Tuesday, May 25
May 25, 2010Thursday, May 27
May 27, 2010The Houma-Thibodaux Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) recently approved a four-year transportation plan that will give area roadways a much-needed makeover. The current plan is expected to extend through 2014 and will call for a variety of projects in parts of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. If officials choose, the plan can be altered by next year.
MPO’s are responsible for planning transportation projects in coordination with state, local and federal agencies in areas with a population of at least 50,000. But their approach is two-pronged. They create the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to address immediate needs. On the other hand, a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is drafted to tackle problems that can arise down the road – literally.
In many instances, the TIP takes on projects from the MTP.
The group also approved a long-term plan, drafted by engineers at Neel-Schaffer, during a board meeting earlier this month. The plan will span nearly 25 years, but updates are required every five years.
The purpose of the TIP and MTP are to make roadways a safer, smoother place for motorists to travel. Project designs approved by the MPO are also eligible to receive some federal funding. To complete the projects, however, local dollars are usually needed.
According to draft documents issued by the MPO, “Inclusion of a project in the TIP is a condition for federal funding but does not guarantee it.”
The governor must also approve TIP projects. Once that is done, projects become part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
Population numbers are expected to increase throughout the region over the next few years, making these initiatives a top priority for city officials. There are five major projects included in the TIP approved earlier this month, totaling more than $10 million.
By 2011, about $34 million will be spent from different sources on a slew of roadway improvement projects. In 2012, area leaders plan to see an additional $17 million funneled into the parish for similar tasks.
