MORPC Taking Project Suggestions for Metropolitan Transportation Plan

MORPC is in the process of identifying transportation needs and potential projects located within MORPC’s transportation planning area until August 30, 2019. That area includes Delaware and Franklin counties, Bloom and Violet townships in Fairfield County, New Albany, Pataskala and Etna Township in Licking County, and Jerome Township in Union County.

As the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) continues with the process of developing the 2020-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), members of the public are invited to submit project suggestions or comment on proposed projects through an interactive webmap.

We are identifying transportation needs and potential projects located within MORPC’s transportation planning area through the summer. Using the interactive webmap, you can add your suggested projects and provide comments on the current candidate project list.

“We provided the public with the opportunity to suggest transportation projects through a webmap for the first time while completing our previous MTP, and the response was great. We received more suggestions and comments than we ever had before. We’re hoping everyone is just as enthusiastic about providing their feedback this time around.”

MORPC is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Columbus urbanized area, and it is required to conduct a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process. That planning process, in part, results in the MTP.

This MTP will look 30 years into the future and identify transportation needs, strategies, and projects. As a result, the greater Columbus region becomes eligible to receive federal transportation funding to improve, maintain, and operate highways, public transit (COTA and Databus), bikeways, sidewalks, and related facilities. The MTP also includes discussion on what impacts these projects will have on the region’s air quality and disadvantaged populations.

Various project types are included. Those who do not wish to suggest a project still have the option to comment on the projects currently proposed. In addition to the webmap, projects and comments can be submitted by email to mtp@morpc.org or in writing to MORPC, 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215, Attn: MTP.

Watch for updates on the 2020-2050 MTP at morpc.org/mtp2050. The current 2016-2040 plan is also available for viewing.