FY 04 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM PALM BEACH METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Transcription

1 FY 04 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM PALM BEACH METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION WEST PALM BEACH URBAN STUDY AREA MAY 2003

2 WEST PALM BEACH URBAN STUDY AREA UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2003 JUNE 30, 2004 PALM BEACH METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION Prepared by Office of the Metropolitan Planning Organization May 2003 This report was financed in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation, FHWA, the Florida Department of Transportation, and local participating governments and prepared using the Metropolitan Planning Organization Program Management Handbook. CFDA Numbers Highway Planning and Construction Federal Transit Technical Studies Grant (Metropolitan Planning) FAP No. PL0097(41) FM No Adopted May 15, 2003 Chair 160 Australian Avenue, Suite 201 West Palm Beach, Florida

3 GLOSSARY ADA Americans with Disabilities Act BC Broward County BCT Broward County Transit B/P/GAC Bicycle/Pedestrian/Greenway Advisory Committee CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 CAC Citizens Advisory Committee CIA Community Impact Assessment CMAQ Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds CMS Congestion Management System CUTR Center for Urban Transportation Research DOA Palm Beach County Department of Airports EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency ETDM Efficient Transportation Decision Making FCTD Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDOT Florida Department of Transportation FHWA Federal Highway Administration FTA Federal Transit Administration ITS Intelligent Transportation Systems LOS Level of Service LRTP Long Range Transportation Plan MDC Miami-Dade County MDTA Miami-Dade Transit Agency MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization MPOAC Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council MUA Miami Urbanized Area PBC Palm Beach County PBCDERM Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resource Management PBCHD Palm Beach County Health Department PBCSD Palm Beach County School District PBCTA Palm Beach County Transit Agency (Palm Tran) PBIA Palm Beach International Airport PEA Planning Emphasis Area PIP Public Involvement Plan PPB Port of Palm Beach PL FHWA Urban Planning Funds as provided in the TEA 21 RTO South Florida Regional Transportation Organization Sec Section 5303 of the ISTEA for Planning Funds SIP State Implementation Plan TAC Technical Advisory Committee TCRA Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority, also known as Tri Rail TCRPC Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council TDCB Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board TDP Transit Development Plan TEA-21 Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century TIP Transportation Improvement Program WPBUSA West Palm Beach Urban Study Area

4 Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION...1 BACKGROUND...1 STATUS OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING:...2 PURPOSE AND INTENT...5 OBJECTIVE OF WORK PROGRAM...5 LEVEL OF EFFORT...6 PLANNING PRIORITIES...6 CERTIFICATION COMMENTS...7 II. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT...8 LOBBYING CERTIFICATION...10 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS...10 CERTIFICATION FOR GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS...11 DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION CERTIFICATION Administration and Coordination Unified Planning Work Program Development Florida Department of Transportation "PL" Matching Share Florida Department of Transportation Sections 5303 Matching Share Public Involvement Process SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES Socio-Economic Surveillance Transportation System Surveillance Congestion Management System TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS PLANNING Long Range Transportation Planning Short Range Transportation Planning - Transportation Improvement Program Comprehensive Planning Activities Air Quality Planning Activities Regional Transportation Planning Short Range Transit Planning - Transit Development Plan Regional Transportation Organization Community Impact Assessment Efficient Transportation Decision Making Process TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROJECTS Project Impact Review Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Non-Emergency Transportation Disadvantaged Planning Intelligent Transportation Systems Planning Community Transit Services Study Goods Movement Planning South US 1 Transit Corridor Evaluation Intermodal Facility Planning Roadway Corridor Study Water Taxi Service Expansion Study Continuity of Operations Plan TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES BY OTHER AGENCIES...48 IV. SUMMARY BUDGET TABLES...52

5 UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM WEST PALM BEACH URBAN STUDY AREA Fiscal Year July 1, June 30, 2004 I. INTRODUCTION The Unified Planning Work Program has been prepared to define the tasks and estimated funding requirements of the West Palm Beach Urban Study Area for the fiscal year beginning July 1, This report also serves to inform the federal and state modal agencies as well as public officials and community leaders who contribute manpower and allocate funds to the transportation planning process for the proposed work for Fiscal Year July 1, June 30, 2004 from each of the participating agencies. These agencies are: 1) Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization 2) Florida Department of Transportation 3) Palm Beach County Transportation Authority (Palm Tran) 4) Palm Beach County Department of Airports 5) Palm Beach County Planning Department 6) Palm Beach County Engineering Department 7) The Municipalities of Palm Beach County 8) Port of Palm Beach District 9) Palm Beach County Health Department 10) Palm Beach County School District 11) Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority 12) Florida Department of Environmental Protection The implementation of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) resulted in significant changes in the transportation planning process with increased importance of all travel modes. The Metropolitan Planning Rules published on October 28, 1993 and the Management and Monitoring Systems Rule published on December 1, 1993 as well as further guidance subsequently provided by various agencies for implementation of ISTEA and the management systems have provided details on MPO functions. The passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA-21) continued the activities started in ISTEA. The MPO study area encompasses the entire county due to the air quality maintenance area designation. The MPO role in project selection has increased as have the roadways eligible for federal funding. The areas of activity monitored by the MPO have expanded beyond socioeconomic data, transit statistics and roadway improvements to include congestion management, transportation system enhancements, regional coordination, safety and beautification. As a large urban area with a population exceeding 200,000, the MPO serves as a Transportation Management Area (TMA) with the attendant responsibilities and requirements. All these factors add to the importance of the Transportation Improvement Program and the 2025 Cost Feasible Transportation System Plan, adopted November 19, BACKGROUND In 1970, shortly after the urban transportation planning process began, the population of Palm Beach County was estimated at 349,000. By 1980, the Census estimated population was 576,758. The Census count for 1990 was 863,518. The 2000 Census population for the county was 1,131,184. In addition, the South Florida region was combined into the Miami Urbanized 1

6 Area with a population of 4,919,036. In past years, Palm Beach County has experienced a rapid rate of growth. The University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) projects this growth will continue into the near future. The accompanying graph illustrates the growth trend for the county based on BEBR projections. Population Year With this growth has come attendant transportation system problems. Under Florida's growth management and concurrency laws, infrastructure to serve the demands of the population must be in place. Completion of construction to increase capacity on major roadways has allowed areas previously restricted by capacity shortfalls to begin developing. Transportation is one of the major infrastructure requirements to serve existing and future growth. The existing backlog of congested roadways must be addressed as well as both short-term and long-range projected transportation needs. Several roadways have reached the maximum number of planned lanes and are exceeding the available LOS capacity. Planning for the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is becoming more important. The availability of alternative modes for travel has grown in importance. Transit ridership on the County s bus system and Tri Rail are experiencing growth, resulting in the need for more service and increased coordination. The movement of freight and goods has increased in importance as a part of the transportation planning process. A multi-modal system with ease of intermodal movements must be part of a strategic plan to meet the demands of tomorrow. STATUS OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING: 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan The MPO retained a consultant to prepare the 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan Update. The Plan was adopted by the MPO at a public hearing on November 19, The staff has reviewed requests for changes to the Plan but has not approved any significant changes. The staff has also reviewed the socio-economic data which is the basis for the LRTP to ensure no major changes have occurred. Downtown Intermodal Transfer Facility The County is preparing a Request For Proposals to construct facilities on the property conducive to transit usage and to generate revenue to be returned to the transit system. The project will be developed in two phases. The initial phase will involve the current station site east of the South Florida Rail corridor tracks. Tri Rail, Amtrak and Greyhound currently operate in a building on the 2

7 site. This site will be enhanced and upgraded to provide an interface for Palm Tran, the commuter rail service, the downtown shuttle, Greyhound, Amtrak, paratransit services, private operators, bicycle and pedestrian travel. The site will be designed to provide parking for Palm Tran buses within an easy access by Tri Rail passengers. Pedestrian movement on the site from the various operations will be enhanced for safety and convenience. A team consisting of representatives from the MPO, Palm Tran, Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach and Tri Rail has been assembled to seek a public-private venture to construct commercial/office facilities and possible connections to adjacent office space on the western portion of the project. Appraisals of the property are complete and preparation of the RFP has begun. The team plans to issue a Request For Proposal in the summer of South Florida Rail Corridor Improvements TCRA has received a Full Funding Agreement from the Federal Transit Administration for construction of the second track in the South Florida Rail Corridor. The Department of Transportation and TCRA are installing an additional track as appropriate throughout the South Florida Rail Corridor. The end result will be double tracks from Miami through West Palm Beach with reduced delays for Tri Rail and increased capacity for movement of people and goods by rail in Southeast Florida. Tri-County Commuter Rail System The Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority (TCRA) continues to operate a commuter rail service between West Palm Beach and Miami. In conjunction with the doubletracking project, TCRA continues to improve its existing stations and parking facilities. Planning activities for an extension of service to northern Palm Beach County along the coast as included in the adopted long range transportation plan has resulted in a proposal that is included in South Florida Transit Analysis Study by the Regional Transportation Organization (RTO). Comprehensive Plans Under Florida Statutes, the County and municipalities are required to prepare comprehensive plans to address future growth. These plans contain transportation elements for the various modes of travel. The plans may be amended twice each year for both private and public requests on schedules established by the adopting agency. The staff also reviewed and provided input to county and municipal comprehensive plans using the adopted long-range transportation plan and the TIP to ensure consistency with adopted transportation plans and programs to the maximum extent feasible. The UPWP continues the transportation planning process to ensure consistency with local comprehensive plans, to the maximum extent feasible, and is reviewed by regional and state agencies to ensure it is consistent with these plans. Transit Development Plan Update The staff continues to work with Palm Tran staff monitoring the fixed route system. The staff is working with the transit operator to evaluate and modify the route system. The TDP was used to choose projects for inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to improve the expanded system. FDOT completed the Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Study for Palm Beach County with assistance from the MPO and Palm Tran for FY 01. The MPO staff performed the evaluation for FY 02. A major update of the TDP for 2003 is being prepared by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR). The MPO staff serves on the TDP Steering Committee. The update is scheduled for completion in June. Concurrency Evaluations Under the County's Concurrency Management process, development proposals are evaluated for impacts on the existing transportation network and a future highway system. The staff projected traffic volumes on this future network using existing and approved development to determine roadways anticipated to be without adequate capacity. The staff also performed evaluations of large developments on an individual basis. The staff will assist in the review and update of the standards which are used to evaluate current and future traffic volumes for the TIP and the LRTP. 3

8 Congestion Management System Activities The staff prepared the update to the Congestion Management System Plan for Palm Beach County. The Plan contained mobility standards and measures for consideration in reviewing the transportation system. Several congested roadway links were identified with measures for reducing congestion included for consideration. The staff also expanded the CMS process to identify congested corridors for further detailed study. The MPO priorities are developed using the CMS analysis of traffic counts and capacity LOS standards. The system also evaluates improvements at intersections prior to roadway widenings. Impacts of transit routes are considered. The results are considered in the development of priorities for the TIP in reviewing the long range plan for possible changes. The staff is preparing major revisions to the CMS standards and mobility measures working with the CMS Task Force. The objective of the revisions is to expand the roadway mobility measures and revise the transit measures to provide measures reflecting operating conditions. Air Quality Certification The staff performed an Air Quality Conformity Determination review of the FY Transportation Improvement Program in conjunction with the TIP adoption in June. The results of the analysis indicated VOC and NOx emissions would meet the 1990 air quality budget established in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision. The MPO certified the Plan met the requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA). The Conformity Determination was developed jointly by the MPO, FDOT, FDEP, FHWA, FTA, PBCHD and EPA to ensure the CAAA requirements were met. A Conformity Determination was performed on the 2025 LRTP update and found to be in conformity with the requirements. The Conformity Determination also included consistency of the FY TIP with the 2025 Plan. A Federal Finding of Conformity was issued on March 14, Regional Transportation Organization The three Southeast Florida counties, TCRA, FDOT and MPOs formed a Regional Transit Organization which held it organizational meeting on March 13, The RTO agreement was extended three years to The RTO board and its Technical Advisory Committee continue to meet on a regular basis. The staff support is provided primarily by Tri Rail with assistance from the other agencies and organizations. A Regional Transit Development Plan was prepared and adopted by the Board. Committees are working on marketing, customer information services and short range plans. Projects underway include implementation of a regional Consumer Information Network, a South Broward County Bus Demonstration Project, implementation of a Smart Card Program, the South Florida Transit Analysis Study and preparation of study for the Florida East Coast Railroad corridor. The RTO also is very involved in efforts to create a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to provide more coordination of transit services and raise additional revenues. The RTA will develop a regional plan to complement the areawide plans adopted by the MPOs. US 1 Corridor Transit Study FDOT has completed a study of transit service on in the US 1 corridor from PGA Boulevard to Lake Avenue in Lake Worth. The study evaluated existing transit services using a variety of methods to determine the viability of these methods and recommended improvements in the corridor. The results indicated the service levels vary in the corridor and meet the standards in some areas while needing extensive improvements in others. The Department has programmed funds to implement some of the recommendations from the study. The recommendations include increased service frequency and installation of bus shelters at a number of locations. The MPO and Palm Tran staff are working with local municipalities and FDOT to implement the construction of transit infrastructure at the identified bus stop locations and to increase the frequency of buses along the route. The MPO is initiating a study of the remaining portion of the US 1 corridor to identify needed infrastructure. 4

9 Community Transit Study The MPO has retained a consultant to investigate the feasibility of community transit at various locations in the area. The study is identifying appropriate technologies and their associated costs. The study will also review six municipalities and prepare recommendations for service routes. The end products will also include how-to manuals for design of community transit service in a suburban area, a retirement community and an urban setting. The consultant will present existing services and policies for consideration by the MPO for implementation of grants in Palm Beach County to initiate services. PURPOSE AND INTENT The Unified Planning Work Program is designed to produce required work products to serve several purposes: 1) To aid Federal and State DOT Modal Agencies in reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the transportation planning process in metropolitan areas; 2) To aid in promoting the understanding of the relationship of transportation planning to comprehensive planning; 3) To aid in determining the adequacy or inadequacy in transportation planning proposals; 4) To aid in eliminating duplication of effort and costs; 5) To help guide the various participants in their individual planning efforts so that an integrated transportation element of the Countywide Comprehensive Plan is accomplished. The intent of the Unified Planning Work Program is to meet the requirements of the following regulations and programs: 1) Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century 2) Continuing, comprehensive and coordinated transportation planning pursuant to 23 USC 134 and 23 CFR 450, Subpart A and 49 USC; 3) Chapters and , Florida Statutes; 4) Airport planning and Technical Studies pursuant to Section 113 of the Airport and Airway Act of 1970; 5) Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990; 6) Transportation Planning, Research and Development funds administered by the Office of the Secretary, if relevant; 7) Port Development Plan prepared and funded by the Port of Palm Beach District; 8) Transportation Disadvantaged Services as set forth in Chapter 427, Florida Statutes, and Rule 41-2, FAC; 9) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) 10) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Applications for planning funding assistance will be made by the MPO through FDOT to FHWA, FTA and other agencies as appropriate. OBJECTIVE OF WORK PROGRAM The prime objective of the work program is to aid in the development and maintenance of a Coordinated Multimodal Transportation System Plan. The adopted planning goals of the MPO are: 1) Provide an efficient transportation system which safely moves people and goods at an appropriate level of service. 2) Provide a transportation system which offers a choice of modes. 3) Provide a transportation system which is compatible with area growth goals. 5

10 4) Provide a system which efficiently utilizes all available transportation funds. 5) Provide a transportation system which is compatible with the area ecological system. The Unified Planning Work Program document sets forth the activities and programs necessary in order to accomplish these goals. LEVEL OF EFFORT Palm Beach County is reaching a point where there are few remaining large areas along the coast for urban development that are not approved or under development. Some areas along the urban coast have undergone redevelopment or have redevelopment plans. Rural development patterns and life styles in the western areas still depend on the eastern urbanized areas for jobs and services, resulting in peak hour congestion problems. Some comprehensive planning goals tend to encourage development along the eastern county where infrastructure is in place, although aging, while demand is occurring in the western urbanized area. Many of the redevelopment areas have significant impacts on infrastructure requiring reconstruction and rehabilitation of transportation facilities. While the emphasis has been on addressing transportation needs with additional roadway capacity, some areas are experiencing congestion on facilities which have reached maximum buildout and need to be utilized more efficiently. Other areas have decided to limit the roadway capacity to be built and look for other modes to address transportation needs. The population increase in the past and projected for the future previously discussed indicate Palm Beach County will continue to be a high growth county. The MPO continues to expand its role in the transportation and comprehensive planning activities in Palm Beach County under TEA-21. The Congestion Management System involves a major effort by the MPO and other agencies to identify and quantify the areas and levels of congestion today and in the future. The MPO, in cooperation with other local agencies and FDOT, continues to collect data and analyze the impacts of congestion on the transportation system. The MPO is seeking input from the freight industry to identify routes and locations for freight movement and intermodal connections. Access to the Port of Palm Beach is a priority. Priorities for the TIP were established using CMS data and analysis. Implementing this program to address congestion involves cooperation and coordination of many organizations under the direction of the MPO. The need for timely data and fast response to transportation planning requests requires an updated socio-economic data base. The increased public involvement efforts have resulted in greater awareness of MPO functions by the public and increased demands for information and analysis of MPO projects and programs. The MPO is responding to these requests by providing additional information on its web site and preparing information packages for distribution in response to common questions. With the improvements to the different modes in the county, coordination to achieve an intermodal, multimodal system balance to address the goals and demands will be a challenge to be met by the MPO. The requirements of TEA-21 as well as the requirements of Florida Statutes, in combination with the growth and congestion in Palm Beach County, serve as the driving force for the level of activities by the MPO in transportation planning. PLANNING PRIORITIES Based on the level of effort required for the Palm Beach County area, the federal Planning Emphasis Areas (PEA) and the federal, state and local needs and priorities, the transportation planning process will address a number of areas and projects in the coming year. 6

11 Transportation Equity and Public Involvement (State PEA) Efficient Transportation Decision Making (Federal and State PEA) Transportation System Management and Operations (Federal PEA) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) National Architecture Transportation Safety and Security (Federal PEA) Continuation of support for Countywide growth management activities Continuation of ongoing surveillance activities Continuation of freight planning activities Enhancement of Technical Capacities of Planning (Federal PEA) Consultation with local officials (Federal PEA) Regional Planning (State PEA) Transit Quality of Service (State PEA) The staff will continue the activities to support the overall transportation planning process and respond to requests and needs as identified. CERTIFICATION COMMENTS The Federal Certification of the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization Planning Process was issued on September 10, FDOT and the MPO conducted a Joint Certification Review of the process over a three-day period with representatives from FHWA and FTA. A series of comments were made. A summary of the comments and MPO activities follows. 1. Begin implementation of an assessment process with establishment of baselines for public involvement methodologies and activities. Prepare an annual report on public involvement activities and their effectiveness. The MPO Marketing Study will include testing and evaluating various public involvement methods. The results will be baselines for the methods as well as refinement of the goals set for public involvement. 2. Continue development of brochures and pamphlets on MPO duties, responsibilities and activities for distribution at public meetings and presentations. The MPO staff has developed a brochure with a general overview of the MPO and its responsibilities. Two versions were created, with and without color. Display boards with maps have been prepared for public events which show the 2025 Transportation System Plan and the current Transportation Improvement Program projects. Both sets of promotional material were recently used at the South Florida Fair. 3. Broaden the database of public involvement contacts and improve documentation of public involvement activities. Determine the socio-economic and location information on citizens receiving information by mail and document responses. The staff is building its public contact lists through contacts and presentations with various agencies, organizations and associations. Summaries of the meetings will be prepared as part of the annual public involvement report. Mailing addresses will be cross-referenced with information associated with census demographic data. 4. Continue pursuit of a public involvement specialist on staff. A position has been created on the MPO staff for a public information specialist to be filled this summer. 5. Maintain documentation of Title VI strategies and implementation. 7

12 The MPO will document the Title VI strategies and activities it undertakes for transportation planning. 6. Consider adding rural/agricultural and Hispanic representatives to the CAC. The MPO is reviewing the composition and attendance of the current CAC membership to consider revisions of the committee. These comments will be taken into consideration during the review process. 7. Consider development of a Continuity of Operations Plan for backup of data and other activities for security and safety precautions. The FY 03 UPWP contains an Element to prepare the Plan. The MPO staff will be working with the County Emergency Management Division to incorporate MPO activities with the overall County plans. 8. Encourage the use of the ability to flex more highway funds to fund transit projects, as appropriate. The MPO will consider flexing highway funds to transit projects, as appropriate. 9. Use the planning subcommittee of the RTO to draft regional project descriptions to the used in the UPWPs. The MPO will work with the RTO to review and coordinate regional transportation planning activities. 10. Coordinate development of the greenways plan with the County Planning Department and broaden the plan to include corridors for passive recreation travel. The MPO bicycle and pedestrian committee has been expanded to include greenways into its non-motorized transportation planning activities. The MPO has agreed to fund greenway studies by the County Environmental Resource Management Department to include recreation uses of greenways. 11. Add text to future TIP advertisements and the web site to notify the public that the list of obligated projects are available and included in the TIP. The MPO will include notification of the availability of the list of Federally funded projects in future advertisements to the public. 12. Continue efforts with FDOT to improve project descriptions in the LRTP, TIP and CDR. The MPO will continue to work with FDOT to provide better project descriptions in the LRTP and the TIP. The MPO will continue to refine its identification methodology in the next LRTP update. II. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT The MPO organization consists of the MPO, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), the Bicycle/Pedestrian/Greenway Advisory Committee (BPGAC) and the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (TDCB). The MPO is composed of five county commissioners, eleven elected officials from nine cities in the study area, the Port of Palm Beach and a member of a statutorily authorized planning board. The MPO Board is responsible for providing overall policy and direction in the planning of short-term 8

13 improvements to the transportation system and the long-range transportation system plan. The MPO also serves as the coordination mechanism for transportation planning in the county and with the various state agencies for transportation and land use plans. The TAC consists of 17 members who are engineers and planners from state, county and municipal departments who are involved in the transportation system and provide technical input to the process. This process involves analysis of the transportation system components and their interaction at the local, areawide and state level. This input is provided to the MPO and various modal agencies through staff presentations and memorandums with the recommendations. The TAC also operates as a coordination mechanism for FDOT proposed roadway improvements. The CAC is composed of citizens representing various population segments as required by TEA- 21 and Florida Statutes and interest groups as outlined in the MPO Public Involvement Process (PIP) who are appointed by the MPO Board to serve as advisors to the MPO to provide input to goals and service provisions. The PIP provides for the CAC to take the lead in obtaining public input through public meetings and review of MPO programs and documents. The BPGAC is composed of cyclists, planners and law enforcement representatives from the public and private sectors. The TDCB is composed of representatives from state agencies and local interest groups in the area of disadvantaged transportation services as required by state rules. All boards and committees are governed by adopted MPO Rules of Procedure which set forth membership, responsibilities and the conduct of meetings. The MPO also serves on the InterMPO Air Quality Technical Committee composed of representatives from the Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade MPOs, FDOT Districts 4 and 6, local air quality programs, FDEP and Regional Planning Councils. This committee meets on a periodic basis to discuss regional air quality issues and transportation plans. The MPO is also a member of the Regional Transportation Organization formed by interlocal agreement in Southeast Florida to coordinate transit planning and operations. Tri Rail provides administrative support and technical analysis of RTO activities. The MPO has a number of agreements in place to facilitate the transportation planning process. A list and execution status of these agreements follows. - Urban Planning Agreement - October 21, 1981 (transportation planning in accordance with federal and state requirements) - Intergovernmental Coordination and Review and Public Transportation Coordination Joint Participation Agreement - July 13, 1999 (coordination of multimodal transportation planning and comprehensive plans ) - Pl Section 112 Joint Participation Agreement - December 12, 1980 (funding of transportation planning activities using FHWA sources) - MPO Interlocal Agreement - May 5, 2000 (creates the MPO to reflect membership apportionment) - MPO Staff Services Agreement - October 22, 1985 (provides staff for carrying out MPO activities) - Palm Beach County School District - March 8, 1978 (coordination with School Board activities affecting transportation) - State of Florida State Implementation Plan Memorandum of Agreement for Transportation Conformity (Second Amendment) - December 21, 1998 (enforcement of air quality requirements) - Regional Transportation Organization Interlocal Agreement First Amendment (creates the RTO) August 18, 2000 The Port of Palm Beach has received membership on the MPO to ensure involvement in the 9

14 transportation planning process and no separate agreement for participation in the transportation planning process is needed. The MPO coordinates its transportation planning activities with the other MPO's in Southeast Florida through regular meetings and correspondence. Coordination of air quality planning and implementation is fostered on a technical level through the InterMPO Air Quality Technical Coordinating Committee composed of staff from the MPOs, FDOT districts, regional planning councils, local air pollution control agencies and FDEP for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. This committee meets approximately every other month. The MPO coordinates with all MPO's in the state through the Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council (MPOAC). The MPOAC is composed of an elected official from each MPO in the state and serves as a forum to discuss transportation issues and provide advice and input to FDOT plans and programs. Interaction with the local municipalities occurs through the TAC and MPO as well as comprehensive planning activities. LOBBYING CERTIFICATION In response to relevant laws and regulations governing the use of federal and state grants, the MPO has included a certification concerning the use of these funds for lobbying purposes. No Federal or state funds are used for lobbying. The certification statement is included in this document. CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS It is a requirement for MPOs to include an assurance that federal funds are not being used for procurement from persons who have been debarred or suspended, in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR Part 29, subparts A through E. The MPO has included this Certification in this document. 10

15 PALM BEACH METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION CERTIFICATION FOR GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that: (1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any Federal agency, a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan or cooperative agreement. (2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any Federal agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL. Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying. in accordance with its instruction. (3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subgrants, and contracts and subcontracts under grants, subgrants, loans, and cooperative agreement) which exceed $100,000, and that all such subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by Section 1352, Title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each failure. Randy M. Whitfield, Executive Secretary Date John F. Koons, Chairman Date APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: Assistant County Attorney 11

16 PALM BEACH METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION CERTIFICATION As required by U. S. DOT regulations on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) at 49 CFR (1) The Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization hereby certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals: (a) (b) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency; Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, state, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, state, or local) with commission of any offense listed in paragraph (b) of this certification; and (d) Have not with a three-year period preceding this certification had one or more public transactions (Federal, state, or local) terminated for cause or default. (2) The Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization also hereby certifies that if, later, it becomes aware of any information contradicting the statements of paragraphs (a) through (d) above, it will promptly provide that information to the U. S. DOT. Date John F. Koons, Chair Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization 12

17 III. WORK PROGRAM The Work Program consists of the various elements required to carry out the 3-C (continuing, coordinated and comprehensive) transportation planning process. These elements encompass the administration of the program, the continuing surveillance activities, plan monitoring and update, management systems and specific projects. Throughout the transportation planning process, the planning factors contained in TEA- 21 are considered and serve as guidance. Each element is described individually. 13

18 Table 1: TEA-21 PLANNING AREAS BY WORK ELEMENT Planning Factors Support economic vitality Increase safety and security Increase accessibility and mobility Protect and enhance the environment Enhance integration and connectivity Promote efficient system management Emphasize preservation of the system TASK 1.1 Administration and Coordination X X X X X X X 1.2 Unified Planning Work Program Development X X X X X X X 1.3 FDOT "PL" Matching Share X X X X X X X 1.4 FDOT FTA Matching Share X X X X X X X 1.5 Public Involvement Process X X X X X X X 2.1 Socio-Economic Surveillance X X X X X 2.2 Transportation System Surveillance X X X X X X X 2.3 Congestion Management System X X X X X X X 3.1 Long Range Transportation Planning X X X X X 3.2 Short Range Transportation Planning (TIP) X X X X X X X 3.3 Comprehensive Planning Activities X X X 3.4 Air Quality Planning Activities X 3.5 Regional Transportation Planning X X X X X 3.6 Short Range Transit Planning (TDP) X X X X X X 3.7 Regional Transportation Organization/Authority X X X X X 3.8 Community Impact Assessment X X X X X X X 3.9 Efficient Transportation Decision Making Process X X X X X X X 4.1 Project Impact Review X X X 4.2 Bicycle Pedestrian Greenway Planning X X X X X X X 4.3 Non-Emergency Trans Disadvantaged Planning X X X X 4.4 Intelligent Transportation Systems Planning X X X X X X 4.5 Community Transit Services X X X X 4.6 Goods Movement Planning X X X X X 4.7 Transit Corridor Evaluation X X X X X X 4.8 Intermodal Facility Planning X X X X X 4.9 Roadway Corridor Study X X X X X 4.10 Water Taxi Service Expansion X X 4.11 Continuity of Operations Plan X 5.1 Tri-Rail Coord and LR Master Plan Implementation X X X X X 5.2 PBC Natural Areas Master Plan X X X Revised 4/29/03 14

19 Table 2: FEDERAL PLANNING EMPHASIS AREAS BY WORK ELEMENT Planning Emphasis Areas Task 1.1 Administration and Coordination X X X X X 1.2 Unified Planning Work Program Development X X X X X 1.3 FDOT "PL" Matching Share X X X X X 1.4 FDOT FTA Matching Share X X X X X 1.5 Public Involvement Process X X X X X 2.1 Socio-Economic Surveillance X X X 2.2 Transportation System Surveillance X X X X 2.3 Congestion Management System X X X 3.1 Long Range Transportation Planning X X X X X 3.2 Short Range Transportation Planning (TIP) X X X X 3.3 Comprehensive Planning Activities X X X 3.4 Air Quality Planning Activities X X 3.5 Regional Transportation Planning X X X 3.6 Short Range Transit Planning (TDP) X X X X 3.7 Regional Transportation Organization/Authority X X 3.8 Sociocultural Effects and Community Characteristics X X X X 3.9 Efficient Transportation Decision Making Process X X X 4.1 Project Impact Review X 4.2 Bicycle Pedestrian Greenway Planning X X X 4.3 Non-Emergency Trans Disadvantaged Planning X 4.4 Intelligent Transportation Systems Planning X X X X 4.5 Community Transit Services X X 4.6 Goods Movement Planning X X X 4.7 Transit Corridor Evaluation X X X 4.8 Intermodal Facility Planning X X 4.9 Roadway Corridor Study X X X X 4.1 Water Taxi Service Expansion X X 4.11 Continuity of Operations Plan X X X X 5.1 Tri-Rail Coord and LR Master Plan Implementation X X X 5.2 PBC Natural Areas Master Plan X X X Revised 4/29/03 Safety and Security Integrated Planning and Environ Process/ETDM Enhancing Technical Capacity Consultation with Local Officials Management and Operations in Planning 15

20 1.0 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION The administration and coordination of the West Palm Beach Urban Study Area Transportation Planning Program has been accomplished through the utilization of the Metropolitan Planning Organization's staff and facilities. These functions are carried out within the adopted administration policies of the Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County and the applicable Florida Statutes. Where federal funds are involved, policies and procedures follow the appropriate federal regulations. 16

21 Element 1.1 Administration and Coordination Purpose To administer the requirements of the transportation planning process in Palm Beach County and coordinate the transportation activities of federal, state and local agencies to assure continuity and proper interfacing between modes. Previous Work Administration of the urban study area transportation planning process; coordination of planning activities; updates of necessary documentation; performance of audits; indirect costs allocation plans; attendance at meetings, conferences, courses and technical sessions. Methodology Administrative functions required to carry out the transportation planning process will be performed. The preparation of agenda packages and minutes in support of MPO, TAC and CAC meetings will be done. The maintenance of financial records, invoices, quarterly progress reports and annual audits meeting the requirements of OMB Circular A-133 will be continued. The certification process will be performed in accordance with Metropolitan Planning Organization Program Management Handbook and the requirements of the TEA-21. The activities of the WPBUSA will be coordinated through correspondence and meetings with other Southeast Florida MPOs, the Florida MPO Advisory Council, FHWA, FTA, FDOT, the Regional Planning Council, local entities and other organizations necessary to maintain the transportation planning process. Attendance of quarterly Florida MPO Advisory Council meetings, subcommittee meetings and their support activities will be performed. End Product Minutes and reports required for the transportation planning process-continuing. Indirect Costs Allocation Plan-April Countywide Audit Report meeting FDOT Single Audit Procedure, Topic No e and OMB Circular A-133-June. Responsible Agency: Metropolitan Planning Organization Participating Agencies: FHWA, FTA, FDOT Funding Sources: FHWA/PL 60,000 FTA/Sec ,000 FDOT/FTA 5,625 MPO 5,625 TOTAL 116,250 Note: FDOT cash match for FTA funds also shown in Element 1.4 FDOT FTA Matching Share. 17

22 Element 1.2 Unified Planning Work Program Development Purpose To develop the annual work program to administer the requirements of the transportation planning process in the urban study area and coordinate the MPO transportation planning activities of federal, state and local agencies to assure continuity and proper interfacing between modes. Previous Work Annual Unified Planning Work Program preparation and maintenance. Methodology The initial preparation and processing of subsequent modifications to the Unified Planning Work Program will be carried out in accordance with the Metropolitan Planning Organization Program Management Handbook. The staff will respond to comments provided by Federal and state modal agencies from the review of the draft UPWP. The staff will also submit changes to the work tasks and budget as required in response to changes in scope and costs. The staff will provide quarterly progress reports and reimbursement requests to FDOT. Tasks developed in the UPWP are coordinated with local government comprehensive plans and regional policy plans. The Palm Beach MPO will work with the Broward and Miami-Dade MPOs to develop consistent language for regional transportation planning tasks. End Product Unified Planning Work Program-May. Progress Reports and Reimbursement Requests-quarterly Responsible Agency: Metropolitan Planning Organization Participating Agencies: FHWA, FTA, FDOT Funding Sources: FHWA/PL 5,000 TOTAL 5,000 18

23 Element 1.3 Florida Department of Transportation "PL" Matching Share Purpose To provide FDOT's matching share of FHWA PL funds. Previous Work Matching share for PL funds in previous Unified Planning Work Programs. Methodology The Florida Department of Transportation, by agreement, will provide "soft" matching share (18.07%) for FHWA PL funds utilized by the MPO in carrying out the staff functions of the transportation planning process. These funds will use toll revenue expenditures as a credit toward the non-federal share. These services will consist of attendance of meetings, assistance in review and application of the transportation models, review of invoices and progress reports and similar items. A soft match will not be used for funding of third-party contracts or equipment purchases. End Product FDOT "soft" matching share for FHWA PL funds. Responsible Agency: Florida Department of Transportation Participating Agencies: NA Funding Sources: FDOT 144,036 TOTAL 144,036 19

24 Element 1.4 Florida Department of Transportation Sections 5303 Matching Share Purpose To provide FDOT's matching share of FTA Sections 5303 funds. Previous Work Matching share for Sections 5303 funds in previous Unified Planning Work Programs. Methodology The Florida Department of Transportation will provide a 10% cash matching share for FTA Sections 5303 funds utilized by the MPO in carrying out the functions of the transportation planning process. These services will include meeting attendance, review and comment on transit plans, assistance in application of transportation models to transit and similar items. End Product FDOT cash matching share for FTA Sections 5303 funds. Responsible Agency: Florida Department of Transportation Participating Agencies: NA Funding Sources: FDOT/Sec ,750 TOTAL 53,750 Note: FDOT cash match for FTA funds also shown in respective work elements. 20

25 Element 1.5 Public Involvement Process Purpose To provide and encourage opportunities for public input to the MPO programs and transportation planning process. Previous Work MPO and committee meetings with opportunities for public input on transportation, distribution of material to media for dissemination to public, newsletters with MPO activities, presentations to local civic and homeowners groups, local access channel television programs on subjects of interest, interviews with local media, internet Web site with meeting notices, transportation programs and plans, draft scope of services for marketing, public involvement methodologies and criteria for community identification. Methodology The MPO has adopted and updated a Public Involvement Process (PIP) describing efforts to reach the public and provide opportunities for the public to participate in the transportation planning programs. The composition of the CAC is set forth in the PIP. The staff will continue to meet with organizations and civic groups such as chambers of commerce, civic organizations, homeowner associations and similar organizations to discuss MPO plans and programs. Efforts will continue to be made to provide information and receive input from traditionally underserved and underrepresented populations through contacts identified in the CIA program. The plan will include provisions for documenting the distribution of benefits and adverse environmental impacts at the plan and project level. A newsletter with transportation planning information and issues will be distributed semiannually. MPO documents will be placed in regional libraries for review and comment by the public. The MPO will maintain a Web site for providing meeting notices, agendas, plans, programs and transportation information. The site will include the newsletter and opportunities for public input. The PIP will be assessed to determine its effectiveness in providing public access. The MPO will also use feedback mechanisms on its web page and in the newsletter. The process will also include identification of activities to improve the program. The MPO will solicit consultant services to carry out the requirements of the draft scope of services for MPO marketing and public involvement techniques and effectiveness. The estimated cost of the study is $50,000 and is being carried over from the FY 03 UPWP. End Product Public involvement in the MPO transportation planning process-ongoing. Semiannual newsletters-july and January. Website maintenance and updates-ongoing. PIP Effectiveness Assessment-ongoing. Media announcements-as needed. MPO Marketing Survey and Outreach Plan-April. Responsible Agency: Metropolitan Planning Organization Participating Agencies: FHWA, FTA, FDOT Funding Sources: FHWA/PL 105,000* MPO 11,028* TOTAL 116,028 *Carryover of 61,028 for MPO Marketing Study completion. 21