June 2016 - Issue 59
Monthly Transportation News from and for the Region 
Rio Metro Board of Directors Adopt Latest Update to the Rio Metro Short Range Plan

In May, the Rio Metro Board of Directors adopted the latest update to the Rio Metro Short Range Plan. The Short Range Plan outlines Rio Metro's near-term financial outlook and capital project goals in four key components:
  1. The rail, bus and community transportation budget for FY2017, as well as budget projections for FY2018-FY2023;
  2. A progress report on major capital projects and planning efforts, including implementation tactics from the recently adopted Long Term Strategic Vision Plan;
  3. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express Capital Improvement Program (NMRX CIP) that allocates federal State of Good Repair funds to projects that both preserve and enhance the Rail Runner system; and
  4. The Rio Metro Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan, which prioritizes unfunded and underfunded projects contained in the progress report and NMRX CIP.  
If you would like to view the plan, you may do so at Rio Metro's publications page.
Reminder: MRMPO and NMDOT Call for Projects for the Transportation Alternatives Program and Recreational Trails Program Underway 

The Mid-Region Metropolitan Planning Organization and New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) announced last month the opening of the call for projects for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding in Federal fiscal years (FFY) 2018 and 2019. The new, combined guide for both TAP and RTP--called the  Active Transportation and Recreational Programs Guide (the "Guide")--is intended to be a user-focused resource for potential applicants, MPOs and RTPOs, and other stakeholders in identifying and applying for the appropriate funding source based on the specific project type. Click  here for more information on how to apply, to view required application forms, and to access the Guide. 
All entities seeking Small Urban TAP funds, Rural Area TAP funds, TAP Flex funds and Recreational Trails Program funds must utilize the NMDOT process/guide. Applicants must meet the following key deadlines:
May-July: Project identification forms due to MRMPO for eligibility screening (MRMPO is not requiring the Project Feasibility Form (PFF) process)
Aug-October: Project sponsor completes application
Nov: MPO planner vets applications for completeness
Nov 30th: Deadline for MPO to submit complete applications to appropriate NMDOT program Coordinator
All applications will then be submitted to NMDOT via the MPOs and RTPOs according to the process outlined in the Guide.  
For questions on the call for projects, contact Steven Montiel at smontiel@mrcog-nm.gov or 505-724-3633. Applicants can also contact TAP Coordinator, Danial Watts ( danial.watts@state.nm.us or 505-470-8545) or RTP Coordinator, Aaron Detter ( aaron.detter@state.nm.us or 505-827-5117. 
Please note that MRMPO will issue a separate call for projects for all TAP-Large Urban funds in fall 2016. The TAP-Large Urban call for projects will follow the routine MRMPO call for projects process being undertaken for the FFY 2018-2023 TIP development process and will follow all key deadlines established by that process.  Please keep an eye out for this call in September.
Revised Draft of Albuquerque & Bernalillo County Comp Plan Available

A revised draft of the Albuquerque & Bernalillo County Comprehensive Plan has been released. Of the 14 chapters in the plan, 11--including the Transportation Chapter--have been revised based on public and staff stakeholder comments. 


Public meetings will be held in June to discuss the plan and revisions. In addition, a Saturday open house is planned. All comments on the revised Comp Plan that will be considered for incorporation in the plan are due no later than Monday, June 20.   


Shakespeare on the Rail Returns in June

All the world's a stage. So said William Shakespeare. And this summer, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express is once again turning into a stage. The ever-popular Shakespeare on the Rail is back this June, with six performances of scenes from the Bard's plays. On June 11, 18, and 25, passengers on the Rail Runner's #704 northbound and #705 southbound trains will be treated to performances from three of Shakespeare's plays, As You Like It Comedy of Errors,  and  Two Gentlemen of Verona
June Calendar

WHAT
WHEN
WHERE
Transportation Coordinating Committee Meeting
Friday, June 3 (1:30-3pm)
MRCOG Board Room
Metropolitan Transportation Board Meeting

Friday, June 17 

(10-11:30am)

MRCOG Board Room
Rio Metro Board Meeting
Friday, June 17 (noon)
MRCOG Board Room
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals Webinar: Economic Impacts of Street Design Decisions
Wednesday, June 15
(1-2pm)
MRCOG First Floor Conference Room
ITS Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, June 22 (1-3pm)
MRCOG

GRAPHIC OF THE MONTH
 
In 2012, there was only about one job for every two houses on the west side of the Rio Grande within the Mid-Region. This low employment-to-housing ratio meant many Westside residents needed to cross the river on a limited number of bridges to travel to work on the Eastside. By 2040, the employment-to-housing ratio on the Westside will improve, when compared to 2012, but will remain imbalanced. The ratio on the Westside is expected to increase by about 15 percent from 2012 to 2040, which will largely be due to an employment increase of more than 87 percent. Conversely, the ratio on the east side is expected to drop by about three percent. While much of the housing growth of the Mid-Region is expected to be on undeveloped land in its western extremities, many areas in the urban core will have higher housing densities in the future. Existing urban areas in Downtown, Uptown, and along the Central Avenue corridor will experience faster housing growth than employment growth.



Mid-Region Metropolitan Planning Organization | 505.247.1750 |  www.mrcog-nm.gov
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