MORPC Taking Public Comments on Metropolitan Transportation Plan -- Open House on Feb. 26

As the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) nears completion of the 2020-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), members of the public are invited to provide comments on the draft strategies and projects being included in the plan.

Draft strategies have been identified for developing an efficient and comprehensive transportation system, which are available for review and comment. In addition to the strategies, MORPC also identifies transportation projects to be included in the MTP.

The MTP is a long-range planning document that identifies transportation system deficiencies, strategies, and projects in MORPC’s federally designated transportation planning area. The area includes: Delaware County; Franklin County; Bloom and Violet townships in Fairfield County; New Albany, Pataskala and Etna Township in Licking County; and Jerome Township in Union County.

We have identified transportation needs and projects located within MORPC’s transportation planning area. The comment phase on these draft projects is open through April 3, 2020. Comments can be submitted directly on the MTP webmap, by e-mail, or in writing. Various project types are included.

“Before the final plan is adopted this spring, it’s important for us to receive feedback on the positive or negative aspects of the strategies and projects. Members of the public will be the ones using the transportation system, and our goal is to develop a system that is beneficial to all.”

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 projects as regional priorities – meaning they will be eligible for 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.

Those wishing to provide feedback can access the draft strategies and projects at morpc.org/mtp2050. An interactive webmap is available to see all of the projects, and comments can be submitted directly on the webmap.

In addition to the webmap, 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.

The comment period will close at 5 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2020.

Upcoming Open House

MORPC will host a public open house about the MTP at its office on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. Guests can stop by any time from 4-7 p.m. A formal presentation will take place at 6 p.m. If driving, please park in any spot marked “M” in MORPC’s parking lot.