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.