Action Item
Date Prepared: 03/30/2026Agenda Item:
7 Request to Open the Public Comment Period for the Draft Long-Range Plan Amendment 1, Draft FFY 2027 TIP for Pennsylvania, and Draft Transportation Conformity Determination
Background/Analysis/Issues:
Federal law and planning regulations require the development of a Long-Range Plan (Plan) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for a metropolitan region to be eligible to receive federal transportation funds. The Plan and TIP are to be created by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in cooperation with the state(s) and all transit operators in the area it serves and must provide opportunity for input and comment by the public. A minimum 30-day public comment period must be conducted prior to a formal action to adopt the Plan, including any amendments, and the TIP.
The final conformity rule promulgated by US EPA (40 CFR 51 and 93) requires that the Plan or TIP must not cause new air quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment of federal standards; and that Transportation Plans and Programs demonstrate conformity to the applicable State Implementation Plans (SIP) for air quality.
Staff requests to open a 30-day public comment period for:
- Draft Amendment 1 of the Update: Connections 2050 Plan for Greater Philadelphia,
- Draft Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2027 TIP for Pennsylvania, and
- Draft Transportation Conformity Determination Finding of the Draft Amendment 1 of the Update: Connections 2050 Plan for Greater Philadelphia, Draft FFY 2027 TIP for Pennsylvania, and FFY 2026 TIP for New Jersey.
The 30-day public comment period will include proper public notification; publication of Draft Amendment 1 of the Update: Connections 2050 Plan, Draft FFY 2027 TIP for Pennsylvania, and Draft Conformity Finding documents; posting the documents on the Internet; providing copies at certain public libraries; and the holding of public meetings.
Cost and Source of Funds:
N/A
Recommendations:
Regional Technical Committee (RTC): Will make a recommendation at the April 7, 2026, RTC.
DVRPC Staff: Recommends Approval.
Action Proposed:
The Regional Technical Committee recommends the DVRPC Board authorize staff to open a minimum 30-day public comment period for the purpose of gathering public and agency comments on the Draft Amendment 1 of the Update: Connections 2050 Plan, Draft FFY 2027 TIP for Pennsylvania, and Draft Transportation Conformity Determination Finding of the Draft Amendment 1 of the Update: Connections 2050 Plan, Draft FFY 2027 TIP for Pennsylvania, and FFY 2026 TIP for New Jersey; to issue proper public notifications; to publish the draft documents on the Internet; to make copies available at certain public libraries; and to hold public meetings.