Federal requirements govern and inform the content of the plan.
The two main requirements are that the plan must Identify projects, programs and policies and Demonstrate value.
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Federal requirements govern and inform the content of the plan.
The two main requirements are that the plan must Identify projects, programs and policies and Demonstrate value.
Identify all regionally significant projects and programs for which funding is reasonably expected to be available over a 20-year horizon (now and 2045). Regionally significant projects and programs are those that add or remove capacity on the existing transportation system.
Demonstrate that these projects and programs together support regional air quality improvement goals. An official Air Quality Conformity Analysis carried out by the TPB must show that forecast vehicle related emissions under the plan will not exceed approved regional limits.
Like plans that came before, the update to Visualize 2045 must meet an array of federal requirements, including but not limited to compliance with performance-based planning rules, considering the ten federal planning factors, conducting a congestion management process, engaging in public participation, responding to concerns of non-discrimination and equity, and others.
Federal regulations require that the TPB develop an element of the long-range transportation plan that is financially constrained. Each project included in this section must be capable of being completed using revenue sources that are already committed, available, or reasonably expected to be available in the future (financial constraint). The forecasted system performance of the financially constrained element illustrates how the projects work together to affect future travel patterns and conditions. In doing so, this element paints a picture of what we can attain with the existing funding level and mix of projects. This information can be used by elected leaders, regional planners, and the public better understand the kinds of decisions we need to make today to realize a more desirable transportation future.
The federal government requires the TPB to conduct an in-depth analysis to ensure projected emissions generated by users of the region’s future transportation system will not exceed (or “conforms to”) the air quality emissions budgets set forth in the region’s air quality plans. This is known as air quality conformity. Based on the results of the analysis, a determination is made to confirm conformity.
Performance-Based Planning and Programming (PBPP) is a federal requirement that requires states and MPOs to “transition to a performance-driven, outcome-based program that provides for a greater level of transparency and accountability, improved project decision-making, and more efficient investment of Federal transportation funds.” To accomplish this, the PBPP process ties the funding of projects and programs to improving measured performance and achieving targets set for future performance.
The Congestion Management Process (CMP) provides for safe and effective integrated management and operation of the multimodal transportation system. The process is based on a cooperatively developed metropolitan-wide strategy for new and existing transportation facilities. The strategies in the long-range transportation plan comprise the CMP, and many projects in the constrained element of the plan are informed by these strategies.
Congestion is the level at which transportation performance is no longer acceptable due to traffic interference resulting in decreased speeds and increased travel times. As the region continues to experience dynamic population and job growth, congestion remains a primary focus of the TPB.
The TPB’s Participation Plan communicates the TPB’s commitment to convey transparent information and engage the public and relevant public agencies to support the regional transportation planning process. This includes the process to update the Long-Range Transportation Plan, Visualize 2045, and the Transportation Improvement Program. Learn about the Participation Plan: TPB Participation Plan | Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (mwcog.org)
The TPB will conduct two comment periods as part of the plan update.
As required through Title VI of the Federal Civil Rights Act, and in consideration of best planning practices, the TPB must ensure it enables on-going participation from low-income and minority communities, persons with disabilities and those with limited English skills. It must also develop a Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan for the National Capital Region.
Federal law identifies a list of planning factors meant to guide metropolitan planning. Collectively, the projects, programs, and policies in Visualize 2045 must address these factors.
The technical inputs solicitation document provides an overview of the process used by the TPB and its member agencies to solicit technical inputs for two federally required documents: the quadrennial long-range transportation plan (LRTP), called Visualize 2045, and the biennial transportation improvement program (TIP).