LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Calvert – St. Mary's Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-SMMPO), a pivotal entity in transportation planning for parts of Calvert and St. Mary's County, is in the process of updating its Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The LRTP, a strategic framework to shape transportation for the next 25 years, prioritizes projects eligible for federal funding. These initiatives are crucial as they impact the region's daily commutes, transportation options, and overall quality of life. The public is invited to review the draft of the LRTP, titled "Moving Forward 2050," available online at https://www.stmarysmd.com/docs/Moving_Forward_2050_DRAFT.pdf.
Simultaneously, the TIP, aligning with the LRTP's objectives, is developed in collaboration with state and public transit providers. It focuses on projects within the Urbanized Area, defined to accommodate anticipated growth over the next 20 years. This expansion of the MPO boundary is critical to addressing the evolving transportation needs of the area. The TIP draft for FY 2025-2028 is accessible for public viewing at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/FY_2025-2028_Draft_TIP.pdf.
Public participation is a cornerstone of this planning process. With a 45-day comment period concluding on March 15, 2024, community members are urged to provide their insights. These comments are vital to ensure that the transportation needs within the MPO boundary and the broader region are effectively met. Queries and feedback can be directed to Karly Maltby, Calvert-St. Mary's MPO Administrator, at the Department of Land Use & Growth Management, St. Mary's County Government. Maltby can be reached at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1507 or via email at Karly.Maltby@stmaryscountymd.gov.
The C-SMMPO, as the designated policy board, plays an integral role in the metropolitan transportation planning process. This is executed in partnership with federal and state transportation officials. A crucial aspect of the MPO's mandate is the regular update of the LRTP and TIP every four years. The current update process, involving collaboration with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Calvert County, is slated for completion in March 2024. Further information about the C-SMMPO and its initiatives can be found at www.calvert-stmarysmpo.com.
This update cycle presents a strategic opportunity for residents to shape the future of transportation in their community. As the region evolves, these plans will serve as a blueprint, guiding the development of a transportation system that meets the area's growing needs while enhancing accessibility and quality of life for its residents.
No comments:
Post a Comment