Incorporating Health in Regional Transportation Planning

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1 Mayor Karl Dean, Chairman Incorporating Health in Regional Transportation Planning Leslie A. Meehan, AICP Tennessee Public Health Association Conference September 15, 2011 Metropolitan Planning Organizations 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 1

2 Nashville Area MPO City of Brentwood City of Fairview City of Franklin City of Gallatin City of Goodlettsville City of Hendersonville City of LaVergne City of Lebanon City of Millersville City of Mt. Juliet City of Murfreesboro City of Portland Town of Smyrna City of Spring Hill City of Springfield City of White House Metropolitan Nashville Rutherford County Sumner County Williamson County Wilson County Tennessee DOT Greater Nashville Regional Council Regional Transportation Authority Metropolitan Transit Authority Franklin Transit Authority Murfreesboro Public Transportation Metro Nashville Airport Authority TN Dept of Environment & Conservation Federal Highway Administration Federal Transit Administration Development Pattern, Population ,600, ,450,000 (In 2035, the Nashville region will be about the size of the Denver region today) ,000 Properties affected by development 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 2

3 Resiliency in Urban Congestion TODAY 2030 w/ Short-Term Improvements 2030 After Long-Term Improvements Congestion in Urban Areas Cannot Be Treated with Roadway Capacity Alone. Daily Recurring Congestion on Major Roadways. On average, Americans spend about 18% of their Household Income on Transportation- Related Expenses Source: Center for Neighborhood Technology Housing + Transportation Affordability Index ( TPHA Annual Conference 3

4 Growing Issues to Address Unmanageable Congestion Longer Travel Times & Trip Lengths Increasing Energy Consumption / Costs Declining Air & Water Quality Aging Population/ Dispersed Families Worsening Personal Health / Increasing Costs Lost Habitat / Natural Areas Unsustainable Costs/ Revenue Sources Lack of Housing Choice Transportation and Obesity Obesity/Vehicle Miles Traveled in U.S Adult Obesity % Childhood Obesity % (age 2 19) VMT in billion miles Sources: Centers for Disease Control National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey/ U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration, Annual Vehicle Distance Traveled in Miles and Related Data 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 4

5 Lack of Transportation Options = Higher Obesity Rates?? Economic Impacts of Transportation Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults No Data <10% 10% 14% 15% 19% 20% 24% 25% 29% 30% Source: Transportation Index for Sustainable Places, University of Connecticut Source: 2009 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC Health Impacts of Transportation Transportation and Health Transport at ion Expediture Healt h Impact s of Transport at ion 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 5

6 U.S. DOT Responding to Public Demand I have traveled all over this country and everywhere I go, people want better options. Options that offer reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Options that offer reduced fuelconsumption. Options that offer better health. Options that bring communities together. Now, let me make this absolutely clear: I never said we would stop repairing, maintaining, and yes even expanding roadways. I said only that it's time to stop assuming that putting more cars on more roads is the best way to move people around more effectively. U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood Public Attitudes toward Transportation Policy 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 6

7 Middle TN Public Opinions 1st choice: improve and expand mass transit options 2nd choice: make communities more walkable & bike friendly 3rd choice: build new or widen existing roadways How Should We Invest in Our Future? 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 7

8 2035 Regional Transportation Plan Three Major Policy Initiatives #1 A Bold, New Vision for Mass Transit #2 Support for Active Transportation & Walkable Communities #3 Preservation & Enhancement of Strategic Roadways Support for Active Transportation & Walkable Communities 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 8

9 Support for Active Transportation What We Learned Health Analysis There is a strong link between the lack of physical activity and health (e.g. heart disease, obesity, and other chronic conditions). Research has also shown certain population groups have a higher disparity. These groups include: Low Income Minority Older Adults (over 65) 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 9

10 What We Accomplished: A Regional Vision Bikeways Sidewalks Bringing it all together for New Regional Policy & Strategies 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 10

11 Guiding Principles Livability MPO plans and programs shall work to enhance the quality of life in the region by supporting initiatives that increase opportunities for affordable housing, education, jobs, recreation, and civic involvement without increasing the burden on citizens to enjoy their community. Sustainability MPO plans and programs shall strive to support growth and prosperity without sacrificing the health, environment, natural and sociocultural resources, or financial stability of this or future generations. Prosperity MPO plans and programs shall contribute to the continued economic well being of the greater Nashville area by investing in transportation solutions that increase access to education, jobs, and amenities, reduce the cost of living and doing business, and attract new investment to the region. Diversity MPO plans and programs shall recognize the multitude of needs and the variety of perspectives and backgrounds of the people that live and work in the greater Nashville area by promoting a range of transportation choices that are designed with sensitivity to the desired context. Regional Goals Maintain and Preserve the Efficiency, Safety, and Security of the Region s Existing Transportation Infrastructure; Manage Congestion to Keep People and Goods Moving; Encourage Quality Growth and Sustainable Land Development Practices; Protect the Region s Health & Environment; Support the Economic Competitiveness of the Greater Nashville Area; Offer Meaningful Transportation Choices for a Diverse Population including the Aging; Encourage Regional Coordination, Cooperation, & Decision Making; and Practice Thoughtful, Transparent Financial Stewardship by Ensuring that Transportation Improvements meet Regional Goals TPHA Annual Conference 11

12 MPO s Urban STP Investment Strategy 70% of Funding allocated to Projects Scored on Criteria 100 points Quality Growth and Sustainable Development 15pts Multi Modal Options 15pts Health & Environment 10pts Safety & Security 10pts Congestion Management 10pts System Preservation & Enhancement 15pts State & Local Support/ Investment 15pts Freight & Goods Movement 10pts MPO s Urban STP Investment Strategy 15% minimum investment in Active Transportation & Walkable Communities Sidewalks, bicycle lanes, greenways, transit stops, amenities 10% minimum flexed to Transit Combined with Federal Transit Administration funds to help implement regional vision for mass transit 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 12

13 2035 Regional Transportation Plan Results: 70% of roadway projects with an included sidewalk, bicycle lane, or shared use lane (up from 2%) $2.5 million available for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and education in next couple years More to come: Linking Transportation & Health 2011 TPHA Annual Conference 13

14 Being Aware of Our Health What We Eat and How We Move Access to Healthy Foods Physical Activity through Active Transportation Food Access and Transportation 10 grocery stores and 1 emergency food source located within one mile of project 12 schools within 2 miles Community and religious centers Corridor has planned bike/ped facilities but road widening project does not include those facilities TPHA Annual Conference 14

15 Physical Activity/ Travel Behavior Data will show which mode of travel allows for most energy expenditure and physical activity Leslie A. Meehan, AICP Senior Transportation Planner Nashville Area MPO Livability. Sustainability. Prosperity. Diversity TPHA Annual Conference 15