Memorandum for the Record
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization Meeting
May 2, 2013 Meeting
10:00 AM 12:45 PM, State Transportation
Building, Conference Rooms 2&3, 10 Park Plaza, Boston
David Mohler, Chair, representing Richard Davey, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization agreed
to the following:
approve
the work program for the MBTA 2014 Triennial Title VI Report
release
the draft federal fiscal year (FFY) 2014 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
for a 30-day public review period
release
the draft FFYs 2014-17 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), as amended
today and pending a positive air quality conformity determination, for a 30-day
public review period (details on the actions that led to this motion are
included in the body of this document)
State Senator James Eldridge thanked the MPO for programming
the Assabet River Rail Trail and Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
projects in the staff recommendation for the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP. He also
advocated for programming the Southborough Reconstruction of Main Street
(Route 30) project. In closing, he assured members that there are state legislators
who are fighting for adequate funding for transportation.
Mayor Scott Galvin of Woburn expressed thanks for the
programming of the Woburn Reconstruction of Montvale Avenue project on
the staff recommendation for the draft TIP. He also advocated for the Reading
Reconstruction of West Street project.
The Mayor was followed by a number of commenters who also
advocated for the Montvale Avenue project.
Darlene Bruer, Ward 5 Alderman, reported that the City of
Woburn has been taking great strides to prepare for this project, which
addresses a quality of life issue in the project area.
Kathy Bailey, Woburn resident, spoke about congestion problems, which can be caused from back-ups from Interstates 93 and 95, and the numerous accidents that have occurred at the intersection.
Joel Swets, Executive Director of the Cummings Foundation,
described the Montvale Avenue location, near Cummings Park (a large commercial
development) and a school, as a choke point that is a danger to the public. He
noted that it is difficult for traffic to clear the way for first responders
and ambulances. He also noted that the traffic problem will be exacerbated when
the construction on the Interstate 95 and 93 interchange begins.
Joseph Tarby, a Woburn resident and officer of Winchester Hospital, spoke about the congestion problem at the interchange. He stated that Winchester Hospital has an employee parking facility near the intersection with a shuttle service to the hospital, and that the congestion often causes employees to be late.
Bob Harverty, Woburn business owner, spoke about the
benefits the project would have for businesses in the area.
Robert Parsons, a Woburn businessman, spoke about the congestion in the area that occurs when there are traffic problems on Interstates 93 and 95, and the impact that has on customers trying to reach Woburn businesses.
A Washington Street resident (name not recorded) spoke about
the traffic congestion and long delays at the intersection.
William Stafford, Woburn resident, explained that the intersection is a major choke point between Winchester Hospital and Cummings Park, the center of commerce in Woburn. He stated that Montvale Avenue needs to be widened.
Lori Medeiros, Woburn resident, remarked that a large number
of Woburn residents travel through the intersection every day. She noted that
the city has made temporary improvements to the location, but the project is
needed.
Kristina Johnson, City of Quincy, speaking on behalf of
Mayor Thomas Koch, asked the MPO to program the Quincy Intersection and
Signal Improvements at Hancock Street and East/West Squantum Streets
project in the FFY 2013 element of the FFYs 2013-16 TIP. She stated that the
project is ready and that the city would like to begin construction this
summer. A right-of-way certificate from MassDOT is imminent and all
right-of-way issues have been settled. The project location was the subject of
a UPWP study. The project would improve safety near an MBTA station and a
school.
Pat Brown, Sudbury resident, raised concerns about the
greenhouse gas (GHG) estimates the MPO uses for multi-use path projects. She
asked the MPO to include in the TIP the calculations and the assumptions used
to generate those estimates. She also raised concerns about giving trail
projects credit in the TIP evaluation process for improving substandard
pavement. She asked the MPO to clarify that point in the TIP as well. Noting
that she has made these comments to the MPO in writing for previous TIPs, she
resubmitted her comments and GHG calculations in writing.
Alan Moore, Friends of the Community Path, thanked the MPO for supporting the Community Path project and asked the MPO to look for additional funding, such as Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding, to complete the unfunded portion of the project. He also asked the MPO to apply the maximum allowable amount of Transportation Alternatives Program money to bicycle and pedestrian projects.
Tom Michelman, Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail,
thanked the MPO and MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey for programming the Bruce
Freeman Rail Trail, Phase 2A, 2B, and 2C on the staff recommendation of the
draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP.
Margaret Hoffman, Town of Hanover, thanked the MPO for
programming the Hanover Reconstruction of Washington Street (Route 53) project
on the staff recommendation of the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP. She explained the
need for the project, which will widen the roadway and add turning lanes, as
there is substantial commercial growth planned and underway on the corridor,
including a new recreational sports complex that is drawing more traffic. She
submitted letters of support from town officials.
Bill Boland, Town of Southborough, Board of Selectmen, advocated for the Southborough Reconstruction of Main Street (Route 30) project and asked the MPO to program the project in the FFY 2017 element of the TIP. He described the project location, which includes an intersection with Route 85. Three schools, a funeral home, and businesses are along the road. There are safety issues due to sidewalk condition, and congestion due to lack of turn lanes. The project would improve safety for pedestrians and drivers.
Karen Galligan, Town of Southborough Department of Public
Works, also advocated for the Southborough Reconstruction of Main Street
(Route 30) project. She explained that the project would address the only
east-west corridor in the town, which leads to employment areas in Framingham.
Along the road are a historic town common, funeral home, schools, town offices,
public safety facilities, and a convenience store, where there is no sidewalk.
The project will fix drainage problems and add parking to improve access to the
funeral home. The town has held multiple public meetings to involve residents
in the project design, which is now at the 25% design stage. A public design
hearing will be held this summer. The 75% design plans are expected to be ready
by the end of the calendar year. Right-of-way plans are underway now.
Leah Robins, of the Office of State Representative Carolyn
Dykema, echoed the comments of the Southborough representatives. She stated
that the legislative delegation is supportive of the project. She noted that
the project will help the town to grow.
Dennis Crowley, South West Advisory Planning Committee (Town
of Medway), asked about the length of the project, existing sidewalk coverage,
and the towns investment in the project. Karen Galligan explained that the
project is on a one mile portion of Main Street. Sidewalks are on about 75% of
the roadway segment, and they will be replaced. The road will widened at the
section near the funeral home, near the common. The town has saved its Chapter
90 money for a number of years to fund the design. Bill Boland added that the
project will widen the intersection of Routes 30 and 85 and add turning lanes.
Andrew Gallinaro of National Development, which owns Unicorn
Park near Montvale Avenue, spoke in support of the Montvale Avenue
project and the benefits it would have in terms of improving traffic for
residents and businesses.
Stephanie Mercandetti, Town of Walpole, advocated for the MPO to program the Walpole Reconstruction of Route 1A project in the FFYs 2014-17 TIP; the project is not on the staff recommendation. The project would address 8,000 feet of roadway in a densely populated area with over 100 businesses. Also along the roadway there is an elementary school, a high school, and a vocational school, and several commercial developments that are either planned or under construction. She noted that there have been serious accidents at the location, including one in the past couple of weeks. The project would improve safety for pedestrians, vehicles, and school children. She noted that Walpole has been working to advance the project for 15 years and that MassDOT supports the project. The 25% design hearing is expected to be held this summer. She also remarked that there have been no TIP-funded projects in the Three Rivers Interlocal Council (TRIC) subregion for several years. She submitted a letter of support from a chamber of commerce.
In response to a question from Tina Cassidy, North Shore
Task Force (City of Beverly), Stephanie Mercandetti stated that the project
cost is $14 million, and she asked the MPO to program some portion of that
amount on the TIP in order to move the project along.
Roland Bartl, Town of Acton, thanked the MPO, along with
Chairman Mohler, Secretary Davey, and MassDOT Highway District 3 staff, for
their support of the Assabet River Rail Trail and the Bruce Freeman
Rail Trail projects. He asked the MPO to keep programmed in the TIP an
earmark for the portion of the Assabet River Rail Trail project in
Hudson.
Ken Krause, Medford resident, thanked the MPO staff for the recommendation to increase the portion of funding in the TIP for transit projects and bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and he urged the members to support the recommendation. He noted that this type of investment supports MassDOTs goal of tripling the mode share for transit ridership, bicycling, and walking by 2030. He also noted that this type of investment helps to relieve the burden on highways.
John Westerling, Town of Hopkinton Department of Public
Works, provided an update on the Hopkinton Reconstruction of Main Street
project. The town has recently submitted the 25% design plans for the project
to MassDOT Highway Division. The $6.6 million project is in the TIP Universe of
Projects. The project will address a one-mile stretch of roadway and improve
all modes of transportation. The improvements include adding turning lanes and
sidewalks, and improving drainage.
Richard Reed, Minuteman Advisory Group on Interlocal
Coordination (Town of Bedford), introduced three Pakistani government officials
Shazia Mallah, Rabia Noor, and Najia Zahra who are part of a program of
visiting officials who are learning about the U.S. government and how the U.S.
democracy works.
There was none.
There were none.
The Advisory Council will meet next on May 8 at 3PM at the State Transportation Building. Anne McGahan, MPO staff, will give a presentation on the MPOs climate change work. The Advisory Council will also begin drafting a comment letter to submit to the MPO regarding the TIP and UPWP.
The MPO staff will be holding public workshops that focus on the TIP and UPWP, as well as the MPOs Public Participation Program and Transportation Equity activities. Staff is working on updating its Transportation Equity contact lists. Members were asked to provide any relevant contacts to Pam Wolfe, Manager of Certification Activities, MPO staff.
The workshops will be held in Framingham and Lynn. A Be
Informed, Be Involved meeting will be held on June 5 in this building.
Members were presented with the work program for the MBTA
2014 Triennial Title VI Report. For a number of years, Central
Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) has been involved in helping MassDOT and
the MBTA with reporting to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to
demonstrate the MBTAs compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964. CTPS has assisted in the development of the last three triennial reports;
this work program represents work that will go into developing the fourth triennial
report, which is due in June 2014.
Tasks of this work program include developing maps and
graphics, documenting service standards, collecting data, and conducting
analyses to determine, first, whether the MBTAs service meets its own
standards, and second, whether there are disparities in the levels and quality
of service provided to minority versus non-minority areas. If such disparities
are found, then CTPS will work with the MBTA to determine why they exist and
what can be done to eliminate them. Service and Fare Equity Analyses (SAFE),
which determine whether , for proposed service changes, there would be
disparities in the provision of service between minority and non-minority
areas, will also be documented in the Triennial Report. CTPS will also provide
technical support to the Title VI working group and to the MBTA.
This work program will be funded by the MBTA.
Members discussed the work program.
D. Mohler asked whether the results of the SAFE analysis (Task 3) would influence the determination of the threshold for disparate impact and disproportionate burden (Task 5), or vice versa. K. Quackenbush explained that neither would affect the other because the SAFE analysis referred to in Task 3 was conducted last year before the definition of disparate impact had been fully developed. It cannot, therefore, inform Task 5. And the SAFE analysis will not be redone in light of a newly-developed definition: it will simply be documented, as is, in the report.
K. Quackenbush went on to explain that in order for CTPS to
conclude Task 2, however, the MBTA will have to provide a definition of
disparate impact and disproportionate burden, which they are currently working
on. Task 5 alludes to the process of developing a definition, but that task
does not necessarily have to be completed before Task 2 as long as the MBTA,
whether in relation to this work program or otherwise, has developed a
definition by the time Task 2 needs to be concluded.
A motion to approve the work program for the MBTA 2014
Triennial Title VI Report was made by the Massachusetts Port Authority
(Lourenηo Dantas), and seconded by the North Suburban Planning Council (City of
Woburn) (Ed Tarallo). The motion carried.
This agenda item was tabled.
Referencing her presentation on the development of the draft
FFYs 2014 UPWP on April 4, M. Scott noted the materials that were distributed
to members at that time: a list of recommended new projects to be undertaken by
CTPS; a list of projects to be undertaken by the Metropolitan Area Planning
Council (MAPC); draft budgets for both the CTPS and MAPC work; a universe of
proposed projects; and a memorandum describing the development and project selection
process for the UPWP.
New materials distributed for this meeting are updated
project descriptions and a pre-circulation draft of the UPWP, which contains
the following: text on the development of the UPWP; a status update on projects
in the FFY 2013 UPWP; information about ongoing projects and other major
transportation planning projects in the region; the universe of projects; and
grant award and contract amounts. Project specific budget information will be
added after the MPO approves the CTPS and MAPC budgets. Staff is awaiting
receipt of final PL grant amounts; these amounts are not expected to be dramatically different from last year. Staff
has programmed assuming level funding for PL.
Staff will report on public comments received after the UPWP
is released for public review. These comments will be documented in the final
UPWP.
A motion to release the draft FFY 2014 UPWP for a 30-day
public review period was made by the Inner Core Committee (City of Somerville)
(Tom Bent), and seconded by the North Suburban Planning Council (City of
Woburn) (E. Tarallo). The motion carried.
Members were provided with the following tables for their discussion of the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP: a summary of evaluated projects; two options for a staff recommendation; the statewide bridge program; other statewide items; non-target funding highway projects; projects with earmarks; the capital programs for the MBTA, Cape Ann Transportation Authority, and MetroWest Regional Transit Authority; Grant Anticipation Notes (GANs) payments; and SIP projects. S. Pfalzer presented these materials during the course of the discussion.
K. Quackenbush introduced this agenda topic by noting that
when the MPO votes to release the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP for public review, it
must do so with the stipulation that the TIP is accompanied by a positive air
quality conformity determination. Staff has not yet performed an air quality
conformity determination for the set of projects in the draft TIP because
decisions that the MPO makes today could affect project schedules and therefore
impact the conformity determination.
Anne McGahan, MPO staff, then explained that there are three
reasons a new air quality conformity determination is required. Firstly, there
are changes in programming to two projects that would add capacity to the
transportation system: the Needham and Wellesley Route 128 Add-a-Lane,
Contract V project and the Weymouth and Abington Reconstruction and
Widening on Route 18 project. Secondly, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is requiring the use of a new emissions model, MOVES, for air
quality conformity determinations. Lastly, the MPO has a new air quality
classification for ozone; the MPO is now in conformity for ozone, so this
pollutant does not have to be included in this conformity determination. The
MPO must continue to show conformity for carbon monoxide. The conformity
determination must also include the status of projects included in the State
Implementation Plan (SIP).
Members were provided with two options for the new staff
recommendation for the TIP. The new recommendations reflect the following
changes since the staff recommendation was first presented on April 4. An
adjustment to the payments for the Needham and Wellesley Route 128
Add-a-Lane, Contract V project has allowed for the programming of the Hanover
Reconstruction of Washington Street (Route 53) project and the Arlington Bikeway Connection at the
Intersection of Route 3 and 60 project in FFY 2014. Also, the Acton and
Maynard Assabet River Rail Trail project would be funded with Statewide
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds in FFY 2015.
Option 1 of the staff recommendation programs the Southborough Reconstruction of Main Street (Route 30) in FFY 2017. The remaining amount of the Clean Air and Mobility Program funding would be programmed in FFY 2016, but no funds for it would be programmed in FFY 2017.
Option 2 of the staff recommendation excludes the Southborough
Reconstruction of Main Street (Route 30) project and fully funds the Clean
Air and Mobility Program in FFYs 2016 and 2017.
Staff provided a chart showing spending by project type.
Since the last meeting staff evaluated the Arlington Bikeway Connection;
it scored among the First Tier List of projects. A road safety audit was
conducted at the location in 2012.
D. Mohler asked S. Pfalzer to review the public comments
received. S. Pfalzer reported that the Town of Arlington wrote in support of
the Arlington Massachusetts Avenue project, the Town of Brookline and
Childrens Hospital Boston expressed support for the Brookline Gateway
East project, and Pat Brown of Sudbury expressed concern about the MPOs
method of scoring trail projects (which allows points for improving substandard
pavement). D. Mohler added that MassDOT received a letter in opposition to the Arlington
Bikeway Connection project. MPO staff had not received that letter.
Paul Regan, MBTA Advisory Board, inquired about the programming in Option 2 of Clean Air and Mobility Program funds in the outer years of the TIP. S. Pfalzer replied that those funds are not assigned to projects at this time; the MPO would have to solicit air quality improvement projects for FFYs 2016 and 2017.
L. Dantas asked if, in the chart showing TIP target programming by project type, the Intersection Improvement Program is included in the Clean Air and Mobility Program category. S. Pfalzer replied yes.
L. Dantas raised the possibility of a third option in which the MPO would program one larger, high-scoring project in the outer years of the TIP rather than a number of smaller projects. S. Pfalzer replied that, when preparing the new staff recommendations, staff aimed to maintain the integrity of the original staff recommendation and stay in the framework of recommending more, lower cost projects.
Tom ORourke, TRIC (Town of Norwood/NVCC), expressed support
for the third option which would fund higher ranked projects. He also called
for more consideration of geographic equity, and noted that there has not been
a project in the TRIC region for several years. He expressed support for
programming the Walpole Reconstruction of Route 1A project. D. Mohler
noted that the Route 128 Add-a-Lane project is in the TRIC subregion.
Both noted, however, that the project largely serves regional traffic.
Dennis Giombetti, MetroWest Regional Collaborative (Town of
Framingham), reminded members that the MPO had a healthy debate previously and
concluded that it would support programming more, lower cost projects. E.
Tarallo concurred and noted that it would be better to distribute funds across
the region rather than to only one project.
Eric Bourassa, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC),
noted that staff considers the projects programmed in the Long-Range
Transportation Plan (LRTP) when making decisions on TIP program. For this
reason, the Woburn Reconstruction of Montvale Avenue project was
included in the staff recommendations.
Richard Canale, At-Large Town (Town of Lexington), also
recommended that the MPO support the smaller projects for this TIP as it
provides more balance, particularly considering that significant funds are to
be programmed for the Green Line Extension project. He suggested that
the MPO could consider funding, by turn, a larger project in the FFY 2018
element of the TIP.
Joe Cosgrove, MBTA, asked if the Walpole Reconstruction
of Route 1A project is a capacity adding project. A. McGahan replied no.
S. Olanoff inquired as to what is committed to the Clean
Air and Mobility Program in FFY 2016 and whether those funds would be used
for the Intersection Improvement Program. S. Pfalzer replied that there
are no projects currently programmed in that category. L. Dantas stated that it
would be preferable to use some of those funds for the Intersection
Improvement Program.
D. Mohler recommended that if the MPO wishes to program funds for the Intersection
Improvement Program it should be a stand-alone line item rather than
incorporated into the Clean Air and Mobility Program.
David Koses, At-Large City of Newton, asked for an explanation of the programming amounts for the Clean Air and Mobility Program and the Arlington Bikeway Connection project in FFY 2014. S. Pfalzer noted that the $1.6 million programmed under each line item is one and the same item, not two items that should be added together to get the whole cost.
Michael Chong, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), asked
staff to revise the project description for the Southborough
Reconstruction of Main Street (Route 30) project to clarify that the
project has air quality improvement benefits.
E. Bourassa spoke regarding the benefits of the Clean Air
and Mobility Program. This program grew from the former Suburban
Mobility and Demand Management Program, which had a goal of supporting
innovative programs and small infrastructure projects that have air quality
benefits. Despite the challenges of funding these types of projects, he noted
that there were successes,
including the Bike Share project. He spoke about the benefits of reserving
funding for these innovative ideas, but also recognized the fiscal constraint
problem facing the MPO and the benefits of the Southborough Reconstruction
of Main Street (Route 30) project, which the MPO could fund in place of the
Clean Air and Mobility Program. He asked that if the MPO chooses to fund
the Southborough project,
that it continues to remain open to innovative ideas.
Dennis Crowley, South West Advisory Planning Committee (Town of Medway), advocated for the Southborough Reconstruction of Main Street (Route 30) project noting that the project would have a strong impact on public safety especially considering the number of schools in the area.
D. Giombetti also voiced support for the project noting its benefits in terms of traffic congestion reduction, improvements for pedestrians, and impact to the business community.
D. Koses concurred. While expressing support for the Clean Air and Mobility Program, he stated that it would be more beneficial to lock in funding for the Southborough project now rather than to leave the Clean Air and Mobility Program funds uncommitted.
John Romano, MassDOT Highway Division, concurred and expressed support for funding multiple lower cost projects rather than few large ones.
D. Mohler noted that the MPO has often redirected funds from
the Clean Air and Mobility Program to other projects. For this reason,
he suggested that the program be ended and the funds directed to another
program, such as the Intersection Improvement Program. L. Dantas added
that the Intersection Improvement Program could be started in FFY 2014. The
program would fund signal retiming and signal improvements that can have a high
benefits in terms of traffic operations.
D. Mohler asked if the Brookline Bike Share project
is approved for three years of funding. S. Pfalzer replied that the MPO is
providing funding for year 1 and 3. The proponents do not require year 2
funding. A representative from Brookline stated that the town expects to spend
down its initial funding allocation by the end of this program year. A motion
to accept Option 1 of the staff recommendation for the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP
was made by the MetroWest Regional Collaborative (Town of Framingham) (D.
Giombetti), and seconded by the MassDOT Highway Division (J. Romano). The
motion carried. Voting against the motion was the TRIC (Town of Norwood/NVCC)
(T. ORourke). Abstaining were the following: MassDOT (D. Mohler);
Massachusetts Port Authority (L. Dantas); and the Advisory Council (S.
Olanoff).
The Statewide Bridge Program contains bridges that will not be funded with MPO target funds.
Six bridge projects were removed from the TIP as a result of MassDOTs reprioritization of the bridge list:
Boston
West Second Street over Haul Road and CSX Railroad
Cambridge
First Street Bridge
Wilmington
Route 38 (Main Street) over the B&M Railroad
Ipswich
Green Street over the Ipswich River
Lexington
Route 2A (Marrett Road) over Interstate 95/Route 128
Quincy
Stedman Street over Interstate 93, Route 1, and Route 3
Nine bridges were added to the TIP:
Gloucester
Route 128 over the Annisquam River (Phase 2)
Dedham
Providence Highway over Mother Brook
Franklin
Demolition of Old State Route 140 over MBTA/CSX and New Pedestrian Bridge
Construction
Dedham
Needham Street over Great Ditch
Woburn
Salem Street over MBTA
Cohasset
Atlantic Avenue over Little Harbor Inlet
Waltham
Woerd Avenue over the Charles River
Topsfield
Rowley Bridge Road over the Ipswich River
Lynn
and Saugus Route 107 over the Saugus River
Five projects had cost increases:
Lexington
Route 2 over Interstate 95
Bellingham
Demolition of Route 126 over CSX Railroad and Installation of Bike Path
Culvert
Boston
Massachusetts Avenue (Route 2A) over Commonwealth Avenue
Boston
North Washington Street over the Charles River
Quincy
Robertson Street over Interstate 93, Route 1, and Route 3
Three projects had schedule adjustments:
Hopkinton
and Westborough Fruit Street over CSX and Sudbury River
Marshfield
Beach Street over the Cut River
Chelsea
Washington Avenue over the MBTA and B&M Railroad
P. Regan and R. Reed asked for more information about the
prioritization of bridge projects and the rating process. Marie Rose, MassDOT,
and D. Mohler offered to have MassDOTs bridge staff give a presentation about
this complicated process.
R. Canale asked if the condition of these bridges has changed. M. Rose noted that some bridges might have had repairs that allowed MassDOT to lower them on the list of priorities.
M. Chong asked how many on the list are off-system bridges
(those not on the federal aid system and are generally in rural areas). S.
Pfalzer replied that two of the new additions to the TIP are off-system. M.
Rose noted that about half the bridges on the statewide list are off-system. D.
Mohler added that a factor in reprioritizing the bridge list had to do with the
availability of more funds for off-system bridges than on-system.
Christine Stickney,
South Shore Coalition (Town of Braintree), inquired about the status of the Quincy
Fore River Bridge project. D. Mohler replied that funds for the project
have already been obligated.
C. Stickney asked whether MassDOT considers evacuation
routes when prioritizing the bridge list, such as in the case of the Marshfield
Beach Street over the Cut River Bridge, which leads from a coastal
area. D. Mohler replied that MassDOT considers detour routes. He stated that he
would find out whether evacuation routes are considered.
J. Errickson asked why two bridges with cost increases were
moved out of the TIP. S. Pfalzer replied that they may have been moved out due
to fiscal constraint.
A motion to accept the Statewide Bridge list for the draft
FFYs 2014-17 TIP was made by the North Suburban Planning Council (City of
Woburn) (E. Tarallo), and seconded by the Minuteman Advisory Group on
Interlocal Coordination (Town of Bedford) (R. Reed). The motion carried.
There were cost adjustments to the following Interstate Maintenance projects:
Sharon
and Walpole Interstate Maintenance and Related Work on Interstate 95
Foxborough,
Plainville, Wrentham Interstate Maintenance and Related Work on Interstate
495
Franklin
Interstate Maintenance and Related Work on Interstate 495
One interstate maintenance project was added to this category: the Randolph, Quincy, and Braintree Resurfacing and Related Work on Interstate 93 project.
There were cost adjustments to the following projects in the National Highway System Preservation Program (NHSPP) funding category:
Weymouth,
Braintree, and Quincy Resurfacing and Related Work on Route 3
Chelsea
and Revere Resurfacing and Related Work on Route 1
Two projects were added to the NHSPP category:
Burlington
and Chelmsford Various Location Pavement Preservation on Route 3
Lynnfield
and Peabody Resurfacing and Related Work on Route 1
One new project has been added to the Statewide
Infrastructure category: the Needham and Wellesley Route 128 Add-a-Lane,
Contract V project.
Two projects have been removed from the Statewide Infrastructure category:
Stoneham
and Woburn Lighting Upgrades on Interstate 93
Boston
Highway Lighting System Replacement on Interstate 93
One project has been moved forward (from FFY 2013 to 2014)
in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) category: the Burlington,
Woburn, and Reading Expansion of Fiber, CCTT, VMS and Traffic Sensor Network
on Interstate 95.
Two ITS projects have had cost adjustments:
Braintree,
Quincy, Milton, and Boston HOV Lane Barrier Transfer Vehicle Operator
Contract and HOV Lane Two Truck Services
Braintree,
Quincy, Milton, and Boston HOV Lane Operating Expenses
A motion to accept the Statewide Items list for the draft
FFYs 2014-17 TIP was made by the MetroWest Regional Collaborative (Town of
Framingham) (D. Giombetti), and seconded by the North Suburban Planning Council
(City of Woburn) (E. Tarallo). The motion carried.
Federal regulatory changes now have the Safe Routes to
School (SRTS), Transportation Enhancements, and CMAQ projects funded under a
new program, the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
There are cost increases to three SRTS projects:
Malden
Beebe School
Manchester
Memorial Elementary
Westwood
Downey Elementary
One SRTS project was moved from FFY 2014 to 2015: Milton
Glover Elementary.
Three new SRTS projects were added in FFY 2016:
Watertown
Hosmer Elementary
Everett
Madelaine English
Revere
Garfield Elementary and Middle School
There are no changes to the Transportation Enhancement
Program. It was noted that the Acton, Carlisle, and Westford Bruce Freeman
Rail Trail (Phase 2A) project has increased in cost by $2.3 million. The
cost increase will be funded out of the Statewide CMAQ category.
Four projects were added under the CMAQ category:
Acton
and Maynard Assabet River Rail Trail
Concord
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Construction (Phase 2C)
Acton
and Concord Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Construction (Phase 2B)
Holliston
Multi-use Trail Construction on a Section of the Upper Charles Rail (Phase 1)
M. Chong made members aware that the FHWA has consolidated
several funding programs into the TAP. D. Mohler added that the MPO will have a
target amount for this funding program. S. Pfalzer reported that two good
candidates for TAP funding will be the Boston South Bay Harbor Trail
and the Stoneham and Winchester Tri-Community Bikeway project. TAP is
a competitive program in which communities would apply for funding and MassDOT
would determine eligibility. It does not increase the MPOs overall target
dollars.
Members then discussed the factors involved in making trail
projects successful in the MassDOT and MPO processes. D. Mohler spoke in regard
to the need for local initiatives that get projects designed and keep them
advancing, as well as MassDOTs interest in funding bicycle infrastructure
projects to help achieve its mode shift goal. M. Rose added that in
prioritizing trail projects MassDOT considered those that were approved by the
Project Review Committee and those that were ready for construction. E.
Bourassa also noted the benefits of having an earmark for a project.
D. Giombetti noted that a challenge to advancing trail projects is the large upfront investment needed to start the process. He suggested that the state could help ease the way by funding the acquisition of right-of-way for trail projects.
A motion to accept the TAP list for the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP was made by the North Suburban Planning Council (City of Woburn) (E. Tarallo), and seconded by the Inner Core Committee (City of Somerville) (T. Bent). The motion carried.
Several earmarks have been reprogrammed to later years due
to changes in their projects schedules:
Boston
Improvements along Gainsborough and St. Botolph Streets
Boston
Reconstruction of Melnea Cass Boulevard
Boston
Traffic Signal Improvements on Blue Hill Avenue and Warren Street
Weymouth
and Abington Reconstruction and Widening on Route 18 (Main Street)
The earmark for the Gainsborough and St. Botolph Streets
project was moved from FFY 2013 to 2014, and the earmark will be used for
construction. D. Mohler inquired about how far along in the design process the
project is and whether it would be ready for construction in FFY 2014. M. Rose
stated that MassDOT Highway has not yet received the 25% design plans. Tom
Kadzis, City of Boston, stated that the submittal of those plans is believed to
be imminent. It is the Citys understanding that the design team for New
England Conservatory is proceeding with the design and incorporating the
project into the institutions long-range plan.
The Melnea Cass Boulevard and Blue Hill Avenue and
Warren Street projects are not yet at the 25% design stage. They have been
moved from FFY 2014 to 2015. T. Kadzis reported that the 25% design plans for Blue
Hill Avenue and Warren Street are expected to be submitted to MassDOT
Highway Division in May. The City believes the project will be ready for
construction in FFY 2014.
A motion to accept the earmark list for the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP was made by the MBTA (J. Cosgrove), and seconded by the Inner Core Committee (City of Somerville) (T. Bent). The motion carried.
The new federal transportation reauthorization, MAP-21, has provided additional funding for the following MBTA programs:
Stations
Revenue
Vehicles
Bridges
Tunnels
Systems
Upgrades
The Revenue Vehicles Program includes the procurement of new Red and Orange Line vehicles. More funding for this procurement will be required in the post-TIP years (after FFY 2017).
New projects added to the MBTA Capital Program include the
following:
Red
Line Floating Slab
Red
Line Signals Upgrades
P. Regan inquired about the apparent reduction of funding in
the Power Program. S. Pfalzer explained that the MBTA recently submitted
a sizable grant, which used carry-over funds, for this program. Most of those
investments were included in prior TIP elements. J. Cosgrove added that the
figures on the chart show program levels rather than spending levels.
Funding levels were updated for projects of the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) and the Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA).
Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom grants were not included in the table that was distributed. Those grants will be added after they are approved by MassDOT.
The funding for the MWRTA shows continued investment in the
RTAs program for Non-fixed Route ADA Paratransit Service. There is reduced
funding for equipment and facilities, but those figures may rise after the RTA
receives, as anticipated, a JARC award.
D. Mohler inquired about the proposed $600,000 increase in
FFY 2014 for the MWRTAs ADA Paratransit Program. S. Pfalzer replied
that more money was applied to that program and was balanced by a reduction in
the Equipment and Facilities Program.
P. Regan asked about the use of the funds for the MWRTAs Non-fixed
Route ADA Paratransit Service Program. D. Mohler replied that the funds
would be used for purchased service.
C. Stickney asked why funding for CATAs Preventative Maintenance Program was moved out of FFY 2013. D. Mohler explained that CATA is currently ineligible to receive federal funds due to non-compliance with Title VI. He recommended that the MPO not approve federal funds for CATA until CATA addresses the problem. CATA would not be able to access federal funds even if the MPO programmed them.
A motion to remove federal funding for CATA from the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP until CATA complies with Title VI was made by the MBTA Advisory Board (P. Regan), and seconded by MAPC (E. Bourassa). The motion carried.
A motion to accept the Transit Program of the FFYs 2014-17
TIP, as amended today, was made by the MBTA Advisory Board (P. Regan), and seconded
by the North Suburban Planning Council (City of Woburn) (E. Tarallo). The
motion carried.
Projects funded with Grant Anticipation Notes (GANs) and
their GANs payments and projects included in the State Implementation Plan
(SIP) will be listed in the TIP for informational purposes.
Updated cash flows were provided for the Green Line Extension, Phase 1 project.
MassDOT has requested that the Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) remove the Red Line Blue Line Connector project from
the SIP. The project will be shown on the TIP until that request is granted.
The project is currently programmed in the later years of the TIP.
M. Chong asked if MassDOT has been in consultation with the environmental agencies about the Red Line Blue Line Connector project, and he expressed concern that the project is impacting the TIP program. D. Mohler replied that DEP is close to finalizing its SIP regulations, which will then become a draft EPA regulation. MassDOT has not been in discussion with EPA.
S. Olanoff asked about what the funds programmed for the Red Line Blue Line Connector project would be used for, if not for that project. D. Mohler explained that the project must be programmed because it is a requirement under the SIP. MassDOT has no plans to spend those dollars, however, and no plans to construct the project. MassDOT is actively trying to get the project removed as a requirement from the SIP.
A motion to accept the GANs and SIP portion of the draft FFY
2014-17 TIP was made by the MBTA Advisory Board (P. Regan), and seconded by the
Inner Core Committee (City of Somerville) (T. Bent). The motion carried.
A motion to release the draft FFYs 2014-17 TIP, as amended
today and pending a positive air quality conformity determination, for a 30-day
public review period was made by the Inner Core Committee (City of Somerville)
(T. Bent), and seconded by the MassDOT Highway Division (J. Romano). The motion
carried.
J. Romano announced that a public meeting on the
rehabilitation of the Government Center MBTA Station will be held on May 6.
A motion to adjourn was made by the MBTA Advisory Board (P.
Regan) and seconded by the North Suburban Planning Council (City of Woburn) (E.
Tarallo). The motion carried.
|
Members |
Representatives and Alternates |
|
At-Large City (City of Everett) |
James Errickson |
|
At-Large City (City of Newton) |
David Koses |
|
At-Large Town (Town of Arlington) |
Laura Wiener |
|
Richard Canale |
|
|
City of Boston (Boston Redevelopment
Authority) |
Lara Mιrida |
|
City of Boston (Boston Transportation
Department) |
Tom Kadzis |
|
Federal Highway Administration |
Michael Chong |
|
Inner Core Committee (City of
Somerville) |
Tom Bent |
|
Massachusetts Department of
Transportation |
David Mohler David Anderson Marie Rose |
|
MassDOT Highway Division |
John Romano |
|
Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority (MBTA) |
Joe Cosgrove |
|
Massachusetts Port Authority |
Lourenηo Dantas |
|
MBTA Advisory Board |
Paul Regan |
|
Metropolitan Area Planning Council |
Eric Bourassa |
|
Dennis Giombetti |
|
|
Minuteman Advisory Group on Interlocal
Coordination (Town of Bedford) |
Richard Reed |
|
North Shore Task Force (City of Beverly) |
Tina Cassidy |
|
North Suburban Planning Council (City of
Woburn) |
Mayor Scott Galvin Ed Tarallo |
|
Regional Transportation Advisory Council |
Steve Olanoff |
|
South Shore Coalition (Town of
Braintree) |
Christine Stickney |
|
South West Advisory Planning Committee (Town
of Medway) |
Dennis Crowley |
|
Three Rivers Interlocal Council (Town of
Norwood/NVCC) |
Tom ORourke |
|
Other
Attendees |
Affiliation |
|
Kathy
Bailey |
Woburn resident |
|
Roland
Bartl |
Town of Acton |
|
Bill
Boland |
Town of Southborough, Board of Selectmen |
|
Sarah
Bradbury |
MassDOT District 3 |
|
Pat
Brown |
Sudbury resident |
|
Darlene
Bruer |
Woburn Alderman, Ward 5 |
|
Joe
Capelo |
Riverside Car Care |
|
Mary
Carpenter |
|
|
James
Eldridge |
State Senator |
|
Diane
Fogarty |
Woburn resident |
|
Karen
Galligan |
Town of Southborough, Department of Public Works |
|
Andrew
Gallinaro |
National Development |
|
Kristen
Guichard |
Town of Acton |
|
Eric
Halvorsen |
MAPC |
|
Robert
Haverty |
Business owner |
|
Peter
Heckenbleikner |
Town of Reading |
|
Margaret
Hoffman |
Town of Hanover |
|
Joseph
Holmes |
Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail |
|
Geoffrey
Howie |
GPI |
|
Kristina
Johnson |
City of Quincy |
|
Judy
LaRocca |
Concord resident |
|
Mel
Kleckner |
Town of Brookline |
|
Ken
Krause |
Medford Green Line Neighborhood Alliance |
|
Shazia
Mallah |
Ministry of Production, Government of Pakistan |
|
Rafael
Mares |
Conservation Law Foundation |
|
Lori
Medeiros |
Woburn resident |
|
Stephanie
Mercandetti |
Town of Walpole |
|
A.
Michel |
City of Boston/MAPC |
|
Alan
Moore |
Friends of the Community Path |
|
Tom
Michelman |
Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail |
|
Hayes
Morrison |
City of Somerville |
|
Rabia
Noor |
Ombudsmans Office, Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan |
|
Joe
Onorato |
MassDOT Highway Division |
|
Robert
Parsons |
Woburn businessman |
|
Leah
Robins |
Office of State Representative Carolyn Dykema |
|
Lori
Shattuck |
VAI |
|
Jeff
Schind |
Woburn resident |
|
William
E. Stafford |
City of Woburn |
|
Joel
Swets |
Cummings Foundation |
|
Joseph
Tarby |
Winchester Hospital |
|
Joe
Viola |
Town of Brookline |
|
John
Westerling |
Town of Hopkinton, Department of Public Works |
|
Tim
Williams |
Allen and Major Associates |
|
Dick
Williamson |
Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail |
|
Najia
Zahra |
Auditor General and Revenue, Government of Pakistan |
|
George
Zambouras |
Town of Reading |
|
MPO
Staff/Central Transportation Planning Staff |
|
Karl Quackenbush, Executive Director |
|
Maureen Kelly |
|
Robin Mannion |
|
Anne McGahan |
|
Elizabeth Moore |
|
Scott Peterson |
|
Sean Pfalzer |
|
Michelle
Scott |
|
Pam Wolfe |