Web TELUS helps users find information about planned transportation projects in the Region.
The new version of Web TELUS is much easier to navigate and is now mobile-responsive. This interactive, web-based program allows users to see details about transportation improvements scheduled to be completed within the next four years. Information about project type (e.g., roadway widening, sidewalk/curb cut addition, etc.), the agency in charge, location, and description of the project, is available to view and/or print. Additional reports are available to download such as funding tracking, plus audit and status reports. During public comment periods, a place to make comments will be available for each project. A short tutorial video demonstrating how to use Web TELUS is available at mvrpc.org/telus/mvrpc-telus-howto.html.
TRAC Approves Funding for Montgomery and Greene US 35 Projects
We are pleased to report that the Miami Valley’s anticipated funds from the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), for the US 35 corridor, were approved on January 24, 2018. With great teamwork and innovation among MVRPC, the ODOT District, Central Office, and Greater Dayton Chamber, the Montgomery County US 35 widening is slated to start during state Fiscal Year 2021, possibly as early as July 2020, the start of the fiscal year. TRAC approved $8.7M toward the widening, which will be combined with MVRPC’s $2.9M and $2.4M from the ODOT District 7 annual budget. Approved in 2017, TRAC reaffirmed the Tier 1 status and $2.7M in funding for the Greene County US 35 Superstreet project. These new funds combined with $1.5M from Greene Co., Beavercreek, and Beavercreek Township, $3M from MVRPC, and $6M from other state sources for a total project award of $13.2 M. This project will convert the Factory and Orchard intersections into a Superstreet design: right turn only intersections from the side streets onto US 35 and the addition of signal controlled “U” turns through the median to accommodate the other directional movements.
TRAC also included $2M for the Valley-Trebein Intersection with US 35 as a Tier III project evenly split between design and purchase of right of way for the new improvement. The currently signalized intersection is located east of the proposed Superstreet improvement. With the future traffic forecasts, the Superstreet improvement, and the surrounding development potential, it is important to continue development of this project. We will track these projects and provide updates as they progress.
MVRPC Launches Greater Region Transit Coordination Program
A shortage of transit funding and duplicative transportation programs funded through dozens of federal and state agencies has led ODOT to plan for the creation of brokerages and coordinated transportation systems. The initial step in determining the feasibility for such a vision is the creation of a regional coordination plan.
Beginning in January, MVRPC started working with ODOT on the Greater Region Transit Coordination Program. MVRPC was awarded an ODOT grant to develop a coordination plan for a nine county Greater Region. A pilot coordinated planning program in eastern Ohio was also funded. The Greater Region includes counties that don’t usually benefit from MVRPC services.
In addition to the MPO counties (Montgomery, Greene, and Miami Counties), current MVRPC member Preble County is included in the Greater Region Transit Coordination planning process. Other counties include former MVRPC member Darke County, nearby partner MPO Springfield-Clark County, and participants in Logan, Champaign, and Shelby Counties will work with MVRPC on the plan.
We have chosen a new planner that is housed in the SS&TA department to lead this planning process. The SS&TA department, under the direction of Kim Lahman, will lead the charge. As the scope and outcomes of the coordination plan are developed, we will keep the MVRPC committees informed of our progress.
Governor Kasich Announces DriveOhio on January 18, 2018
With the stroke of a pen, Governor John R. Kasich created DriveOhio as the focus of Ohio’s deployment of transportation technology. Autonomous vehicles, vehicle platoons, traveler information, and other uses of technology in transportation will be researched, tested, and adopted by DriveOhio. According to their press release, DriveOhio will be housed within ODOT and its first Executive Director will be Mr. Jim Barna, Deputy Director. According to Mr. Barna, DriveOhio will be the state’s leading transportation technology entity. As the technology is applied throughout Ohio, other region’s will be able to include technology in their long range transportation plans and ultimately readied for funding just as road, bridge, and trail projects are today. DriveOhio has the potential of being a unique public-private entity and research institute. We will be included in the planning process for envisioning Drive Ohio and the future of Ohio transportation system.
MCD’s 2017 Review of Precipitation and High Water Events in the Region.
Miami Conservancy District released a detailed summary of 2017’s precipitation and high water events in the Region via email. The email included this chart showing the average annual precipitation for each year since 1945. The Region has been on an upward trend.
To read the full report from Miami Conservancy District, click here.
On a monthly basis, MVRPC highlights new funding opportunities on our website at www.mvrpc.org/grant-and-funding-opportunities. These grant and funding opportunities were found through our use of Grantfinder software. A description, contact information and program links are included on these new sources. In addition, the website includes other valuable resources for your funding pursuits. This month we are featuring information on:
- Ohio Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Grant – Deadline: March 5, 2018.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Hope VI Main Street Program – Deadline: April 12, 2018 (Estimated).
If you need assistance with your grant pursuit or further research, please contact Martin Kim, Director of Regional Planning, at 937.223.6323 or mkim@mvrpc.org.
Upcoming MVRPC Meetings:
2/15/2018 9:30 a.m. Technical Advisory Committee – MVRPC - 10 N. Ludlow St., Suite 700, Dayton, Ohio
2/27/2018 9:00 a.m. Human Services Transportation Council – Goodwill Easter Seals – 660 S. Main St., Dayton, Ohio
3/01/2018 8:30 a.m. Executive Committee – 1515 S. Main St., Dayton, Ohio
3/01/2018 9:00 a.m. Board of Directors – 1515 S. Main St., Dayton, Ohio
3/15/2018 9:30 a.m. Technical Advisory Committee – MVRPC - 10 N. Ludlow St., Suite 700, Dayton, Ohio
4/05/2018 8:30 a.m. Executive Committee – 1515 S. Main St., Dayton, Ohio
4/05/2018 9:00 a.m. Board of Directors – 1515 S. Main St., Dayton, Ohio
February 2018 Executive Director's Update available for download.