- -

NORTHWESTERN-

INDIANA

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

RESOLUTION 20-28

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT #3 FOR THE 2021-2022 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM FOR

LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA

November 19, 2020

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Planning Commission, hereafter referred to as "the Commission," being designated as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Lake, Porter, and LaPorte County area, has established a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transpo rtation planning process to develop the FY 2021

- 2022 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 and budgets 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, federal transportation fund expenses contracted to NIRPC must be adopted into the current UPWP in order to be reimbursed; and

WHEREAS, a balance of $648,549.24 in Congestion Management and Air Quality, PL/5307 and Surface Transportation Block Grant funds remain in NIRPC's open Indiana Department of Transportation Purchase Orders; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Planning Committee has recommended that the Commission approve the content of UPWP 2021 -2022 Amendment #3;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby adopts the FY 2021 - 2022 UPWP Amendment #3 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 on this nineteenth day of November, 2020.

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ATTEST:

Secretary

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Michael Griffin Chairperson

UPWP 2021-2022 Amendment #3

1. Planning Management and Administration

   TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 16

   
   

   Voice to Text transcription

   • Purchase of software to facilitate more efficient meeting minute production.

Budget Line Item: Planning Communications

1. Transportation Data Collection

   TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 27

   
   

   NIRPC Data Bike

   • The objective of NIRPC's Data Bike project is to develop a bike-based data-collection vehicle, using an electric-assist bicycle, an iPhone, and an iPhone app designed to detect pavement conditions, and then to collect pavement-condition data for all paved trails within the NW Indiana Greenways & Blueways (G&B) network for NIRPC's use and its and member cities and counties, as well as partner organizations. This data will help inform a long-term maintenance strategy for the G&B network.

     
     

     In addition to collecting pavement-condition data, the Data Bike will be used for other valuable purposes to benefit the users of the trail system, as well as the government and nonprofit entities that maintain them. These include collecting Google Street View images for all of the trails in the region using a Samsung Gear 360, as well as collecting geocoded imagery of trail conditions using a GoPro camera.

     
     

     Total Cost Federal Cost Local Match-NIRPC

     $5,500 $ 4,400 $ 1,100

     Budget Line Item: Planning Equipment

     
     

     Advanced Trail Counters

     • Distribution of advanced trail counters throughout the entire NIRPC region to gauge the number of users accessing trail facilities. Counters will be placed along both paved and natural surfaces, providing data on both pedestrian and bicycle usage NIRPC will collect the data and provide results to participating communities.

       Counters include solid state boxes which are mobile, as well as post and loop systems which involve installing sensors into the trail surface, which delineate between both pedestrians and bicyclists.

       
       

       Information gleaned from the counter data will provide municipal decision-makers with the tools to target investments in the right projects and making certain that these investments are equitable. Emergency services will also be benefited by providing them data on high-use trail segments.

       
       

       Total Cost	Federal Cost	Local Match - LPAs
       $ 75,000	$ 60,000	$ 15,000
       Up to $ 375,000	$ 300,000	$ 75,000

       NIRPC Budget Line Item: Planning Equipment ($28,500 for 5 fixed counters) & Planning Communication (up to $300,000 for mobile counters)

       
       

2. Data Analysis and GIS Support Services

   TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 29

   
   

   ArcOnline Projects

   • Purchase additional ESRI credits to increase capacity for geographic data display and storymaps.

     
     

     Total Cost	Federal Cost	Local Match - NIRPC
     $ 500	$ 400	$ 100

     Budget Line Item: Planning Communications *ongoing annual cost to budget

     
     

3. Performance-based Planning Activities

   TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 29 OR 31

   
   

   Tableau software

   • Purchase Tableau software to better manage "big" datasets and build a performance-based planning dashboard with visualization capabilities. Numerous other Indiana MPOs and INDOT use Tableau (i.e. MACOG and INDOT).

200.5 Travel Demand Modeling

TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 35

Travel Demand Model Update

• Update the Travel Demand Model based on 2018-2019 Household Travel Survey.

Total Cost Federal Cost Local Match - NIRPC

$70,000 $56,000 $14,000

Budget Line Item: Planning Contractual

1. TIP Management

   TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 45

   
   

   RTIP Redesign

   • NIRPC will work with Indianapolis MPO to develop an on-line TIP that will coordinate with the system INDOT is developing.

Budget Line Item: Planning Contractual

400.5 Transportation and Environmental Linkages

TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 61

Transportation Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment

• Transportation Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment NIRPC will procure a contractor to initiate vulnerability assessment study.

1. Active Transportation Planning

   TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 125

   
   

   USBR Signage

   • Purchasing of placards marking the United States Bicycle Routes (USBR) 35, 36 and 37 in the NIRPC region. These will include north, south, east and west, plus arrow placards as well. The signs will be fabricated to MUTCD roadway standards for color and reflectivity.

Budget Line Item: Planning Communications

1. Special Planning Initiatives

   TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 69

   E. commerce Sub-Area Planning

   • E-Commerce study driven Sub-Area Redevelopment Plan for Merrillville at 61st. Total Cost Federal Cost Local Match - LPA

     $75,000 $60,000 $ 15,000

     Budget Line Item: Planning Contractual

     Old Plank Road Trail Study

   • This project will assess the feasibility of extending the Old Plank Road Trail from its current terminus in Chicago Heights, east through the Villages of Ford Heights, Sauk Village, and Lynwood and Towns of Dyer and Schererville, to connect to the Pennsy Greenway in Indiana. The purpose of the study is to evaluate and identify preferred trail alignments, including the land adjacent to the Canadian National rail corridor, and develop a scope of work that can be carried forward for further development. The recommendations will be based on engineering analysis, as well as stakeholder and community input and preferences, and will lay the basic groundwork for a finance strategy, railroad agreements, cost of preliminary engineering, design and engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and phased construction of the trail extension.

In September of 2020, the Village of Sauk Village received an Invest in Cook County grant for

$300,000 to complete work on the study in Illinois. As part of their application, letters of support were submitted by NIRPC, and both Schererville and Dyer. This request aims to provide up to

$50,000 for work to include the Indiana portion of this project scope.

1. NIRPC Programs

   1. e-TIP

      TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 74

      
      

      • Ongoing Contract for Software as a Service from Eco-Interactive for rTIP in SFY 2021.

        
        

        
        

        Total Cost	Federal Cost	Local Match – NIRPC
        $ 3,750	$ 3,000	$ 750.00

        
        

        Budget Line Item: STBG Contractual

        
        

   2. Air Quality Public Education

      TO BE INSERTED ON PAGE 75

      
      

      • Complete contractual payments for South Shore Clean Cities and Radio Campaign Contracts initiated in SFY 2020 but running through summer and into fall of SFY 2021.

      • Complete Bike Map App, Bike Map Update, and Bike Map paper printing budgeted for in FY2020.

Budget Line Item: Environmental Contractual

2021

2022

Plan NWI

Amended November 19, 2020

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission’s

Unified Planning Work Program

2021 - 2022

Contents

2021‐2022 UPWP Budgets 4

State Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Summary 4

State Fiscal Year 2021 Task Budget Detail 5

State Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Estimate Summary 7

State Fiscal Year 2022 Task Budget Detail 8

About NIRPC 10

Background + Purpose 11

State Authority 11

About the UPWP 12

Required Elements 12

FHWA + FTA Planning Emphasis Areas 12

NWI 2050 Strategies 13

Public Participation 14

Metropolitan Planning Activities and Tasks 15

1. | Administration and Public Participation 16

   1. | Planning Management + Administration 17

   2. | Public Participation + Communication Tools 19

   3. | Title VI and Environmental Justice Program Management 21

   4. | Americans with Disabilities Act Program Management 23

   5. | UPWP Development + Management 25

1. | Data Collection and Analysis 28

   1. | Planning Data Collection 29

   2. | Planning Data Analysis + GIS Support Services 31

   3. | Performance‐based Planning Activities 34

   4. | Congestion Management 36

   5. | Travel Demand Modeling 39

   6. | Air Quality Conformity 41

1. | Short Range Planning 44

   1. | Transportation Improvement Program Development 45

   2. | TIP Development + Management 47

   3. | Environmental Red Flag Investigations 49

1. | Long Range Planning 50

   1. | Comprehensive Regional Plan Development 51

   2. | NWI 2050 Implementation 53

   3. | Regional Land Use Planning 58

   4. | Surface Transportation Planning 61

   5. | Environmental Linkages Planning 64

1. | Multi‐modal Planning 66

   1. | Active Transportation Planning 67

   2. | Transit Planning 70

1. | Special Planning Activities 74

   1. | Old Plank Road Trail Study 75

   2. | Local E‐Commerce Sub Area Redevelopment Plan 77

1. | Federal Transit Administration 5307 Funds 79

   1. | Sub‐grantee Oversight 80

1. | Surface Transportation Block Grant and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality 82

   1. | E‐TIP and TIP Assistant 83

   2. | Air Quality Public Education 84

900.1 | General management of NIRPC, office + staff 86

Attachment I: Cost Allocation Plan Approval Letter 88

Attachment II: CMAQ Eligibility Finding 90

2021‐2022 UPWP Budgets

State Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Summary

State Fiscal Year 2021 Task Budget Detail

State Fiscal Year 2021 Task Budget Detail

State Fiscal Year 2022 UPWP Budget Estimate

State Fiscal Year 2022 Task Budget Detail

TA

State Fiscal Year 2022 Task Budget Detail

About NIRPC

NIRPC is a regional council of local governments serving the citizens of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in Northwest Indiana. The Northwest Indiana region is part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Chicago Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). NIRPC provides a forum that enables the citizens of Northwest Indiana to address regional issues relating to transportation, the environment and community, and economic development. NIRPC, as a recipient of federal funds, is subject to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, creed and national origin. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) is a multi-purpose, sub-state, area- wide planning agency. NIRPC was originally established as the Lake-Porter County Regional Transportation and Planning Commission in 1965, pursuant to State-enabling legislation. An amendment to this legislation in 1973 provided the Commission with its current name and allowed for the addition of new member counties. Under this provision, La Porte County joined NIRPC in 1979.

In 1996 the legislation was again amended to provide a seat on the Commission for all of the mayors in the three-county region. The legislation was again amended in 2003 to provide for representation of all 41 cities and towns in the Tri-County area, and to specify that representatives must be elected officials. The legislation under which the Commission operates is contained within Indiana Code Title 36, Article VII, Chapter 7.

NIRPC operates as a cooperative of local governments within the Tri-County area. It is currently comprised of fifty-three members. In addition to the municipal appointments, the County Councils, Boards of Commissioners, and County Surveyors appoint one member each, as does the Governor. The Commission or the Executive Board meets monthly. NIRPC's meetings are open to the public and there is a place on every agenda for public comment.

The Commission's planning area is strategically located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan and represents an integral part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. The Commission's planning area is comprised of the three participating counties of Lake, Porter and La Porte, located in the northwestern corner of the State of Indiana. It consists of 741,468 people (2000 Census) and covers 1,520 square miles. There are forty-one cities and towns and forty-four townships within the NIRPC planning area.

One of the most important designations NIRPC has received is that of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for northwestern Indiana. MPOs are responsible, together with state departments of transportation and public transit operators, for carrying out the transportation planning process for urbanized areas.

Northwest Indiana is a diverse and dynamic region whose complexities are reflected in the regional transportation system. The NIRPC planning area includes arguably some of the most strategic and critical links in the national transportation system. These factors combine to make the role of MPO for northwestern Indiana extraordinarily challenging.

In addition to planning responsibilities in the environmental and community development areas NIRPC provides staff services for several "partner agencies". Also housed in the NIRPC offices is the Kankakee River Basin Commission.

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.

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.

Required elements such as Title VI and Environmental Justice Planning can be found in section 100.3.

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 January 23, 2020, PEAs were issued for FY 2020, but not yet released for 2021. The list below includes the PEAs for 2020, and the corresponding section where the PEA has been included into NIRPC’s ongoing planning work. A PEA may be addressed in other UPWP sections; but the following sections will indicate the primary focus areas for meeting the requirements of the PEA:

Updating Planning Roles and Responsibilities 100.1 Planning Management + Administration Cooperating Operating Manual (PRRCOM)

Planning Emphasis Area NIRPC Planning Area

Local Road Safety Plans (LRSPs) 400.4 Surface Transportation Planning

Traffic Incident Management (TIM) 400.4 Surface Transportation Planning Participation Plans (PPs) 100.2 Public Participation + Communication Tools

NWI 2050 Strategies

In addition to the federally-required elements of the UPWP, this document also carefully weaves the initiatives and strategies identified in NIRPC’s long-range transportation plan, NWI 2050, throughout the document. Plan NWI requires all NIRPC planning activities to be tied back to one of NWI 2050’s 16 Strategic Initiatives and at least one of the many strategies also identified in the plan. This way NIRPC can ensure that every plan, every program, every policy is in step with the vision identified by the public. The 16 Plan initiatives are:

1) Plan for smart land uses and quality of place

400.2: NWI 2050 Implementation 400.3: Regional Land Use Planning

2) Plan for an E-commerce landscape 400.2: NWI 2050 Implementation (repeated)

3) Plan for Regional transit 500.2: Transit Planning

700.1 Sub-grantee Oversight

4) Plan for Complete Streets and active transportation 500.1: Active Transportation Planning

5) Plan for continually improved investment prioritization 100.4: Americans with Disabilities Act Program

Management

1. : Transportation Improvement Program Development

2. : TIP Development + Management 400.4: Surface Transportation Planning

6) Plan for Main Centers and transit-oriented development 400.2: NWI 2050 Implementation (repeated)

7) Plan for asset vulnerability and climate change This NWI 2050 Strategic Initiative will be addressed

8) Plan for green infrastructure and open spaces

This NWI 2050 Strategic Initiative will be addressed with planning activities not currently contained in the UPWP.

with planning activities not currently contained in the UPWP.

9) Plan for brownfield redevelopment / remediation This NWI 2050 Strategic Initiative will be addressed

10) Plan for transformative investments

100.1: Planning Management + Administration 100.5: UPWP Development and Management 400.1: Comprehensive Regional Plan Development

with planning activities not currently contained in the UPWP.

11) Plan for a regional data and analysis 200.1: Planning Data Collection

framework 200.2: Planning Data Analysis + GIS Support Services 200.3: Performance-based Planning Activities

200.4: Congestion Management 200.5: Travel Demand Modeling

12) Plan for an engaged public and share best practices

100.2: Public Participation + Communication Tools 100.3: Title VI and Environmental Justice Program Management

300.3: Environmental Red Flag Investigations 400.5: Environmental Linkages Planning

13) Plan for more council of government activities This NWI 2050 Strategic Initiative will be addressed

14) Plan for cleaner air and energy

200.6: Air Quality Conformity 800.1: Air Quality Education

with planning activities not currently contained in the UPWP.

15) Plan for watersheds and water quality This NWI 2050 Strategic Initiative will be addressed

16) Plan for economic development

This NWI 2050 Strategic Initiative will be addressed with planning activities not currently contained in the UPWP.

with planning activities not currently contained in the UPWP.

Public Participation

NIRPC’s planning activities are guided by its 2019 Public Participation Plan (PPP), Engage NWI. Engage NWI is the federally required PPP that enables NIRPC staff to ensure that it is meeting all federal requirements for public participation. However, more importantly Engage NWI serves as a guide that enables the public to engage with regional planning. Engage NWI promotes a meaningful exchange of ideas, identification of regional issues and solutions, as well as advancing initiatives to achieve the vision for Northwestern Indiana. In addition to detailing the technical aspects of public participation it provides details on they type of engagement that is expected when working with the public. This means that every planning activity has a corresponding engagement goal defined by the following chart. This document uses the terms “Inform,” “Consult,” “Involve,” and “Collaborate” to define how NIRPC staff and the public interact to complete NIRPC’s ongoing planning work. NIRPC has an ongoing commitment to ensure that 50% or more of all planning tasks fall into the “Involve” or “Collaborate” categories of participation.

Adapted from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Public Participation Spectrum

Does the task

Active participation methods

require? Inform Consult Involve Collaborate

Engage NWI goal: Provide public with

objective information and assist their understanding of regional

challenges, options, opportunities, or solutions.

Obtain feedback on regional planning tasks, analyses, or prior to policy making.

Work directly with public and stakeholders throughout planning process to ensure concerns and ideas are consistently understood and considered.

Partner with the public and stakeholders in every aspect of the planning process from project scoping through adoption of plans or policies.

Engage NWI

promise

Involvement methods / tools may include:

When goal will be selected:

Keep the general public and stakeholders informed.

Website, social media, newsletters, multi‐language publications, press releases, mailings, live streaming, white papers, or fact sheets.

The “Inform” level of participation will be used for technical documents, but the methods will be used frequently to communicate regularly with the public

Keep public the informed. Listen and acknowledge concerns and ideas, and provide public with report on how input shaped outcomes.

Activities listed in “Inform” plus surveys, comment forms, webinars, or formal meetings

The “Consult” level of participation will be used less frequently, but the methods will be used when needed.

Work with public and stakeholders to ensure goals and ideas are directly reflected in planning work as much as possible and report on how input shaped outcomes.

Activities listed in “Consult” plus focus groups, targeted outreach to meet people where they are such as “Out and Abouts,” or “Pop‐up Events”.

The “Involve” method will be used frequently and the methods as well.

Work with public and stakeholders to inform planning work from start at project scoping to understand issues, generate solutions, and incorporate feedback to shape outcomes.

Activities listed in “Involve” plus task forces, charrettes, keypad polling, and working groups

The “Collaborate” method will be used frequently with major planning processes.

Metropolitan Planning Activities and Tasks

1. | Administration and Public Participation

   
   

   100: Administration and Public Participation
   Funding Source	FY 2020 Amended Funds	FY 2021	FY 2022
   Federal PL/5307 Non-Federal	$ 10,508 $ 2,627	$ 397,466 $ 99,366	$ 397,466 $ 99,366
   TOTAL $ 13,134 Tasks: Planning management + administration Public participation + communication tools Title VI program management & Environmental Justice ADA program management UPWP development and management		$ 496,832 $ 496,832 Tasks or expenses added with 2020 Funds Voice to Text/ Close Captioning system

   1. | Planning Management + Administration

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Director of Transportation

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      Kathy Luther, Transportation Director, Meredith Stillwell, Flor Baum, and Candice Eklund

      
      

      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 overall agency outreach and communication is integrated with the public participation requirements of the MPO. Coordinate strategic communication and coordination with neighboring MPOs, federal and state partners, permitting agencies, and NIRPC Commissioners and stakeholders.

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • Management of staff performing UPWP tasks and projects

      • Management of planning processes including, but not limited to:

        • Long Range Transportation Plan: NWI 2050

        • 2022-2026 TIP: Invest NWI

        • 2021-2022 UPWP: Plan NWI

        • 2019 Public Participation Plan: Engage NWI

      • Quarterly PL, STBG, and CMAQ Program Reports and Billings

      • Annual PL, STBG, and CMAQ Completion Reports.

      • Commission and Committee meetings staffed

      • Participation in meetings of coordinating partners

        
        

        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, 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:

      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, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s Transportation Committee, Port of Indiana, etc.

      
      

      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.

      
      

      This task also includes funds budgeted for staff travel, training, software licenses and supplies.

      
      

      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. Additionally, this task will assist with collaborating with state and federal partners on updating the Planning Roles and Responsibilities Cooperating Operating Manual (PRRCOM).

      
      

      Public Engagement Goal:

      Collaborate

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

      Plan for Transformative Investments

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      The nature of this task impacts all plan strategies addressed by all other tasks in this document.

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      The nature of this task impacts all performance measures addressed by all other tasks in this document.

   2. | Public Participation + Communication Tools

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Dominique Edwards

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      Gabrielle Biciunas, Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Joe Exl, Eman Ibrahim, Peter Kimball, Kevin Polette, John Smith, Scott Weber, and James Winters, Lucas Ecklund-Baker

      
      

      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.

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • Completion and adoption of Engage NWI: NIRPC’s public participation plan

      • NIRPC Social Media Content

      • NIRPC Weekly Newsletter Content

      • Website updates concerning public outreach activities

      • Outreach to over 400 individuals through the development of NWI 2050 across 54 traditional and non0traditional outreach events

      • Over 3,000 social media and email contacts

      • Over 9,000 “reads” of Weekly Newsletter Content

        
        

        Task Description:

        Elements:

        Implement the newly updated Public Participation Plan. 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 weekly newsletter for distribution to stakeholders and

        interested parties. NIRPC Website Coordinator will keep the website current. Use virtual public involvement methods to modernize NIRPC outreach methods and continue to expand NIRPC’s ongoing conversation with the public. Acquire software or tools for voice to text conversion for close captioning and/or meeting recordings.

        
        

        Task Deliverables:

      • Implementation of Engage NWI

      • New Social Media Content

      • New Weekly Newsletter Content

      • Website updates concerning public outreach activities

      • Digital public meetings about NIRPC’s ongoing planning work

        
        

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Collaborate

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for an Engaged Public and Share Best-Practices

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

        While most planning tasks will use NWI 2050 strategies, planning tasks related to outreach utilize strategies found in Engage NWI to track the effectiveness of engagement.

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

        While most planning tasks will use NWI 2050 performance measures, planning tasks related to outreach utilize metrics found in Engage NWI to track the effectiveness of engagement. These measures are:

      • Social media analytics

      • Newsletter analytics

      • Events held annually

      • Event participation

   3. | Title VI and Environmental Justice Program Management

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Dominique Edwards

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      Gabrielle Biciunas, Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Joe Exl, Eman Ibrahim, Peter Kimball, Kevin Polette, Scott Weber, and James Winters

      
      

      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 planning activity will ensure that programs and projects adhere to the principles of non-discrimination, as well as ensure the MPO’s nondiscrimination self-certifications remain accurate. Additionally, this planning task will also include the evaluation of NIRPC plans and programs for environmental justice (EJ) sensitivity and work to continuously expand outreach efforts to low-income, minority, and other potentially disadvantaged populations.

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • LPA compliance with Title VI

      • NIRPC’s 2020 Title VI Update

      • EJ Population identification and prioritization in NWI 2050 and the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program and NOFA

        
        

        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 LPAs 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. Foster communications, cooperation and coordination of Title VI and EJ populations to regional decision making.

        Task Deliverables:

      • Technical assistance to LPAs and robust public outreach

      • Coordination of NIRPC projects in relation to Title VI and EJ community needs and outreach

      • Increased inclusion of EJ communities in the transportation planning process in Northwestern Indiana.

        
        

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Collaborate

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for an Engaged Public and Share Best-Practices

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

        While most planning tasks will use NWI 2050 strategies, planning tasks related to outreach utilize strategies found in Engage NWI to track the effectiveness of engagement.

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

        While most planning tasks will use NWI 2050 performance measures, planning tasks related to outreach utilize metrics found in Engage NWI to track the effectiveness of engagement. These measures are:

      • Social media analytics related to engagement of Title VI and EJ populations

      • Newsletter analytics related to engagement of Title VI and EJ populations

      • Annual events held throughout the year within Title VI and EJ communities

      • Event participation of Title VI and EJ populations

   4. | Americans with Disabilities Act Program Management

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Mitch Barloga

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      Allen Hammond

      
      

      Task Objective:

      Ensure all LPAs in our region that are required to have transition plans are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      NIRPC technical assistance to LPAs to achieve compliance with ADA transition planning requirements. Assistance with the ADA Bus Inventory project.

      
      

      Task Description:

      
      

      Elements:

      Assist LPAs with compliance and technical assistance of ADA transition plans. Assist in the continuous improvement required to help LPAs maintain ADA transition plans as a “living document.” INDOT may limit funding to those entities that are not meeting the requirements. While NIRPC has provided the ADA Bus Stop Inventory and Assessment to LPAs, priority in the TIP project selection process, ultimately submissions to the TIP and the replacement schedule for bus stops will reside with the LPA.

      
      

      Activities:

      Direct communication with LPAs regarding ADA compliance, transition plan development maintenance, and management.

      
      

      Task Deliverables:

      Ongoing technical assistance as needed.

      
      

      Public Engagement Goal:

      Inform

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

      Plan for Continually Improved Investment Prioritization

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      • Prioritize transit investments that better connect the Environmental Justice populations to job centers, medical facilities, recreations centers, shopping districts, and educational institutions

      • Prioritize transit investments that connect communities in environmental justice areas, people who are elderly, low-income, people with disabilities, and veterans.

      • Improve the accessibility of regional pedestrian and transit infrastructure by allocating funding for the implementation of locally-developed ADA transition plans, and incorporating Universal Design standards so all public infrastructure meets or exceeds ADA standards.

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      • All Purpose Average Trip Time

      • Work Purpose Average Trip Time

      • School Purpose Average Trip Time

      • Percent of Population within ¼-mile Network Distance to a Trail or Bicycle Facility

      • Percent of Population within ¼-mile Network Distance to a Trail or Bicycle Facility Crossing Municipal/County Jurisdictions

      • Number of Non-Motorized Serious Injuries and Fatalities

      • Total Number of Reportable Injuries and Rate per Total Vehicle Revenue Miles by Mode

      • Average Walk Score in “Main Centers”

      • Percent of Environmental Justice (EJ) Area Population within ¼-mile of a Trail or Multi-Use Path

      • Percent Adults Reporting Physical Inactivity

   5. | UPWP Development + Management

Task Status:

Ongoing and permanent

Task Lead:

James Winters

Task Contributors:

Director of Transportation, Talaya Jones

Task Objective:

Develop and manage the UPWP and its amendments. The UPWP includes planning activities to implement NWI 2050, applicable laws, and regulations to support the federally required 3C transportation process for MPOs as outlined in metropolitan planning regulations.

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 and Amendment #2 to 2019-2020 UPWP submitted to INDOT/USDOT for approval. Annual quarterly UPWP reporting.

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 NWI 2050. All members of NIRPC’s planning team contribute to this task through their program areas through annual and quarterly reporting as well as annual UPWP development.

Task Deliverables:

• Final 2022-2023 UPWP approved by federal partners before the start of FY 2021 and an annual completion report due to federal partners 90 days after the close of each program year.

• Amendments to UPWP as necessary

• Quarterly reporting on UPWP activities

Public Engagement Goal:

Inform

Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

Plan for Transformative Investments

Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

Plan for Transformative Investments

Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

The nature of this task impacts all plan strategies addressed by all other tasks in this document.

Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

The nature of this task impacts all performance measures addressed by all other tasks in this document.

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1. | Data Collection and Analysis

   
   

   
   

   200: Data Collection and Analysis
   Funding Source	FY 2020 Amended Funds	FY 2021	FY 2022
   Federal PL/5307	$ 323,398	$ 266,241	$ 266,241
   Non-Federal	$ 80,850	$ 66,560	$ 66,560
   TOTAL	$ 404,248 $ 332,802 $ 332,802 Tasks or expenses added with 2020 Funds 88 Trail counters, 1 Data bike, 2 MioVision Traffic Counters ESRI Credits Data Visualization Software Update Travel Demand Model
   Tasks:
   Transportation data collection
   Planning data analysis + GIS
   services
   Performance-based planning
   activities
   Congestion management
   Travel demand modeling
   Air quality conformity

   
   

   1. | Planning Data Collection

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Kevin Pollete

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      Peter Kimball

      
      

      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.

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • Updated database of regional demographic and other useful data

      • ADA Bus Stop Inventory

      • Updated NOFA Application Maps

      • Crash data collection

      • Traffic count data collection

      • Travel time data collection

      • Transit data collection

      • Bicycle and pedestrian count data collection

      • Household Travel Survey

        
        

        Task Description:

        Elements:

      • Crash data collection

      • Traffic count data collection

      • Travel time data collection

      • Transit data collection

      • Asset inventory and condition data

      • Bicycle and pedestrian count data collection

        
        

        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. Particular focus will be given to starting an inventory of all regional ADA transition plan initiatives and completed projects; and updating regional databases with 2020 Census information. This program area will also be used to develop Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data. No HPMS-data was logged by NIRPC in the last few years; however, the program is expected to be fully re-deployed

        in this workplan. Acquire modern technology to increase NIRPC capacity to collect traffic data. Acquire and share with LPAs equipment and supplies for collecting data on trail use and condition including mobile and fixed trail counters and a data bike.

        
        

        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.

        
        

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Inform: As needed, but not anticipated to be a considerable effort

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for a regional data and analysis framework

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      • Update the various maps related to the local food system as it relates to Food Deserts, transit, transportation investments, land use, Environmental Justice areas, trails, and high- density population areas.

      • Coordinate spatial data acquisition, sharing and standardization in support of environmental planning across jurisdiction.

      • Collect transportation stream crossing inventory data to support stream habitat connectivity planning

      • Support the collection and sharing of data for watershed and stormwater management planning.

      • Maintain and update parcel level septic system mapping in support of environmental planning

      • Continue to maintain and update the "Regional Priority Trails & Corridors Map" as identified in the Greenways + Blueways 2020 Plan.

      • Share data on traffic volumes and other transportation attributes that NIRPC collects throughout the region

      • Improve transportation network reliability by compiling, analyzing and mapping reliability data for roadways in order to prioritize funding.

      • Reduce congestion increase transit efficiency by compiling, analyzing and mapping roadway bottleneck data in order to prioritize funding.

      • Use asset management data from pavement and bridge conditions to pursue projects that address needs.

      • Increase transparency and awareness of the transportation network performance by publishing a Performance-based Planning dashboard.

      • Inventory and digitize in GIS sidewalk and bicycle lanes noting gaps infrastructure, and pedestrian and bicyclist comfort

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      Every performance measure that requires new data or analysis.

   2. | Planning Data Analysis + GIS Support Services

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      (Merged 200.2 Planning Data Analysis and 200.3 GIS Support Services from 2019–2020 UPWP)

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Peter Kimball

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      Kevin Pollete, and an intern

      
      

      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.

      • 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. Increase capability to share geographic data on-line.

        
        

        Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • Maps for NOFA scoring and analysis

      • TIP data analysis

      • ADA Bus Stop Inventory

      • 2050 Plan GIS and Data Support

      • Community Data Profiles

      • As-needed technical assistance to external partners and community members

        
        

        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, 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:

        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. Maintaining and organizing GIS databases and data reports. Producing spatial and non-spatial data sets. Creating, maintaining, and publishing online-maps and datasets. Participation in regional GIS user groups. Conducting analyses to support planning tasks.

        
        

        Task Deliverables:

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

      • High quality maps

      • Updated datasets published to NIRPC’s website

      • (number of completed external data requests?)

        
        

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Primarily Inform, Collaborate, as needed

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for Regional Data and Analysis Framework

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      • Support goal 2.2 of Ignite the Region Plan in mapping current and future commercial land types to support new business start up

      • Update various maps related to the local food system as it relates to Food Deserts, transit, transportation investments, land use, Environmental Justice areas, trails, and high-density population areas

      • Map and identify prime agricultural land within urbanized areas in close proximity to high density, transit, and Environmental Justice areas, taking into consideration transportation, and economic development

      • Identify land access opportunities and land value map for farmers (beginning), urban and agriculture

      • Update historic register and the designated historic district maps;

      • Develop GIS maps for open space and water resource protection (Update, Expand, Maintain LMCP Eppley Project).

      • Include high solar and wind energy potential areas as natural resource in GIS layers in NWI (Department of Energy has national data);

      • Continue to maintain and update the “Regional Priority Trails & Corridors Map” as identified in the Greenways + Blueways 2020 Plan

      • Compile and map roadway crash data to prioritize high crash corridors in the HSIP funding grants

      • Inventory and digitize in GIS sidewalk and bicycle lanes noting gaps in infrastructure, and pedestrian and bicyclist comfort;

      • Create a parcel-based map of current and potential business locations along major NWI corridors to help identify economic centers and prioritize future transportation improvements

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      Every performance measure has a specific data requirement- reference submitted projects for accurate list of specific performance measures

   3. | Performance‐based Planning Activities

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Scott Weber

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      Gabrielle Biciunas, Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Dominique Edwards, Joe Exl, Eman Ibrahim, Peter Kimball, Kevin Polette, and James Winters

      
      

      Task Objective:

      • Implement the performance-based planning framework from NWI 2050,

      • Comply with the USDOT Performance Based Planning and Programming requirements,

      • Publish an annual dashboard of the region’s performance.

        
        

        Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • Establishment of performance measures and targets in NWI 2050.

      • Periodic monitoring of the measures as data becomes available.

      • Development of a draft of the dashboard’s design and where it will live on the newly updated website.

        
        

        Task Description:

        Elements:

      • Publication, monitoring, and analysis of regional data metrics. Acquire tools to help present and share technical performance data in understandable formats.

        
        

        Activities:

        Publication of a regional data dashboard in December 2020 in accordance with NWI 2050. Continued monitoring of data feeding into annual update of the dashboard.

        
        

        Task Deliverables:

        Publication of the Annual Performance Dashboard on NIRPC’s website

        
        

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Collaborate

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for Regional Data and Analysis Framework

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      • Increase transparency and awareness of the transportation network performance by publishing a Performance-based Planning dashboard

      • Collect periodically IDEM Air Quality Monitoring Data.

      • Analyze NWI energy and fuel use and carbon footprint trends.

      • Obtain LIDAR tree canopy, land use and land cover data and keep the data up to date.

      • Track NWI Water Use and Sources.

      • Continue working with local university partners on collecting and analyzing data.

      • Utilize the data that Purdue’s Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) has been collecting about regional asset management to better inform, and where appropriate coordinate, project decision-making.

      • Use asset management data from pavement and bridge conditions to pursue projects that address needs.

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      All performance measures are related to this task.

   4. | Congestion Management

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Scott Weber

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      None

      
      

      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. Administer and update, as necessary, the Congestion Management Process for NW Indiana.

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • Updated Congestion Management Process (pending completion in May 2020).

      • Continuous monitoring of congestion data from NPMRDS, Google Maps API, and in-house collected travel time data.

        
        

        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:

        Ongoing monitoring of congestion-related data and inclusion of congestion-related performance measures on the Annual Performance Dashboard.

        Task Deliverables:

      • NOFA project applications and periodic NWI 2050/TIP Amendment projects will be evaluated with CMP.

      • Staff will conduct ongoing maintenance to the CMP, including populating it with the latest available data.

        
        

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Consult

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for Regional Data and Analysis Framework

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      • Promote future development to occur where utilities and infrastructures, including transit, exist by establishing growth management strategies to ensure that population and employment growth occurs in a sustainable and responsible manner.

      • Concentrate new growth around infrastructure to allow preservation of environmental assets.

      • Work with local entities to develop local ordinances that require new trails and connections in new developments where feasible.

      • Encourage municipalities to update land use regulations to include pedestrian connectivity between land uses.

      • Update Sensible Tools Kit to provide resource to municipalities for better land use planning.

      • Routinely conduct Planning Commission workshops on the Sensible Tools Handbook to continually reinforce best practices in land use planning.

      • Create plans and programs to address the impact of the growth of e-commerce in NWI on travel behavior, logistic systems and land use planning in partnership with regional and local agencies.

      • Local entities that have passenger rail stations should establish a TOD zoning and policies to support growth around the South Shore and Westlake corridor stations areas.

      • Prioritize transit expansions to job centers.

      • Improve regional connectivity by assisting in the identification of key coordinated stops where transit operators can rendezvous to switch passengers from one service to another.

      • Identify corridors for fixed route transit service and Bus Rapid Transit. Metrics such as population density, congestion, and concentrations of employment may be used in developing priority corridors.

      • Improve pedestrian and bicycle accessibility to high density population areas, employment and retail centers, transit stations, parks, and schools.

      • Prioritize non-motorized facilities that maximize connectivity across counties and municipal boundaries, and Main centers.

      • NIRPC to continue pursuing regional corridor studies within the region to identify improvements and help prioritize future funds.

      • Identify and prioritize high-crash areas that could be improved quickly with cost effective solutions.

      • Improve the regional transportation network by pursuing funding opportunities to address bottlenecks in key regional corridors.

      • Plan to improve campus areas and turn them to great places by creating and incentivizing local student-centered gatherings and nightlife offerings, good mixture of modern cuisine, bars, bike paths, trails, parks, cultural offerings, and outstanding public transit system.

      • Improve the efficiency of transit and curb the costly growth of sprawl, by increasing the overall density of urban areas.

      • Improve resiliency and reduce congestion by sharing data and plans with local Emergency Planning Committees to help them with decision-making and improving evacuation plans.

      • Support the Transit Development District (TDD) of the regional South Shore Corridor TOD areas to develop context-appropriate strategies for creating a network of transit-oriented places and sites that integrate different functions and activities within easy access of transit.

      • Reduce congestion by developing a regional railroad crossing improvement plan with a focus on highway-rail grade separations.

      • Continue working with local university partners on collecting and analyzing data.

      • Share data on traffic volumes and other transportation attributes that NIRPC collects throughout the region.

      • Improve transportation network reliability by compiling, analyzing and mapping reliability data for roadways in order to prioritize funding.

      • Reduce congestion and increase transit efficiency by compiling, analyzing and mapping roadway bottleneck data for in order to prioritize funding.

      • Improve safety, efficiency, and regional interoperability of the transportation system by developing, maintaining and communicating the Intelligent Transportation Systems Regional Architecture.

      • Improve connectivity for all users by bringing communities to work together on projects affecting shared corridors.

      • Encourage legislators and transportation agencies to explore standardizations in the roadway environment to best accommodate Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs).

      • Establish policies to increase affordable and accessible housing near job centers and transit stations/stops.

      • Continue to support transit and complete streets to ensure that all residents have access to schools, grocery stores, community centers, medical facilities, reliable transportation and job opportunities.

      • Continue Air Quality Public Education It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air NWI including emphasis on modal shift.

      • Work with NWI Forum and local governments to meet local and regional needs by strategically investing in targeted transportation connectivity projects that support economic growth.

      • Work with intermodal facilities and freight carriers to identify locations with high levels of freight movement and to plan strategies for alleviating freight-related congestion."

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      • All-purpose average trip time

      • Work purpose average trip time

      • Retail/Service purpose average trip time

      • School purpose average trip time

      • Medical care purpose average trip time

      • Other purpose average trip time

      • Percent of non-single occupancy vehicle travel in the Chicago, IL-IN urbanized area

      • Percent of person miles traveled on the Interstate that are reliable

      • Percent of person miles traveled on the non-Interstate NHS that are reliable

      • Truck Travel Time Reliability Index (TTTRI)

      • Peak hours of excessive delay per capita in the Chicago, IL-IN Urbanized Area

   5. | Travel Demand Modeling

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Scott Weber

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      None

      
      

      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.

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • Ongoing modeling support for various requests from INDOT, Local Public Agencies, transit operators, and other planning partners as needed.

      • Analysis of results from 2018 Household Travel Survey data that will be used to calibrate, validate, and update the NIRPC Travel Demand Model.

        
        

        Task Description:

        Elements:

        Model validation, socio-economic forecasts, land-use assumptions, VMT estimates, air quality impacts and customized reports for planning partners. Procure contractor support to update NIRPC Travel Demand Model with Household Travel Survey Data.

        
        

        Activities:

        Calibration of NIRPC Travel Demand Model using the 2018 Household Travel Survey Data (updated trip generation from rates in the survey, updated trip distribution patterns, and updated mode choice). Memorandum of findings from the calibration and validation about whether a wholesale Travel Demand Model Update is warranted, and if so, an identification of funding for the update.

        
        

        Task Deliverables:

      • Travel Demand Model calibration and validation report with 2018 Household Travel Survey Data delivered to Surface Transportation Committee and/or TPC and posted on NIRPC website.

      • Annual report of how many which modeling requests have been answered on NIRPC website.

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Inform

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for Regional Data and Analysis Framework

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      • Forecast demand for future land development and the requirements of logistics use to accommodate e-commerce future needs.

      • NIRPC to continue pursuing regional corridor studies within the region to identify improvements and help prioritize future funds.

      • Improve the regional transportation network by pursuing funding opportunities to address bottlenecks in key regional corridors.

      • Develop method to prioritize transformative investments that cost over $10 million in recognition that FHWA/FTA allocated funds are insufficient to program such projects.

      • Reduce congestion increase transit efficiency by compiling, analyzing and mapping roadway bottleneck data for in order to prioritize funding.

      • Work with NWI Forum and local governments to meet local and regional needs by strategically investing in targeted transportation connectivity projects that support economic growth.

      • Work with intermodal facilities and freight carriers to identify locations with high levels of freight movement and to plan strategies for alleviating freight-related congestion.

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      None from NWI 2050 since they deal with actual data, not modeled data. However, in terms of local technical assistance and public involvement, the number of modeling requests received and responded to can be used to measure performance.

   6. | Air Quality Conformity

Task Status:

Ongoing and permanent

Task Lead:

Scott Weber

Task Contributors:

None

Task Objective:

Meet the federal requirements for Air Quality Conformity as they apply to 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.

Prior Task Accomplishments:

• Formal Air Quality Conformity Determination analysis reports for all planning and programming actions that the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG) on Air Quality finds necessary.

• Periodic discussion with ICG members about whether or not Plan/TIP amendments require a formal conformity determination, consultation, or no conformity action.

• Ongoing monitoring of the latest EPA designations for non-attainment or maintenance status.

• Ongoing monitoring of the latest USDOT requirements for conformity and trainings/resources that are offered.

  
  

  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, will demonstrate air quality conformity. Communicate modeling results to partners and inform investment decisions.

  
  

  Activities:

  Ongoing discussion with ICG members about Plan/TIP amendments that may require official conformity actions. Preparation of Air Quality Conformity analysis reports for actions that the ICG finds necessary. Ongoing monitoring of the latest EPA designations for non-attainment or maintenance status. Ongoing monitoring of the latest USDOT requirements for conformity and trainings/resources that are offered.

  Task Deliverables:

• Periodic publication of Air Quality Conformity Determination Analysis

• Report documents on NIRPC website

  Public Engagement Goal:

  Involve

  
  

  Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

  Plan for Cleaner Air and Energy

  
  

  Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

• Help local governments to adopt model anti-idling ordinances and incentives.

• Encourage the incorporation of pollution prevention and environmental impact avoidance in regional and local land use, transportation, flood and stormwater management and mitigation planning to enhance future environmental quality.

• Collect periodically IDEM Air Quality Monitoring Data.

• Promote knowledge and use of Clean Cities NWI Energy and Fuel Use and sources database.

• Promote public understanding and use of IDEM Regional air quality monitoring data.

• Integrate SSCC and U.S. Department of Energy fuel and emission data into NIRPC programs.

• Promote best practices to reduce transportation emissions.

• Create a regional awards program for ""Air and Energy Friendly Employers"" to promote air emission reduction through voluntary efforts.

• Seek funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions in NWI.

• Create a funding program for those financially impacted by vehicle emission testing.

• Support the continuation of Vehicle Emission Testing Program.

• Support the continuation of CMAQ funding for diesel emission reduction projects.

• Promote shared alternative energy and fuel infrastructure agreements between communities.

• Develop a regional energy and fuel plan for NWI to increase regional energy sustainability.

• Continue Air Quality Public Education It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air NWI including emphasis on modal shift.

• Promote statewide public private partnership to implement alternative fuel infrastructure on Interstates that will reduce diesel emissions on through freight traffic.

• Assist regional transit providers to adopt clean energy fleet policies clean energy and fuel by 2030.

• Develop model ordinances on electric vehicle and alternative fuel infrastructure and incentives to promote a diverse and sustainable regional energy economy.

• Help local governments understand how to engage with regional SSCC and FHWA Plans for alternative fuel corridors to support fuel and energy diversification.

• Promote local governments to incentivize best practices for sustainable energy/transportation fuel/EV infrastructure on brown and grey fields.

• Maintain existing alternative fuel and energy infrastructure planning efforts to increase future energy resilience.

• Support alternative energy and fuel friendly state and federal legislation.

• Improve air quality and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels by convening stakeholders to regionally collaborate on, seek grants for, and apply for funding for alternative fuel and electric vehicle and infrastructure projects."

  Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

• Number of annual ozone emission critical value exceedances

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) reduction from Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ)- funded projects (kg/day)

• Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) reduction from Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ)-funded projects (kg/day)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) reduction from Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ)-funded projects (kg/day)

• Particulate Matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) reduction from Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ)-funded projects (kg/day)

• Number of alternatively fueled/powered vehicles registered

1. | Short Range Planning

   
   

   
   

   300: Short Range Planning
   Funding Source FY 2020 Amended Funds	FY 2021	FY 2022
   Federal PL/5307 $ 62,200	$ 162,895	$ 162,895
   Non-Federal $ 15,550	$ 40,724	$ 40,724
   TOTAL $ 77,750	$ 203,619 $ 203,619 Tasks or expenses added with 2020 Funds Develop or modify -ETIP system to be compatible with E-STIP under development. Maintain current RTIP
   Tasks:
   TIP development
   TIP management
   Environmental red flag investigations

   
   

   1. | Transportation Improvement Program Development

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Charles Bradsky

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      James Winters, and TIP Assistant

      
      

      Task Objective:

      Develop a NOFA to support the development of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), continuously learning and adapting from the previous NOFA and stakeholder feedback.

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • 2019 NOFA

      • The 2020-2024 TIP was developed in alignment with NWI 2050.

      • Online/digital publication of the 2020-2024 TIP

      • Positive working relationship with LPAs, transit operators, INDOT, FHWA & FTA.

      • Technical assistance to transit operators and LPAs during the 2019 NOFA

        
        

        Task Description:

        Elements:

      • Solicit feedback on the 2020 NOFA.

      • Develop a set of improvements for the 2022-2028 TIP NOFA.

      • Maintain a good working relationship with LPAs, transit operators, INDOT, FHWA, and FTA.

        
        

        Activities:

      • Maintain online/digital TIP

      • Solicit and implement feedback for NOFA development

      • Implement feedback on transformative investments

        
        

        Task Deliverables:

      • Living online/digital TIP document

      • Living spreadsheet showing current status of TIP

      • Annual List of Obligated Projects for Federal and state officials, and a similar document developed for public use

        
        

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Consult

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for Continually Improved Investment Prioritization

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      • Prioritize funding for transit-oriented development.

      • Prioritize investment of roads, public transit, and other infrastructure to improve the market of the identified Tax Increment Finance zones, opportunity zones and disinvested areas.

      • Prioritize transit investments that better connect the Environmental Justice populations to job centers, medical facilities, recreations centers, shopping districts, and educational institutions.

      • Prioritize transit investments that connect communities in environmental justice areas, people who are elderly, low-income, people with disabilities, and veterans.

      • Purchase clean energy and fuel transit vehicles.

      • Identify and prioritize high-crash areas that could be improved quickly with cost effective solutions.

      • Improve the regional transportation network by pursuing funding opportunities to address bottlenecks in key regional corridors.

      • Improve the accessibility of regional pedestrian and transit infrastructure by allocating funding for the implementation of locally-developed ADA transition plans, and incorporating Universal Design standards so all public infrastructure meets or exceeds ADA standards.

      • Continue to prioritize transportation funding in older communities and livable centers to improve public infrastructure and redevelopment.

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      The nature of this task impacts all performance measures addressed by projects submitted into the TIP.

   2. | TIP Development + Management

      
      

      Task Status:

      Ongoing and permanent

      
      

      Task Lead:

      Charles Bradsky

      
      

      Task Contributors:

      James Winters, and TIP Assistant

      
      

      Task Objective:

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

      
      

      Prior Task Accomplishments:

      • Local Quarterly Tracking meetings/reports,

      • As-needed TIP amendments & modifications

      • Annual List of Obligated Projects (ALOP)

      • Continue to use stakeholder input to improve digital TIP functions and processes.

      • Continue to work with INDOT to ensure compatibility between NIRPC’s digital TIP and the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP)

        
        

        Task Description:

        Elements:

        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), within the allocated timeline from DOT and INDOT. Maintain e-TIP. Contract for development/improvements to R-TIP to enhance compatibility with the new system under development by INDOT.

           
           

           Task Deliverables:

      • Local Quarterly Tracking meetings/reports

      • As-needed amendments and modifications

      • Documentation of the number and percentage of projects let for construction per program year as originally published in the TIP.

      • An improved, functionable, serviceable e-TIP that NIRPC team members can use to perform a variety of essential functions, and also shares and invites collaboration from the public.

        
        

        Public Engagement Goal:

        Consult

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Initiative:

        Plan for Continually Improved Investment Prioritization

        
        

        Corresponding NWI 2050 Strategies:

      • Prioritize funding for transit-oriented development.

      • Prioritize investment of roads, public transit, and other infrastructure to improve the market of the identified Tax Increment Finance zones, opportunity zones and disinvested areas.

      • Prioritize transit investments that better connect the Environmental Justice populations to job centers, medical facilities, recreations centers, shopping districts, and educational institutions.

      • Prioritize transit investments that connect communities in environmental justice areas, people who are elderly, low-income, people with disabilities, and veterans.

      • Purchase clean energy and fuel transit vehicles.

      • Identify and prioritize high-crash areas that could be improved quickly with cost effective solutions.

      • Improve the regional transportation network by pursuing funding opportunities to address bottlenecks in key regional corridors.

      • Improve the accessibility of regional pedestrian and transit infrastructure by allocating funding for the implementation of locally-developed ADA transition plans, and incorporating Universal Design standards so all public infrastructure meets or exceeds ADA standards.

      • Continue to prioritize transportation funding in older communities and livable centers to improve public infrastructure and redevelopment.

      
      

      Corresponding NWI 2050 Performance Measures:

      The nature of this task impacts all performance measures addressed by projects submitted into the TIP.

   3. | Environmental Red Flag Investigations