TITLE
An update to the Board regarding the SPOT 4.0 state transportation project submittal list for Durham-Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC-MPO); Vote on a request to approve an interlocal agreement for MPO membership, and an update from staff regarding the use of MPO Discretionary Funds.
ABSTRACT
Action Requested:
An update to the Board regarding the SPOT 4.0 state transportation project submittal list for Durham-Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC-MPO); Vote on a request to approve an interlocal agreement for MPO membership, and an update from staff regarding the use of MPO Discretionary Funds.
Introduction & Background:
The purpose of this update is to provide the Board with information on the submitted transportation projects within the DCHC-MPO boundary for SPOT 4.0, to have a discussion regarding the use of MPO discretionary funds and to authorize the County Manager to sign the City of Durham and Chatham County Inter-local Cooperation Agreement Local Match for the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DHCHC-MPO) Federal Transportation Grants.
Discussion & Analysis:
SPOT 4.0
Staff has worked with NCDOT to identify projects eligible for the statewide transportation project ranking process known as SPOT 4.0. The County was only eligible to submit bicycle/pedestrian projects, and intersections projects within the DCHC-MPO boundary of the County. This is because Chatham County has no highway improvements identified on the MPO’s long-range plan. The MPO did allow Chatham County to submit O’Kelly Chapel Road for operational improvements, which could include safety improvements if deemed necessary by NCDOT. Please refer to the attached list for all Chatham projects being submitted through the MPO.
Discretionary Funds
Staff will provide an update to the Board regarding the status of the MPO discretionary funds useable for non-highway projects within the MPO boundary. Currently, the County has submitted a tentative request to use the projects either to add additional transportation planning to the comprehensive plan or to plan locations for bicycle signage within the MPO boundary.
Interlocal Agreement
Finally, staff is providing a revised interlocal agreement prepared by the MPO and the City of Durham that outlines the requirement to pay MPO membership dues, and formalizes the Chatham’s commitment to any required local matches required for any transportation projects selected. The contract has been reviewed by the County attorney and Assistant Manager and reflect the most recent changes. Because the agreement extends until 2025, the Board must authorize the County Manager to sign the contract.
Recommendation:
1. Endorse the transportation projects submitted to the MPO for SPOT 4.0 scoring.
2. Authorize the County Manager to sign the attached Interlocal Agreement.