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

Resolution 3

List of Abbreviations 4

Section 1 – About the UPWP 6

Section 2 – Planning Focus Areas of the Johnson City MTPO 6

Section 3 – Funding Sources 7

Section 4 – About the Johnson City MTPO 8

Johnson City MTPO Metropolitan Planning Area 8

Organizational Structure 8

Executive Board 8

Executive Staff 10

Administrative Staff 10

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

Section 9 – Work Program 18

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

Appendix – Special Studies 38

RESOLUTION 2023-02‌

RESOLUTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE JOHNSON CITY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MTPO)

To approve and adopt the Fiscal Years 2024-2025 Unified Planning Work Program WHEREAS, a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transportation process is to be carried

out in the Johnson City Metropolitan Planning Area ; and

WHEREAS, under federal planning guidelines, Metropolitan Planning Organizations are required to submit a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) that identifies the transportation planning projects and planning activities to be undertaken by local, regional, and/or state agencies for the Johnson City Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) for Fiscal Years 2024-2025; and

WHEREAS, the various state, local and regional agencies involved with transportation planning for the Johnson City MTPO MPA have cooperatively developed a UPWP for Fiscal Years 2024-2025; and

WHEREAS, the staff of the Johnson City MTPO, Tennessee Department ofTransportation, Federal Highway Administration, and Federal Transit Administration have reviewed the Fiscal Years 2024-2025 UPWP and found it satisfies federal requirements; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Johnson City MTPO Executive Board does hereby approve and adopt the Fiscal Years 2024-2025 Unified Planning Work Program.

MTPO Executive Board, Chair Date

MTPO Executive Secretary Date

List of Abbreviations‌

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

Section 1 – About the UPWP‌

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:

1. • 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.

  Section 3 – Funding Sources‌

  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 on the next page identifies the amount of funding available to program for tasks in the UPWP for the Johnson City MTPO. Depending on the task, other funding sources may be used. If so, they are identified in the detail section of each task in the UPWP. It should be noted, without the FHWA PL and FTA Section 5303 funds, the Johnson City MTPO would not be able to operate in its current capacity as the majority of these funds are used for its operations. The City of Johnson City provides the local matching funds.

  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.

  Organizational Structure‌

  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.

  Executive Board‌

  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

  

  Executive Staff‌

  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.

  Administrative Staff‌

  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

  Johnson City MTPO Organizational Chart

  

  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:

  1. Economic Vitality – Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency.

     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.

  2. System Safety – Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non- motorized users.

     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.

  3. System Security – Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non- motorized users.

     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).

  4. Accessibility & Mobility – Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight.

     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.

  5. Enhance Environment – Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns.

     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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. System Preservation – Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.

     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.

  9. System Resiliency – Improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts of surface transportation.

     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.

  10. Travel & Tourism – Enhance travel and tourism.

  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 illustrates each of the planning factors and summarizes which of the work tasks address that factor.

  Table 2

  Summary of Planning Factors Matrix

  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:

  1. Tackling the Climate Crisis – Transition to a Clean Energy, Resilient Future.

     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.

  2. Equity and Justice40 in Transportation Planning.

     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.

  3. Complete Streets.

     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.

  4. Public Involvement.

     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.

  5. Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET)/U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Coordination. MTPO Activities: The MTPO strongly supports the efficient function of STRAHNET. In the MTPO area, I-26 is the only STRAHNET corridor. The MTPO will continue to work with TDOT for improvements on I-26, such as ITS deployment, interchange improvement, and operational improvements. There are no military units that are under the direct control of the DOD in our area; however, there is a Tennessee National Guard Unit located in the Gray community in the Kingsport UZA that serves as a military reserve unit under the DOD. The MTPO staff will make efforts to coordinate with the Kingsport MTPO to help focus on improvements to I-26.

  6. Federal Land Management Agency (FLMA) Coordination.

     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.

  7. Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL).

     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.

  8. Data in Transportation Planning.

  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:

  1. Carbon Reduction Program.

     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.

  2. PROTECT Program.

     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.

  3. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure.

     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.

  4. Transportation Planning Grants.

     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.

  5. Virtual Public Involvement.

  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.

  Section 9 – Work Program‌

  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

  Summary of Core Planning Documents and Activities

  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

  Responsible Agencies: Johnson City MTPO, TDOT – Long Range Planning Division, Office of Local Programs, Program Development Division and the Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources, FHWA, and FTA

  Purpose: To conduct continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning activities consistent with the MPA’s comprehensive general plans and ensure that all transportation projects meet federal and state requirements.

  Previous Work: This is a continuing work activity; however, the following notable undertakings were made in FY 2022-2023:

• 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.

  Activities for FY 2024 and 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 Products (Schedule) – FY 2024

  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 Products (Schedule) – FY 2025

  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.

  Budget and Funding Source

  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

  Responsible Agencies: Johnson City MTPO, TDOT – Long Range Planning Division, Public Transit Providers, FHWA, FTA, and Consultant

  Purpose: To collect and maintain an inventory of transportation, traffic, safety, demographic, and land- use data and analyze it as it relates to various plans, programs and studies. Data and information is also disseminated to the public by way of the Johnson City MTPO website.

  Previous Work: This is a continuing work activity; however, the following notable undertakings were made in FY 2022-2023:

• 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.

  Activities for FY 2024 – 2025

• 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 Products (Schedule) – FY 2024

  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 Products (Schedule) – FY 2025

  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.

  Budget and Funding Source

  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

  Responsible Agency: Johnson City MTPO, TDOT – Long Range Planning Division, Office of Local Programs, Program Development Division and the Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources, Public Transit Providers, FHWA, and FTA

  Purpose: Develop short-range transportation plans and activities which address immediate transportation needs of the MPO communities, particularly a fiscally constrained Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

  Previous Work: This is a continuing work activity; however, the following notable undertakings were made in FY 2022-2023:

• 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.

  Activities for FY 2024 – 2025

• 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 (Schedule) – FY 2024

  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 (Schedule) – FY 2025

  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

  Planning Factors Considered: All ten Federal Planning Factors will be considered during the development and maintenance of the TIP, and noted with individual activities, which are Economic Vitality, System Safety, System Security, Accessibility and Mobility, Enhance Environment, Integration and Connectivity, System Management and Operations, System Preservation, System Resiliency, and Travel and Tourism.

  Budget and Funding Source

  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

  Responsible Agencies: Johnson City MTPO, TDOT – Long Range Planning Division, FHWA, and FTA

  Purpose: To deliver activities that support comprehensive long-range transportation, freight, ITS infrastructure and public participation plans that will provide for the future transportation needs of the Johnson City MTPO MPA.

  Previous Work: This is a continuing work activity; however, the following notable undertakings were made in FY 2022-2023:

• 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 Products (Schedule) – FY 2024

  End Product	By Whom	When
  Maintain 2050 MTP with amendments and modifications	Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff	As Needed

  End Products (Schedule) – FY 2025

  End Product	By Whom	When
  Maintain 2050 MTP with amendments and modifications	Johnson City MTPO Staff; TDOT Staff; FHWA/FTA Staff	As Needed

  Planning Factors Considered: All ten Federal Planning Factors are considered when making any updates to the MTP, and noted with individual activities, which are Economic Vitality, System Safety, System Security, Accessibility and Mobility, Enhance Environment, Integration and Connectivity, System Management and Operations, System Preservation, System Resiliency, and Travel and Tourism.

  Budget and Funding Source

  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

  Task V – Multimodal Planning‌

  Responsible Agency: Johnson City MTPO, Johnson City Transit, TDOT – Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources, Public Transit Providers, and FTA

  Purpose: To program funds, coordinate multimodal planning activities, and to encourage citizen knowledge and awareness of public and private transit services.

  Previous Work: This is a continuing work activity; however, the following notable undertakings were made in FY 2022-2023:

• 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.

  Activities for FY 2024 – 2025

• 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 (Schedule) – FY 2024

End Products (Schedule) – FY 2025

Planning Factors Considered: All ten Federal Planning Factors will be considered during transit planning, and noted with individual activities, which are Economic Vitality, System Safety, System Security, Accessibility and Mobility, Enhance Environment, Integration and Connectivity, System Management and Operations, System Preservation, System Resiliency, and Travel and Tourism.

Budget and Funding Source

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:

1. TDOT Road Safety Audits

   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.

2. TDOT Transportation Investment Reports

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

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

Budget Summary – Agency Participation by Funding Source‌

Table 7

Agency Participation by Funding Source Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025

Appendix – Special Studies‌

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.