Plan.

           Bus stop accessibility inventory:

         • Phase 1 - Create, verify and/or improve bus stop inventories by December 2019.

         • Phase 2 will include to complete prioritization schedules by December 2020.

           Activities: These steps were all performed by the local public agencies required to have a transition plan, ensuring that they are in compliance with the ADA. Over the course of 2019, NIRPC will assist LPAs and transit operators identify bus stop locations throughout the region where fixed route service exists to determine if those bus stops are ADA compliant.

           Public outreach: Work with partners and stakeholders to understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. Will incorporate feedback in NIRPC planning, programming and technical assistance to LPAs.

           Data collection/analysis:

           Bus stop locations and description of the nature of barriers to be included in LPA's updated ADA Transition Plan's on their website.

           Task deliverables:

           Updated LPA Transition Plans as required by new information collected through the bus stop inventories. Information will be shared with INDOT.

            Task lead

           Allen Hammond

           • Task contributors

             Interns

           • Topical committee

             Transit Operators Roundtable for Bus Stop Inventory task

           • Task status

             Ongoing and permanent

           • Prior task accomplishments

      NIRPC technical assistance to LPAs to achieve compliance with ADA transition planning requirements.

      
      

      

      
      

    • Task lead

      Trey Wadsworth

      
      

    • Task contributors Mary Thorne and Daria Sztaba

    • Topical committee

      Technical Planning Committee and Commission

    • Task status

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

    • Prior task accomplishments Production, management and amendments of the 2019-2020 UPWP. UPWP continued to respond to the recommendations of the federal certification review. Amendment #1 to 2019-2020 UPWP submitted to INDOT/USDOT for approval.

      
      

      

      100.6 | UPWP development and management‌

      Task objective:

      Develop and manage the UPWP and its amendments. The UPWP includes planning activities to implement the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan and NWI 2050 Plan (anticipated to be adopted by the

      Commission in May 2019), applicable laws, and regulations to support the federally required 3C transportation process for MPOs as outlined in metropolitan planning regulations.

      Task description:

      Elements: A planning work program that addresses the needs of NIRPC, requirements of the federal regulation, and is responsive to the public, partners, and stakeholders.

      Activities: Identification of planning tasks and activities that assist in the implementation of the NWI 2050 Plan.

      Public outreach: The UPWP is developed according to NIRPC’s Public Participation Plan. The draft UPWP is presented to each of the topical committees, the Technical Planning Committee, and the Commission. The draft UPWP is subject to a thirty-day public comment period before adoption by the Commission. UPWP amendments are subject to a seven-day public comment period before adoption by the Commission.

      Data collection/analysis: Financial information to support the budgets contained herein.

      Task deliverables:

      Final 2021-2022 UPWP approved by federal partners before the start of FY 2019 and an annual completion report due to federal partners 90 days after the close of each program year. Amendments to UPWP as necessary.

      
      

      200 | Data collection + analysis‌

      Program #: 19-200

      2019 budget (as originally programmed):

      Federal (PL) $322,530 Local match $80,632 Total $403,162

      
      

      Program #: 20-200

      2020 budget:

      Federal (PL) $230,423 Local match $57,606 Total $288,029

      
      

      Tasks (major deliverables italicized):

      • Transportation data collection

      • Planning data analysis + forecasts

      • GIS support services

      • Performance-based planning activities

        • Annual performance dashboard

      • Congestion management

        • 2019 Congestion Management Plan

      • Travel demand modeling

      • Air quality conformity

      
      

    • Task lead

      Terrell Waddell

    • Task contributors

      None

    • Topical committee

      Ped, Pedal, and Paddle Committee, Surface Transportation Committee, and Transit Operators Roundtable

    • Task status

      Ongoing and permanent

    • Prior task accomplishments

      • Crash data collection

      • Traffic count data collection

      • Travel time data collection

      • Transit data collection

      • Bicycle and pedestrian count data collection

      • Household Travel Survey

    
    

    

    1. | Planning data collection‌

       Task objective:

       Collect, update and manage data relating to all aspects of metropolitan planning. Includes data to support congestion management, economic and land use development, safety planning, vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian counts, and transit data.

       Task description:

       Elements:

       • Crash data collection

       • Traffic count data collection

       • Travel time data collection

       • Transit data collection

         o Asset inventory and condition data

       • Bicycle and pedestrian count data collection

       • Household Travel Survey in partnership with CMAP

         Activities: Emphasis will be placed on identifying all the data needed for collection by NIRPC in order to support transportation planning processes and decision making, especially in light of requirements to fulfill the performance- based planning requirements of USDOT.

         Public outreach: As needed, but not anticipated to be a considerable effort.

         Data collection/analysis: All data identified above; no analysis is conducted under this task.

         Task deliverables:

         Data sets are collected in time for use by planners responsible for analysis. Completion of traffic counts requested by INDOT on a spring and fall cycle.

         
         

    2. | Planning data analysis + forecasts ‌

    Task objective:

    The objective of this work element is to manage, analyze, and disseminate data to support NIPRC planning activities, which requires data for transportation, regional land use, environmental and economic development elements. The management of data is essential in analyses and downstream decision

    making for the regional planning and initiatives, and for integration in GIS.

    Task description:

    Elements: Management of all data that supports the planning activities by NIRPC. Data analysis as needed to inform recommendations contained within NIRPC plans, to support the performance-based planning system, and for decision-makers to consider in NIRPC committees or externally. Compile, edit, and update 5 years of crash data from ARIES based upon a severity index (as used with 2020-2024 NOFA application map). Geocodes will be checked with written address and map will be published online. Provide access to basic regional maps in a user-friendly interface through ArcOnline (Transit Map, Municipality Boundary Map, UZA Map, Eligible Roadway Map). Update the regional snapshot data along with the municipality data available on the website with the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau numbers.

    Activities: Identify data analysis and forecast cycles that best assist NIRPC planning activities, routine or unique tasks. Provide for dissemination of data analysis results to appropriate parties within NIRPC or to external parties.

    Downloading ARIES crash data. Checking address to geolocation and correcting police report location errors. Formatting crash data to the severity index utilized in the NOFA maps applications. Uploading heatmap to website through ESRI interface. Convert the most commonly requested maps to ArcOnline to provide those requesting data an easily accessible map collection. Download any ACS Census Data; calculating regional numbers, compiling new data within the regional snapshot data sheets.

    Public outreach: coordination with LPAs and INDOT.

    Data collection/analysis: not applicable.

    Task deliverables:

    Clear analysis framework and a data clearinghouse. An easily accessible online map showing all of the recent crash data within the region identifying areas of roadway cities may want to analyze or use to prioritize funding. Interactive web maps with regional data including: Transit, Municipality Boundaries, Trails, UZA's and eligible roadways for federal-aid, socio-economic information, and Environmental Justice. Current demographic/ information about NIRPC's region and the included municipalities.

• Task lead

  Peter Kimball

• Task contributors

  Scott Weber and Interns

• Topical committee

  All committees

• Task status

  Ongoing and permanent

  
  

• Prior task accomplishments Analysis and forecasts for the NWI 2050 Plan, 2020-2024 Transportation

  Improvement Program, and updates for the Environmental Justice program.

  
  

  

  
  

  • Task lead

    Peter Kimball

  • Task contributors

    None

  • Topical committee

    All committees

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

    
    

  • Prior task accomplishments GIS spatial analysis to support all NIRPC planning activities

    
    

    

    200.3 | GIS support services‌

    Task objective:

    Manage, coordinate, expand, and continue to upgrade NIRPC GIS to meet the increasingly diverse spatial data requirements of transportation, environmental, and land use planning, economic development, and regional initiatives.

    Task description:

    Elements: Working with NIRPC team members identify spatial analysis and maps needed to support all planning activities.

    Activities:

    • Maintain GIS functionality

    • Organize GIS more effectively

    • Produce and consistently maintain datasets

    • Create, deploy, and maintain online GIS maps

    • Participate in regional GIS user groups

    • Perform analysis for planning tasks

      Public outreach: not applicable

      Data collection/analysis: not applicable

      Task deliverables:

      High-quality GIS spatial analysis conducted throughout the year to support NIRPC planning activities.

      
      

      200.4 | Performance-based planning activities ‌

      Task objective:

      Implement the performance-based planning framework from the NWI 2050 Plan, which not only incorporates the federal performance-based planning requirements but also performance measures and targets that support the critical paths to achieving the visions of the NWI 2050 Plan.

      Task description:

      Elements: Metric identification where measures are not already established in federal law, target setting, data collection, and reporting.

      Activities: Monitor the progress toward achieving the performance targets by periodically analyzing data, updating a dashboard yearly that will display progress, and communicating with the data stewards and other stakeholders about their responsibilities in cooperating with NIRPC in the performance-based planning framework.

      
      

      Public outreach: Public outreach will consist of presenting metrics, targets and reporting to relevant committees and the Commission. Where needed the long-range plan and TIP will be an amended to fulfill federal requirements. Such amendments will call for public participation with comment periods and a public meeting.

      Data collection/analysis: Periodically analyze the data for the performance-based planning framework from various sources.

      Task deliverables:

      Adopt targets by federal due dates. Annual dashboard on the performance-based planning framework showing progress toward performance targets that is displayed on the NIRPC website, via social media, and distributed to the TPC and Commission.

  • Task lead

    Scott Weber

  • Task contributors

    None

  • Topical committee

    All committees

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

    
    

  • Prior task accomplishments Adoption of all federally required targets. Completed a performance- based planning framework above and beyond what is required by federal law within the NWI 2050 Plan.

    
    

    

    
    

  • Task lead

    Scott Weber

  • Task contributors

    None

  • Topical committee

    Surface Transportation Committee

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

    
    

  • Prior task accomplishments Application of the Congestion Management Process to long-range plan and TIP amendments in addition to the FY 2020-2024 TIP. Acquired newly and freely available probe-based data from the National Performance Measures Research Data Set (NPMRDS) and compiled a database for the NIRPC region from these data. Collected travel-time data via the floating car method across all three counties.

    
    

    

    200.5 | Congestion management‌

    Task objective:

    Fulfill the requirements for a Transportation Management Area (TMA) by ensuring that planning and projects carried out by NIRPC and its local partners consider congestion reduction where possible.

    Task description:

    Elements: Objective and quantitative evaluation of congestion within the NIRPC region. An operation-oriented approach to the congestion management process will continue to be pursued.

    Activities: 1) Recognize that on some corridors there is congestion that NIRPC aims to consider for improvement. 2) Identification and involvement of stakeholders of congested corridors. 3) Analysis of existing data on the congested network. 4) Identification of potential alternative plans and projects that would result in improvements in congestion. 5) A process that would screen plans and projects and select the preferred alternative(s). 6) Monitor the congested network to inform future planning and programming strategies.

    Public outreach: In launching the updated Congestion Management Process (CMP), NIRPC will open a 30-day public-comment period. NIRPC will participate in a pop-up workshop to get public feedback about the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) options that will form a critical part of the updated CMP.

    Data collection/analysis: Analyze travel time probe data already procured as part of the National Performance Management Research Data Set (NPMRDS). Analyze the travel time data already gathered via the floating car method of data collection. Explore acquiring travel time probe data for corridors not included in the scope of the NPMRDS from third-party vendors and analyze these data.

    Task deliverables:

    A simplified CMP will be achieved that reduces down to the six elements listed in the activities above, that will be robust enough to allow implementation and monitoring using powerful tools such as NPMRDS where available and collect travel times where NPMRDS coverage is lacking. The Surface Transportation Committee will recommend a new CMP in October 2019 after a 30-day public comment period of a draft by August 2019. The remainder of the time in this task will be spent implementing the new CMP.

    
    

    1. | Travel demand modeling ‌

       Task objective:

       Model region travel demand in Northwestern Indiana and in neighboring areas. The computationally rigorous travel demand model allows NIRPC to support planning and programming activities by identifying the need for, and impact of, plans and projects. Results of modeling help meet federal requirements of air quality conformity and assist NIRPC stakeholders in evaluating some localized travel impacts of projects.

       Task description:

       Elements: Model validation, socio-economic forecasts, land-use assumptions, VMT estimates, air quality impacts and customized reports for planning partners.

       Activities: Use 2019 Household Travel Survey data to keep Travel Demand Model current with respect to trip generation rates. Participate with the Indiana Model Users Group (iMUG) and the Chicago Area Travel Model Users Group (CATMUG) to stay atop of best Travel Demand Modeling practices. Apply Travel Demand Model to NIRPC planning and programming activities such as Air Quality Planning, programming decision support for projects, etc.

       Public outreach: not applicable.

       Data collection/analysis: Data from the 2019 Household Travel Survey will inform the calibration and validation of the model. Perform the necessary post-processing for various model runs that will be more understandable for other planning activities and for the general public to understand.

       Task deliverables:

       Updated model validation based on the Household Travel Survey data that will be vetted by the Surface Transportation Committee, quarterly postings to social media, and if necessary, a new Travel Demand Model.

  • Task lead

    Scott Weber

  • Task contributors

    None

  • Topical committee

    Surface Transportation Committee

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

  • Prior task accomplishments

    New air quality post-processor was added to the travel demand model in the past year, NOFA projects from the 2020-2024 TIP were added to the model, and various planning partners received model support for their requests.

    
    

    

    
    

    

  • Task lead

    Scott Weber

  • Task contributors

    None

  • Topical committee

    Technical Planning Committee

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

    
    

  • Prior task accomplishments Completed the air quality conformity process for amendments #3 and #4 to the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan Update Companion as well as the FY 2018-2021 TIP. Began the process of updating the now-INDOT but future- NIRPC air quality post processor that will directly tie in results from the travel demand model into the air quality conformity process without having to wait for INDOT to complete this step.

    
    

    

    1. | Air quality conformity‌

    Task objective:

    Meet the federal requirements for Air Quality Conformity as they apply to an MPO planning and programming for an air quality non-attainment or maintenance area. The task will show that NIRPC fulfills these requirements by only planning and programming projects that fall within motor vehicle emissions budgets and other required parameters.

    Task description:

    Elements: Participate with state and federal partners, specifically the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG), to evaluate air quality impacts of transportation investments. Prepare draft air quality conformity determination analysis documents showing that regionally significant non-exempt planned and programmed projects, regardless of funding source, to demonstrate air quality conformity. Communicate modeling results to partners and inform investment decisions.

    Activities: Methodology for completing the elements listed above include: running the Travel Demand Model to the specifications necessary with the regionally significant non-exempt projects; running the air quality post processor; and produce the air quality conformity determination analysis document.

    Data collection/analysis: data collection will come from the project sponsors for the Interagency Consultation Group on Air Quality to determine whether the project in question is regionally significant.

    Public Participation: This task follows a prescribed public participation plan when conformity determinations are necessary. In those cases, there will be a 30-day public comment period after the Interagency Consultation Group on Air Quality has reviewed materials.

    Task deliverables:

    Model runs for 2050 long-range plan, TIP and TIP amendments as needed. Task milestones are aligned with the development of the 2050 long-range plan.

    
    

    300 | Short-range planning‌

    Program #: 19-300

    2019 budget (as originally programmed):

    Federal (PL) $153,382 Local match $38,346 Total $191,728

    
    

    Program #: 20-300

    2020 budget:

    Federal (PL) $164,119 Local match $41,030 Total $205,148

    
    

    Tasks (major deliverables italicized):

    • Transportation Improvement Program development

      • Strategy on how to fund transformative investments in NWI

    • Transportation Improvement Program management

    • Environmental mitigation planning

      • Post-war housing inventory of NWI

    
    

  • Task lead

    Charles Bradsky

  • Task contributors

    None

  • Topical committee

    Transportation Resources Oversight Committee, Transit Operators Roundtable, Technical Planning Committee, and Commission

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

  • Prior task accomplishments

  The 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program was developed in alignment with the 2050 NWI Plan.

  
  

  

  1. | Transportation Improvement Program development‌

     Task objective:

     Conduct a “lessons learned” exercise on the revamped programming approach for the FY2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The 2020-2024 TIP instituted new programming approaches, rules, and evaluation criteria. This was a significant shift in practice from prior TIPs and the MPO needs to understand where additional improvement could be made. In addition, the new programming process needs to be reflected in the MPOs’ e-TIP database, RTIP, for future project calls.

     Task description:

     Activities: 1) Solicit feedback on the 2020-2024 NOFA. 2) Develop a set of improvements for the 2022-2026 TIP NOFA. Maintain a good working relationship with LPAs, transit operators, INDOT, FHWA, and FTA. 3) Work on a strategy on how to fund transformative investments in NWI that exceed the available resources in our TIP on an annual basis.

     Public outreach:

     Utilize a robust and transparent public participation process to inform the project selection.

     Data collection/analysis:

     Financial planning, fiscal constraint analysis, and air quality conformity.

     Task deliverables:

     A further refined programming process along with an electronic project call through the e-TIP platform known as RTIP. A strategy on how to fund transformative investments in NWI.

     
     

  2. | Transportation Improvement Program management ‌

  Task objective:

  Maintain through periodic amendments and modifications a fiscally constrained five-year multi-modal investment program reflecting the vision and goals of the NWI 2050 Plan, implementing the performance-based planning framework, adhering to air quality conformity rules, and utilizing a robust and transparent public participation process.

  Task description:

  Activities: 1) Coordinate transportation projects within the established committee structure. 2) Maintain the 2020-2024 TIP by introducing amendments and administrative modifications with the intent on delivering a full portfolio of projects with the resources available to the NIRPC region. 3) Maintain a fiscally constrained five-year spending plan of federal funds allocated to NWI. 4) Maintain a current list of Employee in Responsible Charge (ERC) for each LPA. 5) Organize and conduct quarterly tracking meetings to assess the viability of project letting; recommend amendments as needed. 6) Employ project selection criteria, as applicable, to inform decision-makers on the merit of each proposed project. 7) Maintain a good working relationship with LPAs, transit operators, INDOT, FHWA, and FTA. 8) Publish a list of obligated projects, known as the Annual List of Obligated Projects (ALOP), no later than 90 days following the close of the fiscal year.

  Public outreach: Utilize a robust and transparent public participation process to inform the project selection and amendments.

  Data collection/analysis: Financial planning, fiscal constraint analysis, and air quality conformity.

  Task deliverables:

  Quarterly tracking meetings the month following the close of a quarter, amendments as needed but before a project is due to let. Document the number and percentage of projects let for construction per program year as originally published in the TIP.

• Task lead

  Charles Bradsky

• Task contributors

  Intern

• Topical committee

  Transportation Resources Oversight Committee, Transit Operators Roundtable, Technical Planning Committee, and Commission

• Task status

  Ongoing and permanent

• Prior task accomplishments

  TIP amendments and modifications. Publication of the ALOP. Implementation of the e-TIP known as RTIP.

• Special cost:

  The e-TIP, known as the RTIP, valued at $45,000 annually, is programmed in the TIP for the management of the 2020-2024 TIP. This vendor is funded with STBG funds with match from NIRPC.

  
  

  

  
  

  • Task lead

    Joe Exl

  • Task contributors

    Candi Eklund

  • Topical committee

    Environmental Management Policy Committee

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

    
    

  • Prior task accomplishments Conducted red flag investigations as needed.

    
    

    

    300.3 | Environmental red flag investigations‌

    Task objective:

    To enhance the performance of the transportation system and transportation projects while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

    Task description:

    Activities:

    Early coordination with LPAs for local projects. NIRPC will send letters to LPAs informing them that a Red Flag Investigation will need to completed following NOFA. This can either be done by NIRPC or consultant. Trigger will be DES number being assigned to a project. NIRPC will continue to review and complete Red Flag Investigations, as needed, in response to early coordination letters.

    Public outreach: not applicable.

    Data collection/analysis:

    Continue to update and maintain the NIRPC environmental database to inform discussion and decisions on environmental impacts and priority mitigation activities. Environmental impacts to include at a minimum: water quality and stormwater impacts, wildlife mortality, habitat connectivity. Other data collected and maintained includes; wetlands, watershed priority areas, priority forest resources, prime farmland, historic structures, public open lands, and many others. Additionally, start a GIS based post-war housing identification process in light of INDOT notification of the potential historical eligibility of such homes or neighborhoods. Intern assistance may be utilized for this project to meet with Indiana Landmarks, analyze parcel level data, etc.

    Task deliverables:

    RFI process incorporated into pre-TIP project scoping meetings. Updated Environmental Mitigation Areas map, including an inventory of post-war housing. End product shapefile for use in red flag investigation.

    
    

    400 | Long-range planning‌

    Program #: 19-400

    2019 budget (as originally programmed):

    Federal (PL)	$373,577
    Local match	$93,394
    Total	$466,971
    Program #: 20-400 2020 budget: Federal (PL)	$415,770
    NIRPC match	$103,943
    Non-NIRPC cash match	$8,295
    Total	$519,713

    
    

    Tasks (major deliverables italicized):

    • 2050 comprehensive regional plan development

    • NWI 2050 Plan implementation

      • Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in NWI

      • E-commerce in NWI

      • Public health and transportation or health equity and transportation

      • Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plan

      • Update of the Sensible Tools Handbook

    • Regional land use planning

    • Surface transportation planning

      • Designation of Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors

    • Environmental planning linkages

      • Green Streets Policy recommendation

      • Transportation vulnerability assessment (multi-year effort)

    
    

  • Task lead

    Trey Wadsworth

  • Task contributors

    Mitch Barloga, Gabrielle Biciunas, Eman Ibrahim, Scott Weber, Kathy Luther, and Joe Exl

  • Topical committee

    All committees

  • Task status

    2019 task

  • Prior task accomplishments

    NWI 2050 Plan adopted in May 2019

    
    

    

    400.1 | 2050 comprehensive regional plan development – 2019 task only‌

    Task objective:

    Using the 2040 long-range plan as the cornerstone to launch from, use an innovative qualitative scenario planning approach that includes performance-based planning requirements and aligns the development of the next TIP, to identify strategies and investments that will work in the most possible futures as informed by a robust public participation effort, creating an action plan for NIRPC for years to come. Meet all ten of national planning factors.

    Task description:

    Elements:

    A multi-step process reflecting on the successes and work to be completed from the 2040 plan, the 2050 plan will articulate regional vision and needs, identify influences on our future, use scenario planning to anticipate impacts of different possible futures, set up a performance-based planning system beyond the minimum requirements of USDOT, define defensible and clear evaluation criteria, endorse strategies and investments to improve our region, and identify partners to help us move towards the future.

    Public outreach:

    The 2050 plan development will seek robust public input during four distinct periods of significant outreach throughout the timeline from April 2018 to April 2019. Special emphasis will be placed on trying to include communities that are not typically involved in the transportation planning process, such as Title VI, Environmental Justice, and ADA protected communities.

    Data collection/analysis:

    The process envisioned for the development of the 2050 plan will be conservative on data collection and analysis and therefore more resource friendly. The intent is to first determine the priorities of the region and then invest in later planning studies and activities where intensive data collection and analysis is typically required. However, the standard data collection analysis activities will still be included such as socio-demographic forecasting, benefits and burdens analyses, fiscal constraint analyses, and air quality conformity determinations to evaluate a slate of investments for inclusion in the plan.

    Task deliverables:

    The plan will have a series of deliverables throughout the process including strategy papers, public participation activities and events, project evaluation criteria, a new performance-based planning system, a set of strategies and investments to endorse, and a full published plan by the late spring of 2019 for consideration by the Commission and our state and federal partners for approval.

    
    

    1. | NWI 2050 Plan implementation‌

       Task objective:

       Study, research, plan, and implement the vision and strategies of the NWI 2050 Plan, the long-range plan for the MPO. This task focuses on making connections between transportation planning and programming, for both highway and transit, and other demonstrated needs in the region from the NWI 2050 Plan, chiefly tasks that assist in making impacts on the sixteen critical paths to achieve the four plan visions statements for NWI: Connected NWI, Renewed NWI, United NWI, and a Vibrant NWI.

       Task description:

       Elements:

  • Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in NWI

    • To better prepare NWI for CAVs, an effort to monitor the latest in CAV technology, understand the latest data and research, will be undertaken with an emphasis of tailoring strategies to incorporate CAVs into transportation planning for the Region. Without careful monitoring and research of CAVs, the Region risks CAVs having an inefficient, inequitable, or even absent impact on the Region.

  • E-commerce in NWI

    • The emergency of e-commerce is transforming the retail experience in the United States. E-commerce is closing big box retailers in suburban locations and will potentially change the landscape for how residents of NWI purchase goods. E-commerce is also changing how goods and services are being delivered to purchasers. This task will investigate the impacts of e-commerce on NWI and offer recommendations on how best to deal with the rapidly changing retail landscape on land-uses and our transportation network.

  • Public health and transportation or health equity and transportation

    • Building upon the food access activities in prior UPWPs, and still included in this UPWP, the task aims to better understand the linkage between public health and transportation and implement transportation projects that will improve health outcomes in the region. Look at regional planning issues through the public health lens to help focus on active transportation, community design, and land use and transportation policies that can bring a broad range of benefits to the region, extending beyond improved access and mobility. Consider health impacts and health-promoting measures in planning and policymaking. Examine how regional and local partnerships can be leveraged to implement projects that strengthen walkable, accessible, affordable, equitable, and healthy neighborhoods. Identify high priority areas for examination and early implementation. Explore how to integrate health and transportation investments to benefit the greatest number of people. Finally, promote health equity throughout the transportation planning process.

  • Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

    • To bring vitality and livability to transit station areas and transit corridors. The activities of this task will support the implementation of NWI 2050 Plan and its strategies and economic development of the Region. It supports linking transportation investments with land use decisions within the region.

       Task lead

      Eman Ibrahim, Gabrielle Biciunas, and

      Scott Weber

      • Task contributors

        None

      • Topical committee

        Land Use Committee, Environmental Management and Policy Committee, and Technical Planning Committee

      • Task status

        Ongoing and permanent

        
        

      • Prior task accomplishments Formation of the NWI Food Council. Participated on the Steering Committee for the following plans: Lake Michigan Gateway Implementation Strategy and Michigan City 421 Corridor Plan. Adoption of the Regional Corridors Study.

        
        

        

        
        

        • Update Sensible Tools Handbook

          • The Sensible Tools Handbook (2007) will be updated to be compatible with 2050 strategies and contemporary trends in transportation and land use. The Handbook is a best practice guide for municipal partners on land use zoning and transportation supportive policies.

            Activities:

        • Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in NWI

          • The task will comprise reviewing the latest literature on CAVs from researchers and practitioners, reviewing market trends and data on CAVs, reviewing the communities' and agencies' assets and preparedness for CAVs, and finding ways NIRPC can best act as a convener and facilitator for preparing communities and agencies in the Region for CAVs.

        • E-commerce in NWI

          • The e-commerce in NWI task will chiefly focus upon trends in the retail environment to gain an understanding on what NWI may face in the coming years. Land use data within in NWI will be analyzed to see where e-commerce may have impacts. This analysis will be conducted with attention to our transportation network, both roadway and transit, to better understand its relationship with e-commerce.

        • Public Health and Transportation or Health Equity and Transportation

          • An assessment of existing conditions will be conducted, along with research on other MPO’s with health and transportation initiatives, such as Boston, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago Nashville, and Oklahoma City. Research and incorporate FHWA and DOT resources, objectives and recommendations. Analyze impacts to socioeconomic and geographic equity, with performance measures including vehicle miles traveled, travel time, and housing-transportation affordability. Explore health impact assessments as a tool for potential use in NWI. Identify health indicators related to transportation. Finally, develop solutions and strategies for consideration by the Commission and regional stakeholders.

        • Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

          • Establish an on-going TOD planning effort with municipal and transit partners. The efforts will be linked with the Creating Livable Cities activities already underway. The TOD activities will be focus on the South Shore Line double tracking along the existing route, and West Lake Corridor expansion NICTD in Lake County, along major bus routes throughout the Region. The activities within the TOD efforts will seek to create livable areas of mixed use around transit stations, and enhancing the transit infrastructure investments, by reducing vehicle miles traveled on-road, emissions, energy use, and personal transportation costs, all while support economic development in and around station areas.

        • Update Sensible Tools Handbook

          • Each of the strategies identified in the NWI 2050 Plan, that have a relationship to the Sensible Tools Handbook, will be incorporated into the Handbook update.

            Public outreach:

        • Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in NWI

      
      

    • The task would gauge the interest in public involvement by sending out a survey to communities and agencies about interest in CAVs. If there is deemed sufficient interest in CAVs from the survey, staff would consider either creating a working group on CAVs or creating a standing item for the Surface Transportation Committee meetings. If there is not sufficient interest in CAVs according to the survey, NIRPC would consider holding pop-up events in a few of the large communities in the region showing a few scenarios of how CAVs may impact the Region.

  • E-commerce in NWI

    • The nature of outreach and this task will be explored as the task gets underway due to the fact that there will be an early research component of the task. At this point the outreach strategy is not known without that research. However, input from LPAs and transit partners will likely be sought.

  • Public health and transportation or health equity and transportation

    • Research how community engagement informs health considerations. Seek input from health care professionals, county health departments, local planners, and community members.

  • Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

    • Outreach will center on communities where TOD may be appropriate. The majority of the eligible planning efforts are in areas that contain Environmental Justice communities.

  • Update Sensible Tools Handbook

    • The outreach effort associated with this task will mostly be related to the workshops that are intended following the publication of the update. Staff will lead workshops to share the new information and best practices.

      Data collection/analysis:

  • Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in NWI

    • Data collection and analysis will initially rely heavily on literature from researchers with direct access to and contacts with automakers and companies in the business of deploying CAVs. As access to data directly from companies and the field becomes more available, NIRPC will have a greater role in directly collecting and analyzing this field data, unlikely in the time span allotted for this task. On the infrastructure side, NIRPC will engage communities and agencies on their interest via the survey mentioned above, and if receptive to sharing more infrastructure and asset data to NIRPC as it pertains to preparing for CAVs, NIRPC would explore arrangements to analyze the asset data. I would handle the analysis of communities' asset data if required.

  • E-commerce in NWI

    • The data needed for this task will be data on land uses at the municipal level, travel demand around retail centers, transit ridership serving retail centers, and employment information in NWI for retail.

  • Public health and transportation or health equity and transportation

    • A variety of data sources may need to be collected and exactly what will be explored in the initial stages of the task. Data may include: Health disparities and other indicators; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data; Asthma or quality of life data; Air quality; Safety; Environmental Justice (EJ) areas

      
      

      (Status, Minority, Low Income, Senior, Disability, Veteran, Limited English); Food access; Transit – Access to transit stations, stops, etc.; Population density; Employment density; Trails, greenways, blue ways; Sidewalks and active transportation elements; Livable Centers; Walkability; Identify location of schools, parks, community centers, grocery stores, etc.; Complete Streets; Utilize FHWA’s Transportation & Health Tool (THT).

      • Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

        • Identify land use trends in relation to transportation and transit and produce maps to guide understanding of TOD potential, land uses, economic development, and land development within the region.

      • Update Sensible Tools Handbook

        • The nature of the data needed for the handbook is not known at this point.

          Task deliverables:

      • Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) in NWI

        • This task will deliver a brief 4-page brochure to each of the LPAs, transit agencies, and INDOT, a guide for how to anticipate, prepare for, and mitigate against any impacts by CAVs. Most importantly, understand the opportunities presented by CAVs in NWI to ensure our communities leverage the benefits.

      • E-commerce in NWI

        • This task delivers a set of recommendations to NWI municipalities and transit providers on how best to anticipate e-commerce impacts, mitigate their effects, and to harness the opportunities presented by e- commerce to ensure our communities leverage the benefits.

      • Public health and transportation or health equity and transportation

        • A document/report as a “conversation” starter with assessment of topic, recommendations and strategies for next steps and roles and responsibilities.

      • Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

        • Task will assist local partners with appropriate land use zoning updates, and in scoping transportation projects that will be supportive of TOD for inclusion in future Transportation Improvement Programs. This may include TOD investment guidelines, project eligibility, evaluation criteria, and recommended funding allocations.

          
          

          1. | Regional land use planning ‌

          Task objective:

          Support community-based transportation and land use projects that bring vitality to downtown areas, neighborhoods, transit station areas, commercial cores, and transit corridors. The activities of this program support the implementation of NWI 2050 Plan and its strategies, and economic development considerations. It supports linking transportation investments with land use decisions within the region.

          Task description:

          Elements and activities:

  • Creating Livable Communities (CLC) program

    • Maintain Livable and Main Centers database and continue to engage LPAs on opportunities to fund transportation improvements within those areas.

  • Land use and transportation planning linkages

    • Implement strategies that link transportation and land use planning and economic development considerations. Develop a framework that provides regional consistency on issues of common importance and functional compatibility, while allowing individual entities to retain their individual and autonomous authority. Provide support to the Land Use Committee. Identify regionally significant transportation projects in local land use plans to include in the air quality travel-demand model. Participate in and contribute to local governments planning activities, including technical assistance as needed by designation of Transit Development District (TDD) committee established by the Regional Development Agency (RDA).

      Public outreach:

  • Creating Livable Communities (CLC) program

    • Outreach will center on identified communities within the CLC program. The majority of the CLC eligible projects areas are within the EJ areas and around transit stations.

  • Land use and transportation planning linkages

    • Outreach is continual especially with municipal partners on their land use planning activities. Data collection/analysis:

  • Work with the GIS planner to understand land use trends and produce land use maps to guide understanding of land uses and land development within the region.

    Task deliverables:

  • Creating Livable Communities (CLC) program

    • This is an on-going technical assistance opportunity for LPAs and NIRPC to collaborate on.

  • Land use and transportation planning linkages

    • Recommendations and directions developed by the Land Use Committee. Up to date inventory of comprehensive plans, zoning maps, land use, economic development plans, utility plans, thoroughfare plans and other documents from county, municipal, state, and federal agencies. A coordinated regional land use GIS data. Presentation, maps, and graphics for the Land Use Committee.

  • Task lead

    Eman Ibrahim

  • Task contributors

    Mary Thorne

  • Topical committee

    Land Use Committee and Technical Planning Committees

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

  • Prior task accomplishments

    The first round of CLC planning grants were solicited in early 2014. Selection of the CLC awarded projects was accomplished by means of a CLC Selection Committee, which provided a number of recommendations to each grant awardee. NIRPC team administered the awarded CLC grants and monitored progress of the recipients and participated in the steering committees of all the CLC plans. Support of the Land Use Committee on existing and proposed regional plans, land use related projects and policies.

    
    

    

    
    

  • Task lead

    Scott Weber

  • Task contributors

    Peter Kimball and Mary Thorne

  • Topical committee

    Surface Transportation Committee, and Technical Planning Committee

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

  • Prior task accomplishments

    The completion of the Regional Corridors Study. Coordination of freight planning with local, regional, and state planning agencies. Creation of NIRPC Freight Committee as successor to the NWI Rail VISION group. Maintained relationships with multi-modal stakeholders. Participated in training programs. Periodically updated the Regional ITS Architecture to update the list of stakeholders (added the revised Indiana Toll Road Concession Company) and the element inventory (new Dynamic Messaging Signs on the Indiana Toll Road, Central Lake County Signal Pre-emption project, etc.).

    
    

    

    400.4 | Surface transportation planning‌

    Task objective:

    Study, research, and plan for the improvement of the surface transportation network within the region, for roadway corridors, freight, Intelligent Transportation Systems, safety and security.

    Task description:

    Elements and activities:

    • Corridor planning

      • Participate in INDOT’s upcoming corridor plan, assist communities to advance the recommendations from NIRPC’s Regional Corridors Study, and implement the corridor-based strategies identified in the 2050 long- range plan.

    • Freight planning

      • Track issues and trends in freight transportation and coordinate freight planning with local, regional, and state agencies. Support the NIRPC Regional Rail Task Force on its activities to improve the at-grade crossing safety issue in NW Indiana. Designate Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors in NWI.

    • Intelligent Transportation Systems

      • Meet the federal requirements for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as they pertain to a Transportation Management Area (TMA) and fulfill the requirements for a Regional ITS Architecture and the monitoring, updating, and implementing that Regional ITS Architecture. Keep the Regional ITS Architecture current. Educate project sponsors of ITS projects about their requirements to have a system engineering analysis.

    • Safety and security planning

      • Serve as a point of contact for regional safety information for both internal and external partners. Assist with the monitoring of the safety performance measures to comply with the FAST Act.

    Public outreach: NIRPC staff will periodically post surface transportation content to social media. Additionally, staff will bring surface transportation content to public engagement workshops.

    Data collection/analysis: More field data will be necessary to enhance this task - especially intersection-level data for key intersections (ones with safety and/or congestion issues) and for at-grade crossings, since the last field data was collected in 2012. New data collection tools for deployment in field data collection equipment will be explored.

    Task deliverables:

    The proposed task deliverables for this task are: a draft of the INDOT corridor plan focusing on the corridor(s) INDOT selects in the NIRPC region to display on the NIRPC website and post about on social media, monthly (or more) social media postings about surface transportation issues in NWI, system performance (reliability, congestion, and freight movement) and safety presentations to the Surface Transportation Committee, and at-grade crossing data to the Regional Rail Task Force. Designation of Critical Urban and Rural Freight Corridors in NWI.

    
    

    400.5 | Environmental linkages planning ‌

    Task objective:

    Identify areas in which transportation planning and the environment intersect in the region, plan for enhancement when possible, consider the resiliency of our transportation network as it relates to environmental influences, and assist partners. Ensure that NIRPC long-range transportation plans are consistent with environmental resource agency plans. General environmental mitigation planning and coordination with regulatory agencies will be included in this task.

    Task description:

    Elements:

     Green Streets

    o To enhance the performance of the transportation system while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

     Transportation vulnerability assessment and adaptation

    o To understand risk from climate change and extreme weather, inform and modify decision making, and enhance the performance of the transportation system while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

    Activities:

     Green Streets

    o Initial task activities will entail the assembly of case studies and data gathering to set the stage for Green Streets in NWI. The next step will be to assemble a working group on Green Streets to assist with the formulation of a policy to recommend to the Commission. The final step will be to develop guidance materials for project scoping.

     Transportation vulnerability assessment and adaptation

    o The activities associated with this task will require a multi-year effort leading to the next update of the long- range plan in four years. Following the FHWA Vulnerability Assessment & Adaptation framework, begin preparatory work to analyze the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on transportation infrastructure, assess adaptation options, and inform decision making processes. Formulate vulnerability assessment team. An articulation of objectives and scope definition will be completed. Data will be obtained on transportation assets and climate to be used for the vulnerability assessment. The next substantial stage will to conduct vulnerability assessments. Then an identification, analyzation, and prioritization of adaptation options will be produced. Finally, all the information will be incorporated into decision making including the next long-range plan update and associated Transportation Improvement Program.

    Public outreach:

     Green Streets

    o The Green Streets working group will be composed of LPAs and MS4s to work on and contribute to a potential policy.

  • Task lead

    Kathy Luther

  • Task contributors

    Mitch Barloga, Joe Exl, Candi Eklund, Charles Bradsky, Peter Kimball, James Winters, Dominique Edwards, Scott Weber, and intern

  • Topical committee

    Environmental Management and Policy Committee and Ped, Pedal, and Paddle Committee

  • Task status

    On-going and permanent

    
    

  • Prior task accomplishments Provided environmental and natural resource analysis of the Regional Corridors Study, which enabled potential new transportation corridors to be evaluated on their environmental impacts and potential barriers to implementation. Contributed to analysis of priority non-motorized trail corridors for potential environmental impacts and linkages. Robust mapping and analysis of natural resources that underlay the transportation infrastructure of the region. Discussions with resource agencies led to realization that permitting and mitigation processes at the agencies are handled on a short- term project specific basis. NIRPC's subsequent work to support LPA Red Flag Investigations continues to address this need. However, maintaining NIRPC natural resource mapping with resource agency priorities and plans as they are updated or adopted is long term ongoing task to support federal consistency at the regional level.

  
  

  

  
  

  • Transportation vulnerability assessment and adaptation

    • Public participation activities in 2020 will focus on establishing assessment stakeholder teams from LPAs, state agencies, universities, etc. General public participation for this project would be targeted for 2021 and 2022.

      Data collection/analysis:

  • Green Streets

    • The Green Streets working group will be composed of LPAs and MS4s to work on and contribute to a potential policy.

  • Transportation vulnerability assessment and adaptation

    • Transportation asset, riverine hydrology, temperature and precipitation projections data collection. Interns would assist in the collection of transportation asset data either directly or assembling from LPAs.

      Task deliverables:

      Inform transportation planning activities about environmental linkages to enable environmental enhancement, resiliency, with the ultimate goal of reducing environmental permitting time by considering environmental impacts early in the process.

  • Green Streets

    • Recommend a Green Streets Policy to the Commission for adoption including the outlining of scope, use, and application of policy to transportation projects.

  • Transportation vulnerability assessment and adaptation

    • Ultimately, better inform transportation planning and programming by considering transportation asset vulnerability as it relates to climate change and extreme weather. This will be a multi-year effort.

  
  

  500 | Multi-modal planning‌

  Program #: 19-500

  2019 budget (as originally programmed):

  Federal (PL) $143,955 Local match $35,989 Total $179,943

  
  

  Program #: 20-500

  2020 budget:

  Federal (PL) $245,858 Local match $61,465 Total $307,323

  
  

  Tasks (major deliverables italicized):

  • Active transportation planning

    • Bicycle tourism strategies

    • 2020 Greenways+Blueways Map

    • Bicycle sharing opportunities map and model ordinance

  • Transit planning activities were funded by FTA 5307 funds in 2019 and have been switched to PL/5303 for 2020

    • Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan

    • Comprehensive regional transit plan (multi-year effort) – pending 5307 award

    • Regional transit website

    • TAMP Annual update

    • 5310 program management plan

  
  

  • Task lead

    Mitch Barloga

  • Task contributors

    Mary Thorne and Intern

  • Topical committee

    Ped, Pedal + Paddle Committee

  • Task status

    On-going and permanent

    
    

  • Prior task accomplishments Greenways+Blueways 2020 Plan, BUILD Grant application for the Marquette Greenway, trail planning, bicycle and pedestrian technical assistance, and participation with statewide task forces. Facilitated regular meetings of Ped, Pedal & Paddle Committee, met with municipal officials on advancing non-motorized projects and policies, and established of funding priorities in new programmatic approach for the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program.

    
    

    

    1. | Active transportation planning‌

       Task objective:

       To work with the Ped, Pedal and Paddle Committee (3PC), municipalities and local advocates to establish baseline data points for performance measurements. These performance measures are identified in the Implementation chapter of the G+B 2020 Plan. Promote bicycle tourism opportunities to benefit both residents and visitors to NW Indiana. Update the 2018 Greenways+Blueways Map. Promote pedestrian, bicycle and paddling planning policy and projects to municipal agencies in NWI. Assist local entities in developing non-motorized wayfinding strategies for regional initiatives and their local efforts. Collaborate with INDOT on review of their proposed projects, and providing feedback on the addition of Complete Streets, Universal Design and ADA elements if needed. Outreach to businesses and non-profits on partnering and funding strategies to advance active transportation initiatives. Social media effort to promote active transportation initiatives. Working with the Legacy Foundation to expand public art projects along trails in Lake County. Provide assistance to municipalities interested in bicycle sharing programs by working with vendors.

       Task description:

       Elements and activities:

  • Baseline data for performance measures

    • Survey municipalities and advocates on current state of performance for each measure.

    • Collect data from surveys to establish baselines for ongoing performance.

    • Input data sets into NWI's performance-based planning framework.

  • Bicycle tourism

    • Creation of a "bike-friendly business" strategy and promotion of document to local chambers of commerce.

    • Development of "Trail Town" program guide for municipalities and businesses.

    • Coordination with county tourism agencies on best practices and implementation of strategies.

    • Ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to gauge interest and successes.

  • 2020 Greenways+Blueways Map

    • Public outreach to solicit feedback on new map elements.

    • Recruitment of sponsors for local match.

    • Request for qualifications for competitive procurement of a consultant.

    • Production of draft map for public comment and review.

    • Printing of final map product for distribution.

  • Active transportation planning technical assistance

    • Coordinate with municipal entities on new and ongoing bicycle, pedestrian and paddling projects in development.

    • Engage and assist pedestrian, bicycle and paddling projects in an effort to build connected networks across the region.

    • Facilitate discussions to aid with the remediation of project delays and obstacles.

      
      

    • Serve on American Discovery Trail Society and Greenways Foundation of Indiana to aid with state and national trail initiatives benefiting NWI.

    • Host workshops/seminars/webinars on active transportation topics of relevance.

  • Active transportation wayfinding

    • Educate municipalities of NIRPC's Unified Wayfinding Guide, and how to apply to regional and local systems.

    • Collaborate as needed to improve land and water wayfinding throughout NIRPC region.

    • Partner with advocates and non-profits to purchase and install wayfinding elements when necessary.

  • INDOT Project Scoping Coordination

    • The following is ongoing based on INDOT's initial submission to NIRPC staff: receive proposed projects from INDOT for scoping review; perform review with input from LPA's; and submit recommendations to INDOT for their consideration.

  • Non-traditional active transportation partnerships

    • Contact list of those private entities that could be of financial assistance.

    • Description of each partnership and how they can aid with active transportation initiatives based on their histories.

    • Coordinating joint events with partners promoting active transportation initiatives.

  • Active transportation public awareness campaigns

    • Regularly scheduled campaign to populate NIRPC's Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts with various active transportation issues. These will involve topics such as Complete Streets, Safe Routes to School, Bike to Work and law enforcement.

    • Regular podcasts on topics.

  • Art on Trails

    • Reviewing local plans to incorporate public art along off-road trails, and choosing artists to accomplish these plans. Ongoing granting opportunity at approx. $10,000 per year with 50/50 match.

  • Bicycle sharing technical assistance

    • Creation of map highlighting areas of employment with existing and proposed bicycle route access.

    • Establish contact with vendors and connecting them to interested municipalities.

    • Highlight bicycle sharing local legislation for application.

    • Aiding municipalities in establishing the right program for their community.

      Public outreach:

  • Baseline data for performance measures

    • Conduct surveys with municipalities and advocacy organizations. Continue follow-up with them to clarify measures.

  • Bicycle tourism

    
    

    • Outreach with chambers of commerce, tourism agencies, businesses and municipal leadership to educate them on opportunities and develop strategies to implement. This will be accomplished through workshops and webinars.

      • 2020 Greenways+Blueways Map

        • Public outreach to solicit feedback on new map elements. Presentations to Ped, Pedal & Paddle Committee members, including advocates of South Shore Trails and the NWI Paddling Association. Social media outreach as well.

      • Active transportation planning technical assistance

        • Ongoing dialogue with municipal and advocate representatives, including updates at Ped, Pedal and Paddle Committee meetings.

      • Active transportation wayfinding

        • Webinars and regular social media posts.

      • INDOT Project Scoping Coordination

        • Outreach to INDOT, and LPAs, and transit operators.

      • Non-traditional active transportation partnerships

        • Social media once partnerships are established.

      • Active transportation public awareness campaigns

        • NIRPC's social media accounts, and presentations at 3PC meetings.

        • Broadcasts on Lakeshore TV and radio.

        • Podcasts

      • Art on Trails

        • Legacy Foundation to perform majority of outreach, with NIRPC highlighting progress on our social media platforms.

      • Bicycle sharing technical assistance

        • General outreach to municipalities and assistance with vendors.

          Data collection/analysis:

      • Baseline data for performance measures

        • Utilize survey instrument and social media outlets to collect data.

      • Bicycle tourism

        • Utilize survey instrument to gauge level of involvement currently practiced by stakeholders.

      • 2020 Greenways+Blueways Map

        • Updated bicycle data layer in GIS.

      • Active transportation planning technical assistance

        • Trail counter collection & maintenance

        • Analysis of pedestrian & bicycle crash data

      • INDOT Project Scoping Coordination

        • Bicycle and pedestrian crash data in NWI.

      
      

  • Non-traditional active transportation partnerships

    • Research into local, state and national businesses and organizations who promote and fund active transportation initiatives.

  • Bicycle sharing technical assistance

    • Map employment centers and bicycle routes.

      Task deliverables:

  • Baseline data for performance measures

    • Establishment of performance measure baselines for non-motorized transportation policy and projects as identified in the G+B 2020 Plan.

  • Bicycle tourism

    • Creation of strategies/plans that are tailored to specific stakeholders.

  • 2020 Greenways+Blueways Map

    • Updated Greenways+Blueways Map for 2020.

  • Active transportation planning technical assistance

    • Ongoing collaboration with regional stakeholders including municipalities, advocates, non-profits and other partners including Title VI, EJ and ADA protected communities.

    • Maintenance of trail counters and reporting of counts.

    • Maps highlighting future routes.

    • Workshops, seminars and webinars on important topics.

  • Active transportation wayfinding

    • Ongoing dialogue with municipal entities on improving their wayfinding plans.

    • Preparing grants to non-profits for signage fabrication and installation.

    • Installation of new signage for United States Bicycle Routes, American Discovery Trail routes, and other elements through the use of municipal and non-profit funds.

  • INDOT Project Scoping Coordination

    • Ongoing reports to INDOT regarding NIRPC, LPA, and transit operator recommendations on proposed project scope.

  • Non-traditional active transportation partnerships

    • Listing of those partners on NIRPC website, including contact information and any funding or assistance opportunities.

    • Regular invitations to present before 3PC.

  • Active transportation public awareness campaigns

    • Production of PSA videos and audio for TV and radio

    • Podcasts

    • Regular social media posts

  • Art on Trails

    • Ongoing project grants as determined by Legacy Foundation. NIRPC will act in advisory role.

      
      

      • Bicycle sharing technical assistance

        • Creation of map highlighting locations where bicycle routes and employment centers are present. Use map to promote potential bicycle sharing opportunities in region.

        • Promote model bicycle sharing legislation to be considered by municipalities.

          
          

          1. | Transit planning – 2020 tasks ‌

          Task objective:

          Plan and coordinate regional transit, provide a forum for transit investment decisions in the region, assist transit operators with technical assistance, and oversee administrative processes to guarantee an ongoing commitment to funding transit.

          Task description:

          Elements and activities: Execute the processes required by FTA to secure funding for transit investments in NWI. Participate in the annual apportionment split with Chicago urbanized area transit providers, principally the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Facilitate funding processes/decisions in an open participatory manner. Ensure timely and accurate completion of federal transit grants. Continue the implementation of regional transit planning initiatives.

          Encourage local investment into existing transit services. Oversee the development of two planning initiatives, a comprehensive regional transit plan and a regional transit website.

          Public outreach: The community at large, in particular communities associated with Title VI, EJ, and ADA will continue to be reached through ongoing transit programming. Ongoing transit programming will require communication to municipal officials and the general public about the issues surrounding transit and the benefits of expansion. Further, social media will be utilized to share visually appealing posts about transit issues both regionally and nationally. The planning period of the comprehensive regional transit plan will offer many substantive opportunities to engage with the public. Lastly, the development of a regional transit website will assist in developing substantive two-way communication with the public about regional and local transit issues and concerns.

          Data collection/analysis:

          National Transit Database, ridership, asset condition, direct recipient federal fund expenditures, and fare data will be identified for in collaboration with the data analysis and forecasting task. Additional data will be gathered in the development of the comprehensive regional transit plan including: density metrics for prioritizing transit, best practices in transit development, transit frequency, route analysis, ridership surveying, and potentially others.

          Task deliverables:

          This is an ongoing activity with many indirect outcomes, however, there are several deliverables associated with this activity including:

  • Split letters between the RTA and NIRPC and then between the local transit operators, and application of FY 2021 transit grants in TRAMs

  • Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and TAMP Annual update

  • 5310 Program management plan

  • Project management of a comprehensive regional transit plan

  • Completion of a regional transit website with information about every NWI operator and an interactive service area map

  • Task lead

    James Winters

  • Task contributors

    Candi Eklund

  • Topical committee

    Transit Operators Roundtable

  • Task status

    Ongoing and permanent

    
    

  • Prior task accomplishments Adoption of a new Coordinated Transit Plan (CHSPTP), Transit Asset Management Plan (TAMP), application of FY 2018 Transit Grants, drafting of FY 2018 Split Letters, drafting of 2018 Meeting materials and minutes for the Transit Operators Roundtable, NTD Reporter Analysis, new programmatic approach for transit and project evaluation criteria linked to CHSPTP, NWI 2050 Plan, and TAMP.

  
  

  

  
  

  600 | Special planning activities‌

  Program #: 19-600

  2019 budget:

  Federal $0

  Local match $0

  Total $0

  
  

  Program #: 20-600

  2020 budget:

  Federal $0

  Local match $0

  Total $0

  
  

  Tasks:

  None identified in this UPWP period at this time.

  
  

  700 | FTA activities and tasks‌

  Program #: 19-700

  2019 budget (as originally programmed):

  Federal (5307) $401,212 Local match $100,303 Total $501,515

  
  

  Program #: 20-700

  2020 budget:

  Federal (5307)	$340,223
  Local match	$85,056
  Total Tasks:	$425,279

  • Sub-grantee oversight

  • Transit planning – funded by 5307 in 2019 and PL/5303 for 2020, see section 500

  
  

  1. | Sub-grantees oversight‌

     Task objective:

     Carry out administrative responsibilities associated with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants, including monitoring and oversight of FTA-assisted transit services and procurement of FTA-funded capital equipment. NIRPC currently conveys Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 financial and capital assistance to the following seven (7) sub-grantees: East Chicago Transit, North Township, Opportunity Enterprises, Porter County Community Services, Southlake County Community Services, City of Valparaiso, and City of LaPorte.

     Task description:

     Elements and activities:

     The Chief Accountant requests and manages federal drawdowns using FTA’s Electronic Clearinghouse Operation (ECHO) System. Oversees preparation and processing of payments to vendors and sub-grantees, and maintains grant-related records. The Transit Program Compliance Officer analyzes federal and state regulations to identify compliance requirements. Develops and communicates plans, goals, strategies, and recommendations pertaining to external compliance requirements. The Compliance Officer serves as a compliance manager for all 5307 sub-grantee functions, excluding financial management. The Procurement Coordinator performs major performance dimensions with specific duties and responsibilities to determine appropriate procurement methods. Develops and communicates recommendations pertaining to procurement. Identifies information needs and refers sub-grantees and other parties to appropriate authorities and sources of information.

     Public outreach:

     Participates in the Transit Operators Roundtable to relay oversight and procurement information.

     Data collection/analysis:

     Not applicable.

     Task deliverables:

     Successful oversight and procurement activities according to FTA regulations so that each Triennial Review results in no findings or corrective actions in the areas in which NIRPC is reviewed.

     • Task lead

       Allen Hammond

     • Task contributors

       Candi Eklund, Talaya Jones, and Lisa Todd

     • Topical committee

       Transit Operators Roundtable

     • Task status

       Ongoing and permanent.

       
       

     • Prior task accomplishments Oversight of, and procurement for, the seven sub-grantees in the region.

       
       

       

       
       

  2. | Transit planning – 2019 tasks‌

  Task objective:

  Plan and coordinate regional transit, provide a forum for transit investment decisions in the region, assist transit operators with technical assistance, and oversee administrative processes to guarantee an ongoing commitment to funding transit.

  Task description:

  Elements and activities:

  Oversee the administrative processes required to secure ongoing funding for transit. Participate in the annual apportionment split with Chicago urbanized area transit providers, principally the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Facilitate funding processes/decisions in an open participatory manner. Ensure timely and accurate completion of federal transit grants. Continue the implementation of regional transit planning initiatives. Identify strategies to increase the efficiency of the current transit system, while also consider the development of strategies to expand transit. Encourage local investment into existing transit services.

  Public outreach:

  In this UPWP period there will outreach throughout the region, especially with Title VI, EJ and ADA protected communities, regarding the Coordinated Human Services Transit Plan (CHSTP), municipal officials to provide a forum for securing local investments to leverage federal-aid, and for the development of the transit-related performance-based planning requirements set out in the FAST Act.

  Data collection/analysis:

  National Transit Database, ridership, asset condition, and fare data will be identified for in collaboration with the data analysis and forecasting task.

  Task deliverables:

  This is an ongoing activity with many indirect outcomes, however, there are several deliverables associated with this activity including:

  • Meeting materials and minutes for the Transit Operators Roundtable

  • Coordinated Human Services Public Transit Plan

  • FY 2019 and FY 2020 transit grants

  • Split letters between the RTA and NIRPC and then between the local transit operators.

    • Task lead

      

      James Winters

    • Task contributors

      Eman Ibrahim, Trey Joseph Wadsworth and Scott Weber

    • Topical committee

      Land Use Committee and Transit Operators Roundtable

    • Task status

      Moved to section 500

    • Prior task accomplishments

  NTD data entry, outreach to transit partners, transit funding discussions, research on best practices, scoping the CHSTP.

  
  

  

  
  

  800 | NIRPC programs‌

  CMAQ, HSIP, or STBG funding planning activities or contracts

  Program #: 19-800

  CMAQ budget (using 2018 CMAQ): 2019 STBG budget (using 2017 STBG):

  Federal	$88,170	$137,619
  Local match	$0	$9,000
  Non-NIRPC / in-kind value	$22,043	$25,405
  Total	$339,365	$34,405
  Program #: 20-800 2020 CMAQ budget (using 2019	Group 1 CMAQ):	2020 STBG budget (using 2019 Group 1 STBG):
  Des #18011359		Des #1600543
  Federal	$360,000	$36,000
  NIRPC match	$8,760	$9,000
  Non-NIRPC match	$71,371	$0
  In-kind value match	$9,869*	$0
  Total	$450,000	$45,000

  
  

  *In-kind pre-approval request on April 2, 2019

  
  

  Tasks (major deliverables italicized):

  • Air quality + education (CMAQ Group 1 programmed in 2019)

  • e-TIP (STBG Group 2 programmed in 2020)

  
  

  1. | Air quality + education ‌

     Task objective:

     This multi-year air quality public education program continues to develop and promote a highly visible, on-going effort to educate the residents of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties concerning their personal transportation choices and the relationship of those choices to air quality, health and quality of life in the Region. Partner organization South Shore Clean Cities will receive a sub-grant from NIRPC to perform all tasks described except for the following: NIRPC will continue to procure lunch totes and event sponsorships for NWI Partners for Clean Air, contract for updating and reprinting the regional bike and path map, and implement a portion of the radio advertising campaigns. NIRPC will provide oversite of South Shore Clean Cities sub-grant with MPO Planning Administration funds.

     
     

     The program will continue to work with public officials, public diesel fleet owners and operators, private sector decision makers, universities, educators, students, the media and the general public on the air quality issues in the Region. In addition to educating for driving behavior changes, the program will promote environmental stewardship, foster intergenerational leadership and improve air quality and community health by encouraging use of public transit and active transportation. The public education campaign is necessary to obtain public support, consensus and participation to achieve and maintain national air quality standards as designated in the Clean Air Act.

     Task description:

     NWI Clean Air

     New to the NWI Clean Air program is a “Region Air Leaders” effort. South Shore Clean Cities will initiate a Region Air Leaders program would reward businesses and other organizations for taking steps to reduce their emissions with an emphasis on employee commuting and public transit along the most heavily traveled corridors in Northwest Indiana. This would also include education to major employers on workplace electric vehicle charging, ride sharing and opportunities to reduce vehicle usage. Region Leaders would also educate and encourage youth and families through a number of programs to access their community by biking, walking and using transit, riding school buses and utilizing ride sharing options. It appears many organizations are eager to participate in programs to increase awareness and the use of healthy, active forms of transportation and to reduce congestion, idling and accidents on trips to school.

     
     

     The Region brand and education and outreach campaign is focused specifically on coordination/leverage of area resources and efforts to raise awareness of the importance of air quality forecasts, provide education on the effects of pollutants including ozone and particulate matter and encourage voluntary actions to reduce air pollution from transportation sources and promote moving toward cleaner air.

• Task lead

  Kathy Luther

• Sub-Grantee

  South Shore Clean Cities, 501(c)(3)

• Topical committee

  Environmental Management and Policy Committee

• Task status

  Ongoing with TIP funding and affirmative CMAQ eligibility determinations

• Prior task accomplishments