February 2018
WILMAPCO Meetings

All meetings are open to the public. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held in the WILMAPCO Conference Room.

Feb. 6, 3 p.m.

Feb. 8, 10 a.m.

Feb. 8, 1 p.m.

Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 15, 10 a.m.

WILMAPCO and DelDOT Public Workshop
Feb. 26, 4 - 7 p.m.
Newark Free Library

In case of inclement weather, please call (302) 737-6205, or toll free from Cecil County at (888) 808-7088 for cancellations or postponements.

For updates or more information on upcoming WILMAPCO meetings, please visit www.wilmapco.org . 
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Transportation news and events from the
Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO). 
WILMAPCO News
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TIPTIP Public Comment Period
WILMAPCO has released its draft  FY 2019 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for public review. Funding the region's transportation projects, the TIP prioritizes and details more than $2 billion of anticipated transportation projects including roads, buses, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian.
WILMAPCO will hold a Public Workshop in partnership with DelDOT on Monday, February 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Newark Free Library. WILMAPCO and DelDOT staff will be available to discuss proposed projects and listen to feedback. For more information or to submit a comment, please visit www.wilmapco.org/tip.

RFPRequest for Proposals 
WILMAPCO is seeking consultant services to conduct the 12th Street Connector Alignment Project for Wilmington, DE. Seven (7) copies of proposals must be mailed or hand delivered. Faxed applications will not be accepted. The deadline for applications is February 23, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. Proposals received after this time and date will not be accepted.  For more information, please visit www.wilmapco.org/wilmington/12th_St_ConnectorRFP_1_19_18.pdf, or contact Dave Gula at (302) 737-6205 ext. 122, or via email [email protected] with any questions. 
Local News
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DARTDART Community Conversations 
You are invited to attend a Community Conversation to provide feedback and share experiences since DART's recent service changes, as well as offer suggestions on future changes. Attendees are invited to attend anytime during the hours listed below:
  • Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Wilmington Public Library - Commons Room
  • Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kirkwood Library
 
 
National News
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AirStudy Shows Low Levels of Air Pollution Pose Risk for Older Adults 
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, " EPA grantee Francesca Dominici and colleagues conducted a nationwide study to examine the link between mortality and long-term exposure to ozone and PM2.5 at levels lower than the current annual standards. The results show that even low levels of air pollution raise mortality risk for older adults. The effect was most pronounced among African Americans, men, and people with low income." To view the source article, please visit www.epa.gov/sciencematters/study-shows-low-levels-air-pollution-pose-risk-older-adults. 
   
FTAThe Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently released two Requests for Comments (RFCs)
The first notice seeks public comment on the current and near-future status of automated transit buses and related technologies. The second notice seeks public comment on current or potential regulatory and policy barriers to the development, demonstration, deployment, and evaluation of automated transit buses and related technologies. Please visit FTAs website for additional information. The response period runs through March 2, 2018.  
 
PublicEngaging the Public in Local Road Funding Decisions may lead to Better Outcomes 
According to the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, "In a recent study, U of M researchers sought to better understand stakeholder attitudes, knowledge, and engagement about financing for local road system management. The research team collected and analyzed data about the general climate of stakeholder knowledge and attitudes toward road financing. Data were collected through media analysis, case studies, interviews, and surveys of county government leaders. The research indicated that the public generally agrees on the importance of well-maintained local roads but lacks an understanding of funding and financing mechanisms." To learn more, please visit www.cts.umn.edu/publications/catalyst/2018/january/engaging.
 
UberUber Close to Scrapping Human Backups in Self-driving Cars  
According to CNBC,"Uber plans to carry passengers in autonomous vehicles without human backup drivers in about the same time frame as competitors, which expect to be on the road at the latest sometime next year." To view the source article, please visit www.cnbc.com/2018/01/17/the-associated-press-uber-close-to-scrapping-human-backups-in-self-driving-cars.html. 
 
AmazonAmazon Alexa is Coming to Toyota Cars
According to a USA today article, "Toyota will integrate Amazon's Alexa voice assistant into some of its cars. The move will allow Toyota drivers to use Alexa's speech-command system to order navigation, pick entertainment options, get the news, add items to a shopping cart, and other services."  To view the source article, please visit www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2018/01/09/ces-2018-toyota-adds-amazons-alexa-vehicles/1017899001/.
 
AVCar With No Steering Wheel Or Pedals Ready For Streets in 2019
According to NPR, " General Motors says it is ready to mass-produce a self-driving car that has no steering wheel, pedals, or any other manual controls. GM maintains that the car 'will comply with federal safety laws;' The car company said that it has filed a petition with the Department of Transportation for the fourth-generation Cruise AV to hit the streets in 2019. GM is asking for a waiver for laws that it cannot meet 'because they are human-driver-based-requirements."  To view the source article, please visit www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way.
 
CaliCalifornia is Officially Planning to Ban Polluting Cars by 2040
According to Futurism.com, "A bill that would ban all vehicles powered by fossil fuels in California by 2040 is proceeding after being promised a month ago. If approved, it would dramatically reduce the state's emissions as well as open up opportunities for new green markets."  To learn more, please visit https://futurism.com/california-officially-planning-ban-polluting-cars-2040/.
The Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) is the regional transportation planning agency for New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland.
As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), WILMAPCO is charged with planning and coordinating transportation investments for the region based on federal policy, local input, technical analysis, and best practices. For more information, please visit our website at www.wilmapco.org.