A Framework for in Northwest Michigan

TransportationA Framework For In Northwest Michigan MICHIGAN PROSPERITY REGION 2 TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER: 2015 A Framework for Growth and Investment to identify the steps a community can they supersede and local government in Northwest Michigan was prepared as take to address a local issue, if desired. decision-making. Moreover, the part of the Framework for Our Future: A Framework is not intended for, nor shall it Regional Prosperity Plan for Northwest The Framework for Our Future was be used for, infringing upon or the taking Michigan, a regional resource for local developed by Networks Northwest with of personal property rights enjoyed by governments, community organizations input and partnerships from a variety of the residents of Northwest Michigan. working to meet local goals. The community stakeholders and members Rather, the information included in Framework was developed as part of of the public. An intensive community the Framework is instead intended Michigan’s Regional Prosperity Initiative, outreach process featured a wide variety to serve as a compilation of best as initiated by Governor Rick Snyder and of opportunities for participation from the practices to help guide local decision- signed into law as a part of the FY 2014 public: events, surveys, focus groups, makers who would like to address the budget. The Regional Prosperity Initiative online forums, and public discussions issues identified in the Framework. encourages local private, public, and were held region-wide throughout non-profit partners to identify regionally the process. Outreach activities and aligned growth and investment strategies engagement opportunities included for the State of Michigan to support, not a series of community dialogues, the other way around. It also provides interviews, and other events designed the framework for streamlining state to obtain input from individuals with services and highlighting the regionally disabilities, minorities, youth, those in defined goals and strategies that will poverty, and others that have historically further Northwest Michigan’s success. been underrepresented in planning processes. Public input was used to The Framework for Our Future includes identify priority community issues information and tools that can help and concerns, and to help develop stakeholders address issues such goals, strategies, and actions. as housing, transportation, land use, A REGIONAL PROSPERITY PLAN energy, arts and culture, workforce and The goals, strategies, and actions FOR NORTHWEST LOWER MICHIGAN economic development, community included in the Framework were built health, food and farming systems, and upon public input heard throughout natural resources. Data and information the process, as well as on existing and will help communities supplement adopted goals from local plans and their local deliberation, planning, and planning initiatives. Strategies are not decision-making processes, and will help intended as recommendations, nor do INTRODUCTION 3 NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION 31 Transportation & Economic 4 Northwest Michigan Regional 33 In This Report Prosperity Non-Motorized Strategy TRANSPORTATION PLANNING 5 RAIL, AIR, WATER & FREIGHT 35 Transportation Planning 6 TRANSPORTATION Legislation Predicting Future Travel 9 MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION 40 State Transportation Plans 13 NETWORK ROADS & HIGHWAYS 14 LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST 42 Transportation Planning 17 FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES 44 Resources Data, Education & Outreach 46 Levels of Service 19 Planning & Policy 48 Transportation Access & Equity 23 Financing & Incentives 50 TRANSIT 26 Development & Implementation 52 Transit Plans & Studies 27 2 © A Framework for Transportation: Introduction Northwest Michigan’s transportation network of roads, trails, rail, air, and water transportation is perhaps one of its most critical economic development assets. Our road systems, in particular, are foundational elements to both our lifestyles and our economy, providing mobility and access to employment, housing, services, and recreation. In addition, our road networks connect us to the global economy and facilitate the movement of goods and services within and between communities: all parts of our economy, from manufacturers to the tourism industry, rely on the ability to access a well-maintained road network. An effective transportation system relies on more than roads alone, however. Public transit systems are vital options for many residents—particularly for the elderly, disabled, and others without a vehicle—in getting to work, shopping, and medical appointments. Non- motorized transportation networks encourage healthy physical activity and promote economic opportunities, while providing additional important Improving and enhancing transportation infrastructure connects communities and transportation options for those that is vital to the region’s economy. can’t or don’t drive; and walkable communities with ample non-motorized connections are becoming increasingly local funding for road maintenance • Lake Michigan, the Grand Traverse desirable places to live. Rail and and improvements, the Michigan Bay, Little Traverse Bay, and air transportation, meanwhile, are Department of Transportation manages hundreds of inland lakes comprise important elements of our economic state and federal roads throughout a significant portion of the region’s infrastructure, transporting freight the region, transit agencies provide boundaries and land area. These to and from the region, and in the bus services in many of the region’s waterbodies limit a grid based case of air transportation, supporting counties, and local governments, road network and concentrate both business and tourism activity. road agencies, and advocacy groups travel into relatively narrow areas, Maintaining, enhancing, and improving come together to develop bike paths creating congestion in many areas. this multi-modal transportation and trails. Additionally, some local infrastructure is vital to our region’s governments and road agencies • Long winters put an extra burden economy, connecting communities to have adopted Complete Street on road conditions and road each other and to global markets. resolutions to ensure transportation agency budgets, and continuous network design and improvements reductions in gas tax revenues Planning for these many transportation meet the needs of all users, including diminish the resources available elements requires involvement passenger vehicles, commercial to meet ever increasing demands from many agencies and non-profit vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. for infrastructure maintenance organizations that spend millions of and improvements. dollars annually to maintain and improve Even with all these efforts, a number of the transportation network. County key issues present challenges in local, • Decisions on transportation Road Commissions and some local county, and regional efforts to provide investments are made by diverse units of government receive state and the most effective transportation system: and distinct entities with differing 3 funding sources and requirements, are available. Public input indicates The ability of the region to meet these making coordinated multi-modal that limited schedules and long challenges will require significant investments more challenging. travel times discourage the use of coordination, communication and transit for accessing employment consensus throughout the region. • Transportation costs are among the or services—particularly for A Framework for Transportation largest household expenses for most low-income workers, who often in Northwest Michigan identifies Americans, second only to housing. work nights and weekends. opportunities and roles for various For lower income workers, many of community players to meet local, county, whom must live farther away from • Bicycle lanes and paths are and regional transportation needs in a the region’s employment centers, expanding, but there are still many coordinated fashion in order to maximize transportation costs can exceed connections that are needed to transportation investments. For instance, the costs of housing in some rural provide a viable transportation local policies such as Complete Streets areas. In some areas, the combined alternative; and the focus on non- ordinances or resolutions can aid in costs of housing and transportation motorized options has been on accommodating all road users, while consume nearly three-quarters of their recreational value, versus coordination among transit stakeholders an average household’s income. their transportation utility. can work to coordinate regional transit programs to improve travel times • There are few viable alternatives • There are differences among and cross-county service. In addition to the private automobile. There decision makers and the citizenry to local and regional strategies, the have been significant improvements on the best way to improve mobility Framework for Transportation also to transit systems in the Grand and access: some believe that includes the Transportation Improvement Traverse area, with fixed routes expanding existing roads and Program, which features a list of major within the Traverse City and building new roads is best, while transportation projects to occur in commuter routes from Benzie and others believe that we can’t the region over the next 5 years, as Leelanau County to Traverse City, build our way out of congestion prioritized by local communities. but large geographies and limited and will

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