4.6.2021 Technical Planning Committee Meeting Packet

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219)763-6060

www.nirpc.org

Technical Planning Committee

Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 10:00 A.M.

Zoom Info https://zoom.us/j/98633609600?pwd=RzRvd20xT0lnU0p2b0Y1T2xqQUpQQT09 Meeting ID: 986 3360 9600

Passcode: 103156

Call in: (312) 626-6799

Agenda

Call to Order by Chairman
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Minutes of the March 9, 2021 meeting (pp. 1 - 3) ACTION REQUESTED: Approval
Public Comment on Agenda Items
This is an opportunity for comments from members of the audience. The amount of time available to speak will be limited to 3 minutes. Commenters must indicate their wish to comment on the sign in sheet.
Planning
Programming
Topical Committee Reports
Reports from Planning Partners
Other Business, Staff Announcements and Upcoming Meetings
1. Information about Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act
2. Finance & Personnel Committee Meeting - April 15 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am
3. NIRPC Full Commission Meeting - April 15 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am
4. Transportation Resource Oversight Committee; Lake & Porter Counties - April 27 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am
5. Transportation Resource Oversight Committee; LaPorte County - April 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
6. Land Use Committee - May 6 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Next Meeting

The next Technical Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the NIRPC offices.

Technical Planning Committee Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Minutes

This meeting was convened as an electronic meeting, pursuant to Governor Holcomb’s extended Executive Order 21-03. All persons were meeting remotely on a Zoom platform that allowed for real time interaction and supported the public’s ability to observe and record the proceedings. When the agenda item was provided for public comment, this was supported as well. A roll call was taken to motion and approve the agenda items.

Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Committee members present were Bryan Blazak (St. John), Kevin Breitzke (Porter County), Jeff Huet (Schererville), Tom Schmitt (Schererville), Tim Hollandsworth (INDOT), Frank Rivera (E. Chicago), Carl Lisek (SSCC), Anne Maloberti, Terry Martin, George Topoll (Union Township), Kay Nelson (FORUM), Don Oliphant (CBBEL), Timothy Werner (CIORBA), Nick Bellar (Winfield), Duane Alverson (Lake County), Dean Button (Hammond), Mark O’Dell (Chesterton), David Wright (GPTC), Blossom Mabon, Beth West, Mike Jabo (Valparaiso), Beth Shrader (Valparaiso), and Kelly Wenger (NICTD).

Staff present were Mitch Barloga, Meredith Stilwell, Lucas Ecklund-Baker, Eman Ibrahim, Kathy Luther, Scott Weber, Kevin Polette, Candice Eklund, Denarie Kane, Charles Bradsky, Peter Kimball, and Flor Baum.

The February 9, 2021 and February 18, 2021 meeting minutes will include Kay Nelson in committee members present. Both sets of minutes were approved on motion by Kay Nelson and second by David Wright.

Public Comments

No public comments to announce.

Planning

Scott Weber presented on an update for the second amendment and conformity analysis to the NWI 2050 Plan, including the launch of the public comment period. NWI 2050 is our Region’s long-range plan that was adopted in May 2019. The amendment is needed to fulfill federal requirements because of the latest NOFA that adds regionally significant projects. The four projects being affected by amendment 2 are as follows:

INDOT project on US 41 is an existing project. The scope was never intended to go as far south to Lowell. The southern terminus that is in the NWI 2050 Plan is being edited up to approximately 135th Place in the Cedar Lake area instead of State Road 2 in the Lowell area. There is no cost affected.
Main St extension project along the Munster/Dyer border into the Village of Linwood, IL is an existing project. The project was originally slated to be completed by the year 2030 in the NWI 2050 Plan. However, that will change to 2040.
The Town of St. John’s Cline Avenue gap project between 93rd Ave and 101st Ave is a new project that will be added to the NWI 2050 Plan.
Porter County’s Willow Creek extension project is also being added. This is an extension of an existing project in Porter County. The scopes southern terminus is being changed from State Road 130 to US 30. We are proposing to add CN funds in FY-26.

These changes will be released for public comment today and through April 8 for a 30-day period.

Scott also presented on Air Quality Conformity. This is required because NIRPC is a non-attainment area designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for ozone. The four projects mentioned are among others that are in the document. The Conformity Report document will also be circulated for public comment from March 9 through April 8.

Programming

Charles Bradsky presented on the recommendation for Group 1 transit projects in the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). A three percent annual increase in funding was proposed that is compounded annually. This gave us nearly $2M in 2025 and $2.5M in 2026. 2026 is not something that Federal Transit looks at, as their focus is on the four-year TIP. Only the year 2025 was balanced (2026 was not balanced). It was agreed on at the Transit Operators meeting that we would look at all received operating assistance and preventative maintenance in 2021 and start programming those numbers. In some cases, preventative maintenance was less in 2025 than in 2021. Also, in balancing the budget for 2025, the lesser amount was chosen. What is being proposed is just under

$1.5M over the $14.4M that we have planned for 2025. If Federal Highway opposes the budget, GPTC’s $2.26M budget for new busses will be adjusted. It would continue to be a line item in the TIP. There was discussion on the Volkswagen funding towards busses. David Wright (GPTC) clarified that the funding is going busses that are currently in order, and not for 2025. There was discussion on the three percent increase. Kathy Luther stated there is Highway money that can be moved over to the Transit side as another possibility. The $8 pilot operations and facility improvements line item is a potential CMAQ project. The $8 is a placeholder for a continued plan on implementation of the project that will start this year with Federal funding. However, the $8 line item will be moved to CMAQ. Beth Shrader (Valparaiso) stated that the assumption to choose the lesser amount to budget the Valpo bus lines is not ideal. By 2025 Valpo’s expectation is that all the 80/20 (CMAQ/Fed) funding for the lines that will have been in service for three years will have been depleted. This does not allow them to maintain service levels.

Charles advised that amendments can always be made starting in August. Another Transit Operators meeting will be held to explain the individual changes in the budget. Charles will also send the list of all transit projects to INDOT’s review. The TIP adoption will also be out for public comment starting today.

On motion by David Wright and second by George Topoll the Technical Planning Committee accepted the transit program of projects as presented to go to public comment beginning today.

Topical Committee Reports

Mitch Barloga reported on DNR Next Level Trails Program; Round Two Awardees. Three of the awards were given to northwest Indiana communities. There is $29.6M available and is combined with $21.9M of local match. This is all administered by the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR). 18 projects were funded out of the 93 applications submitted. The longest awarded project is 14.5 mi; the shortest awarded is .88 mi. Three of these projects are within the NIRPC area: Crown Point’s Pennsy Greenway regional project, Portage’s Marquette Greenway regional project, and Valparaiso’s Vale Park West local project.

Eman Ibrahim reported on the Land Use Committee. The last committee meeting was held on January 7. There was discussion of roadway expansion and planning projects.

Scott Weber reported that the Surface Transportation Committee (STC) will meet in April instead of May to discuss final prerequisites for some of the projects that were agreed to.

Reports and Planning Partners

Announcements and upcoming dates were shared with the committee.

Next Meeting

The next Technical Planning Committee (TPC) meeting is slated for Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the NIRPC offices.

The meeting concluded at 11:06 a.m.

RESOLUTION 21-05

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT #4 2021-2022 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM 2022 Update

FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA

April 15, 2021

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 transportation 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, the PL/5307 federal funding allocation for the Commission for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022 was revised to total one million, four hundred and twenty eight thousand, eight hundred and ten dollars ($1,428,810); and

WHEREAS, the Technical Planning Committee has recommended that the Commission approve the content of UPWP 2021-2022 Amendment #4, 2022 Update;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby adopts the FY 2021 – 2022 UPWP Amendment #4, 2022 Update 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 fifteenth day of April, 2021.

George Topoll Chairperson

ATTEST:

Richard Hardaway

RESOLUTION 21-06

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ADJUSTING PAVEMENT CONDITION, BRIDGE CONDITION, AND FREIGHT PERFORMANCE MEASURE TARGETS FOR 2021

April 15, 2021

WHEREAS, Northwest Indiana’s citizens require a safe, efficient, effective, resource-conserving regional transportation system that maintains and enhances regional mobility and contributes to improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana; and

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 regional, comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) transportation planning process to develop the unified planning work program, a transportation plan, and a transportation improvement program to facilitate federal funding for communities, counties, and transit operators, and to provide technical assistance and expertise to regional transportation interests; and

WHEREAS, the Commission performs the above activities to satisfy requirements of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015 (PL 114-94), applicable portions of all prior federal transportation program authorizing legislation, as well as other federal, state, and local laws mandating or authorizing transportation planning activities; and

WHEREAS, the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program are products of a multi-modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors; and

WHEREAS, the FAST Act of 2015 requires the Commission to adopt 2-year and 4-year pavement condition, bridge condition, and freight performance measure targets; and

WHEREAS, the FAST Act of 2015 requires, within 180 days of the state department of transportation adopting or adjusting targets, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to either adopt the targets of the state department of transportation or develop their own targets; and

WHEREAS, the Indiana Department of Transportation adjusted its pavement condition, bridge condition, and freight performance measure targets in October 2020, and the Commission finds that the Commission should support the Indiana Department of Transportation’s targets; and

WHEREAS, the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program must be amended to reflect the adjusted pavement condition, bridge condition, and freight performance measure targets; and

WHEREAS, the changes to the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program brought about by this amendment fit the criteria of a technical amendment according to the Engage NWI plan; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission make these changes to the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby adjusts pavement condition, bridge condition, and freight performance measure targets for 2021 by making the following changes to the NWI 2050 Plan and FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program in a manner consistent with the definitions of a technical amendment as defined in Engage NWI and as shown on the attachment to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this fifteenth day of April, 2021.

ATTEST:

George Topoll Chairperson

Richard Hardaway Secretary

Changes to the NWI 2050 Plan:

Page Number	Performance Measure	Original Text	Amended Text
190	Percent of Interstate pavements in good condition	“At least 84.24% by 2019 and at least 84.24% by 2021 (statewide targets)”	“At least 84.24% by 2019 and at least 50% by 2021 (statewide targets)”
191	Percent of non- Interstate National Highway System (NHS) pavements in good condition	“At least 78.71% by 2019 and at least 78.71% by 2021 (statewide targets)”	“At least 78.71% by 2019 and at least 40% by 2021 (statewide targets)”
192	Percent of National Highway System (NHS) bridge area in good condition	“At least 48.32% by 2019 and at least 48.32% by 2021 (statewide targets)”	“At least 48.32% by 2019 and at least 47.2% by 2021 (statewide targets)”
192	Percent of National Highway System (NHS) bridge area in poor condition	“No more than 2.63% by 2019 and no more than 2.63% by 2021 (statewide targets)”	“No more than 2.63% by 2019 and no more than 3.1% by 2021 (statewide targets)”
215	Truck Travel Time Reliability Index (TTTRI)	“1.27 by 2019 and 1.24 by 2021 (statewide targets)”	“1.27 by 2019 and 1.30 by 2021 (statewide targets)”

Changes to the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program:

Page Number(s)	Performance Measure	Original Target/Desired Trend	Amended Target/Desired Trend
30	Percent of Interstate pavements in good condition	“at least 84.24% in 2019 and 84.24% in 2021”	“at least 84.24% in 2019 and 50% in 2021”
30	Percent of non- Interstate NHS pavements in good condition	“at least 78.71% in 2019 and 78.71% in 2021”	“at least 78.71% in 2019 and 40% in 2021”
30-31	Percent of NHS bridge area in good condition	“at least 48.32% in 2019 and 48.32% in 2021”	“at least 48.32% in 2019 and 47.2% in 2021”
31	Percent of NHS bridge area in poor condition	“no more than 2.63% in 2019 and 2.63% in 2021”	“no more than 2.63% in 2019 and 3.1% in 2021”
32	Truck Travel Time Reliability Index (TTTRI)	“no more than 1.27 in 2019 and 1.24 in 2021”	“no more than 1.27 in 2019 and 1.30 in 2021”

RESOLUTION 21-07

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION MAKING THE AIR QUALITY CONFORMITY DETERMINATION FOR THE NWI 2050 PLAN AMENDMENT #2 AND THE 2022 TO 2026 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WITH RESPECT TO OZONE

April 15, 2021

WHEREAS, the implementation of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone; and

WHEREAS, Lake and Porter Counties have been designated as a nonattainment area with respect to the 2008 “8-hour” standard for ozone; and LaPorte County has been designated as a maintenance area with respect to the 1997 “8-hour” standard for ozone; and

WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Transportation Conformity Rule in 40 CFR Parts 51 and 93 requires all Transportation Conformity non-exempt and regionally significant projects included in a Metropolitan Planning Organization’s transportation improvement program to be referenced to that Metropolitan Planning Organization’s transportation plan; and

WHEREAS, the NWI 2050 Plan is the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s transportation plan and the 2022 to 2026 Transportation Improvement Program is the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s transportation improvement program; and

WHEREAS, the Commission’s Interagency Consultation Group on Air Quality comprised of the Commission, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the Indiana Department of Transportation reviewed the Air Quality Conformity Determination Report and recommended its adoption by the Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Commission has solicited public comment on the Air Quality Conformity Determination Report between March 9, 2021 and April 8, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Commission’s Technical Planning Committee recommended Resolution 21-06 to the Commission for adoption;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby adopts the Air Quality Conformity Determination for the NWI 2050 Plan Amendment #2 and the 2022 to 2026 Transportation Improvement Program Amendment with respect to ozone.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this fifteenth day of April, 2021.

ATTEST:

George Topoll Chairperson

Richard Hardaway Secretary

RESOLUTION 21-08

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION DETERMINING ADHERENCE OF NWI 2050 AMENDMENT #2 AND 2022-2026 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO MOVE NWI CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROCESS

April 15, 2021

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, hereafter referred to as “the Commission,” is designated as a Transportation Management Area (TMA) according to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) by being a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) with a Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) of over 200,000 population in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties; and

WHEREAS, the NWI 2050 Plan and 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program are products of a multi-modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors; and

WHEREAS, MOVE NWI is a product of a multi-modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socioeconomic and demographic factors used to inform NWI 2050, as amended, and the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program; and

WHEREAS, MOVE NWI is an implementation of the NWI 2050 Plan, as amended, and satisfies Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 450.322 requiring a TMA to apply a Congestion Management Process for any project(s) adding capacity to the transportation network; and

WHEREAS, the determination of adherence of the NWI 2050 Plan, as amended, and 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program to MOVE NWI fit the criteria of a technical document required to fulfill federal requirements according to the Engage NWI plan; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the NWI 2050 Plan, as amended, and 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program be determined to adhere to the MOVE NWI Congestion Management Process.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby determines that the NWI 2050 Plan Amendment #2 and 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program adhere to the MOVE NWI Congestion Management Process and as shown on the attachment to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this fifteenth day of April, 2021.

ATTEST:

George Topoll Chairperson

Richard Hardaway Secretary

MOVE NWI (Congestion Management Process) Adherence for NWI 2050 Amendment #2 and FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program

Background:

In accordance with MOVE NWI, the federally required Congestion Management Process for the Northwestern Indiana Transportation Management Area (TMA), NIRPC is required to demonstrate that projects included in NWI 2050 Amendment #2 and the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) subject to MOVE NWI adherence as defined in the Evaluating Projects section of MOVE NWI adhere to MOVE NWI. NIRPC staff determined that there are only two projects in NWI 2050 Amendment #2 and the FY 2022-2026 TIP that meet the criteria and need to demonstrate MOVE NWI adherence: the Town of St. John’s Cline Ave gap project and Porter County’s Willowcreek Rd extension project Phases 3 and 4. This analysis documents MOVE NWI adherence for these two projects.

Project Evaluation:

Town of St. John Cline Ave Gap Project:

The Town of St. John’s Cline Ave gap project is a project that would construct a new road segment between 93rd Ave and 101st Ave in the Town of St. John near its boundaries with unincorporated Lake County and the Town of Schererville. The project was identified in the Northwest Indiana Regional Corridors Study published by NIRPC in 2016 as a corridor of regional significance. Figure 1 below shows a map of the project.

Figure 1: Town of St. John’s Cline Ave Gap Project Map

This project has not yet been included in the fiscally constrained NWI 2050 plan nor in any Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Therefore, before including the project in any Metropolitan Transportation Plan or TIP, as a new roadway it is required to demonstrate adherence to MOVE NWI according to the Evaluating Projects section under the New Roadways Program. Table 19 in MOVE NWI lists the 15-step process for determining MOVE NWI adherence for the New Roadways Program. Step 11 states that if NIRPC runs the Travel Demand Model and determines that vehicle hours traveled (VHT) are projected to be reduced by 5% or more on road segments within 2 miles of the project area, then the project is found to adhere to MOVE NWI

regardless of the outcome of the other steps. NIRPC staff ran the Travel Demand Model, looking closely at the results of the prevailing traffic pattern of using 93rd Ave and 101st Ave in order to access Blaine St being allowed to stay on Cline Ave instead as a result of this project. Blaine St is clearly within 2 miles of the project area, so a Travel Demand Model analysis of its traffic patterns as well as the improvements on 93rd Ave and 101st Ave to access Blaine St is clearly within the scope of MOVE NWI. Table 1 below summarizes the results of this analysis.

Table 1: Travel Demand Model Analysis of Town of St. John Cline Ave Gap Project Area

Scenario

No-Build Vehicle Hours Traveled (VHT) on Blaine St and 93rd/101st Ave between Cline Ave and Blaine St

Percent Reduction in Vehicle Hours Traveled (VHT) Resulting from Project

2030 Cline Ave Gap

Project (93rd Ave to 101st Ave)

296.95

278.10

6.3%

Since the Vehicle Hours Traveled (VHT) reduction according to Table 1 above is greater than 5%, the Town of St. John’s Cline Ave Gap project is found to adhere to MOVE NWI.

Porter County Willowcreek Rd Extension Project:

The Porter County Willowcreek Rd extension project is a project that consists of 4 phases. Phases 1 and 2 involve the portion from 700 N (northern terminus) to SR 130 (southern terminus). These 2 phases are already included in the fiscally constrained NWI 2050 plan, and funding for them has been partially included in the Fiscal Year 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program. Phases 3 and 4 involve the bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad Right-of-Way and the segment from SR 130 (northern terminus) to US 30 (southern terminus). See Figure 2 below for a map of the project area.

Figure 2: Porter County’s Willowcreek Rd Extension Project Map

These phases have heretofore not been included in the fiscally constrained NWI 2050 plan, nor has funding for them been included in any TIP. As such, MOVE NWI adherence is required per the Evaluating Projects section under the New Roadways Program. Table 19 in MOVE NWI lists the 15-step process for determining

MOVE NWI adherence for the New Roadways Program. Step 11 states that if NIRPC runs the Travel Demand Model and determines that vehicle hours traveled (VHT) are projected to be reduced by 5% or more on road segments within 2 miles of the project area, then the project is found to adhere to MOVE NWI regardless of the outcome of the other steps. The Northwest Indiana Regional Corridors Study published by NIRPC in 2016 clearly shows in Appendix B on page 56 shows that VHT are projected to be reduced by 219.78% on corridors within 5 miles of the alignment and 79.74% on 475 W (between SR 130 and US 30) alone, a corridor clearly within 2 miles of the Willowcreek Rd Phase 4 alignment, regardless of which alternative is chosen. Table 2 below shows the Travel Demand Model analysis for the Willowcreek Rd corridor during the Regional Corridors Study analysis when NIRPC staff looked at corridors within 2 miles of the alignment as now prescribed in MOVE NWI.

Table 2: Travel Demand Model Analysis for Willowcreek Rd Extension Project from Northwest Regional Corridors Study

It is clear from Table 2 above that the Vehicles Hours Traveled (VHT) reductions as a result of the Porter County Willowcreek Rd Extension project well exceed 5%. Thus, Porter County’s Willowcreek Rd extension project is demonstrated to adhere to MOVE NWI.

Conclusion:

The Project Evaluation section above demonstrates that both the Town of St. John’s Cline Ave gap project and Porter County’s Willowcreek Rd extension project phases 3&4 adhere to MOVE NWI according to a travel demand model analysis. Thus, NIRPC staff recommends a finding of adherence to MOVE NWI to be determined by the NIRPC Executive Board/Full Commission after recommendations by the Surface Transportation Committee and Technical Planning Committees.

RESOLUTION 21-09 ‌

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDING NWI 2050 AMENDMENT NO. 2

April 15, 2021

WHEREAS, Northwest Indiana’s citizens require a safe, efficient, effective, resource- conserving regional transportation system that maintains and enhances regional mobility and contributes to improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana; and

WHEREAS, NWI 2050 is a product of a multi-modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors; and

WHEREAS, NWI 2050 is fiscally constrained, and is consistent with the State Implementation Plan for Air Quality; and

WHEREAS, NWI 2050 is developed by the Commission in coordination and cooperation with local elected and appointed highway and transit officials, special interest and service organizations, including users of public transit, the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, the changes to NWI 2050 brought about by this amendment were reviewed by the Air Quality Conformity Task Force’s Interagency Consultation Group (ICG); and

WHEREAS, the changes to NWI 2050 brought about by this amendment were subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2019 Public Participation Plan, and comments were responded to in accordance with the 2019 Public Participation Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission make these changes to NWI 2050.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby amends NWI 2050 by making the changes as shown on the attachment to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this fifteenth day of April, 2021.

George Topoll Chairperson

ATTEST:

Richard Hardaway Secretary

Page Number

159

160

NWI 2050 Plan Amendment Changes to the NWI 2050 Plan:

Original Text/Location	Amended Text/Location
US 41 Added Center Lane Turn Lane: End Point: SR2	REVISE US 41 Added Center Lane Turn Lane: End Point: 135th Pl
Main St. Extension – Complete by 2030	MOVE to Page 160 – Complete by 2040
Not shown	ADD Cline Avenue Gap Extension from 93rd Ave to 101st Ave in St. John; 2028 Federal Cost $8,100,000 – Complete by 2030
Not shown	ADD Willowcreek Road Extension from SR 130 to US 30; 2032 Federal Cost $39,900,000 – Complete by 2040

Public Comment Report

Amendment #13 to the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Adoption of the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

Technical Planning Committee April 6, 2020

Amendment #13 of the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program was released for a 30-day public comment period which began on March 5, 2020 and will end April 8, 2021. The amendments were made available at www.nirpc.org. No comments from the public have been received to date during this comment period on the proposed amendment.

NIRPC did not receive technical comments from the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG). Approval by the IGC were given of this amendment #13 on March 9, 2021.

Adoption of the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program was released for a 30-day public comment period which began on March 5, 2020 and will end April 8, 2021. The TIP was made available at www.nirpc.org. No comments from the public have been received to date during this comment period on the proposed amendments.

As of this time NIRPC has not received technical comments from INDOT or FHWA.

RESOLUTION 21-10

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDING THE

FY 2020-2024 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA

AMENDMENT NO. 13

April 15, 2021

WHEREAS, Northwest Indiana’s citizens require a safe, efficient, effective, resource- conserving regional transportation system that maintains and enhances regional mobility and contributes to improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs are a product of a multi- modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors used to form the NWI 2050 Plan; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program is an implementation of the NWI 2050 Plan, is fiscally constrained, and is consistent with the State Implementation Plan for Air Quality; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs are developed by the Commission in coordination and cooperation with local elected and appointed highway and transit officials, special interest and service organizations, including users of public transit, the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, the changes to the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs brought about by this amendment were reviewed by the Air Quality Conformity Task Force’s Interagency Consultation Group (ICG); and

WHEREAS, the changes to the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs brought about by this amendment were subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2019 Public Participation Plan with no comments received; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission make these changes to the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby amends the FY 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Programs by adding the new projects and making other changes as shown on the attachment to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this fifteenth day of April, 2021.

George Topoll Chairperson

ATTEST:

Richard Hardaway Secretary

RESOLUTION 21-11

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTING THE

FY 2022-2026 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS FOR LAKE, PORTER, AND LAPORTE COUNTIES, INDIANA

April 15, 2021

WHEREAS, Northwest Indiana’s citizens require a safe, efficient, effective, resource- conserving regional transportation system that maintains and enhances regional mobility and contributes to improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program is a product of a multi- modal, 3-C transportation planning process, compatible with regional goals and objectives and socio-economic and demographic factors used to form the NWI 2050 Plan; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program is an implementation of the NWI 2050 Plan, is fiscally constrained, and is consistent with the State Implementation Plan for Air Quality; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program is developed by the Commission in coordination and cooperation with local elected and appointed highway and transit officials, special interest and service organizations, including users of public transit, the Indiana Department of Transportation, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, the draft of FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program was reviewed by the Air Quality Conformity Task Force’s Interagency Consultation Group (ICG); and

WHEREAS, the adoption of the FY 2022-20264 Transportation Improvement Program is subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2019 Public Participation Plan with no comments received; and

WHEREAS, the Technical Policy Committee (TPC) has recommended that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission to adopt the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby adopts the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program by adding the new program as an attachment to this resolution.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission this fifteen day of April, 2021.

George Topoll Chairperson

ATTEST:

Richard Hardaway Secretary