Title
Public Hearing: FY 2025-2029 Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan (15 minutes)
Doug Plachcinski, AICP, CFM, DCHC MPO Executive Director
Narrative
Federal transit law requires that projects funded with Section 5310 funds must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. The Section 5310 - Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program is intended to improve mobility for older adults and those with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services. The Durham urban area currently receives approximately $400,000 per year through this formula-funded program. The City of Durham is the designated recipient of these funds and the DCHC MPO has served as the administrator of this program.
The Coordinated Plan must be updated every five years and was last updated in June 2019. The 2024 plan has been updated using a process that involved seniors, individuals with disabilities, representatives of transportation and human services agencies, and other stakeholders. This plan includes a review of the transportation-disadvantaged communities in the DCHC MPO area, an overview of available funding sources, an inventory of existing transportation services, community feedback on current needs and gaps in service, and recommendations for implementing strategies to address these needs and gaps.
The schedule for the approval of this plan is:
-May 14: Technical Committee (TC) recommended the Board release the plan for public comment.
-May 28: Board released the plan for public comment.
-June 11: TC recommended approval of the plan.
-June 25: Board holds public hearing and approves plan.
Since the May 28 Board meeting, the graphic design of the report has been updated, along with additional images and visuals to improve clarity. Per MPO Board direction, the responsible agency for proposed strategies on pages 42-45 has been added.
Public comments received as of June 17, 2024 have been incorporated into the Public Engagement section of the report. The Public Comment period remained open until June 19, and any additional comments received between June 17 and June 19, will be provided during the meeting.
Board Action
TC Action: Received the revised plan and public comments, and recommended the Board approve the final plan.
Board Action: Hold the Public Hearing and approve the final plan.