PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION PLAN
Adopted November 24, 2015
Prepared by the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization
Table of Contents
Introduction ...... 1 CCMPO Structure ...... 1 CCMPO Responsibilities ...... 2 Public Laws ...... 3 Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 ...... 3 Environmental Justice ...... 3 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) ...... 4
Centre County Demographics...... 5 County Population ...... 5 Population by Age ...... 5 Population by Race ...... 6 Limited English Proficiency ...... 6 Poverty Status ...... 7
Interested Parties ...... 8
Public Participation Principles ...... 10
Outreach Techniques ...... 10 Public Meetings ...... 11 Targeted Outreach Strategies ...... 11
Public Participation for Major CCMPO Activities ...... 13 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) - Adoption and Amendments ...... 13 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) ...... 14 Public Participation Plan ...... 15
Future Actions ...... 16
Evaluation Procedures for Public Participation Plan ...... 17
How to Get Involved ...... 19
Figures Figure 1: Centre County Planning Regions ...... 2 Figure 2: Centre County Population Comparisons ...... 5 Figure 3: Centre County Population Forecasts ...... 5 Figure 4: Population by Age Group ...... 6 Figure 5: Population by Race ...... 6 Figure 6: Number of LEP Persons in Centre County ...... 6 Figure 7: Language Spoken at Home by LEP Persons in Centre County ...... 7 Figure 8: Poverty Status ...... 7 Figure 9: Interested Parties ...... 8
Appendices Appendix A: Centre County MPO Committee Members ...... 21 Appendix B: Environmental Justice Elderly Population Maps ...... 23
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Appendix C: Environmental Justice Minority Population Maps ...... 25 Appendix D: Environmental Justice Poverty Maps ...... 27 Appendix E: Sample Centre County MPO Meeting Advertisement ...... 29 Appendix F: Sample Centre County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Public Meeting Advertisement ...... 30 Appendix G: Centre County Press Release Distribution List ...... 31 Appendix H: Procedures for TIP Modifications ...... 32 Appendix I: Formal Public Comment Period ...... 37
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INTRODUCTION
Public participation is an integral part of the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (CCMPO’s) transportation planning process. This Public Participation Plan (PPP) outlines a series of standard procedures for informing the public and involving them in a meaningful planning process that provides complete information, timely public notice, and full access by all segments of the population.
The Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO)
Federal law and regulations require that local and state officials work cooperatively to maintain a continuous and comprehensive long-range transportation planning program. In urbanized areas with populations over 50,000 persons, this federal mandate is carried out by a formal group called a "metropolitan planning organization (MPO)."
The Centre Region MPO was formed in 1982, succeeding the Centre Region Area Transportation Study (CRATS) as the entity responsible for conducting long-range transportation planning in the State College, PA area. The Centre Region MPO coordinated transportation planning efforts in a geographic area that included Benner, College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, Patton, and Spring Townships; Bellefonte Borough; and State College Borough. Effective January 2004, the Centre Region MPO was expanded to a countywide organization—the Centre County MPO (CCMPO). The CCMPO’s geographic area includes all of Centre County, encompassing 35 municipalities. The CCMPO works closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) to identify and prioritize transportation improvement projects in Centre County.
CCMPO Structure
The policy-making body of the CCMPO is the Coordinating Committee, which is ultimately responsible for the transportation planning activities mandated in federal laws and regulations. The Coordinating Committee includes nineteen voting members from county and local government, public agencies, and PennDOT. A Technical Committee composed of members from the same organizations represented on the Coordinating Committee provides advisory comments and recommendations to the Coordinating Committee. A list of current CCMPO Technical and Coordinating Committee representatives is included as Appendix A.
Voting members include:
Centre County (2 members) Lower Bald Eagle Valley Planning Region Benner Township Moshannon Valley Planning Region College Township Mountaintop Planning Region Ferguson Township Nittany Valley Planning Region Halfmoon Township Penns Valley Planning Region Harris Township Upper Bald Eagle Valley Planning Region Patton Township Centre Area Transportation Authority State College Borough Centre Regional Planning Commission PennDOT Central Office (Harrisburg) PennDOT District 2-0 Office (Clearfield)
Non-voting members include:
The Pennsylvania State University Federal Highway Administration Federal Transit Administration
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As noted above, some voting members of the MPO represent multi-municipal Planning Regions. The seven Centre County Planning Regions are illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Centre County Planning Regions
CCMPO Responsibilities
Federal transportation authorization legislation, such as Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and its predecessor, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), outline the primary roles and responsibilities of MPOs, which include the development of a Long Range Transportation Plan (minimum twenty-year horizon), the development of a short-range (four-year) Transportation Improvement Program, and public involvement efforts. This legislation also specifies MPO planning activities, and establishes the required processes for these activities.
One of the CCMPO’s primary responsibilities is to approve the use of federal funds for highway and transit projects within Centre County. This responsibility is fulfilled through the development and adoption of the short-range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP details the proposed expenditure of federal funds and some state capital funds for specific projects during a four-year period, within specified limits of financial constraint. The TIP is updated every two years. The list of projects on the TIP is identical to the “First Four Years” segment of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Twelve Year Program (TYP), which is developed at the same time as the TIP and adopted by the State Transportation Commission.
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In order to be included on the short-range TIP, projects must also be included on the MPO's adopted Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The adoption of the Centre County LRTP is another primary responsibility of the CCMPO.
The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 also specify planning activities for MPOs, particularly for areas exhibiting air quality that is not in attainment with acceptable standards. Because Centre County is in attainment under the 2008 Ozone Standard, no special planning activities or processes are required at this time.
To facilitate citizen involvement in the planning process used to develop the LRTP and TIP, the MPO has adopted this Public Participation Plan. The CCMPO is committed to a proactive public involvement process and supports early and continuing public involvement in the development of transportation plans and programs.
The efforts outlined in the Public Participation Plan focus on identifying, seeking out, and engaging populations that have traditionally been underserved by existing transportation systems, including minority populations, low-income populations, non-English speakers and those with limited English proficiency, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
To enhance opportunities for public involvement, the CCMPO will coordinate its public involvement activities with those of PennDOT, CATA, the Centre County municipalities, other public agencies, and transportation stakeholders.
Public Laws
Public involvement in the transportation planning and programming process has been a priority for federal, state, and local officials since the passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in 1991; and public involvement has remained a hallmark of the transportation planning process in ISTEA’s successors: The Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), SAFETEA-LU, and MAP-21.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. In operating a federally assisted program, a recipient cannot, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, either directly or through contractual means, deny a program service, aid, or benefit; provide a different service, aid, or benefit; provide a service, aid, or benefit in a different manner than provided to others; or segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any service, aid, or benefit.
Environmental Justice
Public involvement must also consider Presidential Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines Environmental Justice as the “fair treatment of people of all races, cultures and income with respect to development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, programs and policies.” Fair treatment means that no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from the operation of industrial, municipal, and commercial enterprises and from the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.
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The Federal Highway Administration articulates three fundamental environmental justice principles:
To avoid, minimize, or mitigate disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects, including social and economic effects, on minority populations and low- income populations.
To ensure the full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process.
To prevent the denial of, reduction in, or significant delay in the receipt of benefits by minority and low-income populations.
Title VI and the Executive Order on Environmental Justice do not provide specific guidance for evaluating Environmental Justice concerns within a region's transportation planning process. Therefore, MPOs must devise their own methods for ensuring that Environmental Justice matters are considered in the transportation decision-making process. The CCMPO uses the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey (ACS) 2009-2013 five-year estimates to identify and map traditionally underserved populations at the census tract level. A regional average for each population group will be calculated, and any census tract that meets or exceeds the regional average will be considered an Environmental Justice tract for that group.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Public entities are required to make services, programs, and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes conducting meetings and hearings in ADA-compliant buildings and providing special accommodations to ensure communications are equally effective for persons with disabilities in order to allow for full participation in meetings, planning, and programming activities.
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CENTRE COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS
Centre County demographic data will be used by the CCMPO to develop strategies for meeting federal and state requirements related to public outreach to traditionally underserved populations. For planning purposes, Centre County is divided into seven Planning Regions, as shown in Figure 1 on Page 2.
County Population
U.S. Census data1 from 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010 shows a steady increase in Centre County’s population. The population of Centre County increased by 10.7% between 1980 and 1990, 8.8% between 1990 and 2000, and 13.4% between 2000 and 2010.
CENTRE COUNTY POPULATION COMPARISON % Change % Change % Change 1980 1990 2000 2010 1980-90 1990-00 2000-10 Pennsylvania 11,863,895 11,881,643 12,281,054 12,702,379 0.1% 3.4% 3.4% Centre County 112,761 124,812 135,758 153,990 10.7% 8.8% 13.4% Centre Region 62,015 71,633 79,406 92,096 15.5% 10.9% 16.0% Lower Bald Eagle Valley 7,475 7,846 8,025 8,528 5.0% 2.3% 6.3% Upper Bald Eagle Valley 4,594 4,553 5,038 5,317 -0.9% 10.7% 5.5% Moshannon Valley 7,490 6,897 6,960 6,778 -7.9% 0.9% -2.6% Mountaintop 3,201 2,946 2,941 2,950 -8.0% -0.2% 0.3% Nittany Valley 18,086 20,318 22,006 25,502 12.3% 8.3% 15.9% Penns Valley 9,899 10,619 11,382 12,819 7.3% 7.2% 12.6% Figure 2: Centre County Population Comparisons, U.S. Census 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010
In 2012, the Centre County Growth Forecasting Project was updated. Based on the most recent forecast data, Centre County’s population is expected to increase 22.6% by the year 2040.
CENTRE COUNTY POPULATION FORECAST 2010 Total 2040 Total Population Population Population Change Centre Region 92,096 114,110 23.9% Lower Bald Eagle Valley 8,528 9,259 8.6% Upper Bald Eagle Valley 5,317 6,005 12.9% Moshannon Valley 6,778 7,527 11.1% Mountaintop 2,950 3,236 9.7% Nittany Valley 25,502 33,235 30.3% Penns Valley 12,819 15,459 20.6% Centre County 153,990 188,831 22.6% Figure 3: Population Forecasts, Centre County Growth Forecasting Project – 2012 Update
Population by Age
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate, persons age 65 years and older comprise 11.6% of Centre County’s population. Elderly populations in Centre
1 U.S. Census data is used to show historical comparisons. ACS data will replace Census data as it becomes available.
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County will be identified, and a strategy will be developed to engage the elderly in the transportation planning process. Appendix B contains mapping of Centre County’s elderly population.
POPULATION BY AGE GROUP
Under 5 5-19 20-24 25-44 45-64 65+ Total Population
Centre County 6,573 32,962 28,469 35,058 33,432 17,966 154,460 % of Total Population 4.3% 21.3% 18.4% 22.7% 21.6% 11.6% Figure 4: Population by Age Group, 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
Population by Race
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate, 89.3% of Centre County residents are White, 5.2% are Asian, and 3.1% are African American. Appendix C contains mapping of the minority populations in Centre County.
POPULATION BY RACE Native American Black or Hawaiian Two or Indian and White African Asian and Other Other More Alaska American Pacific Races Native Islanders Centre County 89.3% 3.1% 0.2% 5.2% 0.0% 0.5% 1.6% Pennsylvania 82.2% 10.9% 0.2% 2.9% 0.0% 1.9% 1.9% U.S. 74.0% 12.6% 0.8% 4.9% 0.2% 4.7% 2.8% Figure 5: Population by Race, 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
Limited English Proficient (LEP) Population
A Limited English Proficient (LEP) person is defined as any individual who speaks a language at home other than English as his or her primary language, and who speaks or understands English “less than very well.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), the overwhelming majority of Centre County’s population is proficient in English. As shown in Table 1, only 2.9% of the population five years of age and older speaks English “less than very well,” and would be identified as LEP persons.
NUMBER OF LEP PERSONS IN CENTRE COUNTY Number of % of Total Individuals Population Total population (5 years and over) 147,887 100.0% Speak only English 133,673 90.4% Speak a language other than English and speak English “very well” 9,882 6.7% Speak a language other than English and speak English “less than very well” 4,332 2.9%
Figure 6: Number of LEP Persons in Centre County, 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
Figure 7 lists the top five languages spoken by LEP individuals in Centre County. The most commonly spoken language is Chinese, followed by Korean, Russian, Other West Germanic Languages (Pennsylvania Dutch), and Spanish. Concentrations of LEP populations will be monitored, and targeted outreach activities will be implemented for specific projects when the population of LEP persons speaking the same non-English language within the project area exceeds 1,000 or 5% of the total population.
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When planning documents are sent out for public comment, the documents provided to agencies that work with the top five non-English speaking populations will be accompanied by a note saying the document can be translated upon request.
LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME BY LEP PERSONS IN CENTRE COUNTY Number of % of Total Individuals Population Total population (5 years and over) 147,887 100.0% Speak only English 133,673 90.4% Speak Chinese and speak English “less than very well” 1,291 0.9% Speak Korean and speak English “less than very well” 507 0.3% Speak Russian and speak English “less than very well” 468 0.3% Speak Other West Germanic Languages and speak English “less than very well” 445 0.3% Speak Spanish and speak English less than “very well” 409 0.3%
Figure 7: Language Spoken at Home by LEP Persons in Centre County, 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
Poverty Status
According the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate, 20.5% of Centre County residents have incomes below the poverty level. American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates will be used to identify concentrations of low income populations for public involvement activities. Appendix D contains mapping of the Centre County population below the poverty threshold.
1980 1990 2000 2010 2013 ACS
Per Capita Income $ 5,909 $11,584 $18,020 $23,744 $25,545 Median Household Income $14,862 $26,060 $36,165 $47,016 $50,336 Individual Poverty Status 16.7% 18.2% 18.8% 18.5% 20.5% Figure 8: Poverty Status, U.S. Census 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
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INTERESTED PARTIES
Federal Transportation Authorization legislation requires that the PPP define a process for citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled and other interested parties to provide input on the metropolitan planning program. The following have been identified as interested parties:
AA Taxi, Inc. Fullington Trailways American Federation of State, County and Golden Taxi Municipal Employees (AFSCME Council 83) American Red Cross Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County Bellefonte Senior Community Center Handy Delivery, Inc. Blair County Planning Commission Happy Valley Ride Brookline Village Hearing Loss Association of America - Central PA Cambria County Planning Commission Housing Transitions, Inc. Catholic Charities Interfaith Mission Cen-Clear Child Services, Inc. Mid State Regional Airport Central PA Community Action, Inc. Mid-State Literacy Council Moshannon Valley Economic Development Central PA Visitor’s Center Partnership Centre Area Transportation Authority Mount Nittany Medical Center Centre County Assistance Office Mountaintop Senior Community Center Centre County Department of Aging Nittany Express, Inc. Centre County Historical Society Nittany Mountain Biking Association Centre County Housing and Land Trust North Central RPO Centre County Housing Authority PA CareerLink of Centre County Centre County Mental Health/Mental Retardation PA Department of Health Centre County Office of Adult Services PA Motor Truck Association Centre County Office of Aging PennDOT Bureau of Aviation Centre County Office of Transportation Services PennDOT Bureau of Rail Freight Penn State University International Student Centre County Office of Veterans Affairs Council Centre County Planning and Community Penn State University Office of Transportation Development Office Services Centre County Public Defender’s Office Penns Valley Senior Community Center Centre County United Way Philipsburg Senior Community Center Centre County Women's Resource Center Private Industry Council of Centre County, Inc. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Centre Centre County YMCA County Centre County Youth Services Bureau (YSB) Salvation Army of State College Centre Hall Senior Community Center SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
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Centre LifeLink EMS Skills of Central PA, Inc. Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Centre Region Bicycle Coalition (CentreBike) Commission Centre Region Office of Emergency Management State College CDBG/HOME Coordinator Centre Region Senior Center State College Downtown Improvement District Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre Strawberry Fields, Inc. County (CBICC) Child Development and Family Council of Centre Susquehanna Economic Development Association County, Inc. Clinton/Centre USDA Service Center The ARC of Centre County Cole Transportation The House of Care Community Help Centre The Oaks at Pleasant Gap DCNR Northcentral Region The Sight Loss Support Group of Central PA, Inc. Easter Seals of Central Pennsylvania University Park Airport FaithCentre, Inc. University Park Airport Authority FedEx Windy Hill Village Foxdale Village Figure 7: Interested Parties
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PRINCIPLES
1. Conduct outreach to the public in the development of transportation plans and programs, seeking the active participation, consultation, and involvement of all interested parties.
2. Provide public access to the technical and policy information used in the development of plans and programs.
3. Ensure adequate notification related to public involvement activities to allow for public review and comment at key decision points.
4. Provide feedback to participants in response to public comments provided during the planning process.
5. In consultation with interested parties, evaluate the Public Participation Plan every two years in conjunction with the TIP update to determine if the plan is effectively providing adequate opportunities for involvement.
OUTREACH TECHNIQUES
The CCMPO currently uses a number of outreach techniques for public participation. The table below provides an overview of each technique.
Technique Description/Purpose
CCMPO Meetings/Public Public opportunity to provide comments on CCMPO issues and Meetings plans Local Access Cable Television Televise Coordinating Committee and selected public meeting presentations Local Access Cable Television – Advertise meetings and public comment periods Bulletin Board Mailings (materials distributed) CCMPO Coordinating Committee meeting agenda packets Public comment period announcements. Public meeting announcements E-mail Distribution CCMPO Technical and Coordinating Committee meeting agenda packets Public comment period announcements Public meeting announcements Website Information CCMPO Meeting Schedule CCMPO Agendas CCMPO Meeting Minutes Long Range Transportation Plan Transportation Improvement Program CCMPO Contact Information Website content includes the use of visualization techniques (maps, tables, charts, and links to PennDOT visualization tools) as practical.
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Legal Notices/Local Advertise CCMPO and public meetings, and public comment Advertisements periods in the three newspapers of general circulation in Centre County: The Centre Daily Times, The Express, and The Progress. Press Releases Announce public meetings and public comment periods. CCMPO Meeting Reports Distribute to CCMPO mailing lists and municipal managers and secretaries following CCMPO meetings
Public Meetings
For regular CCMPO meetings, agenda packets are distributed to MPO members. The meeting packets include the agenda, previous meeting minutes, background information, and CCMPO staff contact information. Agendas are also distributed electronically to interested parties, as identified on Page 7, and paper copies of MPO materials are distributed to individuals upon request. Agenda materials are also posted on the CCMPO website approximately one week prior to meetings.
Advertisements for MPO meetings will be placed at least eight (8) days prior to meetings in the three newspapers of general circulation in Centre County: The Centre Daily Times, The Express, and The Progress.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires involving the community, particularly those with disabilities, in the development and improvement of public services and capital facilities. Meetings are held in ADA compliant buildings, and when possible, meetings will be held in locations that are convenient to alternate transportation modes.
Special assistance, if required, will be made available if requested at least five (5) days in advance of the meeting. All public meeting notices and advertisements will state the following, “If accommodations are needed for those with special needs related to language, sight, or hearing, please call (814) 231-3050 at least five days prior to the meeting.” A sample CCMPO meeting advertisement and a public meeting advertisement are included in Appendices F and G.
Targeted Outreach Strategies
In addition, the CCMPO may employ one or more targeted outreach strategies to involve traditionally underserved populations that may be impacted by a specific project. Targeted outreach strategies may include:
• Notifying agencies that work with minorities, low income populations, and persons with disabilities of CCMPO activities.
• Conducting an ongoing dialogue with groups representing potentially underserved populations such as the elderly and non-native English speakers.
• Seeking opportunities to speak at meetings of groups involving minority/low income and traditionally underserved populations.
• Organizing small meetings that may be less intimidating for those unfamiliar with the public involvement process.
• Targeting media outlets and organizations that serve the elderly.
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• Posting information and meeting notices at transit stops and in transit/paratransit vehicles.
• Posting information and meeting notices in areas frequented by the elderly, such as libraries, recreation centers, and shopping centers.
• Including information on the CCMPO website about how to request translation services.
• Researching traditional communication methods used by LEP populations.
• Posting flyers or notices, in appropriate languages, in areas identified as having LEP populations.
• Distributing information through religious or community organizations.
• Providing public service announcements in ethnic news media (if available).
• Providing extensive use of visualization techniques, including maps and graphics.
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR MAJOR CCMPO ACTIVITIES
Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) – Adoption and Amendments
Participation Element Outreach
Document Availability CCMPO website Mailings (MPO Committees, interested parties, MPO mailing lists, and others as requested) Copies available for review at: Centre Regional Planning Agency (CRPA), Centre County Planning and Community Development Office (CCPCDO), Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), Philipsburg Borough Building, Snow Shoe Borough Building, and Centre Hall Area Branch Library Comment Opportunities Public Meeting Written comments (online comment form, e-mail, and hard copy) Public Meeting At least one (1) meeting during the public comment period prior to adoption by the CCMPO Public Comment Period Publish a classified advertisement at least thirty (30) calendar days Notification prior to the public comment period ending in the following newspapers: o The Centre Daily Times (State College) o The Express (Lock Haven) o The Progress (Clearfield/Philipsburg) Post the public comment period notice on local public access cable television bulletin board(s). Transmit press releases to broadcast media and newspapers serving Centre County. See Appendix G for the press release distribution list. Public Meeting Notice Publish a classified advertisement at least eight (8) calendar days prior to public meeting in the following newspapers: o The Centre Daily Times (State College) o The Express (Lock Haven) o The Progress (Clearfield/Philipsburg) Post meeting notice on local public access cable television bulletin board(s). Transmit press releases to broadcast media and newspapers serving Centre County. Public Comment Prepare a summary, analysis, and report on the disposition of Summary comments for comments received during the public comment period. Include the public comment summary in the final LRTP. Provide the agenda (including the public comment summary) for the meeting where LRTP adoption will be considered to all individuals that provided public comments during the comment period.
If the LRTP differs significantly from the one which was made available for public comment and raises new material issues which interested parties could not reasonably have foreseen from the public involvement efforts, an additional opportunity for public comment on the revised plan shall be made available.
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The LRTP must be updated every five years. At the beginning of each update, a public participation process will be outlined that identifies specific activities such as surveys, public meetings, workshops, and outreach. The outline will be discussed at MPO meetings to provide the public the opportunity to comment on the process.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Participation Element Outreach
Document Availability CCMPO website Mailings (MPO Committees, interested parties, MPO mailing lists, and others as requested) Copies available for review at: CRPA, CCPCDO, CATA, Philipsburg Borough Building, Snow Shoe Borough Building, and Centre Hall Area Branch Library Comment Opportunities Public Meeting Written comments (online comment form, e-mail, and hard copy) Public Meeting At least one (1) meeting during the public comment period prior to adoption by the CCMPO Public Comment Period Publish a classified advertisement at least thirty (30) calendar days Notification prior to the public comment period ending in the following newspapers: o The Centre Daily Times (State College) o The Express (Lock Haven) o The Progress (Clearfield/Philipsburg) Post the public comment period notice on local public access cable television bulletin board(s). Transmit press releases to broadcast media and newspapers serving Centre County. See Appendix G for the press release distribution list. Public Meeting Notice Publish a classified advertisement at least eight (8) calendar days prior to the public meeting in the following newspapers: o The Centre Daily Times (State College) o The Express (Lock Haven) o The Progress (Clearfield/Philipsburg) Post meeting notice on the local public access cable television bulletin board(s). Transmit press releases to broadcast media and newspapers serving Centre County. Public Comment Prepare a summary, analysis, and report on the disposition of Summary comments for comments received during the public comment period. Include the public comment summary in the final TIP. Provide the agenda (including the public comment summary) for the meeting where TIP adoption will be considered to all individuals that provided public comments during the comment period. Amendment Notice A thirty (30) day public comment period may be required for major Period/Type amendments to the TIP. A determination of whether an amendment is considered to be major will be made by the CRPA Director, in consultation with the CCMPO
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Chair, and the lead agency (PennDOT or CATA). See Appendix H – Procedures for TIP Modifications, Adopted July 22, 2014 for additional information
If the TIP differs significantly from the one which was made available for public comment and raises new material issues which interested parties could not reasonably have foreseen from the public involvement efforts, an additional opportunity for public comment on the revised plan shall be made available.
Public Participation Plan
Interested parties will be provided information about the draft PPP to provide an opportunity for comments as part of plan adoption and any amendments to the plan.
Participation Element Outreach
Document Availability CCMPO website Mailings (MPO Committees, interested parties, MPO mailing lists, and others as requested) Copies will be available for review at: CRPA, CCPCDO, CATA, Philipsburg Borough Building, Snow Shoe Borough Building, and Centre Hall Area Branch Library Comment Opportunities Public Meeting Written comments (online comment form, e-mail, and hard copy) Public Meeting At least one (1) meeting during the public comment period prior to adoption by the CCMPO Public Comment Period Publish a classified advertisement at least forty five (45) calendar days Notification prior to the public comment period ending in the following newspapers: o The Centre Daily Times (State College) o The Express (Lock Haven) o The Progress (Clearfield/Philipsburg) Post the public comment period notice on local public access cable television bulletin board(s). Transmit press releases to broadcast media and newspapers serving the CCMPO area. See Appendix G for the press release distribution list. Public Meeting Notice Publish a classified advertisement at least eight (8) calendar days prior to public meeting in the following newspapers: o The Centre Daily Times (State College) o The Express (Lock Haven) o The Progress (Clearfield/Philipsburg) Post the public comment meeting notice on local public access cable television bulletin board(s). Transmit press releases to broadcast media and newspapers serving Centre County.
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Public Comment Prepare a summary, analysis, and report on the disposition of Summary comments for comments received during the public comment period. Include the public comment summary in the final Public Participation Plan. Provide the agenda (including the public comment summary) for the meeting where plan adoption will be considered to all individuals that provided public comments during the comment period.
If the Public Participation Plan differs significantly from the one which was made available for public comment and raises new material issues which interested parties could not reasonably have foreseen from the public involvement efforts, an additional opportunity for public comment on the revised plan shall be made available.
FUTURE ACTIONS
In order to increase public participation in the CCMPO’s planning process, the following activities are proposed:
Technique/Timeframe Description
CCMPO Annual Report Prepare an annual CCMPO report that includes a section on public Annually – February participation and a public participation questionnaire. Review of PPP Perform a review of the CCMPO Public Participation Plan. Every two years – In Use information such as meeting attendance, number of public conjunction with TIP update comments received, and web use analysis tools to evaluate the effectiveness of public participation activities. Survey and/or interview interested parties for comments and suggestions. Interested Parties Maintain a detailed database of the Centre County interested Database – Ongoing parties. Review the list of interested parties annually. Centre County Update Centre County demographics annually as new ACS data Demographics becomes available. Contact Lists When citizens or interested parties request information, they will Ongoing be offered the opportunity to be included on the appropriate CCMPO mailing lists. CCMPO Website Expand the use of interactive website features, such as online Ongoing comment forms and surveys. Evaluate web accessibility for individuals with disabilities. MPO Meeting Recordings Include a notice on the CCMPO website advertising the availability Ongoing of Coordinating Committee meeting DVDs for public viewing. Cable Television Investigate televising CCMPO Coordinating Committee meetings on all cable systems in Centre County. Cable Television Bulletin Investigate the use of cable TV bulletin boards for CCMPO Boards information and meeting announcements on all cable systems in Centre County.
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Limited English Coordinate with the appropriate interested parties to identify Proficiency Population concentrations of LEP populations and develop strategies for targeted outreach. Work with the Penn State foreign language departments for translation services (documents and meetings). Elderly Population Coordinate with the appropriate interested parties to identify concentrations of elderly populations and develop strategies for targeted outreach. Minority Populations Coordinate with the appropriate interested parties to identify concentrations of minority populations and develop strategies for targeted outreach. Disabled Community Coordinate with the appropriate interested parties to identify concentrations of disabled populations and develop strategies for targeted outreach. Informational Brochures Create project specific informational brochures and identify As needed locations for distribution in consultation with interested parties. EVALUATION PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
The CCMPO will evaluate the procedures for public participation every two years in advance of the TIP update. The evaluation will include a review of public meeting attendance, the number of public comments received, web use analysis, a survey of interested parties for comments and suggestions, and public comments on the PPP. This Public Participation Plan adopts the following indicators to measure the effectiveness of the public participation strategies employed by the CCMPO:
1. Number of Interested Parties on the CCMPO’s mail/e-mail distribution lists, including the number of private citizens on the lists
2. Demographic composition of the MPO Committees
3. Website analytics – number of hits for specific MPO webpages:
Agendas and Minutes Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Project-specific Webpages Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Public Participation Plan (PPP) Transportation Studies and Planning Documents Title VI Information
4. Number of meeting sites that meet ADA requirements
5. Number of meeting sites accessible by public transit
6. Participant feedback from public meetings, via comment forms or follow-up surveys:
Source of notice about public meeting Satisfaction with the adequacy of the notice
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Distance traveled to the meeting site Satisfaction with the meeting location/facility Satisfaction with the meeting time Understanding of the material presented Usefulness of visualization techniques, maps, and other graphics Understanding of the planning process Satisfaction that the planning process is being followed Satisfaction with the amount of time for review and comment Awareness/Satisfaction that comments were addressed Demographic composition of meeting participants
7. Number of comments received during the public comment period
8. Number of citizens who viewed draft documents displayed at each location listed under “Document Availability,” based on sign-in sheets.
9. Number of requests for interpretation services
10. Number of translation requests received by document and language
11. Number of requests for documents in Braille
12. Types of targeted outreach strategies employed
The findings will be incorporated into subsequent public involvement activities, and the Public Participation Plan will be revised where appropriate.
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HOW TO GET INVOLVED
The CCMPO provides information to the community via standard mailings, e-mail, and the CCMPO website. If you want to get involved in the activities of the CCMPO you can do the following:
Visit the CCMPO website at www.ccmpo.net; meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes are posted on the website.
Sign up for the CCMPO mailing list by contacting CCMPO staff at (814) 231-3050 or [email protected] or [email protected].
CCMPO meeting notices are advertised in the legal advertisement sections of the Centre Daily Times, The Lock Haven Express, and The Progress.
All meetings are open to the public, and there is a public comment item on all agendas.
The Technical Committee currently meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m.; please refer to the agenda, as meeting locations vary.
The Coordinating Committee currently meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.; please refer to the agenda, as meeting locations vary.
We recommend confirming all meetings with CCMPO staff or via the website www.ccmpo.net.
CCMPO Contact Information
Agency Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization c/o Centre Regional Planning Agency Address 2643 Gateway Drive Suite #4 State College, PA 16803 Phone (814) 231-3050 Fax (814) 231-3083 E-mail [email protected] or [email protected] Website www.ccmpo.net Office Hours 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday Accessibility Offices are handicapped accessible Transit Service Offices are accessible via the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA). For route information, call (814) 238-2282 or visit www.catabus.com.
This document can be made available in alternative media formats for people with disabilities.
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APPENDIX A
Centre County MPO Committee Members
The policy-making body of the Centre County Metropolitan Organization is the Coordinating Committee. The committee is responsible for the transportation planning activities mandated in Federal laws and regulations. The Coordinating Committee includes nineteen voting members from county and local government, public agencies, and PennDOT.
2015 Coordinating Committee Voting Members
Centre County Chris Exarchos Centre County Michael Pipe Benner Township David Wise College Township Lynn Herman Ferguson Township Steve Miller Halfmoon Township Barbara Spencer Harris Township Paul Rittenhouse Patton Township Jeff Luck State College Borough Theresa Lafer Lower Bald Eagle Valley Planning Region Richard Watters Upper Bald Eagle Valley Planning Region Jadine Reese Moshannon Valley Planning Region Jack Shannon Mountaintop Planning Region Ken Hall Nittany Valley Planning Region Paul DeCusati Penns Valley Planning Region Ray Hankinson Centre Area Transportation Authority John Spychalski Centre Regional Planning Commission Jon Eich PennDOT Central Office (Harrisburg) Larry Shifflet PennDOT District 2-0 (Clearfield) Kevin Kline
2015 Coordinating Committee Non-Voting Members
Penn State University Rob Cooper Federal Highway Administration Matt Smoker Federal Transit Administration (vacant)
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The Technical Committee provides advisory comments and recommendations to the Coordinating Committee. The Technical Committee is composed of members from the same organizations represented on the Coordinating Committee.
2015 Technical Committee Voting Members
Centre County Bob Jacobs Centre County Sue Hannegan Benner Township Don Franson College Township Kent Baker Ferguson Township Ron Seybert Halfmoon Township Susan Steele Harris Township John Wainright Patton Township (vacant) State College Borough Amy Kerner Lower Bald Eagle Valley Planning Region Irv Hoy Upper Bald Eagle Valley Planning Region (vacant) Moshannon Valley Planning Region Joel Watson Mountaintop Planning Region Michele Barbin Nittany Valley Planning Region Bill MacMath Penns Valley Planning Region Joel Myers Centre Area Transportation Authority Louwana Oliva Centre Regional Planning Commission Jim May PennDOT Central Office (Harrisburg) Frank Hampton PennDOT District 2-0 (Clearfield) Karen Michael
2015 Technical Committee Non-Voting Members
Penn State University Rob Mayo Federal Highway Administration Matt Smoker Federal Transit Administration (vacant)
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APPENDIX B
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APPENDIX C
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APPENDIX D
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APPENDIX E
Sample Centre County MPO Meeting Advertisement
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APPENDIX F
Sample Centre County TIP Public Meeting Advertisement
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APPENDIX G
Centre County Press Release Distribution List
Organization Media Centre County Gazette E-zine Centre Daily Times Newspaper Daily Collegian Newspaper HappyValley.com Website The Lock Haven Express Newspaper PA Business Central Publication The Progress Newspaper State College Magazine Publication StateCollege.com Website VisitPennState.org Website CGTV (C-NET) Government Access TV WBHV-FM Radio WBLF Radio WBUS-FM Radio WFGE-FM Radio WJAC (NBC) Television WMAJ-FM Radio WOWY-FM Radio WPSU Television/Radio WRSC-AM Radio WRSC-FM Radio WSOV Radio WTAJ (CBS) Television WTLR Radio WZWW Radio
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APPENDIX H
Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO)
2015-2018 Centre County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Procedures for TIP Modifications (Adopted July 22, 2014)
Purpose
This document establishes the procedures to be used by the CCMPO, the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), other project sponsors, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to modify the Centre County TIP.
Administration of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will only authorize funding and approve grants for projects that are programmed on the TIP. Federal transportation planning regulations govern modifications to the TIP that are necessary to advance projects not included on the TIP. The regulations permit the use of alternative procedures to manage modifications being considered for the TIP.
All modifications must maintain year-to-year fiscal constraint for each of the four years of the TIP. Modifications shall account for year of expenditure, and maintain the estimated cost of a project or project phase(s), which may extend beyond the four-year time period of the TIP. An arbitrary reduction in the overall cost of a project or project phase(s) shall not be utilized to advance another project.
All modifications must be consistent with the CCMPO’s adopted Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Public Participation Plan (PPP). A reasonable opportunity for public review and comment shall be provided for significant modifications to the TIP.
PennDOT is responsible for administering the statewide Interstate Management (IM) Program for maintenance projects (non-capacity adding) on designated Interstate highways. PennDOT shall be responsible for modifications to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for IM projects, with notification provided to the CCMPO for modifications to projects in Centre County.
PennDOT is responsible for administering various other Statewide Managed Programs, including project selection, through the STIP, with possible solicitation of input from the CCMPO. Examples of Statewide Managed Programs include the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), the Railroad Crossing Improvement Program (RRX), and the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Projects advanced through PennDOT’s Rapid Bridge Replacement (RBR) Initiative will also be administrated in the same manner as projects in the Statewide Managed Programs.
In this document, the CCMPO, CATA, other project sponsors and PennDOT consider modifications to the TIP that require formal action by the CCMPO, PennDOT, FHWA, and/or FTA to be “Amendments”. Modifications to the TIP that do not require formal action by the CCMPO are considered to be “Administrative Actions”.
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TIP Amendments Requiring Formal Action By The CCMPO
A. Addition of a new project that utilizes federal funds from a statewide reserve line item, where the modification exceeds $1,500,000. The addition of a project phase(s) for a project that was included on a previous TIP is not considered to be a “new” project.
B. Addition/deletion of a project or project phase(s) that utilizes federal funds, where the modification exceeds $1,500,000.
C. Cost increases/decreases of greater than $1,500,000.
D. Change in the scope of a project that is significant enough to essentially constitute a new project.
E. Cost increases/decreases of greater than $5,000,000 for phases of the Interstate 99 system approved on previous TIPs. Interstate 99 system projects include the PA 26 Relocation, US Route 220 Relocation, the I-99/I-80 High Speed Interchange, and the I-80/Route 26 Local Access Interchange.
Notes for TIP Amendments:
1. Financial constraint by TIP year must be maintained. Amendments shall account for Year of Expenditure (YOE) requirements. The arbitrary reduction of the overall cost of a project, or phase of a project, shall not be utilized for the advancement of another project.
2. The CCMPO Technical Committee will provide a recommendation to the CCMPO Coordinating Committee for action at the next regularly scheduled Coordinating Committee meeting.
3. TIP amendments must be consistent with the CCMPO’s adopted LRTP and Public Participation Plan. A reasonable opportunity for public input shall be provided for all significant amendments. A thirty (30) day public comment period may be required for significant amendments. Determination of whether an amendment is considered to be significant will be made by the Centre Regional Planning Agency (CRPA) Director, in consultation with the CCMPO Chair, and the lead agency (PennDOT, CATA, or other project sponsors).
4. A telephone ballot, e-mail ballot, or fax ballot can and should be used to expedite action on amendments to the TIP, when the CCMPO Coordinating Committee’s meeting schedule would cause a delay in accomplishing a major milestone (e.g. missing of a bid letting) or would cause the actual loss of federal funding or obligation authority. Actions taken by such ballots will be confirmed at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
5. A telephone ballot, e-mail ballot, or fax ballot may be used to expedite action on amendments, when the CCMPO Coordinating Committee’s meeting schedule would unduly delay the processing and approval of an amendment. Actions taken by such ballots will be confirmed at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
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TIP Administrative Actions Not Requiring Formal Action By The CCMPO
A. Modifications involving a 100% state-funded project that is not considered to be significant, including the addition/deletion of a project or project phase(s).
B. Addition of a new project that utilizes federal funds from a statewide reserve line item, where the modification is $1,500,000 or less. The addition of a project phase(s) for a project that was included on a previous TIP is not considered to be a “new” project.
C. Addition/deletion of a project or project phase(s) that utilizes federal funds, where the modification is $1,500,000 or less.
D. Cost increases/decreases of $1,500,000 or less for any project included on the TIP or approved on previous TIPs.
E. Addition/deletion of a project or project phase(s) that is accomplished by transferring state funds between the TIP and a statewide reserve line item.
F. Addition of federal or state capital funds from low bid savings, funding deobligations, release of encumbrances, or savings on programmed phases; to another programmed project phase where the modification is $1,500,000 or less.
G. Addition/deletion of a project or project phase(s) that is being advanced with funding from the Act 13 Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account or successor legislation, that is distributed to, and allocated by, Centre County Government.
H. Creation of a new CCMPO TIP reserve line item.
I. Conversion of funds between a new or programmed project or phase(s) and the Pavement Restoration, Betterment, Bridge Preservation, State Structurally Deficient (SD) Bridge, or Local SD Bridge reserve line items on the CCMPO TIP, unless the conversion includes greater than $1,500,000 of federal funds.
J. Addition of projects or line items originally funded on the STIP through Statewide Managed Programs or the RBR Initiative.
K. Addition of a project for emergency repairs to roadways or bridges, with the exception of repairs involving substantial, functional, location, or capacity changes.
L. Cost increases/decreases of $5,000,000 or less for phases of the Interstate 99 system projects approved on previous TIPs, when funding for the cost increase/decrease comes entirely from another I-99 project, and the shift does not involve funding from other projects on the TIP. Interstate 99 system projects include the PA 26 Relocation, US Route 220 Relocation, the I-99/ I-80 High Speed Interchange, and the I-80/Route 26 Local Access Interchange.
M. Advancement of incidental Right of Way (ROW) or Utility work, when a project is listed in the TIP without a ROW or Utility phase and incidental work is needed during other phases. The advancement of ROW or Utility work may be authorized under other phases without amending the TIP, or the ROW or Utility phase could be added to the TIP by shifting funds from another phase(s) of the parent project. Incidental ROW is defined as the purchase of a minor parcel(s)
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(including utility relocation) that does not involve the taking of any environmentally sensitive property or residential/commercial structure(s).
N. When PennDOT, CATA, or other project sponsors deem it appropriate to shift project funding between certain federal funding categories or between certain state funding categories in accordance with available resources, if the shift does not delay the schedule or affect the scope of the project or phase from which funding is shifted.
Notes for TIP Administrative Actions:
1. In all cases specified above, the lead agency (PennDOT, CATA, or other project sponsors) will consult with the CRPA prior to taking administrative actions, and inform the CCMPO Technical and Coordinating Committees of TIP administrative actions at their next regularly scheduled meetings.
2. Financial constraint by TIP year must be maintained. Amendments shall account for Year of Expenditure (YOE) requirements. The arbitrary reduction of the overall cost of a project, or phase of a project, shall not be utilized for the advancement of another project.
3. TIP administrative actions must be consistent with the CCMPO’s adopted LRTP and Public Participation Plan.
Documentation
All modifications shall be identified on a Fiscal Constraint Chart (FCC) that specifies the current status, requested adjustments, and resulting status; and demonstrates both project and overall TIP fiscal constraint. If a project phase(s) is deferred beyond the TIP period into the next LRTP time period, the CCMPO will prepare a FCC that demonstrates fiscal balance in the next time period of the LRTP.
The CCMPO Coordinating Committee is required to approve amendments. The CCMPO will then request approval by the PennDOT Central Office by the submission of an FCC through the electronic e-STIP process. The PennDOT Central Office will review, approve, and forward the amendment to FHWA or FTA for review and approval.
The CCMPO Coordinating Committee is not required to approve administrative actions. The CCMPO and project sponsor will work cooperatively to prepare and review the FCC, and to respond to any comments from FHWA and FTA.
PennDOT will provide a STIP/TIP Financial Report to the CCMPO on a quarterly basis, which will include actual federal funding obligations and state funding encumbrances. At the end of the federal fiscal year, PennDOT will provide the CCMPO with a summary Financial Report.
Approval
Original CCMPO Approval Date: July 22, 2014
______Date:______Jeff Luck CCMPO Chair
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______Date:______James J. May CCMPO Secretary
______Date:______Louwana Oliva General Manager Centre Area Transportation Authority
______Date:______Larry S. Shifflet Director Center for Program Development and Management Pennsylvania Department of Transportation x:\planning\mpo\tiptyp\tiptyp2015-2018\submissionofadoptedtip\tipproceduresadoptedjuly222014
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APPENDIX I
Centre County Public Participation Plan (PPP) Public Comment Period Summary
I. When Was the Public Participation Plan Made Available for Public Comment?
August 17, 2015 The Draft Public Participation Plan (PPP) was posted on the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) website.
August 17, 2015 A press release was sent to 24 broadcast and print media outlets, including web- based community news publishers, and three newspapers serving Centre County.
August 17, 2015 A notice was mailed and emailed to the municipal managers or secretaries for the 35 municipalities in Centre County. The notice included the website address to access the document; the dates for the start and conclusion of the public comment period; the date, time, and location of the public meeting; and the date, time, and location of the meeting at which the Coordinating Committee would consider adopting the Public Participation Plan.
August 18, 2015 The 45-day public comment period was formally initiated. Legal advertisements were placed in The Progress (Clearfield/Philipsburg), The Express (Lock Haven), and The Centre Daily Times (State College) newspapers. A paid block advertisement was also placed in The Centre Daily Times. The notices included the website address to access the document; the dates for the start and conclusion of the public comment period; the date, time, and location of the public meeting; and the date, time, and location of the meeting at which the Coordinating Committee would consider adopting the Public Participation Plan.
August 18, 2015 A notice about the public comment period was placed on the C-NET public access cable television bulletin board.
August 18, 2015 A notice was mailed and e-mailed to 87 organizations that have been designated as “interested parties” in the Draft PPP. Interested parties include the following groups: affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, and other interested parties who have been identified to provide input on the metropolitan planning program. The notice included the website address to access the document; the dates for the start and conclusion of the public comment period; the date, time, and location of the public meeting; and the date, time, and location of the meeting at which the Coordinating Committee would consider adopting the Public Participation Plan.
August 18, 2015 A notice was e-mailed to all persons on the distribution list for the CCMPO Coordinating Committee meetings. The mailing list includes local officials and citizens, including the Centre County Board of Commissioners, CCMPO Technical
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and Coordinating Committees, and staff members for federal and state legislators. The notice included the website address to access the document; the dates for the start and conclusion of the public comment period; the date, time, and location of the public meeting; and the date, time, and location of the meeting at which the Coordinating Committee would consider adopting the Public Participation Plan.
September 2, 2015 A Public Meeting was held at the State College Borough Municipal building from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Staff from the Centre Regional Planning Agency (CRPA), the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office (CCPCDO), Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA), PennDOT District 2-0 Office, PennDOT Central Office, and Federal Highway Administration were present to respond to questions and receive comments.
October 2, 2015 The 45-day public comment period concluded at 5:00 p.m.
II. Public Comments and Responses
Comments via written correspondence were received from the following:
Agency/Individual Summary of Comment Response 1. Matthew Kelly – A. Some demographic data in the A. Census data will be transitioned PennDOT Bureau of draft PPP is from Census 2010 to American Community Survey Equal Opportunity and some is from the American data as “historical” ACS data Community Survey (ACS) 2009- becomes available. 2013. All data should be from the same source, if at all possible. B. The PPP should specify that B. Comment will be considered when a document is sent out during in-depth PPP update in for comment to an agency that 2016. represents an ethnic group in the “top 5,” a note will accompany the document saying “this document can be translated into *appropriate language* upon request.” This should also be noted in the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan. 2. Khan Mitchell – A. An additional evaluation A. Addressed in this document. FHWA Equal measure to consider is “Number Opportunity of Translation Requests Specialist Received by Document and Language.” This would inform the MPO’s efforts to ascertain the “need” to provide written translation services and to whom. This could be expanded
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Agency/Individual Summary of Comment Response upon to track requests from persons with disabilities as well (Braille requests). B. Use “elderly” or “seniors” but B. Addressed in this document; not both unless the MPO Elderly will be used (based on intends to distinguish the Census definition) except in groups. reference to the County’s Senior Citizens Centers, Senior Resource Centers, and other proper nouns. C. Develop strategies for public C. Comment will be considered participation by individuals who during in-depth PPP update in do not have the ability to 2016. provide comments in written form. D. Fifth bullet on page 12: D. Addressed in this document. Recommend removing the word “high” or expounding on what is meant by the term. Recommend revising same bullet to “Posting flyers or notice, in appropriate languages, in areas with…” E. Add targeted media or E. Comment will be considered organizational outreach efforts during in-depth PPP update in for persons with disabilities. 2016. 3. Matt Smoker – A. With regard to Evaluation A. Addressed in this document and FHWA Procedures for the PPP on implemented during the public Transportation pages 17-18: When placing comment period for LRTP 2044. Planning Program draft documents in the Manager locations listed for “Document Availability,” consider placing a cover memo on the draft document explaining what it is and its importance, along with a sheet asking people to list their name. This will allow you to gauge the effectiveness of each location and seek other locations if warranted. 4. Jon Eich – Centre A. How will 970 comments from A. Comments from the State Regional Planning the STC online survey be Transportation Commission Commission (CRPC) incorporated into the plan? (STC) online survey and other representative to the sources will be addressed
CCMPO Coordinating through the planning process
Committee for the LRTP/TIP.
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Agency/Individual Summary of Comment Response B. Engage the elderly population B. Comment will be considered in the transportation planning during in-depth PPP update in process by holding workshops 2016. at senior citizens’ centers and housing communities such as Foxdale Village, The Village at Penn State, Brookline Village, Philipsburg Towers, and The Oaks. C. Expand Interested Parties list to C. Comment will be considered include: all office locations of during in-depth PPP update in Central Pennsylvania 2016. Community Action, Inc.; Millheim Business Group; Penns Valley Business Group; Snow Shoe Rails-to-Trails; Bellefonte Historical Railroad; North Central PA Center for Independent Living, Megabus, and UBER. D. Add social media to Outreach D. Comment will be considered Techniques – Use Twitter to during in-depth PPP update in direct individuals to new 2016. information on the CCMPO website; allow citizens to Instagram photos of problems E. Add radio talk shows to E. Comment will be considered Outreach Techniques – WBLF during in-depth PPP update in Bellefonte, WRSC State College, 2016. WSOV Penns Valley F. Advertise MPO meetings in F. Comment will be considered Centre County Gazette, during in-depth PPP update in Philipsburg Journal, Gant Daily, 2016. StateCollege.com (free public notices and/or press releases). G. Add “handicapped individuals” G. Addressed in this document to first bullet on page 11 under Targeted Outreach Strategies. H. Add “social media” to Targeted H. Comment will be considered Outreach Strategies and during in-depth PPP update in consider adding “Code for 2016. America.” I. Use local radio talk shows to I. Comment will be considered announce document availability during in-depth PPP update in for LRTP and TIP Adoption and 2016.
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Agency/Individual Summary of Comment Response Amendments. J. Use social media to announce J. Comment will be considered public comment periods for during in-depth PPP update in LRTP, TIP, and PPP Adoption 2016. and Amendments. K. Add WSOV Penns Valley to K. Addressed in this document press release distribution list. 5. Michael Pipe – A. Include something on page 7 of A. Comment will be considered Centre County the PPP that references the during in-depth PPP update in Commissioners’ 2013 Bishaw study “Examining 2016. representative to the the Effect of Off-Campus CCMPO Coordinating College Students on Poverty Committee Rates,” with the suggestion that the ACS accounts for students when calculating poverty status, thus the high Centre County poverty rate.
III. Public Information Session
Meeting Format and Attendance
An open house public information session was held on September 2, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Seven (7) citizens and officials attended the session.
Attendees were provided with a form to provide written comments, and no comments regarding the Public Participation Plan were returned to staff.
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