On Monday, March 22, 2010, Metro will open a third and final 45-day public comment opportunity on the draft 2035 Regional Transportation Plan and an air quality conformity analysis that indicates the region will continue to meet federal and state clean air standards. The comment period for both of these documents will close at midnight on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Comments received after that time will not be included in the formal public record.
The RTP is a long-term blueprint that guides transportation planning and investments throughout the region. Metro is required to update the plan every four years. The plan proposes investing more than $20 billion in local, regional, state and federal funds during the next 25 years. The plan seeks to improve safety and travel choices for everyone, revitalize downtowns, main streets, create jobs and enhance our economy, maintain clean air and reduce our region’s carbon footprint. The final RTP reflects the policies, project list and funding strategy as accepted by the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation and the Metro Council in December 2009.
The final draft RTP and air quality conformity analysis will be available on the RTP project web site at www.oregonmetro/rtp as soon as the comment period opens on March 22. The web site will also present more detailed information about individual projects. CDs or printed versions of these documents will be available by request.
HOW TO COMMENT
* Mail or hand-deliver to 2035 Regional Transportation Plan, Planning and Development, 600 NE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97232
* Comment online at www.oregonmetro.gov/rtp
* Testify at a public hearing starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2010, in the Metro Council Chamber, 600 NE Grande Avenue, Portland.
GUIDELINES FOR TESTIFYING AT A PUBLIC HEARING
* Oral testimony is limited to three minutes per person.
* To ensure that your comments are accurately reflected in the public record, please bring your remarks in writing whether you testify orally or not. You may bring written material you have prepared in advance, or use Metro comment forms that will be available at the hearing.
FINAL APPROVAL PROCESS
After comments on this final RTP have been considered by Metro’s technical and policy advisory committees and the Metro Council, an ordinance to approve the final RTP will be considered for approval by the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation and the Metro Council on June 10, 2010.
All Metro meetings are wheelchair accessible. Listening devices for people with a hearing impairment are available in the Council Chamber upon request. Interpreter services for people with limited English or the hearing impaired are available with 48 hours advance notice. Please call Metro at (503) 797-1551 or T.D.D. (503) 797–1804 to request these services. For up to date public transit information, visit www.trimet.org.
For questions about the comment period or to request more information call Pat Emmerson at 503-797-1551 or send e-mail to rtp@oregonmetro.gov.