Winter 2024 Newsletter

Quarterly Newsletter - December 2024

Draft Plan Available For Review

The Memphis Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Greenprint Plan is available for public review and comment through January 17th, 2025. Click on the link below to visit the plan’s webpage and view the draft plan. Comments or questions will be accepted throughout the review period and can be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO Administrator, Pragati.Srivastava@memphistn.gov or Kate Horton, Transportation Planner, Kate.Horton@memphistn.gov.

View the Plan

Recommended View Settings: Two Page View w/ Cover Page

Thank You!

A special thank you to everyone who provided input in person or online during either or both rounds of public engagement for this plan.

Winchester Road Corridor Study

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Design Workshop earlier this month! Our next engagement opportunity will be the Open House early in 2025. Additional information about the open house will be posted on the study webpage once available.

Study Page

Memphis MPO Biteable Video

A new Biteable video is now live on both YouTube and our website!

The Memphis MPO is excited to share its new Crash Data Dashboard! The Dashboard is maintained by the Memphis MPO and contains information on crashes within the Memphis MPO Planning Area.

Click on the image below to watch a video overview of the Memphis MPO Crash Data Dashboard.

Recent Headlines

Hernando cuts ribbon on a new roundabout

The City of Hernando celebrated opening a new traffic roundabout at the intersection of Hwy 51 and Oak Grove Road, a significant project to improve safety at a previously hazardous intersection. The approximately $2.2 million roundabout, completed in five months, is expected to enhance traffic flow and ensure safer passage for school children and residents.

Buc-ee’s breaks ground in Gallaway

Construction began on a Buc-ee’s gas station in Gallaway, TN, at the intersection of I-40 and TN-196. The station, which will have 120 fueling stations, is expected to open in the summer of 2026.

Lakeland Approves Scotts Creek Greenway

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners approves an agreement with TDOT to design a $1.3 million Scotts Creek Greenway project. The project is funded through a Surface Transportation Block Grant. The trail will connect Cool Springs Park, Lakeland Athletic Complex, and Lakeland Town Square.

FRA grant awarded to improve rail and train congestion in DeSoto County

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced an $18.2 million grant to Grenada Railroad for rail line and crossing improvements from Southaven to Canton. These improvements will also build a larger railroad spur in Horn Lake, leading to shorter and less frequent rail crossing at Commerce Street in Hernando.

Program & Funding Opportunities

TDEC Public Recreation Grants

The TDEC Office of Outdoor Recreation has announced the 2025 Public Recreation Grants Cycle, offering funding opportunities for local parks, trails, and recreation initiatives. Programs include the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), Recreational Trails Program (RTP), Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP), and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Eligible projects include land acquisition, trail construction, park facilities, and department establishment for underserved areas. Funding availability differs in each fund. Intent to Apply due January 14, 2025.

RAISE Grant Program

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program funds transportation projects that improve safety, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Eligible projects include public transit, road, rail, and port improvements, focusing on reducing emissions and enhancing community access. Up to $1.5 billion available nationwide. Applications due on January 30, 2025.

Asphalt Art Initiative

The Asphalt Art Initiative provides grants to cities in North America to create public art on streets, pedestrian spaces, and other public infrastructure. The program aims to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, revitalize public spaces, and engage communities. Eligible cities with populations over 50,000 are encouraged to apply for projects focused on safety enhancements through visual art. Up to $100,000 per grant is available. Applications due on January 31, 2025.

PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program

The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program offers competitive grants to enhance the resilience of surface transportation systems. Created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program funds projects that improve infrastructure resilience to natural hazards, including climate change, flooding, and extreme weather events. Up to $576 million available nationwide for FY 2024-2025. Applications due on February 24, 2025.

Visit the MPO's Funding Opportunities webpage for more information on transportation funding opportunities available to eligible agencies and organizations throughout the Region.