55

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

May 18, 2023 at 9:00 A.M.

NIRPC Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road, Portage

6100 Southport Road

Portage, Indiana 46368

(219) 763-6060

www.nirpc.org

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Richard Hardaway

2. New Appointments to the Commission - Attorney Dave Hollenbeck

3. Roll Call – Candice Eklund

4. Public Comment on Today’s Agenda Items

   Members of the audience who have signed up to comment on agenda items will be recognized by the Chair. Time is limited to 3 minutes per commenter.

   
   

5. Approval of the Minutes of the April 20, 2023, Full Commission Meeting (pp. 1-2)

   ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

6. Report of the Chair – Richard Hardaway

   
   

7. Report of the Executive Director - Ty Warner

8. Environmental Management Policy Committee – Bill Emerson (p. 3)

9. Finance and Personnel Committee – Wendy Mis (pp. 4-8)

   1. Resolution #23-08: Authorizing the submittal of the EDA FY 2023 Partnership Planning Grant Application to Administer the Economic Development District (pp. 6-7)

      ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

   2. Resolution #23-09: Authorizing the execution of a grant agreement with the U.S. DOT and INDOT under the FY 2021 RAISE Grant Program for the Marquette Greenway Project (p. 8)

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

1. Technical Planning Committee - Kevin Breitzke (pp. 9- 48)

2. Public Comment Report on FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment #22-09 (Charles Bradsky) (p. 13)

   ACTION REQUESTED: Informational

3. Resolution #23-06: FY 2022-2026 TIP Amendment #22-09 (Charles Bradsky) (pp. 13-46) ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

4. Resolution #23-07: FY 2024 Unified Planning Work Program (Tom Vander Woude) (pp. 47-48)

Document available separately

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval

1. INDOT - Matt Deitchley, La Porte District Deputy Commissioner

2. Other Business

3. Announcements

4. Adjournment

The next meeting on July 20 will be a Full Commission meeting.

NIRPC Full Commission Meeting

6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN April 20, 2023 Minutes

Call to Order

Chairman Richard Hardaway called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

New Appointments to the Commission

Dave Hollenbeck announced the appointment to the Commission of Mayor Peter Land (Crown Point). Richard Hardaway welcomed Tim Clayton (Winfield) to his first Commission meeting.

Roll call - Taken by Candice Eklund. Present

The 35 Commissioners present at the meeting included Kyle Allen (Lake County Commissioner), Duane Arndt (Kingsford Heights), Thomas Black (Highland), Kevin Breitzke (Porter County Surveyor), Bob Carnahan (Cedar Lake), Bill Carroll (Lake Station), Tim Clayton (Winfield), Don Craft (Porter), Joshleen Denham (Trail Creek), Tom Dermody (La Porte), Daina Dumbrys (Michiana Shores), Denise Ebert (Wanatah), Bill Emerson (Lake County Surveyor), Robert Forster (Kouts), Richard Hardaway (Merrillville), Ellen Hundt (Beverly Shores), Jack Jeralds (Schneider), Jane Jordan (Burns Harbor), Justin Kiel (LaPorte County Council), Peter Land (Crown Point), Sue Lynch (Portage), Lori Mercer (Westville), Wendy Mis (Munster), Edward Morales (Porter Township), Barb Regnitz (Porter County Commissioner), Lisa Rosenkranz (LaCrosse), Regina Ruddell (Pottawattomie Park), Rick Ryfa (Griffith), Tom Schmitt (Schererville), Brian Snedecor (Hobart), Red Stone (Porter County Council), Gerald Swets (St. John), Mary Tanis (Dyer), Jim Ton (Chesterton), and George Topoll (Union Township). Also present was Adam Parkhouse representing INDOT.

Absent

The 16 Commissioners absent included Jeannette Bapst (Dune Acres), Anthony Copeland (East Chicago), Connie Gramarossa (LaPorte County Commissioner), Tony Hendricks (LaPorte County Surveyor), Scott Kingan (Ogden Dunes), Robert LeMay (Long Beach), Tom McDermott (Hammond), Matt Murphy (Valparaiso), Randall Niemeyer (Lake County Council), Duane Parry (Michigan City), David Peeler (Hebron), Jim Pressel (Governor Appointee), Jerome Prince (Gary), Steve Spebar (Whiting), Sharon Szwedo (New Chicago), and John Yelkich (Lowell).

Kingsbury and The Pines have appointed no representatives to NIRPC.

Staff present included Ty Warner, Kathy Luther, Talaya Jones, Charles Bradsky, Scott Weber, Eman Ibrahim, Stephen Hughes, Kevin Polette, Grace Benninger, Candice Eklund, and attorney Dave Hollenbeck.

Public Comment – There were no public comments. Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the March 16, 2023 Executive Board meeting were approved on motion by Bob Carnahan and seconded by Kyle Allen.

Report of the Chair – Richard Hardaway Richard Hardaway had no updates to report.

Report of the Executive Director – Ty Warner

Ty Warner commented that the two items on the day’s agenda both represent the important regional planning work that NIRPC undertakes that have involved many stakeholders. The Marquette Greenway Project Management and Project Development Draft Contract is on today’s agenda for a vote to finish the Marquette Greenway trail project from Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan. Warner also shared that staff would provide an overview of NIRPC’s federally-mandated but regionally-developed long range plan, NWI 2050+. Ty Warner introduced NIRPC’s newest staff members Grace Benninger, Spatial Analyst and Stephen Hughes, Public Transit & Engagement Planner.

Finance & Personnel Committee (F&P) – Wendy Mis

Wendy Mis reported the F&P Committee met this morning to review and approve the financial reports and bank reconciliations for February and March 2023, and the claims registers for March. The F&P Committee requested approval to enter into a contract with Butler, Fairman and Seufert, Inc. (BFS) for the Marquette Greenway Project,

with a contingent revision from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). An updated Appendix D document was distributed at the meeting reflecting a reduction in the contract from $810,000 to $600,000, which is the maximum funding limit. BFS was cooperative with this modification. On motion by Jim Ton and seconded by Barb Regnitz, the Full Commission approved the Contract with BFS with the revised Appendix D and contingent upon FHWA review.

The next F&P meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2023.

Technical Planning Committee (TPC) – Kevin Breitzke

Kevin Breitzke reported the TPC met on April 11, 2023. NIRPC staff gave a brief presentation on the seven components of the draft NWI 2050+ (below) to the Commissioners this morning. This is an update to NWI 2050 that was adopted in 2019 and will continue the four main focus areas of Connected, Renewed, United, and Vibrant. The differences between NWI 2050 and NWI 2050+ is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the new emphasis in Resiliency, Housing, Carbon Reduction, and Freight. Staff were available after the meeting in the lobby for further discussions amid board set up for each of these plan elements.

1. Introduction – Scott Weber 5. Land Use and Housing – Eman Ibrahim

2. Active Transportation – Stephen Hughes 6. Roadways – Scott Weber

3. Climate and the Environment – Kathy Luther 7. Transit – Kevin Polette

4. Freight – Scott Weber

To take a deeper dive into the chapters of NWI 2050+ and view the video created for the Open Houses NIRPC hosted this month, visit https://nirpc.org/nwi-2050/.

The plan is out for public comment until May 5. Once the air quality conformity determination is resolved, it is anticipated NWI 2050+ will be voted on for approval at the July Full Commission meeting. The next TPC meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2023.

INDOT – Adam Parkhouse

Adam Parkhouse reported the Community Crossings awards were announced last week and the NIRPC region was awarded just under $13 million. The next call for applications will begin July 5. With this being National Work Zone Awareness Week, INDOT is promoting their efforts through social media platforms at https://www.nwzaw.org/.

Construction on I-94 between Cline Avenue and I-65 will continue through November and patching work on interstate ramps will run August through November.

Other Business

Jim Ton requested additional information on the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Ty Warner offered to send the information to the Commissioners after the meeting.

Dave Hollenbeck remembered Dennis Rittenmeyer who passed away this week. Dave said Dennis was a leader in what it meant to be in-tune to regional solutions and problems, and we owe a debt of gratitude for his leadership . Warner added that Dennis helped him better understand the challenges this region faces when Warner came on board.

Announcements

Mary Tanis, Kevin Breitzke, and Bob Carnahan relayed announcements of various events in Dyer, Porter County, and Cedar Lake, respectively.

Reggie Korthals, Executive Director of MS4 Partnership, announced the annual MS4 meeting will take place on May 18. They are partnering with IDEM to discuss the new stormwater weather permits that will require interaction with communities.

Hearing no other business, Richard Hardaway adjourned the meeting at 9:59 a.m. The next meeting on May 18 will be an Executive Board meeting.

The livestream recording for this meeting is available on NIRPC’s YouTube Channel at Full Commission Meeting 4-20-23 - YouTube

Environmental Management Policy Committee Lake Michigan Room

February 2, 2023 Minutes

Bill Emerson called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

In attendance were Bill Emerson (Lake County), Reggie Korthals (MS4), Ryan Lisek (DCI), Robert Forester, Kay Nelson (Forum), Jenny Orsburn (LMCP), Cathy Csatari, katherine Balkema, Rahim Evans, Kevin Brietzke, George Topoll (Union Township), and Daina Dumbrys.

NIRPC staff present were Kathy Luther, Jennifer Birchfield, Kevin Polette, and Flor Baum.

The meeting minutes of November 3, 2022 were approved on motion by Reggie Korthals and second by Ryan Lisek.

Public Comments

No public comments were submitted.

Kathy Luther presented the EMPC meetings for 2023 and requested that members contact her to schedule workshops.

Kathy spoke on NIRPC’s Notice of Funding Availability – Air Quality and Environmental Applications. Seven applications for Air Quality and one application for Planning Study were reviewed and given a peer review score and ranked. Changes were made live.

Air Quality applications and committee score are as follows:

• East Chicago - Clean Fuel Equipment, 75.

• Hobart - City of Hobart and Lake Station HD CNG Trucks & Infrastructure, 62.

• Lake Station – Lake and Porter County ZEV project, 80.

• Portage - CNG Fuel Station and Clean Fuel Equipment, 82.

• La Porte - Alternative Fuel Vehicles, 86.

• LaPorte County - La Porte County Goes Green, 79.

• Michigan City - CNG Truck Replacement, 86.

  
  

  Planning/Study application and committee score are as follows:

• NIRPC – Drive Clean Indiana Green Fleets Air Quality Public Education, 84.

On motion by Reggie Korthals, second by George Topoll, the EMPC approved to present the Air Quality and Environmental Applications to the Technical Planning Committee for further review.

For more information, please contact Kathy at kluther@nirpc.org.

Reports from Planning Partners

Carl Lisek (DCI) reported on events and programs with Drive Clean Indiana. For more information, please visit https://drivecleanindiana.org/.

Announcements were made.

The next EMPC meeting is slated for May 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the NIRPC offices. Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

March 16, 2023 / NIRPC Dune Room – 8:00 a.m.

Members present

Bob Carnahan, Don Craft, Tom Dermody, Justin Kiel, Wendy Mis, George Topoll

Staff and others present

Ty Warner, Talaya Jones, Lisa Todd, Meredith Stilwell, Darin Sherman, Jane Jordan, David Hollenbeck

Call to Order

Chairman Dermody called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the January 19, 2023 meeting were presented. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by Wendy Mis and no opposition, the minutes were approved.

Review of Financial Status – January 2023 Budget vs Actual

Talaya Jones presented the January 2023 bank reconciliations for the NIRPC general account, the CARES Revolving Loan Fund account, and the Revolving Loan Fund Account.

Talaya presented the January 2023 general fund financial reports. Total expenditures for the period ending January 31, 2023, were $224,331 of the $15,899,219 budgeted. Total general fund revenue for the period was $1,089 of the $4,164,925 budgeted.

Talaya presented the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities (CARES) Act financial reports, year to date January 2023. Total NIRPC CARES fund expenditures for the period ending January 31, 2023, was $3,430 of the $162,229 budgeted. Total CARES revenue collected for the period was $2,069 of the $150,368 budgeted. Commissioner Carnahan asked what would be done regarding an expenditure of $21 from the communications line item that has no money budgeted. Talaya explained their would be a revenue adjustment brought forward to the Committee.

Approval of Claims Registers – January 2023

Talaya presented the January 2023 General Fund claims register totaling $202,899.10 to the Committee for approval. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by George Topoll and no opposition, the General Fund register of claims in the amount of $202,899.10 was approved. The CARES Act register of claims totaling $3,409.00 was presented for approval. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by George Topoll and no opposition, the CARES Act register of claims in the amount of $3,409.00 was approved.

Approval of Claims Registers – February 2023

Talaya presented the February 2023 General Fund claims register totaling $279,075.79 to the Committee for approval. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by George Topoll and no opposition, the General Fund register of claims in the amount of $279,075.79 was approved. The CARES Act register of claims totaling $2,992.41 was presented for approval. On motion by Bob Carnahan, second by George Topoll and no opposition, the CARES Act register of claims in the amount of $2,992.41 was approved.

Procurements #23-07.01, 23-07.02, 23-07.03, 23-07.04, 23-07.05. and 22-15

Lisa Todd presented 6 procurements to the Committee for recommendation to the NIRPC Executive Board for approval. The procurements were for a total of 15 replacement vehicles to be purchased, with 2 for City of Valparaiso, 2 for Porter County Aging Community Services, 1 for East Chicago Transit, 3 for Opportunity Enterprise and 7 for Lake County Community Services. Each recipient must provide a 20% local match for the 80% coming from federal funds, with a not to exceed amount for federal funds for each purchase. A discussion was held regarding the continuing supply chain issues and investigations into other possibilities to help to obtain vehicles. It was questioned if there was an issue with grants not being spent down in the time they should be. Lisa noted that extensions can be asked for and granted if a viable reason is provided.

Personnel updates

Ty wanted to move the personnel updates portion of the agenda up and introduced Darin Sherman,

NIRPC’s new Accountant, who has been employed with NIRPC for a month. Ty also announced that there have been 2 more new hires to fill the Public Transit and Spatial Analyst positions. The names were withheld from the Committee until the announcement could be made to staff. An offer was made for the Transportation Director position but is still in the works. The Transit Compliance Manager and Transportation Programming & Grant Assistant positions are still open. Meredith reported that there are 3 interviews scheduled for next week.

NIRPC Building Lease

Ty brought up the building lease and what NIRPC feels are needs and wants for a lease renewal. Discussion was held by the Committee regarding those items and suggestions made by the Commissioners. Commissioners Carnahan and Clark mentioned needing tornado, fire, and active shooter plans and Ty reported that those will be included in NIRPC’s safety plan addition to the handbook, which will most likely be brought before the Committee in April.

Other Business None

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

RESOLUTION 23-08

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION FY 2023 PARTNERSHIP PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION TO ADMINISTER THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), hereafter referred to as “the Commission”, is the regional Council of Local Governments (COG) and the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Lake, Porter, and La Porte County area; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC was designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, as an Economic Development District (EDD) on August 23, 2019, that makes the counties of Lake, Porter, and La Porte in Northwest Indiana eligible to receive certain types of federal funding for regional and local economic development efforts; and

WHEREAS, the EDD designation is consistent with NIRPC’s charge within its state enabling legislation to institute and maintain comprehensive planning and programming processes for

(1) transportation, (2) economic development, and (3) environment policy, and provide a coordinative management process for Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties (Indiana Code 36- 7-7.6); and

WHEREAS, the EDA supports Partnership Planning investments to facilitate the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), which articulate and prioritize the strategic economic goals of recipients’ respective regions; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC has applied for an FY 2023 Economic Development Administration Partnership Planning grant for up to $70,000 (Seventy Thousand dollars) in federal funds to assist with the Economic Development District scope of work.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission board authorizes the NIRPC Executive Director:

1. To apply for and administer the Economic Development Administration grant award;

2. To sign related documents on behalf of the organization; and

3. To commit up to $70,000 (Seventy Thousand dollars) in local matching funds.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission will make the local match funds available as needed and affirms that the funds are not encumbered in any way that would preclude their use consistent with the requirements of the EDA Investment Assistance.

Duly adopted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on this 18th day of May 2023.

Richard Hardaway Chairperson

ATTEST:

Sue Lynch Secretary

RESOLUTION 23-09

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNDER THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 RAISE GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE MARQUETTE GREENWAY PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), hereafter referred to as “the Commission”, is the regional Council of Local Governments (COG) and the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Lake, Porter, and La Porte County area; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, NIRPC released The Marquette Greenway Poster Plan, which was the first effort to detail an off-road multi-use trail from south Chicago to New Buffalo, MI; and

WHEREAS, since 2009, nearly $109 million has been either spent, funded, or planned to develop the remaining segments of the proposed 58-miles of the Greenway and to date this has accounted for over 20 miles built and 35 miles funded; and

WHEREAS, NIRPC was awarded a Fiscal Year 2021 RAISE Grant in the amount of $17,799,282 (RAISE Grant) for the completion of the Marquette Greenway; and

WHEREAS, the Indiana Department of Transportation has agreed to serve as the Recipient of the RAISE Grant and to pass the RAISE Grant funding through to NIRPC as a First-Tier Subrecipient;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NIRPC board authorizes current NIRPC Executive Director Tyson Warner, or his successor, to execute an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation and INDOT designating INDOT as the Recipient of the RAISE Grant and NIRPC as the First-Tier subrecipient to carry out the project with the Recipient’s assistance and oversight.

ATTEST:

Richard Hardaway Chairperson

Sue Lynch Secretary

Technical Planning Committee NIRPC Lake Michigan Room YouTube Recording:

https://www.youtube.com/live/Hqq35XknBtU?feature=share

February 28, 2023 Amended Minutes

Please Note: A third motion was added under Programming for FY 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program Draft project selection.

Kevin Breitzke called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

In attendance were Kevin Breitzke (Porter County), George Topoll (Union Township), Beth Shrader (Valpo Transit), David Wright (GPTC), Michael Jabo (Valparaiso), Dean Button (Hammond), Beth West (La Porte Transit), Ryan Lisek (DCI), and Mark O’Dell (Chesterton).

Also in attendance were Wendy Mis (Munster), Jeff Huet (Schererville), Tom Schmitt (Schererville), Duane Alverson (Lake County), Dennis Cobb (FGE), Robert Csanyi (Robinson Engineering) Julio Archavala (East Chicago), Terry Martin (C&G), Courtney Anderson (Ciorba), Amy Blaker (Lochmueller), Jessica Clark (Lochmueller), Chris Salatas (Cedar Lake), Scott Pruitt (FGE), Chris Murphy (Structure Point), Eric Wolverton (Structure Point), Don Oliphant (CBBEL), Jake Dammarell (BF&S), Leslie Beck, Deb Backhus (Gary), Jane Whedbee,

NIRPC staff present were Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Scott Weber, Ty Warner, Kevin Polette, and Candice Eklund.

On motion by Mike Jabo, second by Dean Button, the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) approved the minutes of January 10, 2023.

There were no public comments. Planning

Scott Weber presented on Resolution 23-04: Updated transportation Air Quality Conformity

Interagency Consultation Procedures. The five agencies prepared a protocol for determining transportation air quality conformity in compliance with Federal regulation. The protocol includes conformity procedures in relation to transportation plans, programs, and projects.

Scott reviewed both attachments that were also provided on the NIRPC web:

• Transportation Air Quality Protocol

• Air Quality Conformity Interagency Consultation Group Guidance

On motion by Dean Button, second by Mark O’Dell, the TPC voted to recommend Res 23-04 to the Executive Board.

Kevin Polette presented on the Metropolitan Planning Agreement (MPA) with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The Memorandum of Agreement is between NIRPC, INDOT, The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), and The Gary Public Transportation Corporation. Federal law requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO), State Dept. of Transportation and Operators of Public Transportation Systems to engage in a cooperative, comprehensive, and continuing transportation planning process. The agreement was sent to NICTD and GPTC in February for review. GPTC submitted changes and were added to the agreement. The new language is, “GPTC

plans, operates, and maintains local and regional transit service in the City of Gary and several adjacent communities.” No additional comments were received. On motion by David Wright, second by George Topoll, the TPC voted to recommend the MPA with INDOT to the Executive Board.

Programming

Charles Bradsky spoke on the FY 2024-2028 Transportation Improvement Program Draft project selection. Charles presented the program of projects. NOFA applications were discussed categorized, discussed, and points were adjusted on the subcommittee level to be presented to the TPC. Changes were made live.

On motion by Dean Button, second by Mark O’Dell, the TPC approved, as amended/corrected to the Group I projects discussed. However, the projects will have to come to TPC again before going to the Commission for approval.

Addition: On motion by Mike Jabo, second by Mark O’Dell, two transformative projects (Porter County’s Willowcreek Rd project and Schererville’s Kennedy Ave. project) will be allowed to have funding priority in 2029.

Group II was not discussed. However, Charles will take the top scores and fund projects accordingly. If funding amounts need adjusting, Charles will make those changes as needed.

On Motion by George Topoll, second by Mike Jabo, The TPC approved Group II projects with top scores to be funded accordingly.

Topical Committee Reports Nothing to report.

Reports from Planning Partners

Ryan Lisek (DCI) reported on reported on upcoming events and programs within NWI. Please visit www.drivecleanindiana.org for more information.

Adjournment

Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.

The next TPC meeting is slated for April 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the NIRPC building.

Technical Planning Committee NIRPC Lake Michigan Room YouTube Recording:

Technical Planning Committee Meeting 4-11-23 - YouTube

April 11, 2023 Minutes

George Topoll called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

In attendance were George Topoll (Union Township), Beth Shrader (Valpo Transit), Kelly Wenger (NICTD), Mark O’Dell (Chesterton), Kay Nelson (Forum), Dean Button (Hammond), Ryan Lisek (DCI), David Wright (GPTC), Michael Jabo (Valparaiso), and Kevin Breitzke.

Also in attendance were Mary Kay Timm (Dyer), Rebekah Hammond (NICTD), Steve King (Merrillville), Dennis Cobb, Chris Murphy (StructurePoint), Courtney Anderson (CIORBA), Don Oliphant (CBBEL), and Jake Dammarell (BF&S).

NIRPC staff present were Mitch Barloga, Charles Bradsky, Scott Weber, Kevin Polette, Grace Benninger, Stephen Hughes, Eman Ibrahim, and Flor Baum.

On motion by Mark O’Dell, second by Dean Button, the Technical Planning Committee (TPC) approved the minutes of February 28, 2023.

There were no public comments. Planning

Mitch Barloga presented on the NWI 2050+ draft report and public comment. It is required by federal law to update our long-range plan every four years. Every plan produced must also have a 20-year time horizon and provide practical and measurable solutions. The NWI 2050+ continues to

have focus areas on the following: Connected, Renewed, United, and Vibrant. The IIJA new emphasis areas in NWI 2050+ focuses on Resiliency, Housing, Carbon Reduction, and Freight. The chapters presented were Active Transportation, Climate, Freight, Land Use, Roads, and Transit. The public comment period ends on May 5, 2023. The full draft can be viewed on https://nirpc.org/nwi-2050/.

Programming

Charles Bradsky and Scott Weber spoke on Res 23-05: FY 2024-2028 TIP. Due to Lake and Porter County being designated as non-attainment for ozone for the 2008 and 2015 standards, NIRPC is required to demonstrate Air Quality Conformity in order to pass any new long-range transportation plans, including NWI 2050+, or the TIP. This included the TIP for 2024-2028 that was scheduled for adoption this spring. There have been conversations between NIRPC and regulatory partners from Interagency Consultation Group of Air Quality, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), US EPA, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. It has been determined that NIRPC must revise the emissions budgets that are in the state implementation on Air Quality for NIRPC to demonstrate Air Quality Conformity for the NWI 2050+ and the FY 2024-2028 TIP. With the new travel demand model received in February, the restricted budgets that were set last year, along with being designated as Severe Non-Attainment Area, and upgraded to Maintenance last year, NIRPC is unable to meet the requirements until additional margins of safety are implemented. Therefore, Res 23-05 WILL NOT be voted on for recommendation to The Commission.

Topical Committee Reports Nothing to report.

Reports from Planning Partners

Ryan Lisek (DCI) reported on projects, upcoming events, and funding programs within NWI. Drive Clean Indiana (DCI) is Indiana's only U.S. Department of Energy-designated Clean Cities Coalition. Please visit www.drivecleanindiana.org for more information.

Adjournment

Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:16 a.m.

The next TPC meeting is slated for May 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the NIRPC building.

Public Comment Report

Amendment #22-09 to the 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission May 18, 2023

Amendment # 22-09 of the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program was released for a 21-day public comment period which began on April 19, 2023 and ended on May 10, 2023. The amendments are made available for viewing at www.nirpc.org and press releases with links were posted on several social media sites. No comments have been received on the proposed amendment or projects within this amendment.

NIRPC staff also sent the amendments to the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG) on April 17, 2023 and did not receive any technical comments from this group. Approval and Approval by Concurrence was given for these amendments by members of the ICG on April 24, 2023.

RESOLUTION 23-06‌

A RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDING THE

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

AMENDMENTS NO. 22-09

May 18, 2023

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 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (PL 117-58), 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 FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program 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 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program are an implementation of the NWI 2050 Plan, are fiscally constrained, and are consistent with the State Implementation Plan for Air Quality; and

WHEREAS, the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program 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 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program 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 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program brought about by this amendment were subjected to public comment in the manner prescribed by the 2019 Public Participation Plan, ENGAGE NWI, 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 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Programs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission hereby amends the FY 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program 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 eighteenth day of May, 2023.

Richard Hardaway Chairperson

ATTEST:

Sue Lynch Secretary

NIRPC27006

(Ver 2) 24-00

STATUS

Programmed FEDERAL

Title: La Porte County Goes Green Route: N/A

Description: 4-EV, 1- EVSE

Project Type: County:

Other Laporte

Limits:

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

Narrative: This multiple department application from La Porte County wishes to deploy ZEV for the County. there is a total of 5 ZEV pieces

Narrative: This multiple department application from La Porte County wishes to deploy ZEV for the County. there is a total of 5 ZEV pieces

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

LaPorte County

NIRPC27005

(Ver 2) 24-00

STATUS

Programmed FEDERAL

Title: Kennedy Avenue Bridge Replacement Route: N/A

Description: PE and NEPA Document for replacement Kennedy Avenue Bridge over Little Calumet River

Project Type:

Bridge Replacement

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Lake

Limits:

Bridge #: 45-00112

Narrative: Kennedy Avenue Bridge Replacement

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Lake County

Previously Approved Version

NIRPC27005 (Ver 1) 22-99

Title: Kennedy Avenue Bridge Replacement Route: N/A

Description: PE and NEPA Document for replacement Kennedy Avenue Bridge over Little Calumet River

Project Type:

Bridge Replacement

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Lake

Limits:

Bridge #: 45-00112

Narrative: Kennedy Avenue Bridge Replacement

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Lake County

NIRPC27006

(Ver 2) 22-09

STATUS

Programmed FEDERAL

Title: Drive Clean Indiana Green Fleets Air Quality Public Education Route: N/A

Description: Public Education and Outreach 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

Project Type: County:

Planning/Study Various

Limits:

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

Narrative: Green Fleets Air Quality Public Education

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

NIRPC

Previously Approved Version

NIRPC27006 (Ver 1) 22-99

Title: Drive Clean Indiana Green Fleets Air Quality Public Education Route: N/A

Description: Public Education and Outreach 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

Project Type: County:

Planning/Study Various

Limits:

AQ Exempt:

Non-Exempt

District: LaPorte

Narrative: Green Fleets Air Quality Public Education

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

NIRPC

NIRPC27006

(Ver 2) 24-00

STATUS

Programmed FEDERAL

Title: Chrisman Rd Truss Bridge Rehab MG Route: N/A

Description: Rehabilitation of Chrisman Rd Truss bridge to be used a s pedestrian bridge for the Marquette Greenway

Project Type:

Bridge Rehabilitation

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Porter

Limits:

Narrative: New project.

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Portage

Previously Approved Version

NIRPC27006 (Ver 1) 22-99

Title: Chrisman Rd Truss Bridge Rehab MG Route: N/A

Description: Rehabilitation of Chrisman Rd Truss bridge to be used a s pedestrian bridge for the Marquette Greenway

Project Type:

Bridge Rehabilitation

AQ Exempt:

Exempt

District: LaPorte

County:

Porter

Limits:

Narrative: New project.

Region:

Northwestern MPO

Lead Agency:

Portage