South Burlington, VT - On Wednesday, October 22, the board
of the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO)
held its final open house and public hearing on the 2003 Metropolitan
Transportation Plan (MTP), the long-range transportation plan
for Chittenden County. The meeting, held at South Burlington High
School, was an opportunity for the public to learn about plan,
which identifies an expected allocation of $1.04 billion over
the next 25 years.
The CCMPO and the board of the Chittenden County Regional Planning
Commission (CCRPC) are expected to take action on the plan in
early 2004.
The meeting began at 6 p.m. with an open house, followed by a
staff presentation on the MTP and a public hearing. Two principal
issues discussed were maintaining existing systems and building
the Circumferential Highway. Public comments may be submitted
until October 31 and will be reviewed by the board. Comments from
municipalities in the County will be accepted until December 1.
The CCMPO board will review all comments received and discuss
any revisions to the plan prior to approval.
"We appreciate everyone who took the time to come out and
participate," said Bill Knight, executive director of the
CCMPO. "While it might not be possible to have a plan that
everyone agrees with, we think we have heard all viewpoints and
arrived at an excellent representation of public viewpoints."
The MTP is a 25-year plan that responds to the transportation
needs of a growing and changing population. Just as population,
real estate, and employment change over time, so do travel habits
and needs. It addresses transportation from a regional, as well
as a local standpoint.
The expected $1.04 billion allocation recognizes public priorities.
Extensive public input gathered during the development of this
plan at public meetings, presentations and through a public opinion
survey, revealed that people in Chittenden County place high priority
on preserving existing infrastructure. Of the $1.04 billion estimated
for capital projects from 2001 to 2025, more than half is for
system preservation.
The MTP is multi-modal, incorporating plans for highways, buses,
trains, airplanes, bicycles, and walkers. It provides for maintenance
and improvement of existing roads and highways, sidewalks, and
recreation paths. The MTP also contains plans for commuter rail
service, park and ride facilities, and expanded bus transit. Efficiency
improvements, and safety for pedestrians and vehicles are part
of the transportation plan as well.
For more information, visit http://www.ccmpo.org/MTP/.
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