PLANNING PRIORITIES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE JOHNSON CITY MTPO
FROM OCTOBER 1, 2023 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
This Unified Planning Work Program was developed by the Johnson City MTPO, in cooperation with:
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Federal Transit Administration
Tennessee Department of Transportation
An electronic copy of this document can be found on our website at https://jcmpo.org/upwp.html.
If you need this document translated into Spanish or any other language, please contact the MPO Manager, by phone at (423) 434-6272 or email at jcmpo@jcmpo.org.
Spanish Translation of the above statement:
Si usted necesita este document resumido en espanol contacta por favor al Coordinator del MTPO. Numero de telefono (423) 434-6272, correo electronico: jcmpo@jcmpo.org.
The Johnson City Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 49 CFR, part 26; related statutes and regulations to the end that no person shall be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation on the grounds of race, color, sex or national origin.
Table of Contents
Section 2 – Planning Focus Areas of the Johnson City MTPO 6
Section 4 – About the Johnson City MTPO 8
Johnson City MTPO Metropolitan Planning Area 8
Section 5 – Public Participation 11
Section 6 – Amendments and Administrative Modifications 11
Section 7 – Title VI / Environmental Justice / ADA 11
Section 8 – Federal Planning Factors and Federal/State Emphasis Areas 11
Task I – Program Administration 19
Task II – Data Collection, Maintenance and Analysis 23
Task III – Short Range Planning 26
Task IV – Long Range Planning 29
Task V – Multimodal Planning 31
Other Transportation Planning Tasks in the Johnson City MTPO MPA 34
Budget Summary – Funding Sources 35
Budget Summary – Agency Participation 36
Budget Summary – Agency Participation by Funding Source 37
out in the Johnson City Metropolitan Planning Area ; and
MTPO Executive Board, Chair Date
MTPO Executive Secretary Date
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
AMPO Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations BIL Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CPG Consolidated Planning Grant
COOP Continuity Of Operations Planning
E-TRIMS Enhanced Tennessee Roadway Information Management System EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ETCE Equitable Transportation Community Explorer EV Electric Vehicle
FAST Act Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FLMA Federal Land Management Agency
FTA Federal Transit Administration
FY Fiscal Year
GHG Greenhouse Gases
GIS Geographic Information Systems
IIJA Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
ITS Intelligent Transportation Systems
JCT Johnson City Transit
LRPD Long Range Planning Division
LRTP Long Range Transportation Plan (State) MMAG Multimodal Access Programs
MPA Metropolitan Planning Area
MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization
MTP Metropolitan Transportation Plan
MTPO Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization NET Trans Northeast Tennessee Regional Public Transit System NEVI National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
PEL Planning and Environmental Linkages
PL Metropolitan Planning Program
PPP Public Participation Plan
RPO Rural Planning Organization
Sec. 5303 Title 49, United States Code, Section 5303 (Transit Planning) SPR State Planning and Research Funds
STRAHNET Strategic Highway Network TAM Transit Asset Management
TAP Transportation Alternatives Program TDOT Tennessee Department of Transportation TIM Traffic Incident Management
TIP Transportation Improvement Program
TIR Transportation Investment Report TN-MPO Tennessee MPO Association TNMUG Tennessee Model Users Group UPWP Unified Planning Work Program
USC United States Code
U.S. DOT United States Department of Transportation UZA Urbanized Area
WCAG Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
The Johnson City Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) was established in 1982 when the 1980 Census identified the Johnson City Urbanized Area (urban areas with a population of at least 50,000). Federal law requires the Johnson City MTPO to conduct transportation planning activities within the Johnson City Urbanized Area in a continuous, cooperative, and comprehensive process, as defined in the following federal legislation and regulations:
Current Transportation Authorization – Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL);
Past Transportation Authorization – Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act;
Metropolitan Transportation Planning – Title 23 of the United States Code (USC), Section 134;
Formula Grant Program for Metropolitan Planning – Title 49 of the USC, Section 5303;
Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming – Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 450; and
Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming – Title 49 of the CFR, Section 613, Subpart A.
In order to carry out these duties, the Johnson City MTPO staff develops a work program in the form of a document called the Unified Planning Work Program, or UPWP as it is often referred to by transportation professionals. This two-year UPWP covers Federal Fiscal Years 2024-2025, beginning on October 1, 2023 and ending on September 30, 2025. The UPWP identifies tasks ranging from data collection tasks to plan development, ongoing administrative activities and special projects. As a result, these tasks support the continuing, comprehensive and cooperative planning process.
The UPWP is developed by the Johnson City MTPO staff in conjunction with its member jurisdictions, two local public transit providers, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The MTPO staff announced the drafting of a new UPWP at the Executive Board meeting on December 13, 2022. As in past years, the priority of the Johnson City MTPO is to meet the federal requirements and update required documents in order to remain eligible for federal funds. This continuous process is discussed with the MTPO’s members. Unfortunately, some projects discussed with members are not feasible, due to the lack of local matching funds.
The draft UPWP is then submitted to TDOT, FHWA, and FTA for comments. Once the comments have been adequately addressed, the UPWP is recommended for adoption by the Johnson City MTPO Executive Board. The Executive Board meeting is advertised at least seven days before the meeting and the draft UPWP is placed on the MTPO’s website for review by the public. Then, the adopted UPWP is forwarded to TDOT and approved by FHWA and FTA. TDOT will then request that FHWA obligate the funds.
Section 2 – Planning Focus Areas of the Johnson City MTPO
The Johnson City MTPO’s main focus over the next two years will be maintaining the MPO program to remain eligible for federal transportation funds. The MTPO will also focus on the following:
Completing the adjustment of the Urbanized Area (UZA) Boundary and the updated Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) Boundary;
Improving data visualization techniques and products;
Researching and planning for new federal emphasis areas;
Drafting the new FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP); and
Assisting member jurisdictions with state and federal grant training and guidance. These activities are explained in more detail in the Work Program in Section 9.
The primary funding sources to accomplish tasks identified in the UPWP is provided by two programs. First, the FHWA Metropolitan Planning Program funds (PL) and second, the FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning funds. TDOT participates in the Consolidated Planning Grant (CPG) Program, where they receive a direct apportionment of both types of funds and combine them into a single fund administered by FHWA. The funds are distributed to the MPOs and administered by TDOT’s Long Range Planning Division (LRPD) in accordance with 23 CFR 420.109. Both types of funds are distributed based on a formula. The PL formula gives each MPO a base amount plus an amount based on their 2020 Census Urbanized Area population and the formula also retains a small portion for TDOT to use for the benefit of all the MPOs. The distribution formula for the 5303 funds is based on each MPO’s 2020 Census Urbanized Area population. TDOT also receives an allocation of State Planning and Research Funds (SPR) from FHWA and Section 5304 transit planning funds from FTA that are available to assist MPOs and transit agencies across the state.
As with most grants, matching funds are required. The funds originating with FHWA and FTA require a 20% local match, resulting in an 80% Federal/20% match split. TDOT provides part of the match for all funds in the CPG, resulting in an 80% Federal, 5% State and 15% Local split.
Table 1 – Transportation Planning Funding Programs
Estimated Allocations from Funding Sources | Federal Amount | State Amount | Local Amount | Total of all Sources |
Carryover from 2022- 2023 (PL and 5303) | $678,250.31 | $42,390.62 | $128,171.96 | $848,812.90 |
PL FY 2024 | $262,083.00 | $16,380.19 | $49,140.56 | $327,603.75 |
Sec. 5303 FY 2023 | $89,436.00 | $5,589.75 | $16,769.25 | $111,795.00 |
PL FY 2025 | $262,083.00 | $16,380.19 | $49,140.56 | $327,603.75 |
Sec. 5303 FY 2024 | $89,436.00 | $5,589.75 | $16,769.25 | $111,795.00 |
Total CPG Funds Available for Programming | $1,381,288.31 | $86,330.50 | $259,991.58 | $1,727,610.40 |
*Please note that 5303 funds are received one year behind from the year they are allocated from FTA.
Section 4 – About the Johnson City MTPO
Johnson City MTPO Metropolitan Planning Area
The Johnson City MTPO MPA consists of the Town of Bluff City, the City of Elizabethton, the City of Johnson City, the Town of Jonesborough, a sliver (approximately 2,445 square feet due to the delineation of U.S. Census Blocks defined as part of the Johnson City UZA) of the Town of Unicoi, and parts of Carter, Sullivan and Washington Counties. At a minimum, the MPA boundaries shall encompass the entire existing UZA (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) plus the contiguous area expected to become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period for the metropolitan transportation plan. The map in Figure 1 on the next page shows the current 2010 Johnson City Urbanized Area, as well as the 2010 MPA boundaries for the Johnson City MTPO. The current boundary was adopted by the Johnson City MTPO Executive Board at its meeting on October 9, 2014 and approved by the Governor of the State of Tennessee on December 17, 2014. The MTPO is in the process of adjusting the UZA and MPA, based on the 2020 Census, and anticipates that this process will be completed by the end of December 2023, at which time Figure 1 will be replaced with an updated map.
The Johnson City MTPO is organized as an Executive Board, Executive Staff and administrative staff. The Executive Board, or Policy Board, is the overall governing body for the Johnson City MTPO and is supported by the Executive Staff and the Johnson City MTPO administrative staff.
The Executive Board is the governing body of the Johnson City MTPO and has the authority to adopt plans, programs, and policies. The Executive Board includes the top elected officials from each of the member jurisdictions.
Mayor of the City of Johnson City – Executive Board Chairman
Mayor of the City of Elizabethton – Member
Mayor of the Town of Bluff City - Member
Mayor of the Town of Jonesborough – Member
Mayor of the Town of Unicoi – Member
Mayor of Carter County – Member
Mayor of Washington County – Member
Governor of Tennessee – Member
Tennessee County Highway Officials Association – Chosen Representative – Member
Members of the Executive Board may designate a representative to serve on the board in their absence. Due to the duties and responsibilities of their office, the Governor of Tennessee usually sends a TDOT representative to meetings on their behalf.
Figure 1
The Executive Staff is responsible for providing guidance in the development of work programs and budgetary allocations for MTPO programs and planning projects in the Johnson City MPA. Executive Board members, the chief administrative official of each jurisdiction, are responsible for overall policy direction and makes recommendations to the Executive Board.
City Manager, City of Johnson City – Executive Staff Chairman
City Manager, City of Elizabethton – Member
City Manager, Town of Bluff City – Member
Administrator, Town of Jonesborough – Member
Administrator, Town of Unicoi – Member
Highway Superintendent, Carter County – Member
Highway Superintendent, Washington County – Member
Johnson City Transit (JCT) – Member
First Tennessee Development District – Member
TDOT – Member
FHWA and FTA are non-voting members of the Executive Staff. When necessary, the Executive Staff can assign tasks to other employees of their agency to assist with transportation projects.
The administrative staff of the Johnson City MTPO is housed as a division of the City of Johnson City. As required by federal law, the Johnson City MTPO is still responsible for coordinating transportation planning activities for all its member jurisdictions, as shown in Figure 2 below. The administrative staff is also responsible for ongoing administration and day-to-day operations for the Johnson City MTPO.
Figure 2
Section 5 – Public Participation
In accordance with the Johnson City MTPO Public Participation Plan (PPP), after TDOT, FHWA and FTA have reviewed the UPWP, the draft is made available on the Johnson City MTPO website at https://jcmpo.org/upwp.html for public review. The UPWP is reviewed and discussed at meetings of the Johnson City Executive Board and Executive Staff and adopted by the Executive Board. The Executive Board meeting is advertised at least seven days in advance. Any comments made are recorded and addressed before the UPWP is adopted. The final document is available on the website and copies are available at the MTPO administrative offices.
Section 6 – Amendments and Administrative Modifications
The UPWP can be modified or amended throughout the year if needed. Before an amendment to the UPWP is final, the amendment is placed on the Johnson City MTPO Executive Board agenda for their approval and adoption. The adopted amendment is then forwarded to TDOT and officially reviewed and approved by FHWA and FTA. An administrative modification is sent directly to TDOT and forwarded to FHWA and FTA for their files.
Changes that require an amendment include:
Addition of funding to the UPWP;
Modifying the scope of the UPWP;
Change in the lead agency (e.g. MPO, State, public transportation operator, local government, or consultant/partner) that will perform work in the UPWP;
Inclusion of costs that require prior written approval; and
Change in the approved matching rate and source.
All other changes may be performed by administrative modification.
Section 7 – Title VI / Environmental Justice / ADA
The Johnson City MTPO will continue to advocate for the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, income, and disability. The Johnson City MTPO maintains an active Title VI program which is reviewed by the TDOT Civil Rights Office on a triennial basis. TDOT also provides Civil Rights training for the MTPO staff. The most recent Title VI program can be found on the website at https://jcmpo.org/titlevi.html. The program will be updated per TDOT’s schedule. The webpage currently provides contact information for the Title VI coordinator, along with forms for the complaint process. All projects using federal highway and transit funds for the Johnson City MTPO comply with Title VI, Environmental Justice and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Section 8 – Federal Planning Factors and Federal/State Emphasis Areas
Federal transportation legislation defines ten specific planning factors to be considered when developing transportation plans and programs in MPO areas. The planning factors are found in Title 23 of the United States Code, Section 134(h). The Johnson City MTPO will continue incorporating the ten federal planning factors into the works tasks and resulting products provided for in this UPWP. The ten planning factors are:
MTPO Activities: The MTPO coordinates with the Northeast Tennessee Valley Regional Industrial Development Association and the Washington County Economic Development Council on transportation needs. The MTPO also supports an efficient transit system to maintain access to jobs and services in the area. The MTPO assists with maintaining a viable transportation network to support economic development, including safe accessibility to industrial areas. In Carter County the MTPO staff coordinates with other staff of member jurisdictions who are members of the Carter County Joint Economic Development Council.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO supports the state of Tennessee in adopting safety performance targets to reduce crashes. The MTPO also supports the transit safety performance targets. The MTPO provides assistance for local jurisdictions to submit to TDOT requests for sections of roads that need a safety audit. The MTPO also reviews crash data provided by the state for hot spots that need attention. TDOT provided access to the AASHTOware Safety software platform for access to crash data. The MTPO also encourages local jurisdictions in their continued effort to provide facilities for non-motorized users and increase their safety. The MTPO staff is also reporting any safety issues that are encountered or identified to the appropriate responsible agency.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO encourages local jurisdictions to improve incident management on the National Highway System. The MTPO supports Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) deployment and maintenance throughout the region, including the timely dissemination of travel information to the public. It is important to note that jurisdictions who deploy ITS need highly trained staff for efficient operations. Furthermore, they must coordinate with emergency responders. To achieve this the MTPO supports the implementation of Traffic Incident Management (TIM).
MTPO Activities: The MTPO recently updated the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan to identify gaps in service provided in the area. The MTPO encourages the efforts of TDOT and local transit agencies in making FTA aware of funding issues in areas where services cross both rural and urban areas. The MTPO supports transit asset management targets that keep the system moving by maintaining assets in good condition. The MTPO also participates on the statewide Freight Advisory Committee.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will continue to participate in the state’s efforts to provide outreach on alternative fuels and the strategic deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI). The MTPO will continue to support the local jurisdictions in their efforts to provide facilities for non-motorized
transportation. The MTPO also continues to monitor air quality reports in the region and proposed changes to federal standards.
Integration and Connectivity – Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes throughout the metropolitan region, for people and freight. MTPO Activities: The MTPO will continue to support local jurisdictions’ efforts to improve integration and connectivity between roads, transit and bicyclists/pedestrians. The MTPO staff encourages local jurisdictions and TDOT to consider Complete Streets when upgrading roads and intersections. The MTPO will continue to coordinate with the Kingsport and Bristol MPOs on regional transportation projects.
System Management and Operations – Promote efficient system management and operation. MTPO Activities: The MTPO will continue to advocate for incident response improvements, such as the TDOT rural roadside assistance program during morning and evening rush hour on I-26. The MTPO will promote TDOT incident management response vehicles that help prevent secondary crashes on the interstates.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will continue to collect data to identify needs to preserve the overall function of the transportation system across all modes. The MTPO will continue to review data on pavement and bridge conditions and support the state’s performance targets.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will encourage local jurisdictions and TDOT to identify infrastructure that is subject to flooding and rock/mudslides and plan for mitigation of stormwater impacts in such instances. The MTPO will coordinate with the Tennessee State Climatologist on education about resiliency.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will continue to encourage the local jurisdictions in their efforts to improve tourism in the region, particularly in eco-tourism. Also, wayfinding is an important factor in getting visitors to their destinations, and the MTPO will continue to advocate for signage of this nature.
Table 2
Planning Factors | |||||
I – Program Admin | II – Data Collection, etc. | III – Short Range Planning | IV – Long Range Planning | V – Multimodal Planning | |
Economic Vitality | | | | | |
System Safety | | | | | |
System Security | | | | | |
Accessibility & Mobility | | | | | |
Enhance Environment | | | | ||
Integration and Connectivity | | | | | |
Systems Management and Operations | | | | | |
System Preservation | | | | | |
System Resiliency | | | | | |
Travel & Tourism | | | | | |
In addition to the Federal planning factors, FHWA has additional Federal Planning Emphasis Areas, as follows:
MTPO Activities: The Johnson City MTPO will continue to promote and support educational opportunities for its members with electric and alternative fuel vehicles. The electric vehicle concept in our region is still untested and not common place. More education is needed on EV infrastructure, EV maintenance, and EV capabilities ranging from fleet vehicles to buses. To date the Water / Sewer Department of Johnson City has completed a new facility that includes 12 EV chargers to plan for future EV vehicles. The MTPO staff will utilize this endeavor to promote and educate other member jurisdictions on how projects like these assists in a transition to clean energy.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will utilize the U.S. D.O.T. Equitable Transportation Community Explorer (ETCE) to assist in planning for projects and its members, when making decisions on
applying for grants. In addition, the MTPO will utilize its GIS capabilities for further analysis. Also, the MTPO will promote U.S. DOT’s Navigator for use by its members to apply for grants to assist with these opportunities. The DOT Navigator website can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/dot-navigator.
MTPO Activities: Much of the Complete Streets concept has been incorporated into projects being planned and implemented by the state of Tennessee in the Johnson City MTPO area. The Johnson City MTPO is involved in early development of these projects and advocates for consideration of Complete Streets where possible. The MTPO will explore the option of developing a Complete Streets policy for the Executive Board to consider for member jurisdictions. Even with this approach, the MTPO recognizes the policy is a guide and must be flexible and unique for not only each member jurisdiction but also each situation.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will continue to periodically review its Public Participation Plan for effectiveness. The MTPO will also utilize a variety of public involvement tools ranging from virtual public involvement on plans and studies, electronic surveys, email campaigns utilizing marketing firms, informational videos, social media and other tools. To stay current MTPO staff will attend training seminars and classes, when possible, on the latest technology.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will continue to coordinate with the Watauga District of the U.S. Cherokee National Forest North, on MPA boundaries, MTP, TIP, and other planning projects that would impact the Forest. In the development of the new MTP and TIP, the MTPO staff worked with the staff at the Watauga District. Currently, we are coordinating with them on the MPA Boundary.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO is very willing to work with staff at the state level on the NEPA process to provide effective information for review during project delivery. To start the process, the MTPO will work with its members in the Tennessee MPO Association to identity and analyze
efforts that have been effective. This will require coordination with state agencies for recommendations and best practices for success. This cannot be done by the MTPO alone.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will utilize socioeconomic data, crash data, effective educational / enforcement programs to support the 3C planning process (continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative) and utilize this information to make informed recommendations and decisions. This will include software to analyze and present the data in usable format. In certain cases, this may require actual collection of data from a consultant.
In addition to the Federal planning factors and emphasis areas, Tennessee has the following statewide emphasis areas:
MTPO Activities: The Johnson City MTPO will assist TDOT with choosing strategies in the area that will reduce the carbon footprint. The MTPO will focus on education and grant opportunities for its members.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will work with counties in the MPA on maintaining their federally required Hazard Mitigation Plans. Where these plans are policy-based plans, the MTPO will encourage jurisdictions to engage in mitigation projects that focus on transportation resilience throughout the MPA. The MTPO explored opportunities with Tennessee Climate Office, located at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, to enhance the PROTECT program. This is a relatively new office and the potential for collaboration is unknown; however, the MTPO will pursue this as a potential partner.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will continue to participate in the state’s efforts to provide outreach on alternative fuels, while providing feedback on the location of electric charging stations in the area. As mentioned with the federal emphasis area, the MTPO knows that education is needed in our area and the MTPO will focus on educational opportunities for members.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO will work with its members on submitting projects to the state that would both qualify and enhance transportation planning in the MPA. The MTPO realizes this is an ongoing process with the next step being implementation of the recommendations from the plan. Where possible, the MTPO will support the implementation of projects recommended with these plans. In areas that involve the state, the MTPO expects TDOT to be a partner with the implementation.
MTPO Activities: The MTPO operates as a division of the City of Johnson City, which is subject to the Tennessee Open Meetings Act. We will continue to hold Executive Board meetings in-person that are open to the public. The MTPO has a long history of providing information electronically, on our website, email, and social media, and we will continue to explore ways to improve
communication. The MTPO has utilized the state contract with MetroQuest to provide online surveys for public participation and will continue to use this resource for future endeavors.
This section will list the tasks that are planned for the next two years and will constitute the work program for the Johnson City MTPO. Each task lists multiple subtasks, or activities, that will be used to carry out the purpose of the main task. The tasks explain who will complete the work, final products and/or deliverables, an anticipated schedule for each final product and what planning factors are addressed. Also listed for each task is a budget of federal, state, and local funds.
For convenience, below is a summary table listing the core planning documents and activities, the date of their last adoption or approval and the due date of the next adoption or approval.
Table 3
Core Planning Document/ Activity | Date of Last Adoption/ Approval | Due Date of Next Adoption/ Approval |
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) | December 13, 2022 | December 13, 2027 |
Coordinated Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Plan | April 28, 2022 | April 28, 2027 |
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) | December 13, 2022/ June 21, 2023 | December 2025 |
Public Participation Plan (PPP) | June 21, 2022 | As appropriate |
Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) | August 24, 2021/ September 30, 2021 | August 2023 |
Safety Performance Targets | December 13, 2022 | February 2024 |
Pavement & Bridge Condition Performance Targets | February 9, 2023 | June 2027 |
System Performance & Freight Performance Targets | February 9, 2023 | June 2027 |
Transit Asset Management Performance Targets | June 21, 2022 | August 2025, in conjunction with MTP/TIP cycle |
Transit Safety Performance Targets | June 21, 2022 | August 2025, in conjunction with MTP/TIP Cycle |
Task I – Program Administration
Assisted TDOT by providing feedback and testing on the new e-UPWP system;
Successfully submitted quarterly invoices and progress reports in the new e-UPWP system;
Instrumental in the re-establishment of the Tennessee MPO Association (TN-MPO);
Submitted a triennial Title VI Program Self-Assessment to TDOT in August 2023; and
Developed and submitted a new two-year UPWP to cover FYs 2024-2025.
Maintain the FYs 2024-2025 UPWP with any necessary amendments or administrative modifications;
Develop, adopt and submit the two-year FY 2026-2027 UPWP;
Work with TDOT and FHWA to prepare and submit financial invoices and progress reports on a quarterly basis, along with documentation for expenses;
Prepare for and host Executive Board, Executive Staff, and public meetings/workshops as needed;
Continue to participate in sponsored trainings, workshops, and/or online training courses provided by the National Highway Institute, National Transit Institute, and/or other federal or state agencies to maintain proficiency in the field;
Attend statewide monthly conference calls, quarterly meetings, annual conferences and/or webinars with TDOT and MPOs;
Attend meetings of the First Tennessee Rural Planning Organization and Tennessee Model Users Group (TNMUG);
Attend meetings with other MPOs in the region, along with other MPOs across Tennessee and in other states, to foster a regional approach to transportation planning and share ideas;
Maintain annual organizational membership to the Association of MPOs (AMPO) and attend annual conferences;
Maintain annual organizational membership to the TN-MPO and participate in monthly conference calls;
Attend Transportation Research Board’s meetings and conferences, such as the bi-annual Tools of the Trade Conference;
Attend meetings with the Northeast Tennessee Valley Regional Industrial Development Association and the Washington County Economic Development Council on transportation projects that support economic development and growth in the Johnson City MTPO MPA;
Attend other transportation-related meetings and/or conferences with pre-approval by TDOT and FHWA;
Maintain Title VI Program and complete the next assurances for 2024 and 2025;
Review the metropolitan planning area boundary and submit it to the Governor for approval by the end of December 2023;
Update and maintain any required Memorandums of Understanding and/or Agreement with other MPOs, TDOT or public transit providers;
Support TDOT’s efforts to plan for alternative fuels and strategic deployment of EV charging infrastructure and attend outreach meetings with the Tennessee Valley Authority;
Prepare and maintain Johnson City MTPO contact lists as needed, along with maintaining annual subscription of email distribution software Constant Contact;
Relay information about meetings, agendas, and updates to all Executive Board and Executive Staff members, along with the public;
Process and execute contractual documents and grant amendments, as required;
Submit annual report of performance and expenditures to TDOT within 60 days after the end of the federal fiscal year;
Maintain By-Laws of Executive Board and Executive Staff;
Update Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), as needed, to ensure the continuity of essential office functions in the occurrence of a major event/emergency/disaster;
Purchase of items including, but not limited to, meeting supplies, office supplies, desktop software, office items (such as computers and printers less than $5,000), publications, and duplication services, when necessary, for day-to-day operations. Also, purchase of services, such as translation and captioning, as needed;
Staff plans to replace desktop computer for one employee (costing less than $5,000); and
The Long-Range Planning Division of TDOT will work jointly with the MPO to establish the required administrative and technical procedures and prepare contractual agreements. In addition, the Long-Range Planning Division will attend technical and policy board meetings, distribute information on federal transportation planning guidelines and requirements, conduct seminars and work sessions, review the MPO’s transportation planning studies and reports, and undertake general administrative activities.
End Product | By Whom | When |
Prepare for and host Executive Board and Executive Staff meetings | Johnson City MTPO Staff | As needed Oct 1, 2023 – Sept 30, 2024 |
Attend meetings, trainings, workshops and conferences | Johnson City MTPO Staff | As needed Oct 1, 2023 – Sept 30, 2024 |
Quarterly Invoices and Progress Reports | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | Oct 2023, Jan 2024, Apr 2024, July 2024 |
Process new TDOT grant contract | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Oct 2023 |
Submit FFY 2023 annual report of performance and expenditures to TDOT | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Nov 2023 |
Submit an updated Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) boundary to TDOT and FHWA | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA Staff | By December 2023 |
Submit Title VI Program Assurances | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Aug 2024 |
End Product | By Whom | When |
Prepare for and host Executive Board and Executive Staff meetings | Johnson City MTPO Staff | As needed Oct 1, 2024 – Sept 30, 2025 |
Attend meetings, trainings, workshops and conferences | Johnson City MTPO Staff | As needed Oct 1, 2024 – Sept 30, 2025 |
Quarterly Invoices and Progress Reports | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | Oct 2024, Jan 2025, Apr 2025, July 2025 |
Submit FFY 2024 annual report of performance and expenditures to TDOT | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Nov 2024 |
Develop two-year FY 2026-2027 UPWP for review | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff | By April 2025 |
Adopt and submit two-year FY 2026-2027 UPWP | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff | By Aug 2025 |
Submit Title VI Program Assurances | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Aug 2025 |
Planning Factors Considered: This task considers seven of the ten Federal Planning Factors, as shown in Table 2 on page 14 while conducting administrative activities, and noted with individual activities, which are Economic Vitality, System Safety, System Security, Integration and Connectivity, System Management and Operations, System Resiliency, and Travel and Tourism.
Task I – Program Administration – FY 2024 and FY 2025 | |||
CPG Federal Funds | TDOT Match | Local Match | Task I Total |
$303,200.00 | $18,950.00 | $56,850.00 | $379,000.00 |
Task II – Data Collection, Maintenance and Analysis
Maintained Esri GIS Enterprise license, in cooperation with the City of Johnson City, and purchased additional specialty add-ons; also maintained TransCAD license;
Maintained the Johnson City MTPO website with all documents, meetings, public notices, and upcoming events for public viewing;
Maintained social media with public notices;
Johnson City MTPO supported the TDOT Safety targets for 2018-2022 and 2019-2023;
Regional TAM performance targets were adopted by the Executive Board in April 2022 and July/August 2023;
Transit agencies’ safety targets were adopted by the Executive Board in April 2022 and July/August 2023;
TDOT adopted their 2-year and 4-year targets on PM2 and PM3 performance measures and the Johnson City MTPO supported those targets in February 2023;
TDOT collected traffic volume data throughout the Johnson City MTPO MPA; and
TDOT is also maintaining crash data in the E-TRIMS website and AASHTOware Safety software.
Submit an adjusted UZA boundary to TDOT and FHWA;
Work with TDOT to adopt safety performance targets for the five-year periods of 2020-2024 and 2021-2025;
Work with TDOT and public transit providers to receive Transit Asset Management (TAM) targets for FY 2025 and 2026;
Work with TDOT and public transit providers to receive transit safety targets as part of their Transportation Public Agency Safety Plans for FY 2025 and 2026;
Receive transit data collection and analysis, such as transit patron surveys, GIS analysis, passenger trip data collected on transit vehicles, and other methods as provided from public transit providers;
Although TDOT collects traffic count data at established stations, additional traffic counts may be conducted by the local agencies within the Johnson City MTPO MPA, which may require the use and/or purchase of special equipment;
Contract with a consultant to redesign the Johnson City MTPO website to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG);
Maintain the Johnson City MTPO website and social media to provide up-to-date information and enhanced access to transportation planning products for the public and Johnson City MTPO member agencies;
Improve data visualization techniques and products;
Maintain licenses for existing software: TransCAD for Travel Demand Model, Esri ArcGIS products for Geographical Information Systems (GIS), website development software and hosting, cloud backup services, and other software packages;
Purchases of items (such as external hard drives) needed by the Johnson City MTPO for storing data and for display purposes for various visualization techniques;
Work with TDOT to update and maintain the functional classification system for the Johnson City MTPO MPA;
TDOT will coordinate with MPOs for statewide data acquisition purchase for travel forecasting and other transportation planning activities;
TDOT will continue to collect annual traffic count data at established stations;
TDOT will conduct special traffic counts as needed for planning and design projects;
TDOT will maintain file on crashes and furnish high hazard listings and other safety data as required; and
Travel time studies will be conducted by TDOT, if needed, for special studies.
End Product | By Whom | When |
Issue Request for Proposals for consultant to redesign Johnson City MTPO website | Johnson City MTPO Staff | By Nov 2023 |
Submit an adjusted Urbanized Area (UZA) boundary to TDOT and FHWA | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA Staff | By December 2023 |
Evaluate and choose a consultant and issue a purchase order | Johnson City MTPO Staff | By Feb 2024 |
Adopt performance targets for safety for the five- year period of 2020-2024 | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Feb 2024 |
Acquire 2023 traffic count data from TDOT | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Spring 2024 |
Receive regional TAM and transit agencies’ safety performance targets for FY 2025 | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff; TDOT Staff; FTA Staff | By July 2024 |
Purchase TransCAD license | Johnson City MTPO Staff | By Aug 2024 |
End Product | By Whom | When |
Test draft website for user experience and issues | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Consultant Staff | By Nov 2024 |
Update performance targets for PM2 and PM3 in support of TDOT’s updated 4-year targets, if applicable. | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Nov 2024 |
Go live with redesigned Johnson City MTPO website | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Consultant Staff | By Feb 2025 |
Adopt performance targets for safety for the five- year period of 2021-2025 | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Feb 2025 |
Acquire 2024 traffic count data from TDOT | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Feb 2025 |
Receive transit agencies’ TAM and safety performance targets for FY 2026 | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff; TDOT Staff; FTA Staff | By Aug 2025 |
Purchase TransCAD license | Johnson City MTPO Staff | By Aug 2025 |
Planning Factors Considered: This task considers nine of the ten Federal Planning Factors, as shown in Table 2 on page 14 and noted with individual activities, while collecting and analyzing data, which are Economic Vitality, System Safety, System Security, Accessibility and Mobility, Integration and Connectivity, System Management and Operations, System Preservation, System Resiliency, and Travel and Tourism.
Task II – Data Collection, Maintenance and Analysis – FY 2024 and FY 2025 | |||
CPG Federal Funds | TDOT Match | Local Match | Task II Total |
$104,800.00 | $6,550.00 | $19,650.00 | $131,000.00 |
Task III – Short Range Planning
Administrative modifications and amendments were completed as needed to the FY 2020-2023 TIP;
Projects were solicited from state and local agencies to include in the new TIP;
The FY 2023-2026 TIP successfully completed the federal and state review process;
After the 14-calendar day public comment period, the Executive Board adopted the new FY 2023- 2026 TIP on December 13, 2022;
Administrative modifications and amendments were completed as needed to the FY 2023-2026 TIP;
Annual Listing of Obligated Projects for FY 2021 was made available to the public in November 2021; and
Annual Listing of Obligated Projects for FY 2022 was made available to the public in November 2022.
Maintain the accuracy of the FY 2023-2026 TIP through amendments and administrative modifications when necessary while remaining fiscally constrained;
Continue to communicate with the TDOT Office of Local Programs for the implementation of projects as they relate to the TIP with member jurisdictions;
Maintain the MTPO’s electronic TIP for the public with quarterly federal obligations, when received from TDOT;
Use and maintain the new eSTIP software to process amendments and administrative modifications;
Publish the FY 2023 and FY 2024 Annual Listing of Obligated Projects;
Assist member jurisdictions with grant training and guidance to encourage application for new federal programs to increase number of local projects;
Issue a Call for Projects to jurisdictions to begin drafting the new FYs 2026-2029 TIP in October/November 2024;
Projects in the current TIP will need to be analyzed for inclusion in the new TIP;
The draft FY 2026-2029 TIP will be submitted for state review by May 2025, then complete federal review after that; and
The TDOT Office of Local Programs will coordinate, review and assist the Johnson City MTPO in maintenance of the TIP as it relates to the successful implementation and deployment of local projects. The Office of Local Programs will coordinate projects with FHWA on behalf of the Johnson City MTPO and participate in Johnson City MTPO meetings.
End Products | By Whom | When |
Maintain the current FY 2023-2026 TIP with amendments and administrative modifications | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff | As Needed |
FY 2023 Annual Listing of Obligated Projects will be made available | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff; TDOT Staff | By Nov/Dec 2023 |
End Products | By Whom | When |
Maintain the FY 2023-2026 TIP with amendments and administrative modifications | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff | As Needed |
Issue a Call for Projects to jurisdictions to begin drafting the new FYs 2026-2029 TIP | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff; TDOT Staff | By Oct/Nov 2024 |
FY 2024 Annual Listing of Obligated Projects will be made available | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff; TDOT Staff | By Nov/Dec 2024 |
Analyze projects in the current TIP for inclusion in the new TIP | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff | By Spring 2025 |
Finalize draft of new FY 2026-2029 TIP | Johnson City MTPO Staff | By May/June 2025 |
Complete the state and federal review process for the draft TIP | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff | By Sept 2025 |
Task III – Short Range Planning – FY 2024 and FY 2025 | |||
CPG Federal Funds | TDOT Match | Local Match | Johnson City MTPO Total |
$40,000.00 | $2,500.00 | $7,500.00 | $50,000.00 |
Task IV – Long Range Planning
Monitored the 2045 MTP;
The update to the Johnson City Regional ITS Architecture and Deployment Plan was completed on July 6, 2022;
The public was offered multiple opportunities to participate in the update to the MTP through surveys and meetings;
Information on the update to the MTP was maintained on the website and social media;
The draft of the 2050 MTP was completed in August 2022 and successfully passed federal and state review;
After a 30-calendar day public review period, the Executive Board adopted the 2050 MTP on December 13, 2022; and
Monitored the 2050 MTP. Activities for FY 2024 - 2025 For the Johnson City MTPO:
Maintain the 2050 MTP and make any necessary amendments or administrative modifications (as
needed);
Ensure all projects within the current TIP and future FY 2026-2029 TIP comply with the 2050 MTP;
Attend any workshops or class that may be beneficial for updating the future MTP;
If future air quality standards change and affect the Johnson City MTPO MPA, the Johnson City MTPO will update or develop necessary plans, models, and documents to make the Johnson City MTPO MPA air quality compliant. (Note: At this time, the Johnson City MTPO MPA is in attainment status);
Research proposed federal standards on Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and their impact on transportation planning;
Research new federal emphasis areas, attend trainings and webinars, and prepare to integrate these processes into the MTPO’s transportation planning practices; and
Assist TDOT with maintaining Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
End Product | By Whom | When |
Maintain 2050 MTP with amendments and modifications | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff | As Needed |
End Product | By Whom | When |
Maintain 2050 MTP with amendments and modifications | Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff | As Needed |
Task IV – Long Range Planning – FY 2024 and FY 2025 | |||
CPG Federal Funds | TDOT Match | Local Match | Task IV Total |
$16,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $3,000.00 | $20,000.00 |
Monitored communication with TDOT Multimodal staff on the Section 5307 funding formula for distribution of allocation to the small urbanized areas to minimize disruption to current services;
Maintained updated list of community stakeholders;
MTPO staff and consultant worked with stakeholders and the public to determine and prioritize needs in the community for the update to the Coordinated Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Plan (Coordinated Plan);
Stakeholders were given the opportunity to help prioritize strategies to help complete the Coordinated Plan; and
After a public comment period, the Executive Board adopted the updated Coordinated Plan on April 28, 2022;
The MTPO staff continues to assist Johnson City Transit (JCT) staff with TDOT and FTA invoicing, TAM planning, and safety planning; and
The MTPO staff continues to coordinate with local transit providers.
The Johnson City MTPO will fund one transit planner position at 100% (previously 25%) that will be shared with JCT (who is also a department of the City of Johnson City), bringing MTPO staff to three full-time members. The transit planner position will also be trained on submitting the MTPO’s quarterly invoices and provide assistance for Executive Board meetings;
Continue to work with TDOT Multimodal staff as they provide funding to bridge the gap in providing services for urban-to-urban trips not covered by an urban transit provider and that this Critical Trips funding program will continue;
Continue to be a stakeholder in regional transit planning meetings and discussions, including monitoring the annual distribution of Section 5307 funds to area public transit providers;
Continue to connect with staff of the TDOT Office of Mobility and Accessible Transportation;
Continue transit planning by assisting JCT staff with TDOT and FTA invoicing, TAM planning and safety planning;
Assist public transit providers with triennial reviews and required documentation;
Continue to encourage local jurisdictions to plan for bicycle and pedestrian multimodal facilities, and consider Complete Streets, especially when given the opportunity to comment by TDOT to
coordinate planning for such facilities when repaving and improving existing roadways and constructing new projects;
Encourage local jurisdictions to apply for grants such as Transportation Alternatives (TAP) or Multimodal Access Programs (MMAG) to implement the construction of multimodal facilities;
The MTPO staff will monitor progress toward strategic goals identified in the 2022 Coordinated Plan; and
The Multimodal Transportation Resources Division of TDOT will administer state and federal programs regarding urban public transportation, ride-sharing, and transportation systems management. Representatives of this office will participate in MPO meetings, distribute federal transit guidelines and requirements, conduct seminars and work sessions, and review MPO studies and reports. This office will coordinate FTA Section 5307, 5310 and 5339 funding programs in Tennessee, administer TIP amendments and adjustments for projects involving FTA funding and/or public transportation activities, and review documents to ensure that transit is giving due consideration in the planning process.
End Products | By Whom | When |
Transit Quarterly Invoices and Progress Reports | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Johnson City Transit Staff; TDOT Multimodal Staff; FTA Staff | Oct 2023, Jan 2024, Apr 2024, July 2024 |
Analyze progress toward strategic goals for 2022 Coordinated Plan | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff | As needed |
End Products | By Whom | When |
Transit Quarterly Invoices and Progress Reports | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Johnson City Transit Staff; TDOT Multimodal Staff; FTA Staff | Oct 2024, Jan 2025, Apr 2025, July 2025 |
Analyze progress toward strategic goals for 2022 Coordinated Plan | Johnson City MTPO Staff; Public Transit Providers’ Staff | As needed |
Task V – Multimodal Planning – FY 2024 and FY 2025 | |||
CPG Federal Funds | TDOT Match | Local Match | Johnson City MTPO Total |
$152,000.00 | $9,500.00 | $28,500.00 | $190,000.00 |
Other Transportation Planning Tasks in the Johnson City MTPO MPA
Although not the responsibility of the Johnson City MTPO, there are several other transportation planning tasks that are being implemented within the Johnson City MTPO MPA:
TDOT conducts, upon request of local officials, road safety audits that are intended to eliminate or alleviate safety concerns that have been identified when studying crash data and from actual field investigations. According to TDOT, road safety audits are used primarily as “quick” improvements to correct safety issues such as lack of signing or striping or to correct minor geometric deficiencies. Typically, all improvements occur within the existing right-of-way and are completed within one (1) year of the final report. The cost of each of the studies and implementations vary by multiple projects.
Estimated Cost: TDOT In-House Staff; cost of the audit is undetermined.
TDOT’s Strategic Transportation Investments Division conducts, upon request of local officials, planning studies called Transportation Investment Reports (TIR) across the state of potential transportation projects.
Estimated Cost: TDOT contracts with on-call consultants; cost of the reports is unknown at this time.
Budget Summary – Funding Sources
Table 5
Funding Sources- Johnson City Urbanized Area Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025
TASK | Federal 80% | State 5% | Local 15% | TOTAL | |
I. | Program Administration | $303,200.00 | $18,950.00 | $56,850.00 | $379,000.00 |
II. | Data Collection | $104,800.00 | $6,550.00 | $19,650.00 | $131,000.00 |
III. | Short Range Planning | $40,000.00 | $2,500.00 | $7,500.00 | $50,000.00 |
IV. | Long Range Planning | $16,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $3,000.00 | $20,000.00 |
V. | Multimodal Planning | $152,000.00 | $9,500.00 | $28,500.00 | $190,000.00 |
TOTAL | $616,000.00 | $38,500.00 | $115,500.00 | $770,000.00 | |
1 The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) requires each MPO to use at least 2.5% of its PL funds on specified planning activities to increase safe and accessible options for multiple travel modes for people of all ages and abilities. [§ 11206(b)]. The Johnson City MTPO's tasks that incorporate these planning activities include work associated with Safety Performance Management targets, attending training and conferences related to Complete Streets, maintaining a multimodal Metropolitan Transportation Plan, maintaining a Public Participation Plan, and all activities in Task 5: Multimodal Planning. The 2.5% funding set aside is accommodated in the funding amounts shown in this table.
Budget Summary – Agency Participation
Table 6
Agency Participation- Johnson City Urbanized Area Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025
TASK | TDOT | MPO | TOTAL | |
I. | Program Administration | $18,950.00 | $360,050.00 | $379,000.00 |
II. | Data Collection | $6,550.00 | $124,450.00 | $131,000.00 |
III. | Short Range Planning | $2,500.00 | $47,500.00 | $50,000.00 |
IV. | Long Range Planning | $1,000.00 | $19,000.00 | $20,000.00 |
V. | Multimodal Planning | $9,500.00 | $180,500.00 | $190,000.00 |
TOTAL | $38,500.00 | $731,500.00 | $770,000.00 | |
Budget Summary – Agency Participation by Funding Source
Table 7
Agency Participation by Funding Source Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025
CONSOLIDATED PLANNING GRANT | ||||
AGENCY | Federal 80% | State 5% | Local 15% | TOTAL |
TDOT Match | $0 | $38,500.00 | $0 | $38,500.00 |
MPO | $616,000.00 | $0 | $115,500.00 | $731,500.00 |
TOTAL | $616,000.00 | $38,500.00 | $115,500.00 | $770,000.00 |
In addition to tasks performed by the Johnson City MTPO, there are other transportation planning activities within the region that bear mentioning in this UPWP that are funded through the TDOT SPR Program to local jurisdictions who provide the local match. There are also planning grants awarded by FHWA through various programs. Once these grants are awarded, this section will be modified to list them.