As has been previously reported, a new transportation authorization bill is moving through the U.S. Senate committee process. The bill, which passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, will now receive scrutiny by the Senate Banking and Commerce Committees.
However, two provisions contained in S. 1813, "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century," or "MAP-21" would make significant changes to Metropolitan Planning Organizations and reduce the amount of local involvement in transportation planning and spending decisions.
The first would raise the current population threshold of 50,000 to 200,000 with a three step process for existing small MPOs to be allowed to retain their transportation decision making authority. Under the Senate bill, if an area served by an MPO today loses its status as part of the recertification process, the state would be required only to “consult” with the MPO rather than the current requirement that a state “coordinate” with the MPO. This would impact 8 Michigan MPO's that serve areas in and around Battle Creek, Bay City, Benton Harbor, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and Saginaw. The Michigan Transportation Planning Association has adopted a resolution opposing such changes.
The second issue, adopted during the committee process, minimizes the role of local elected officials in smaller, non-metropolitan areas. The original language would have given local elected officials in non-metropolitan areas a greater voice in making transportation decisions by elevating their role to “cooperation” with the state in developing a statewide transportation plan. The amendment reverses the critical part of the original bill – taking away the proposed stronger role of rural areas in working with the state on transportation decisions.
It is critical that members being speaking with Senators Levin and Stabenow as well as your congressional representative on the negative consequences of such provisons. The League will be communicating with entire Michigan Congressional delegation on the issue and working with our national partners. Below you'll find additional information on the issue.
Map21_Transportation Reauth Strategy - Non-Metropolitan Planning.pdf (52.59 kb)
Map21_Transportation Reauth Strategy - MPO thresholds.pdf (56.55 kb)
MAP21_MTPA resolution_MPO pop threshold (2).pdf (616.73 kb)
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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