Forum members will have an opportunity to introduce themselves.

Approval of the highlights of February 21, 2003 meeting.

Guest Speaker

Susan Bass Levin, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will address the Forum. She will discuss the implications of the Blueprint for Intelligent Growth (BIG) map on the existing State Development and Redevelopment Plan, and Smart Growth initiatives.

ACTION ITEM

Highway Projects

The Army Corp of Engineers and FHWA soon will be releasing the DEIS for SR 92 and Penns Neck Area. Transportation modeling undertaken by the Forum showed the positive impact these proposed highways will have on traffic congestion. The Forum will discuss these projects and its role in ensuring implementation.

A Transportation Enhancement District (TED) has been described as a “financing tool for transportation projects” The Forum will be presented with the TED concept, pending legislation and the committee’s continued efforts with the Region Planning Protocol and Transfer of Development Rights.

The activities of the freight committee will be presented.

Bus Rapid Transit

a) The Final Report of the Greater Mercer TMA’s Bus Rapid Transit study is now complete. The findings of this study will be presented.

b) The Forum will be briefed on the progress of the Bus Rapid Transit Alternative Analysis.

Dialogue

In an effort to encourage and continue information exchange, Forum attendees are encouraged to highlight any major activity which has occurred since the last meeting.

Next Step

Attachments
1. List of Invitees
2. Highlights of February 21, 2002 Meeting3. Highway Projects Status Report
3. Highway Projects Status Report