October 2010 - Unified Work Program Update
State Capitol
Task 1.1 - Provide technical assistance to Member Policy Committees and staff regarding cross cutting issues, includes monitoring the national transportation discussion from various organizations and transportation related articles.

Total hours spent for September on Task 1.1 is 30 hours.  Below is a list of Constant Contact emails sent to the ILMPO Policy and Technical Committee with a brief description of its content.  All Constant Contact emails are archived for reporting purposes.  You should be able to click on the link to view the email.

OCTOBER:

October 5 -   Transportation related news articles.
October 6 -   Notice of upcoming conferences and webinars.
October 12 - Transportation Conference in Peoria
October 13 - Notice of upcoming conferences and webinars.
October 15 - Transportation Conference in Peoria
October 20 - Transportation related news articles.
October 21 - Notice of upcoming conferences and webinars.
October 26 - Transportation related news articles.
October 28 - Notice of November 16 ILMPOAC board meeting
October 29 - Notice of upcoming conferences and webinars.
Staff also attended a Transportation Summit at Governor's State University to hear Federal Rail Administrator Joe Szabo discuss freight rail and it's impact in Illinois.  Kristi LeFleur of the Illinois Highway Tollway Authority provided an update on the 57/294 interchange, as well as providing commments on behalf of ISHTA for their commitment of $28 million for a bridge for the 57/294 interchange which is a critical and its partnership with IDOT to finish the interchange.  She further stated congestion on their roadways has increased 150% but at the same time only 15% capacity has been increased.  Demand will continue to increase without the capacity to build new roads. 

Mr. Szabo discussed the Federal Railroad Administration's mission and it's transformational time for their agency.  In his 18 minute speech, he stated "Our economy cannot move forward without an efficient transportation network."  His remarks were recorded and available on the ILMPO website by clicking here.  Mr. Szabo was born and raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago and is a graduate of Governor's State University. 
              

 
Task 1.2 - Provide a mechanism for policy discussion and analysis regarding metropolitan transportation issues.  Includes duties such as organization ILMPO meetings, producing minutes and agenda items along with discussions with the Chairman of the Policy and/or Technical Committee.

Total hours spent for Task 1.2 in September is 17 hours. Due to the legislative calendar, the December 7 ILMPOAC board meeting was switched with the November 16 ILMPOAC Technical Committee meeting.  Staff spent time checking schedules and doing roll call for the December 7 meeting.  Time was also spent discussing the training schedule with the MPO Technical Committee Chair.


Task 1.3 - Support MPOs in implementing and complying with state and federal laws and regulations regarding planning responsibilities of metropolitan planning organizations includes researching state statues and providing legislative update reports.

Total hours spent on Task 1.3 in September is 17 hours.  Staff attended the CMAP legislative working groups.  In the transportation working group, there is a renewed effort to push the public private partnership legislation, and legislation affecting motor fuel tax.  The motor fuel legislation would provide additional flexibility in the State and/or local MFT to be used for transit, not just roads and bridges.  Members also discussed the long term goal of increasing the gas tax in Illinois.  There will also be an effort to change the municipal code affecting stormwater utility. 

Staff attended a two day "Pedestrian Safety Workshop" presented by FHWA at CMAP offices to understand the complexities of this issue.  While the initial notice was to be provided to ILMPO members, it was confirmed by CMAP staff that the training session was full.  There was no charge to attend the workshop.

Power point presentations are available through the FHWA FTP website.  In attendance was Active Alliance Transportation, City of Chicago & Cook County Planning Departments, various villages throughout the CMAP area, Lake County Division of Traffic Safety, as well as a number of consultant firms.   If you have any difficulties acquiring the power point presentations, please let me know. 

You may access as follows:
  • Web address:   ftp://FHWAFTP.FHWA.DOT.GOV
  • Username: MWRCGUEST
  • Password:  mwrcguest
  • Both are case sensitive
  • Select folders: "MWRC", "Safety & Design", "Isebrands."  and "Chicago Pedestrian Workshop October 2010".
Task 1.4 - Provide a forum of the sharing of information and best practices across regional lines.  Includes website development and coordination of various entities to ILMPO meetings.

Total hours spent for Task 1.4 is 4 hours.

The ILMPO website was updated after each Constant Contact email blast.  The list of emails developed and distributed can be found in Task 1.1.   Time on this task also includes communication to IDOT, FHWA, the ILMPO Chair.
Task 2.0 - Develop linkages and networks with other related statewide and regional organizations, including developing strategic relationships with key state agency personnel and associations.

Total hours spent for Task 2.0 is 5 hours.

This is ongoing component to the Board and Technical Committee to communication with key IDOT and FHWA staff. Staff attended the CMAP policy committee and attended the CMAP GOTO2040 launch program. 

FHWA training session

Task 2.1 - Provide training for MPO staff and member agencies.  Include duties related to the Technical Committee Meetings.

One hour was spent in October for Task 2.1.  Staff met with the Technical Committee Chair to discuss moving the November 16 Technical Committee training session to December 7.   

Task 2.2 - Identify and pursue grant opportunities to support MPO activities.

No hours were spent on Task 2.2 for the month of October.

Task 3.0 - Administrative duties to include duties for a fiscal agent, develop the UWP and provide UWP updates.

Total hours spent on Task 3.0 is 10 hours. 

September - UWP update

In October, time was spent creating the September UWP report.  The Constant Contact email report reflects September activities defined in the 2010-2011 Unified Work Program for the Illinois Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council.
As always, I welcome your feedback and comments.

Sincerely,

Marta Perales
MPO Statewide Coordinator