HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.15.23 UAPB Agenda PacketMEETING NOTICE
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board
Wednesday November 15, 2023 – 4:30 PM
City of Iowa City – Council Chambers
410 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
A.Recognize alternates
B.Consider approval of meeting minutes
C.Set next Board meeting date, time and location (January 31st, Iowa City City Hall)
2.Public Discussion of any item not on the agenda*
3.Administration
A.Confirm entities that will nominate Johnson County representatives to the East Central Iowa Council
of Governments (ECICOG) Board of Directors
B.Appoint a nominating committee for Calendar Year 2024 Urbanized Area Policy Board officers
C.Preliminary discussion of the FY25 MPOJC Budget
4.Transportation Planning
A.Public Hearing and consideration of amendments to the FY24-27 MPOJC Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP)
1.Public Hearing
2.Consider of amendments to the FY24-27 MPOJC Transportation Improvement Program
a.Iowa DOT – Adding Bridge Investment Program (BIP) funding for the Burlington
Street / Highway 1 bridge improvements project
b.Iowa DOT – Adjusting funding amounts for the I-380 project from north of
Forevergreen Road to north of Swan Lake Road
c.Coralville & University of Iowa – Adding Iowa DOT shortfall funding for two light-duty
transit buses
d.University of Iowa – Adjusting funding amounts and project description for a
maintenance facility expansion project
B.Consider a Resolution for the City of Tiffin’s Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program grant application
C.Consider approval of safety targets and performance measures for the MPO as required by the
Federal Highway Administration
D.Update on the CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study
E.Update on the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant status
5.Other Business
A.Update on 380 Express funding – ECICOG Press Release
B.Update on the final Severson Charity Challenge
6.Adjournment
To request disability-related accommodations or language interpretation, please contact MPOJC staff at
319-356-5230 or kent-ralston@iowa-city.org 48 hours prior to the meeting.
MINUTES DRAFT
MPOJC URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023 – 4:30 P.M.
CITY OF NORTH LIBERTY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
3 QUAIL CREEK CIRCLE, NORTH LIBERTY, IA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Coralville: Laurie Goodrich, Meghann Foster
Iowa City: Laura Bergus, John Thomas, Pauline Taylor,
Shawn Harmsen
Johnson County: Lisa Green-Douglass, Jon Green
North Liberty: Brian Wayson, Chris Hoffman
University Heights: Stepheny Gahn
University of Iowa: Greg Schmitt
Tiffin: Steve Berner
STAFF PRESENT: Kent Ralston, Emily Bothell, Hannah Neel, Tunazzina Binte Alam
OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Cutler, Erek Sittig, Matthew Burkey
1.CALL TO ORDER
Thomas called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the City of North
Liberty Council Chambers in North Liberty, Iowa.
a.Recognize alternates
Ralston recognized Stepheny Gahn as an alternate for Louise From and Lisa Green-
Douglass as an alternate for Rod Sullivan.
b.Consider approval of meeting minutes
Berner moved to approve, and Bergus seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
c.Set next Board meeting date, time, and location
Tentatively scheduled for September 20th, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.
2.PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
3.ADMINISTRATION
a.Consider approval of a method for apportionment of Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
section 5307 Transit Operating funds for Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and
University of Iowa Cambus
Ralston explained that the MPO is the designated recipient of Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) 5307 annual transit funds, and small transit-intensive community
funding. Those funds are distributed to the University of Iowa Cambus, City of Coralville
Transit, and Iowa City Transit. The funds are used for transit operating and capital
expenses. The allocations for FY22 slightly exceeded $4.5 million dollars.
Ralston stated that for over 10 years the MPO has used the same formula to distribute the
funds, which is based on prior year transit statistics. The criteria are 25% operating and
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes
_________________
Page 2
maintenance costs, 25% locally determined income, 25% revenue miles, and 25% fare
revenue. Iowa City Transit requested a review of the formula as they will go fare-free
starting August 1st. In addition, the University of Iowa Cambus system does not charge a
fare and has never received credit for the fare revenue portion of the formula.
Ralston said that although the percentage/allocation to each of the transit agencies has
fluctuated over time, a review of past allocations shows that year-over-year changes are
small. After discussions with the transit managers, the consensus was to adopt a fixed
percentage-based allocation (starting with FY23 allocations and extending through FY27),
based on a historic average, and to review those percentages if/when there are major
changes to any system. The proposed fixed percentages to apportion FTA Section 5307
funding is as follows: Coralville Transit at 16.1%, Iowa City Transit at 60.5%, and the
University of Iowa Cambus at 23.4%. Staff is requesting approval of the proposed fixed-
percentage allocation method until further notice.
Wayson moved to approve and Green seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
4.TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
a.Consider approval of amendments to the adopted MPOJC 2050 Long Range
Transportation Plan
Bothell reminded the Board that at their March meeting, the Board approved the allocation
of $9.3 million dollars in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding. The approval
was contingent upon an amendment to the MPO’s 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan
to include Coralville’s Dubuque Street Northeast and Forevergreen Road project which
received $675,000 in funding. Any project receiving funding must be in the Plan.
The City of Coralville recommended the following amendments to add their project while
keeping the road and bridge project list fiscally constrained: 1) remove the Oakdale
Boulevard extension project - a 0.6-mile extension west of Jones Boulevard. The total
project cost is $2,465,000 and Coralville is constructing the project this summer with local
funds; 2) Move the new Heartland Drive and Highway 6 intersection project to the 2022-
2030 illustrative project list. The total project cost is $1,400,000; and 3) add the Dubuque
Street Northeast and Forevergreen Road roundabout project to the 2022-2030 fiscally
constrained road and bridge project list. The total project cost is $2,645,000.
Bothell explained that the MPO published a 30-day public comment period for the
proposed amendments in the local media and notified interested parties. The public was
also invited to discuss the amendments in person. To date, the MPO has not received any
public comments on this item. Staff is requesting the Policy Board consider approval of
the proposed amendments.
Green moved to approve, and Hoffman seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
b.Public Hearing and consideration of resolutions of adoption and certification for the FY24-
27 MPOJC Transportation Improvement Program
i.Staff Presentation
Neel presented the FY24-27 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the
Board’s approval. The TIP is the programming document for all surface transportation
projects that receive state or federal funds. This includes projects for street and
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes
_________________
Page 3
highway, transit, rail, bike, and pedestrian projects in the Iowa City urbanized area.
The MPO submits the TIP to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT)
annually for documentation of projects using state and federal funds. To utilize these
funds, projects must be in the TIP with an accurate scope and funding source.
Neel reminded the Board of their approval of the draft TIP at their May meeting, which
included the draft project list and the transit apportionment amounts. The transit
apportionment was approved at the Board’s January meeting. The MPOJC received
$4,600,000 in FY22 Federal Transit Association (FTA) 5307 operating assistance
funds. The TIP also includes three new projects receiving Surface Transportation
Block Grant (STBG) program funding. These projects are programmed in FY27; and
include Coralville’s Dubuque Street and Forevergreen Road roundabout project, North
Liberty’s South Dubuque Street Reconstruction Phase 2 project, and University
Heights’ Sunset Street and Melrose Avenue Project.
Neel explained that since the draft TIP was approved in May, a few changes have
been made. Coralville and North Liberty requested the Forevergreen Road extension
project be included as the communities received federally earmarked funds in the
amount of $2,500,000. The total project cost is estimated to be $18,000,000. In
addition, the Iowa DOT requested a few nonsubstantive changes which have been
addressed. All Iowa DOT projects in the area are included in the TIP. All local projects
will continue to be completed according to federal guidelines as they have been.
Neel stated the MPO published a 30-day public hearing notice in the Gazette and
Press-Citizen and notified interested parties. The MPO did not receive any public
comments regarding the TIP. Staff is requesting approval of the final FY24-27 TIP.
ii.Public Hearing
Thomas opened the public hearing and there were no members of the public present
for the public hearing. He then closed the public hearing.
iii.Consider a resolution adopting the FY24-27 Transportation Improvement Program for
the Iowa City Urbanized Area and authorizing the MPO Chairperson to sign associated
documents contained therein.
Bergus moved to approve, and Goodrich seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
iv.Consider a resolution certifying compliance with federal requirements for conducting
the urban transportation planning process in the Iowa City Urbanized Area
Berner moved to approve, and Green seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
c.Update on CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Study from MPO Staff
Ralston reminded the Board of the three previous passenger-rail studies completed for
the CRANDIC corridor. Last fall the Board gave staff direction to complete a bus rapid
transit study in the same corridor. Since that time, Ralston has worked with the Board’s
respective entities to fund the study and unfortunately, a consensus had not yet been
reached. Ralston noted he had a meeting scheduled for July 18th to further discuss the
funding with representatives from Iowa City, Coralville, Johnson County, North Liberty,
and the University of Iowa.
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes
_________________
Page 4
Bergus asked which entities Ralston approached for funding.
Ralston stated that he contacted the same five entities that helped fund the passenger-
rail studies: Iowa City, North Liberty, Coralville, Johnson County, and the University of
Iowa. The study is $250,000 and is about the same cost as the three previous passenger-
rail studies. A reputable consultant replied to the request for proposals.
Wayson asked if the consultant would be able to complete an engineering assessment of
the project to see if it is technically feasible. Ralston said he thought that the consultants
could do that if there was a point where the current study could not be funded.
Green-Douglass asked if this study was for a rail becoming a pathway for bus instead.
Ralston indicated that was correct. Green-Douglass then asked how many studies the
MPO would fund because they received a lot of information from the previous studies even
though it is a different mode of transportation.
Ralston replied that there is some overlap and the selected consultant acknowledged that
with their proposal. That said, this study is necessary because one of the three transit
agencies would likely absorb this new service. The three transit agencies were asked to
review the Request for Proposals to ensure the consultant would provide the necessary
information for the service.
Green-Douglass asked which three transit agencies the area has. Ralston explained that
they are Coralville Transit, Iowa City Transit, and the University of Iowa Cambus.
Bergus asked what would happen if there was not a consensus reached to fund the
proposal. Ralston stated that the Policy Board asked the MPO to complete this project
and if there is this much difficulty in funding the project, he wondered how that would
translate when/if this project were to be implemented. He believes a consensus could be
reached on July 18th and that there has been some discussion regarding the use of MPO
reserve funds to help fund the study. His reservation with that approach is other
communities (Swisher, Shueyville, University Heights) pay into the organization and they
would not be approving the use of the reserve funds and also would not directly benefit
from the service.
Green-Douglass asked what the endpoints of this are. Up to Swisher or beyond? Ralston
replied that the study would evaluate the corridor from Penn Street in North Liberty to
Burlington Street in Iowa City.
Ralston further stated that it is unprecedented to use MPO reserve funds for a study. MPO
reserve funds help to keep community assessments down or flat.
Bergus stated that if this is a priority of the Board, she would like to find a consensus. She
said Iowa City and the County are on board and then asked North Liberty and Coralville
where they stood.
Thomas asked if the study would include an analysis of how the system would impact land
use at transit stations. Ralston said that is included in the Request for Proposals, but it is
difficult to quantify. Thomas further elaborated and said part of the reason he asked is that
if we are going to be asking for millions of dollars to implement, having an understanding
of what potential value the system will have at the stations might help communities jump
on board.
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Minutes
_________________
Page 5
Green asked Ralston if he said the excess reserve funds were approximately $200,000.
Ralston said the MPO has approximately $500,000 in reserves but keeps approximately
35% of the MPO’s budget as savings.
Ralston clarified that he asked five entities for $50,000 each, for a total of $250,000. He
further said that it may be feasible for each of the five entities to pay $25,000 and the rest
coming from MPO reserves.
Green stated that given the Rural Policy Board meets annually in January and would not
have an opportunity to vote on using the reserves, he would like to see less than $125,000
used for this project. He would support up to $100,000 from reserves.
Green-Douglass had a question about the study going as far north to Penn Street. Was
the decision to stop at Penn Street based on the parking lot or was there another factor in
that decision? Ralston stated that the corridor is approximate. The proposal stated it would
be roughly from Penn Street to Burlington Street. If the consultant identifies an opportunity
to continue further north or south, we will rely on them to share that finding.
Bergus asked Board members their thoughts on giving Ralston some direction regarding
the reserve funding. She then stated that the question is whether this is viable. The
concept of moving people is a problem that needs to be solved.
Hoffman asked when the last time was that the MPO used the reserve funds. Ralston
replied that they have never been used for a special study to his knowledge, which makes
this unprecedented and may increase community assessments in the future.
Hoffman stated that historically, North Liberty has not been in support of the studies and
has not contributed financially. That said, North Liberty is now supportive of this study but
is concerned about the funding percentage that has been asked of them.
Ralston asked for and received a consensus to use MPOJC reserve funds up to $125,000
for the bus rapid transit study.
5.Other Business
Ralston updated the Board on the Urbanized Area Boundary update. The Iowa Department
of Transportation (Iowa DOT) contacted Ralston about the boundary as it is typically updated
with every decennial census. The boundary is used for statistical analyses and other functions
such as the way streets are federally classified. Ralston indicated he would work with
respective Staff to update and approve the boundary changes and ask that the Board chair
sign off on those changes.
Lastly, Ralston mentioned that the Iowa Department of Transportation was holding a ribbon
cutting for the Interstate 80/380 interchange on August 25th at 10:00 AM. All are invited to
attend.
6.ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made by Bergus; Green-Douglass seconded. The meeting was
adjourned at 5:18 PM.
Date: November 8, 2023
To: Urbanized Area Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #3(A): Confirm entities that will nominate Johnson County representatives to the
East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) Board of Directors
You may recall that the MPOJC Bylaws stipulating how appointments are made to the ECICOG Board
of Directors were revised and approved in 2020. Per the revised Bylaws, each January the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors appoints one elected official representative and one citizen
representative to the ECICOG Board, and the Urbanized Area Policy Board appoints two elected
official representatives to the ECICOG Board according to the following process:
A.One elected official seat and one citizen representative will be designated by the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors.
The 2024 representatives are to be designated by the Johnson County Board of
Supervisors.
B.One elected official seat will be filled by the four largest municipalities by population which
will alternate annually.
The 2024 representative is to be designated by North Liberty.
C.One elected official seat will be filled by the remaining municipalities which will alternate
annually.
The 2024 representative is to be designated by Oxford.
I intend to contact Johnson County, North Liberty, and Oxford and request that they designate
representatives to the ECICOG Board of Directors. The designees will be recognized by the MPOJC
Policy Board at our January meeting. I will also ask each entity to designate alternates and encourage
them to send alternates to ECICOG Board meetings when the designee cannot attend.
I will be available at your November 15th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
Date: November 8, 2023
To: Urbanized Area Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #3(B): Appoint nominating committee for calendar year 2024
Urbanized Area Policy Board officers
At your January meeting, you will elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the calendar
year 2024 Urbanized Area Policy Board. The Chairperson is responsible for presiding over all
meetings of the Board. The Chairperson and/or Director are also responsible for signing
contracts and other federally required documents.
As Director, it has been my practice to discuss agenda items and major work program activities
with the Chair prior to each Board meeting. The Vice Chairperson assumes the duties of the
Chair when he/she is not available.
Please consider appointing a three-person nominating committee to recommend a Chair and
Vice-Chair for the 2024 Urbanized Area Policy Board – past practice has not included the
Director in these discussions. The nominating committee will then report at the January meeting
where the Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected.
Currently the Chair is John Thomas (Iowa City, City Council) and the Vice-Chair is Louise From
(Mayor, University Heights). Both the Chair and Vice-Chair have served in these roles for two
years; there is a two-year maximum term for these posts. A list of past Board Chairpersons is
attached for your reference.
I will be available at your November 15th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board Chairpersons
Year Chairperson Organization
2023 Thomas Iowa City
2022 Thomas Iowa City
2021 Donahue North Liberty
2020 Donahue North Liberty
2019 Berner Tiffin
2018 Berner Tiffin
2017 Mims Iowa City
2016 Mims Iowa City
2015 Gill Coralville
2014 Gill Coralville
2013 Neuzil Johnson County
2012 Kuhl North Liberty
2011 Kuhl North Liberty
2010 From University Heights
2009 From University Heights
2008 Ricketts University of Iowa
2007 Bailey Iowa City
2006 Bailey Iowa City
2005 Stutsman Johnson County
2004 Weihe Coralville
2003 Champion Iowa City
2002 Dorst North Liberty
2001 O’Donnell Iowa City
2000 Herwig Coralville
1999 Hippee North Liberty
1998 Stutsman Johnson County
1997 Lacina Johnson County
1996 Kubby Iowa City
1995 Axeen Coralville
1994 Novick Iowa City
1993 Ambrisco Iowa City
1992 Duffy Johnson County
1991 Courtney Iowa City
1990 Courtney Iowa City
1989 Schottelius University Heights
1988 Roberts North Liberty
1987 Ambrisco Iowa City
1986 Donnelly Johnson County
1985 Dvorsky Coralville
1984 Sehr Johnson County
1983 Balmer Iowa City
1982 Kattchee Coralville
1981 Kattchee Coralville
Date: November 8, 2023
To: Urbanized Area Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston, Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #3(C): Preliminary discussion of the FY25 MPOJC Budget
Prior to the preparation of the MPO budget for your consideration in January, it has been my
practice to discuss any proposed changes to the MPO scope of services or operations with the
Board. Administratively MPOJC is part of the City of Iowa City and follows Iowa City budgeting
procedures. Pages from the current year (FY24) budget are attached for reference.
The focus and purpose of the MPO remains to:
•Fulfill requirements necessary for local communities to receive state and federal transportation
capital and operating funds.
•Produce professional studies to support transportation-related decisions and capital project
selection/funding.
•Coordinate transit planning and transit reporting consistent with state and federal regulations
for Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and the University of Iowa Cambus system.
•Assist local entities with review of development proposals and associated transportation
planning.
•To serve as a forum for other regional issues/discussions.
Capital expenses for FY25 are expected to be very similar to recent years; including a
replacement schedule for our traffic counting equipment, traffic model and traffic signal software
maintenance, and mapping software maintenance. I am not proposing any changes to the level of
MPO staffing for FY25 and anticipate an approximate 2.75% increase in the total MPO budget –
primarily due to increases in staff salaries and health benefit costs.
I anticipate using $280,000 of Iowa Department of Transportation ‘Planning Funds’ in FY25.
This is an increase from $230,000 used in previous years as a result of increases provided by
the new transportation legislation. This increase ensures an appropriate balance of funds per
DOT guidelines and defrays local funding necessary for MPO operations. I also anticipate
utilizing approximately $13,000 of internal reserves to ensure an appropriate balance of funds
per internal guidelines and to stabilize local assessments.
I will be available at your November 15th meeting to answer any questions you may have. The
formal budget will be provided to the Board for consideration at your January meeting.
MPOJC Budget FY24 – FY26
Expenditures FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26
Budgeted Proposed Forecast1 Forecast1
Salaries and Benefits $690,212 $665,251 $685,209 $705,765
Technical and Professional
Services & Maintenance, Travel
and Education
$70,387 $70,416 $72,528 $74,704
Operating Costs; including office
supplies, traffic counting and
mapping equipment/software
$17,195 $10,195 $10,501 $10,816
Subtotal $777,794 $745,862 $768,238 $791,285
University of Iowa Student
Interns2 $23,817 $23,817 $23,817 $23,817
TOTAL $801,611 $769,679 $792,055 $815,102
MPOJC is designated by the Governor of the State of Iowa as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area.
The MPOJC Transportation Planning Division must fulfill the state and federal requirements of the 3-C transportation planning process. This
process is required of all urbanized areas to maintain eligibility for grant programs and transportation operations funds of the United States
Department of Transportation and the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The Administration Division consists of a half-time Executive Director, and a .2 FTE Administrative Secretary. The Administration Division provides
oversight and support to the staff of MPOJC. The Executive Director supervises all MPOJC personnel, coordinates the budget process and the
preparation of division work programs.
As MPOJC staff also serve the City of Iowa City Neighborhood and Development Services Department, this budget reflects Iowa City specific
funding for 0.5 FTE Administration and 1.0 FTE Transportation Planning for Iowa City duties.
1Forecasts assume a 3% increase
2Student interns are funded entirely by the University of Iowa
Summary of FY24 Assessments
Note: Figures do not include specific funding for Iowa City Neighborhood & Development Services, equivalent to 0.5 Administration Budget ($89,303) and 1.0 FTE Transportation Planning ($149,797).
Urban Communities
Iowa City $121,144
Johnson County $35,430
Coralville $36,132
North Liberty $33,155
Tiffin $7,305
University Heights $1,988
SubTotal $235,154
Rural Communities
Solon $943
Lone Tree $424
Swisher $285
Oxford $226
Hills $270
Shueyville $228
SubTotal $2,375
Other Sources
Iowa DOT $230,000
Carryover $50,000
University of Iowa $23,817
SubTotal $303,817
Total $541,346
MPOJC Assessment Explanation
1. Assessment for Rural entities is 1% of the overall MPO assessment. Rural Board communities utilize MPO planning services but are not eligible for MPO grant funds.
2. 0.5 FTE of Administration Division and 1.0 FTE of Transportation Planning Division are for Iowa City related functions and are not reflected in assessments to other communities.
3. This budget does not include East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) assessments.
4. Assessment figures may not reflect exact population percentages shown due to rounding.
Date: November 8, 2023
To: Urbanized Area Policy Board
From: Hannah Neel, Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda item #4(A): Public Hearing and consideration of amendments to the FY2024-2027
MPOJC Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the programming document for all surface
transportation projects that receive state or federal funds, including street and highway, transit,
rail, bicycle, and pedestrian projects in the Iowa City urbanized area. MPOJC submits the TIP
annually to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) to document the status of local
transportation projects using state and federal funds. To utilize these funds, projects must be
included in the TIP with an accurate scope and identified funding sources. To maintain accuracy
of the TIP and to ensure proper programming of funding, the following amendments have been
requested.
2.a. The Iowa DOT has requested an amendment to the adopted MPOJC FY2024-2027
TIP to include a new project in FY2024: the Burlington Street/Highway 1 Bridge
Improvements project in Iowa City, Iowa (TPMS ID 54899).
The project has been awarded $300,000 in earmarked Bridge Investment Program (BIP)
funds through the Iowa DOT. Iowa City will provide a $300,000 local match for these
funds. Iowa DOT is requesting this amendment to track the earmarked funds.
2.b. The Iowa DOT has requested an amendment to the adopted MPOJC FY2024-2027
TIP to update a project funding amount for the New Bridge/Grade and Pave/Traffic
Signs on I-380 project on I-380 from north of Forevergreen Road to north of Swan
Lake Road in Johnson County, Iowa.
Iowa DOT is requesting this amendment due to project costs increasing by over 50% in
FY2024.
Current FY2024-2027 project funding amounts for the New Bridge/Grade and
Pave/Traffic Signs on I-380 project on I-380 from north of Forevergreen Road to
north of Swan Lake Road in Johnson County, Iowa (TPMS ID 48578).
FY Total Federal Aid (NHPP) PRF
2024 $8,523,000 $7,670,700 $852,300
2025 $37,909,000 $34,118,100 $3,790,900
2026 $16,393,000 $14,753,700 $1,639,300
2027 $119,000 $107,100 $11,900
Total $62,944,000 $56,649,600 $6,294,400
New FY2024-2027 project funding amounts for the New Bridge/Grade and
Pave/Traffic Signs on I-380 project on I-380 from north of Forevergreen Road to
north of Swan Lake Road in Johnson County, Iowa (TPMS ID 48578).
2
FY Total Federal Aid (NHPP) PRF
2024 $13,000,000 $11,700,000 $1,300,000
2025 $37,909,000 $34,118,100 $3,790,900
2026 $16,393,000 $14,753,700 $1,639,300
2027 $119,000 $107,100 $11,900
Total $67,421,000 $60,678,900 $6,742,100
2.c. Coralville Transit and University of Iowa CAMBUS have requested amendments
to the adopted MPOJC FY2024-2027 TIP to include two new projects in FY2024 to
include funding for the capital replacement of a light duty bus in the Coralville
Transit fleet and a light duty bus in the University of Iowa CAMBUS fleet.
Iowa DOT Shortfall Funding for Coralville Transit Bus 10225 (TPMS ID 10904)
Total: $53,437
Federal: $45,421
Local: $8,016
Iowa DOT Shortfall Funding for University of Iowa Cambus Bus 13 (TPMS ID 10903)
Total: $38,109
Federal: $32,393
Local: $5,716
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is offering shortfall funding assistance
due to recent dramatic price increases for vehicle replacements. In order to receive this
extra funding, it must be programmed in the FY 2024-2027 TIP.
2.d. The University of Iowa has requested an amendment to the adopted MPOJC
FY2024-2027 TIP to update the project description and funding amount for the
University of Iowa Transit facility project.
Current FY2024 project description and funding amount: Expansion and upgrade
(includes mechanical and hoists) of maintenance facility project in Iowa City, Iowa
(TPMS ID 10611).
Total: $7,000,000
Federal: $5,600,000
Local: $1,400,000
New FY2024 project description and funding amount: Modernize, expand, equip for
battery electric buses, and upgrade (includes mechanical and hoists) of
maintenance facility project in Iowa City, Iowa (TPMS ID 10611).
Total: $13,000,000
Federal: $10,400,000
Local: $2,600,000
This amendment is being done, in part, in preparation of applying for future grant monies.
Staff is requesting approval of the proposed amendments. The Transportation Technical
Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval of the proposed amendments
at their November 7th meeting. I will be at your November 15th meeting to answer any
questions you may have.
Date: November 8, 2023
To: Urbanized Area Policy Board
From: Emily Bothell, Sr. Associate Transportation Planner
Re: Agenda item 4(B): Consider a Resolution for the City of Tiffin’s Iowa Clean Air
Attainment Program grant application
The Iowa Department of Transportation administers the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program
(ICAAP) which is an initiative to fund transportation projects that reduce transportation-related
congestion and air pollution. Tiffin is applying for ICCAP funding for the construction of a double-
lane roundabout on North Park Road as shown in the attached exhibit. The full project will include
the reconstruction of North Park Road from a two-lane section to a four-lane section with a
median, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, a 10’ wide shared-use path, a pedestrian underpass,
and the roundabout at the entrance to Tiffin Elementary. As built today, Park Road is a two-lane
collector street running parallel to Interstate 380 between Forevergreen Road and Kansas
Avenue.
To be eligible for funding, Tiffin must include a resolution from the Metropolitan Planning
Organization of Johnson County confirming the project is consistent with the adopted Long-Range
Transportation Plan. The proposed project will help achieve two strategies outlined in the MPOJC
Long-Range Transportation Plan namely, 1) Supporting complete streets designs and 2)
Improving the efficiency of the existing network for all modes of transportation.
Based upon our evaluation of this project, staff recommends approving the enclosed resolution
confirming conformance with the MPOJC Long-Range Transportation Plan.
I will be at your November 15th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
Prepared by: Emily Bothell, Senior Associate Transportation Planner, 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5250
RESOLUTION NO.___________
RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF TIFFIN’S NORTH PARK ROAD
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE MPOJC
LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
WHEREAS, the Iowa Department of Transportation administers the Iowa Clean Air Attainment
Program (ICAAP), the purpose of which is to fund improvements that reduce transportation-
related congestion and air pollution; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tiffin is applying for ICAAP funding for the construction of a double-lane
roundabout; and
WHEREAS, double-lane roundabouts can reduce overall vehicle emissions while also reducing
the number and severity of crashes;
WHEREAS, a requirement of the ICAAP application is a resolution declaring conformance with
the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) Long-Range Transportation
Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City of Tiffin’s application and proposed project conform with the MPOJC Long-
Range Transportation Plan by minimizing adverse impacts on the environment caused by the
transportation system, resolving safety issues related to transportation, and increasing the
efficiency of the intersection;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MPOJC URBANIZED AREA POLICY BOARD,
THAT:
1. The Chairperson is authorized to sign the resolution declaring the City of Tiffin’s
application for Iowa Clear Air Attainment Program funds is in conformance with the
MPOJC Long-Range Transportation Plan.
Passed and approved this ______ day of ______________, 2023, on a vote of _____ affirmative
and _____ negative.
________________________________________
Chairperson
ATTEST: ___________________________
Executive Director
Date: November 8, 2023
To: Urbanized Area Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #4(C): Consider approval of safety targets and performance measures
for the MPO as required by the Federal Highway Administration
As you may recall, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) now requires that MPO’s set
targets for five safety performance measures as part of the Highway Safety Improvement
Program and report them to the Iowa DOT by February 27th each year. For each measure, we
will need to choose one of the following options: 1) support the State’s targets (below) by
agreeing to plan and program projects so that they contribute to the accomplishment of the
State’s target for each performance measure, or 2) set our own quantifiable target for each
measure within our metropolitan area. While MPO targets will not be formally evaluated to
measure annual progress toward meeting adopted targets, the Iowa DOT targets will be
assessed by the FHWA.
In either event, we are required to state how the annual projects programmed in our
Transportation Improvement Program show progress towards meeting the adopted targets and
provide similar information about how projects are satisfying the performance measures in our
next required update to the Long Range Transportation Plan in 2027.
Similar to past years, I recommend that we (again) adopt the State’s targets. If at any time we
feel that creating our own local targets would provide an additional benefit, we will have an
opportunity to do so each year.
I have attached supporting information from the DOT for your reference. At their November 7th
meeting the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval
of supporting the State’s targets. Please be prepared to consider this item.
I will be at your November 15th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
Date: November 8, 2023
To: Urbanized Area Policy Board
From: Kent Ralston; Executive Director
Re: Agenda Item #4(D): Update on the CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study
This past spring the Board gave staff direction to move forward with a Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility
study for the CRANDIC Railroad corridor between Iowa City and North Liberty. The goal of the
study is to allow local stakeholders the opportunity to compare elements of the Passenger Rail
Studies completed in July 2020 with elements of a completed Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility study
including, but not limited to, economic and social benefits, ridership and revenue forec asts,
service plans, infrastructure and equipment requirements, opinion of probable cost estimates,
federal regulatory requirements, financial plan strategies, and governance.
A contract for the work was awarded to Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FSU) with Nels on Nygaard
Associates in September and work should be complete by June 2024. The study is being funded
with contributions of $100,000 from the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County,
$55,000 from Johnson County, and $25,000 each from Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and
the University of Iowa.
I will be available at your November 15th meeting to answer any questions you may have.
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 8, 2023
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board
Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner
Agenda Item #4(E) Update on the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant status
In July, MPO staff submitted an application for the MPOJC urbanized area for a Safe Streets and
Roads for All (SS4A) grant. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the SS4A
discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. The grant
would provide funding to produce a Safety Action Plan to reduce roadway deaths and serious
injuries. The adoption of such a plan would in turn make the urbanized area eligible for
demonstration and implementation grants through the same program.
On Oct. 27, 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced its first round of grant
awards. While the MPO’s application was not included in this first round of awards, a second
round will be announced in December.
We will update you once the next round of awards is announced.
East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG)
Brock Grenis
700 16th St. NE Suite 301 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
brock.grenis@ecicog.org
319-289-0070
380 Express Bus Service to Continue until 2026
DOT funding will allow service to continue in its current form for at least three additional years as major
roadwork on 380 corridor continues.
As major road construction along the Interstate 380 Corridor endures, the popular 380Express bus
service between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City will continue to operate until at least June 2026. The Iowa
Department of Transportation has funded this service since 2018 as a mitigation effort for commuters
impacted by the reconstruction of the I-80/I-380 interchange. With continued road construction projects
ongoing and planned for the coming years along the corridor the Iowa DOT has decided to continue the
service to help offset impacts faced by commuters and the general public.
Ridership on the 380Express service has steadily grown since its 2018 launch, and so far in 2023 has
surpassed monthly levels seen before the pandemic. The service has proven to be a safe, convenient,
and reliable transportation option for travelers between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Windstar Lines will
continue daily operation of the service, and will begin rotating new buses with an updated design into
the fleet as the originally used buses begin to cycle out of service.
“ The Iowa DOT is pleased with the great service provided by the 380 Express bus service and glad to
provide funding through 2026. We’ve heard wonderful feedback from the bus users and are thankful for
the management and partnership with ECICOG”.
-Cathy Cutler; Iowa DOT District 6 Transportation Planner
For more information on the service visit www.380express.com.
###
ECICOG assists in creating vibrant, forward-thinking communities and in building a collaborative and
resilient region. Jointly created by 6 counties in 1974 , ECICOG exists to serve the Benton, Linn,
Jones, Iowa, Johnson, and Washington County communities. Learn more at ecicog.org!
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 8, 2023
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board
Sarah Walz; Associate Transportation Planner
Agenda Item #5(B) Update on the Final “Severson Charity Challenge” from staff
For 11 years, staff from the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and University Heights
along with Johnson County staff have "competed" in the Severson Charity Challenge to gather
donations during the holiday season to benefit local charities. Over this time our collective efforts
brought in approximately $90,000 in donations.
Last November, the MPOJC Policy Board voted to make 2022 the final year of the challenge and
to set aside $500 for a memorial in Linda’s honor.
A memorial bench in honor of Linda Severson is now placed at Wetherby Park under the shade
of a mature tree near the new playground. The plaque reads: Linda Severson, tireless advocate
for people in need.
Thank you all who contributed to the challenge over the years and in this final year. Linda would
be touched by your generosity.