Participation Plan - City-County Planning Commission of Warren
Transcription
Participation Plan - City-County Planning Commission of Warren
Participation Plan January 2015 City-County Planning Commission for the Bowling Green – Warren County MPO 1141 State Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: (270) 842-1953 Fax: (270) 842-1282 http://warrenpc.org/mpo This document is published by the City-County Planning Commission and is prepared in cooperation with or with financial assistance from all or several of the following public entities: The United States Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, City of Bowling Green and Warren County, Kentucky. This financial assistance notwithstanding, the contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the funding agencies. Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1 Background and Regulatory Requirements............................................................................... 1 General Guidelines for Public and Agency Review and Comment on Planning Products ........... 5 Public Review of Participation Plan .......................................................................................... 7 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).................................................................................. 9 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) ........................................................................... 13 Grouped Projects ................................................................................................................... 16 Title VI, Environmental Justice, and ADA ................................................................................ 18 Outreach ................................................................................................................................ 22 Appendix Public and Agency Comments .................................................................................. A1 Committee Membership Information ....................................................................... A2 Media and Consultant Lists ...................................................................................... A4 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Introduction The Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is committed to a proactive approach for engaging all interested parties in meaningful participation throughout the transportation planning process by: Providing opportunities for full citizen participation and involvement in all elements of the transportation planning process to create an inclusive vision for the region. Communicating with stakeholders to encourage their involvement throughout the transportation planning process. Seeking out and considering the needs of those persons traditionally underserved by the existing transportation system within the MPO planning area who face challenges accessing employment and services. Consulting with local, state, and federal agencies responsible for other planning activities that are affected by transportation decisions. Periodically reviewing the effectiveness of participation procedures to ensure an open and responsive participation process. The goals and objectives of the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO Participation Plan are: Invite all communities in the planning area to participate in the transportation planning process for the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO, including key meetings and other events that are elements of the planning process. These invitations should have a special emphasis on those communities who have been traditionally underserved by the existing transportation system. Inform all communities of their role in the transportation planning and decision-making process. Involve all communities by providing opportunities early and often in the transportation planning and decision-making process. Improve the public participation process in an effort to accomplish the objectives to invite, inform, and involve the communities within the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO. Background and Regulatory Requirements The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962 created the federal requirement for urban transportation planning largely in response to the construction of the Interstate Highway System and the planning of routes through and around urban areas. This legislation required, as a condition attached to federal transportation financial assistance, that transportation projects in urbanized areas of 50,000 or more in population be based on a continuing, comprehensive urban transportation planning process undertaken cooperatively by the states and local governments. The 1973 Federal-Aid Highway Act established a requirement of creating a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for all urbanized areas greater than 50,000 in population to develop comprehensive transportation plans to receive federal funding for road construction projects. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and 1 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) expanded and placed greater emphasis on the role of MPO’s in transportation planning. As part of this legislation, public participation was stressed as a part of the transportation planning and decision making process. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO is responsible for establishing a planning process for the region that is continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3C process) in its approach to transportation planning, including maintaining a formal process for public participation. The federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), enacted in 2005, requires that MPOs develop and utilize a “participation plan” that provides reasonable opportunities for interested parties (citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled) to comment on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and other planning documents and activities within the MPO. Further, this participation plan must be developed “in consultation with all interested parties” and the public must have input on the participation plan. Following adoption by the Policy Committee, this participation plan will guide the development of all transportation plans and projects and must be in place before the MPO can take action on an updated or amended MTP and TIP. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), enacted in 2012, is the transportation reauthorization bill which continues previous federal participation guidelines under SAFETEA-LU legislation. The legislation requires metropolitan planning organizations to develop a Participation Plan which outlines methods to provide early and continuing public access to information about the transportation decision-making process to the following: Citizens Affected public agencies Public transportation employees Freight shippers Providers of freight transportation services Private providers of transportation Users of public transportation Users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities People with disabilities Other interested parties Code of Federal Regulations Federal requirements for the public participation activities were issued in the Code of Federal Regulations, 23 CFR Part 450.316, by the US Department of Transportation. Interested parties, participation, and consultation MPOs must utilize a Participation Plan (PP) that is developed in 2 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan consultation with interested parties and is formerly adopted after ample opportunity for public input. The plan must be in place prior to the MPO adopting the MTP and TIP since it outlines the participation process to be followed for developing and adopting these documents. 23 CFR 450.316 1. The participation plan shall be developed by the MPO in consultation with all interested parties and shall, at a minimum, describe explicit procedures, strategies, and desired outcome for: (i) Providing adequate public notice of public participation activities and time for public review and comment at key decision points, including but not limited to a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed MTP and TIP; (ii) Providing timely notice and reasonable access to information about transportation issues and processes; (iii) Employing visualization techniques to describe the MTP and TIP; (iv) Making public information (technical information and meeting notices) available in electronically accessible formats and means; (v) Holding any public meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times; (vi) Demonstrating explicit consideration and response to public input received during the development of the MTP and TIP; (vii) Seeking out and considering the needs of those traditionally underserved by existing transportation systems, such as low-income and minority households, who may face challenges accessing employment and other services; (viii) Providing an additional opportunity for public comment, if the final MTP or TIP differs significantly from the version that was made available for public comment by the MPO and raises new material issues which interested parties could not reasonably have foreseen from public involvement efforts; (ix) Coordinating with the statewide transportation planning public involvement and consultation processes wherever possible to enhance public consideration of the issues, plans, and programs and reduce the redundancies and costs; (x) Periodically reviewing the effectiveness of the procedures and the strategies contained in the participation plan to ensure a full and open participation process. 2. When significant written and oral comments are received on the draft MTP and TIP (including the financial plans) as a result of the participation process or the interagency consultation process required under the EPA transportation conformity regulations (40 CRF Part 93), a summary, analysis, and report on the disposition of comments shall be made as a part if the final MTP and TIP. 3. A minimum public comment period of 45 calendar days shall be provided before the initial plan is adopted by the MPO. Copies of the approved participation plan shall be provided to the FHWA and the FTA for informational purposes and shall be posted on the World Wide Web, to the maximum extent practicable. 3 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ensures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, or physical handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Federal assistance from the United States Department of Transportation. The federal statute was further clarified and supplemented by the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and a series of federal statues enacted in the 1990s relating to the concept of environmental justice. The fundamental principles of environmental justice include: Avoiding, minimizing or mitigating disproportionately high and adverse health or enviro nmental Ensuring full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transpo rtation decision‐making process; and Preventing the denial, reduction or significant delay in the receipt of benefits by minority populations and low‐income communities. Executive Orders An Executive Order is an order given by the President to federal agencies. As a recipient of federal revenues, the Bowling Green – Warren County MPO assists federal transportation agencies in complying with these orders. Executive Order 12898: Comply with Presidential Executive Order 12898 Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. Environmental Justice directed federal agencies to develop environmental justice strategies to help federal agencies address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs on minority and low-income populations. Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. This Executive Order states that people who speak limited English should have meaningful access to federally conducted and federally funded programs and activities. It requires that all federal agencies identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency and develop and implement a system to provide access to those services. Americans with Disabilities Act Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and US Department of Transportation regulations “Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities”. Meetings and hearings must be held in ADA-compliant buildings and special accommodations must be made for those with disabilities to participate in meetings, and planning and programming activities. 4 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan General Guidelines for Public /Agency Review and Comment on Planning Products The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO recognizes that an effective participation process is a vital element in the development and implementation of transportation plans and programs. The process includes the entire community in developing feasible transportation plans and alternatives while encouraging community leaders to support the transportation system. The process also increases public awareness regarding the benefits of transportation services and programs. All guidelines for the development of this document are derived from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process Regulations (23 CFR 450 Subpart C) and recommendations from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). To satisfy these requirements, the MTP and TIP will be developed using the five elements of the participation plan process outlined below. Elements of this process will include: 1. Outreach Efforts: Prior to major decision points in the transportation planning process, the MPO will strive to engage all interested persons in the region, including efforts to reach out to persons traditionally underserved by the existing transportation system. The methods for outreach for MPO activities will include public and individual notifications and communications to advisory committees, public agencies, civic organizations, neighborhood associations, private transit providers, and other stakeholders using media articles, advertisement, emails, websites, newsletters, surveys and meetings with groups and individuals. Outreach and contact to persons traditionally underserved by the existing transportation system will be primarily through local civic group meetings and individual communication, when appropriate. 2. Opportunity for Public Comment: The MPO will provide opportunities for public and agency comment on the MTP, MTP Amendments, the TIP, Program of Projects (POP), TIP Amendments and other planning studies. Written text draft versions of the MTP, MTP Amendments, the TIP, TIP Amendments, POP or other planning studies will be made available at the Bowling Green – Warren County MPO office and the following locations for a public review and comment period: Bowling Green City Hall Bowling Green – Warren County Planning Commission Office of the Warren County Judge-Executive Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – District 3 These draft documents will also be made available through the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO website http://warrenpc.org/mpo. Letters will be sent to local, state and federal planning and resource agencies requesting their review and comment on the draft MTP, MTP Amendments, the TIP, TIP Amendments or other planning studies as it may relate to or impact their planning efforts. Any comments received during the public review process will be summarized and responses prepared and included in the final version of the document. If the MPO determines that the response to public comments results in significant changes to the 5 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan document, an additional public review period may be added. During the development of an update for the MTP, public input will be sought to identify the community vision and goals for the transportation system within the MPO. This information will be used in the development of the alternatives and the recommended improvements to the transportation system to be included in the MTP. A minimum of one public meeting will be held to solicit input on the alternatives, improvements recommended to the transportation system and implementation strategies to be included in the MTP. Opportunities for public input and comment on the community goals and visions for the MTP and the alternatives, recommendations and implementation strategies will also be made available through the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO website http://warrenpc.org/mpo. All input received will be considered in the development of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Since the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a subset of the MTP and all transportation funding is through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, no public meetings will be held for the TIP or TIP amendments unless otherwise directed by the MPO Policy Committee. Public comment periods on draft planning products are as follows: Updated MTP/TIP: 30 days MTP or TIP Amendment: 15 days Additional comment period for Significantly Revised MTP or TIP: 15 days Administrative Modification for MTP or TIP: None Required Other Planning Studies: To be determined by MPO/KYTC on a case by case basis The public comment period will begin the date the document is posted on the Bowling Green – Warren County MPO website. 3. Accessible Formats: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, all planning products will be made available in accessible formats upon request as appropriate to meet the needs of the person making request. All planning products will be accessible through the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO’s website. 4. Public Meetings: When public meetings are determined to be the most beneficial and expedient means of obtaining public input, the MPO commits to holding such meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times. The MPO will provide timely notice of these meetings by submitting a legal advertisement of a meeting at least one week in advance of the scheduled dates. Legal advertisements will be placed in the Bowling Green Daily News to ensure notification is made to the entire MPO study area. The meeting notice will also be placed on the MPO website http://warrenpc.org/mpo. Notification will be sent to all local media identified in the Appendix. 5. Other Methods for Notification of Available Information: Additional notification of planning efforts and public meetings may be used as determined by the MPO to encourage citizen stakeholder and agency involvement. This includes, but is not limited to, mailed notices and e- 6 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan mail notices to neighborhood associations, community organizations, civic groups and other interested parties, newsletters, websites notices, and posters at key locations. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO will also strive to include as many of the above elements as possible in developing other planning documents. Public Review of Participation Plan The Participation Plan will be made available for review and comment for 45 days before the Participation Plan is to be considered for adoption by the MPO Policy Committee. Outreach activities to promote public comment on the draft Participation Plan may include public and individual notifications and communications to advisory committees, public agencies, civic organizations, neighborhood associations, and other stakeholders using media articles, advertisement, emails, websites, newsletters, surveys and meetings with groups and individuals. Outreach and contact to persons traditionally underserved by the existing transportation system will be primarily through local civic group meetings and individual communication, when appropriate. The proposed document will be available for public review on the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO website, http://warrenpc.org/mpo and paper text copies will be made available for review at the MPO office and City of Bowling Green and Warren County government offices. Public comments that are received will be part of the decision making process in finalizing the Participation Plan. A summary of public comments received during the review process and responses to these comments will be included in the final Participation Plan document. If the comments received on the draft plan result in substantial changes, the Participation Plan will be made available for a public and agency comment period for an additional 21 days using the same notification and outreach as that for the original draft Participation Plan. The Participation Plan will be reviewed by the MPO at least every three years for the need to revise and update the Participation Plan. Such reviews may also be undertaken at any time deemed appropriate by the MPO staff or Policy Committee. To assist in the evaluation reviews, the MPO staff will prepare an annual summary report of all public and agency participation efforts and the results of those efforts. Concurrent Review The Participation Plan review and evaluation period can occur concurrently with the review periods for the MTP and TIP provided that consultation and outreach procedures of the proposed Participation Plan are followed. If there are significant changes with the Participation Plan as a result of the comment period, the Policy Committee in consultation with KYTC will determine if an additional review period is warranted. Policy Committee (PC) To satisfy the requirements of Title 23 part 450 and Title 49 part 613, a prospectus addresses how the MPO will outline the continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative (“3C”) transportation planning process for the region. The prospectus document outlines the organization of the MPO and requires a Policy Committee be designated and established as the committee that ensures a cooperative transportation planning, decision making, and 7 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan programming process affecting the metropolitan transportation planning area. The Prospectus for the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process for the Bowling Green/Warren County Urban Area defines the roles and responsibilities of the Policy Committee. A copy of the Prospectus is available from the MPO. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO has a Policy Committee (PC) that is comprised of five members, of which three are voting members. The voting members include the Mayor of the City of Bowling Green, the Judge-Executive of Warren County, and the Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The non-voting members include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Division Administrator, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regional Administrator. The PC is responsible for providing opportunities for citizen participation in the transportation planning process. Participation Process The PC meets on a quarterly basis. Meetings are held at the Bowling Green City Commission Chambers. Special meetings may be called upon the request of the Chair. Notice of Special Meetings shall be given to the members of the Policy Committee at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to such meetings and shall state the purpose, date, and time of the meeting. All Special Meetings will require the Policy Committee to notify interested media organizations and post a notice on the Building location in accordance with KRS 61.823(4). All meetings of the PC are open to the public. Upon request, anyone can be placed on the PC mailing list for notifications of meeting and activities. The PC provides time at each meeting to hear public comments regarding items discussed on its agenda. The PC responds to any public comments at the PC meeting in one of the following ways: Public comments and the MPO’s response may be incorporated into the meeting minutes, with a copy to the commenter, or The PC may instruct the planning staff to respond directly to the commenter by letter or email. This acknowledgement and response to public comments is part of the participation feedback process and shows the public that their comments are being seriously considered and are being addressed by the MPO. Notices of the PC meetings will be mailed to those on the PC distribution list and placed on the website at least 7 days prior to the meeting. The media will be advised of the PC meeting by either email or written correspondence. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO Prospectus also establishes a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to advise and provide technical guidance and assistance to the PC in carrying out the goals and objectives of the MPO. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO TAC is comprised of the transportation planning professionals from the MPO staff representatives or their designee from local transportation agencies, city and county governments and business groups. The Prospectus for the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process for the Bowling 8 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Green-Warren County Urban Area defines the roles and responsibilities of the Transportation Advisory Committee. Participation Process The TAC meets on a monthly basis. Other meetings are called on an as needed basis with meetings open to the general public. Upon request, anyone can be placed on the TAC mailing list for notifications of meetings and activities. Special accommodations can be made for disabled persons or citizens without transportation to attend TAC meeting. The TAC provides time at each meeting to hear public comments regarding items discussed on its agenda. The TAC responds to any public comments at the TAC meeting in one of the following ways: Public comments and the MPO’s response may be incorporated into the meeting minutes of the TAC, with a copy to the commenter, or The TAC may instruct the planning staff to respond directly to the commenter by letter or email. This acknowledgement and response to public comments is part of the participation feedback process by showing the public that their comments are being seriously considered and are being addressed by the MPO. Metropolitan Transportation Plan The MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is the document used to address the future transportation system needs for the region over a 20 to 30 year period. For this reason, public participation is critical to updating such a document that provides the vision of the region for transporting goods, services, and people by automobile, bus, truck, bicycle, walking, and other means. FHWA/FTA regulations require adequate opportunity for public official and citizen involvement in the development of the transportation plan and that public involvement procedures include opportunities for interested parties to be involved in the early stages of the plan development and update process. MAP-21 requires the following for public participation in the MTP development process: Provide adequate public notice of involvement activities and time for review and comment at key decision points; Provide timely notice and reasonable access to information on issues and processes Use visualization techniques; Make information available electronically; Ensure public meetings are held at convenient and accessible locations and times; Consider and respond to public input; Seek out and consider needs of those traditionally underserved by the transportation system; Provide additional public comment if final documents differ substantially from public drafts; 9 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Coordinate with statewide public involvement; and Provide periodic review of public involvement effectiveness. Participation Procedures for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Updates An opportunity for public comment will be provided with the plan update in accordance with the metropolitan transportation planning process requirements of MAP-21. The public review and comment period is also to be documented and the proposed MTP is to be published or made available for public information. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO will strive to engage all interested persons in the region in the transportation planning process and will provide an opportunity for public comment to the greatest extent possible. This means that all documents will be in accessible formats through the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO’s website and the public will be notified of any public meetings deemed necessary by local media outlets. In order for this effort to be a success, public participation procedures must be established and documented. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO’s public participation procedures for the MTP development are as follows: 1. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO will provide opportunities for early and meaningful public involvement in the development and update of the MTP. 2. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will initiate the MTP update process as required by MAP-21 and subsequent federal regulations. Elements of the MTP and/or amendments will meet all current FHWA, FTA, EPA and KYTC requirements. 3. Proactive participation techniques will be employed to involve citizens and provide full access to information and technical data. The techniques will generally include, but are not limited to public meetings, written and internet/email comments, focus groups, newsletters, public service announcements, media outlets, and surveys/questionnaires. 4. Letters or email correspondence will be sent to local, state and federal planning and resource agencies requesting their review on the draft MTP or update. 5. Public meetings will be held to formulate a vision for the MTP development, provide the public background information on the metropolitan transportation system and other issues, as well as the proposed framework of the plan update process, and to receive citizen input. One public meeting will be held early in the process to identify the community’s vision and goals for the transportation system. A second meeting will be held to solicit input on the alternatives, improvements recommended to the transportation system, and implementation strategies and priorities. Additional public meetings maybe held as determined necessary by the MPO. 6. Public meetings will be held at locations that encourage the greatest amount of participation. Public meetings will be held at locations easily accessible to persons with disabilities. Effort will be made to avoid public meeting dates that conflict with other popular public events. Visualization techniques will also be used to enhance the public interest in projects. Some of these techniques include but are not limited to PowerPoint presentations, computer simulations, graphically enhanced boards for meetings, and handouts. 7. A legal advertisement will be published one week prior to public meetings in the Bowling Green Daily News. Public meeting notification will also be advertised by a 10 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan media press release. Written text draft plans will be available for public review on the website and made available at the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO office and the City of Bowling Green and Warren County government offices and other locations as necessary. Other public notification efforts may be used, as outlined in the general guidelines. 8. The public will be notified of the availability of the draft MTP for review and comment, where to send written comments, and addresses and phone numbers of contact persons. 9. The public comment period will be a minimum 30 days, effective from the date of the public notice publication. Written comments will be received during the comment period and will be directed to the MPO. 10. The TAC will assemble all comments and forward to the PC for their action. The PC may choose to hold a public meeting before adopting any plan update. Comments regarding the draft plan will be considered and addressed before adopting the final plan. 11. If the public comments result in significant and major revisions to the MTP, the plan will be made available for an additional 21-day comment period. 12. The MPO will submit the approved MTP to the KYTC for the incorporation into the State Transportation Plan (STP). The local organizations and civic groups who are sent notices of public meetings and solicited for public comment are listed in the Appendix. All public input and comments received will be documented with responses by the MPO in the final version of the MTP or update. Agency Coordination and Consultation As required by 23 CFR 450.316 and 23 CFR 450.322, the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO shall consult with federal, state and local resource agencies and officials responsible for other planning activities within the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO area and with state and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, and historic preservation during the development of the MTP. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO will send correspondence to federal, state and local agencies early in development of the MTP or update as an initial consultation. When the draft plan or update is available for the 30-day public comment period, the agencies will be notified as to the availability of the plan for their comment. The federal, state and local agencies that are consulted in the transportation planning process are identified in the Appendix. All agency input and comments received will be documented with appropriate responses by the MPO in the final version of the MTP. Public Participation Procedures for Plan Amendments and Administrative Modifications The MTP can be amended by an “Administrative Modification” or formal “Amendment”. An Administrative Modification is a minor project adjustment that does not require committee approvals. Administrative Modifications are cataloged by the MPO staff, brought to the attention of the committees at regular meetings, and formalized in the next MTP update. A Plan Amendment is required when: 11 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Adding or deleting a project that requires a federal action and is not eligible for an Administrative Modification (refer to next section). A change is made to the design concept or scope for a project. A project cost change is made that affects financial constraint. Plan Amendments When a plan amendment is proposed (between formal MTP update times), the Policy Committee (PC) will consider and act on the proposed amendment after a description of it is included in the PC meeting notice distributed to all members. The need for public input, beyond the normal committee meeting structure, will be determined by federal, state, and local officials on a “case by case” basis. The MPO will submit the approved amendment to the KYTC for approval. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO will provide opportunities for public participation for all plan amendments as follows: 1. The TAC reviews and approves the draft plan amendment for public comment. 2. A legal advertisement in the Bowling Green Daily News will notify the public that a draft plan amendment is available for public review on the MPO’s website, at the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO, the City of Bowling Green and Warren County government offices and other locations as necessary. Other public notification efforts may be used, as outlined in the general guidelines section. The public review and comment period for amendments is 15 days. 3. Letters or email correspondence will also be sent to local, state and federal planning and resource agencies requesting their comments on the plan amendment. 4. A summary of public input received during the 15-day comment period will be prepared. 5. At the end of the 15-day public comment period, the TAC will review and consider all public input and make a recommendation to the PC. 6. The PC will consider the TAC recommendation and public input prior to their consideration of the draft plan amendment for final approval. 7. The MPO will submit the approved amendment to the KYTC for the incorporation into the State Transportation Plan (STP). Administrative Modifications Public review is not required for administrative changes to the MTP. Modifications to the MTP include, but are not limited, the following: Administrative Correcting obvious minor data entry errors. Splitting or combining projects without modifying the original project intent. Changing or clarifying elements of a project description (with no change in funding). This change would not alter the original project intent. Moving a project from one federal funding category to another. Moving a project from federal funding to state funding. Shifting the schedule of a project or phase within the years covered by the plan (with no impact to fiscal constraint). 12 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Updating project cost estimates (within the original project scope and intent) that do not impact fiscal constraint. The addition of a project of a type included in the list of Grouped Projects (see Grouped Projects section, page 16). Administrative Modifications will be included as agenda items for the TAC and PC meetings. The public may offer comments as part of the PC and TAC meeting’s public comment time on the agenda. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Since the TIP is a subset of the MTP where public meetings were held in its development and all transportation funding is through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, no public meetings will be held for the TIP or TIP amendments unless otherwise directed by the MPO Policy Committee. The TIP lists all federally funded transportation improvements (roadways, pedestrian facilities, and transit facilities) for a minimum of four years into the future. The TIP is the mechanism used to implement the projects identified in the MTP. The requirements for the public participation process are as follows: Provide adequate public notice of involvement activities and time for review and comment at key decision points; Provide timely notice and reasonable access to information on issues and processes; Use visualization techniques; Make information available electronically; Consider and respond to public input; Seek out and consider needs of the traditionally underserved by the transportation system; Provide additional public comment if final documents differ substantially from public drafts; Coordinate with statewide public involvement efforts; and Provide periodic review of public involvement effectiveness; Public Participation Procedures for the TIP The public participation procedures for the TIP are generally the same as the MTP and are consistent with requirements of the MAP-21 legislation. The public review and comment period is also 30 days for the TIP or TIP Update. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO’s public participation procedures for the TIP document are as follows: 1. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO will provide opportunities for early and meaningful public involvement in the development and update of the TIP. 2. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will initiate the TIP update process as required by MAP-21 and subsequent federal regulations. Elements of the TIP and/or Updates will meet all current FHWA, FTA, EPA and KTYC requirements. 3. Proactive participation techniques will be employed to involve citizens and provide full 13 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan access to information and technical data. The techniques will generally include, but are not limited to written and internet/email comments, newsletters, public service announcements, and media. Visualization techniques will also be used to enhance the public interest in projects. Some of these techniques include but are not limited to PowerPoint presentations and computer simulations that will be posted on the MPO’s website. 4. Legal advertisements will be published in the Bowling Green Daily News announcing the availability of the TIP or TIP Update, and proposed Go BG transit Program of Projects for public review. The draft TIP document will be available for public review on the website and made available at the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO office, the City of Bowling Green and Warren County government offices and other locations as necessary. Other public notification efforts may be used, as outlined in the general guidelines. 5. Letters or email correspondence will also be sent to local, state and federal planning and resource agencies advising them of the TIP or TIP update. 6. The public will be notified of the availability of the draft TIP for review and comment, where to send written comments, and addresses and phone numbers of contact persons. 7. The public comment period will be a 30 days, effective from the date of the public notice publication. Written comments will be received during the comment period and will be directed to the MPO. 8. The TAC will assemble all comments and responses and forward to the PC for their action. Comments regarding the TIP will be considered and addressed before adopting the final TIP update or amendment. 9. If the public comments result in significant and major revisions to the TIP, the document will be made available for an additional 15-day comment period. 10. All public input and comments received will be documented with responses by the MPO in the final version of the TIP. 11. The MPO will submit the approved TIP to the KYTC for the incorporation into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Public Participation Procedures for Amendments or Administrative Modifications The Amendment and Administrative Modification requirements for the TIP differ slightly from the MTP. A Formal Amendment for the TIP is required when: Adding or deleting a project or project phase that that requires a federal action and is not eligible for an Administrative Modification (refer to next section). A change is required in the design concept or scope for a project. A project cost change is made that affects financial constraint. A change in funding source from non-federal to federal funds is required. The Bowling Green-Warren County MPO’s public participation procedures for TIP amendments are as follows: 1. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will initiate the TIP Amendment as required by 14 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan MAP-21 and subsequent federal regulations. Elements of the TIP Amendments will meet all current FHWA, FTA, EPA and KYTC requirements. 2. Proactive participation techniques will be employed to advise citizens of the availability of the TIP Amendment and provide full access to information and technical data. The technique will generally include, but is not limited to, written and internet/email comments, newsletters, public service announcements, citizen advisory committee, and the media. 3. Legal advertisements will be published in the Bowling Green Daily News announcing the availability of the TIP Amendment for public review. The draft TIP document will be available on the website and at the Bowling Green MPO office, the City of Bowling Green and Warren County government offices and other locations as necessary. Other public notification efforts may be used, as outlined in the general guidelines. 4. Letters or email correspondence will also be sent to local, state and federal planning and resource agencies advising them of the TIP Amendments. 5. The public will be notified of the availability of the draft TIP Amendment for review and comment, where to send written comments, and addresses and phone numbers of contact persons. The notices also will include an announcement stating that persons with disabilities will be accommodated if notified 48 hours in advance. 6. The public comment period will be 15 days, effective from the date of the public notice publication. Written comments will be received during the comment period and will be directed to the MPO. 7. The TAC will assemble all comments and responses and forward to the PC for their action. Comments regarding the TIP Amendment will be considered and addressed before adoption of the amendment. 8. All public input and comments received will be documented with responses by the MPO in the final version of the TIP Amendment. 9. The PC will consider the TAC recommendation and public input prior to their consideration of the draft TIP Amendment for final approval. 10. The MPO will submit the approved amendment to the KYTC for the incorporation into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Administrative Modifications Public review is not required for administrative changes to the MTP. Modifications to the TIP include, but are not limited to, the following: Administrative Correcting obvious minor data entry errors. Splitting or combining projects without modifying the original project intent. Changing or clarifying elements of a project description (with no change in funding). This change would not alter the original project intent. Moving a project from one federal funding category to another. Moving a project from federal funding to state funding. Shifting the schedule of a project or phase within the years covered by the TIP (with no impact to fiscal constraint). Moving any identified project phase programmed for previous year into a new TIP 15 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan (rollover provision). Updating project cost estimates (within the original project scope and intent) that do not impact fiscal constraint. The addition of a project of a type included in the list of Grouped Projects (see Grouped Projects section below). Administrative Modifications will be included as agenda items for the TAC and PC meetings. The public may offer comments as part of the PC and TAC meeting’s public comment time on the agenda. Bowling Green Public Transit Program of Projects Public Review Community Action of Southern Kentucky DBA operates the Bowling Green Public Transit System known as “Go BG Transit.” Annually, Bowling Green Transit is required to prepare a Program of Projects (POP) and solicit public input for all projects receiving federal transit funding from FTA. The projects identified in the POP will be added to the TIP through an annual amendment or administrative modification. MPO Technical Advisory Committee meetings will be used as the forum for public comment. The Bowling Green MPO, Bowling Green Public Transit and KYTC have agreed that the public and agency outreach procedures for the TIP Amendment and Administrative Modification process included in the Participation Plan are adequate to meet the public input required for the POP and meet the intent of the federal planning regulations. Grouped Projects There are various highway improvement projects that are considered non-controversial and produce negligible impacts other than positive benefits for safety, traffic operations or preservation. These projects are usually identified by category in the MTP and TIP. These types of projects are generally not produced by the planning process and are usually a result of necessary traffic maintenance to correct existing problems and/or deficiencies or they may be the result of a successful grant application by local governments or entities. Allowing additions and changes to project information for grouped projects to be processed as administrative modifications rather than as amendments to the MTP and/or TIP (with its corresponding requirement for public review) will streamline the transportation planning process and allow projects to be authorized without unnecessary delay. The public may offer comments on project information for Group Projects as part of the PC and TAC meeting’s public comment time on the Agenda. A recommended list of grouped projects that would allow modifications to the MTP and TIP to be approved through an expedited process without a requirement for public review can be found in Table 1. Any project listed in Table 1 could be subject to public involvement requirements if the MPO, in consultation with the KYTC, determines that public review is appropriate due to a potential for controversy, negative impacts, or public concern for any other reason. 16 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Table 1 - Grouped Projects (Types of Projects for Which Public Review Is Not Required) HSIP - High Cost Safety Improvements HSIP - Low Cost Safety Improvements HSIP - Lane Departure Resurfacing Improvements HSIP - Lane Departure Roadway Section Improvements HSIP - Drive Smart Safety Corridors HSIP - Older Driver HSIP - High Risk Rural Roads Median Guardrail/Cable Projects Rail Crossing Protection Rail Crossing Separation Intersection Improvements for Safety or Efficiency Other Highway Safety Improvements Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Projects Traffic Signal System Improvements Highway Signing Pavement Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation Pavement Markers and Striping Bridge Replacement Bridge Rehabilitation Bridge Inspection Bridge Painting Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Transportation Enhancement (TE) Projects Transportation, Community, and System Preservation (TCSP) Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Projects** Recreational Trails Program Commuter Ridesharing Programs Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Park & Ride Facilities Purchase of New Buses (to replace existing vehicles or for minor expansion) Rehabilitation of Transit Vehicles Transit Operating Assistance Transit Operating Equipment Transit Passenger Shelters and Information Kiosks Construction or Renovation of Transit Facilities **The Bowling Green MPO area is not currently eligible for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program funds. However, if Warren County becomes designated as an air quality non-attainment area in the future, local entities would become qualified to submit applications for eligible CMAQ funded projects. Title VI, Environmental Justice, and Americans with Disabilities Act Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (49 CFR Part 21) ensures that no persons on the basis of race, color, sex or national origin be excluded in the participation in, be denied the benefits of, 17 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan or be subjected to discrimination under any program receiving federal funds. The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 further clarified the intent of Title VI to include all programs and activities of Federal aid recipients and contractors whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not. It is important to serve the transportation needs of the entire public; therefore, consideration and inclusion of disadvantaged or underprivileged persons (such as low income and minority populations) is imperative in developing transportation plans. Other mandates prohibiting the discrimination of those served by federal programs include: Section 49 part 25 of the Federal Aid Highway Act, the enabling legislation of the Federal Highway Administration, prohibits discrimination based on sex. The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970 prohibits unfair and inequitable treatment of persons as a result of projects that are undertaken with Federal financial assistance. Environmental Justice is a concept founded in the intent of the non-discrimination prohibitions of Federal legislation. Executive Order 12898 reaffirmed that each federal agency must make Environmental Justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing disproportionately high and/or adverse environmental or human health effects that any of its programs, policies and activities may have on minority and low-income populations. Further, each agency must work to prevent the denial, reduction or delay of benefits received by minority and low-income populations. Most importantly, each agency must develop policies and strategies to ensure full and fair participation by affected populations in the transportation decision making process. In accepting federal funding, the Bowling Green/Warren County MPO pledges to adhere to and advance the principle of Environmental Justice and integrate this concept into the Participation Process. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities in service, programs, and activities. Public entities are required to make programs accessible to individuals with disabilities including conducting meetings and hearings in ADA-compliant buildings. Special accommodations must be provided to ensure communications are equally effective for persons with disabilities in order to participate in meeting, planning, and programming activities. The Bowling Green – Warren County MPO pledges to adhere to and advance the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and integrate this concept into the Participation Process. Title VI, ADA and Section 504 Contacts for the Bowling-Warren County MPO Complaints regarding the MPO’s compliance with procedures and requirements of Title VI, ADA and Section 504 may be addressed to: MPO Coordinator City-County Planning Commission Bowling Green-Warren County MPO 1141 State Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: (270) 842-1953 Fax: (270) 842-1282 http://warrenpc.org/mpo 18 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Demographics of the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO Region The policies and programs of the Bowling Green/Warren County MPO should avoid disproportionately negative impacts on minority and low-income populations. Within the context of the region, the transportation infrastructure and public transit system should provide for an equitable distribution of benefits to all areas and population groups. Where needed, the transportation system should provide equal access to the benefits of employment, education, and community. Prior to determining the overall policies and programs of the MPO, a demographic analysis had to be conducted to evaluate the current demographics for the region. In 2010, the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO had a total minority population of 21,495 or 18.8% of the entire population. This is a 32.2% increase from the county’s 2000 minority population of 14,514 (15.7% of 2000 population). Bowling Green has also experienced a significant increase in minority populations between 2000 and 2010 with a 29.5% increase from a 2000 population of 11,465 (23.2% of 2000 population). Bowling Green had the highest percentages of minorities since 1990. Western Kentucky University (WKU) is located in the city of Bowling Green and, according to Western Kentucky University’s 2010 Fact Book, has a 17% minority population and a 2010 student enrollment of 20,712. WKU has increased underrepresented minority enrollment by 35% since 2005, which could contribute to the high percentage of minorities within Bowling Green. WKU’s presence could also be responsible for Bowling Green’s higher population density. The State of Kentucky also experienced an increase in minority population from 2000 to 2010 (13.5%). However, Kentucky still had a smaller percentage of minority populations than the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO in both 1990 (8%) and 2000 (10.35%). The black population is the largest of the minority populations for all three jurisdictions while the Hispanic population makes up the next largest cohort. Table 2 shows the minority populations for Warren County, the City of Bowling Green, and the State of Kentucky. Table 2 – 2010 Census Minority Populations for the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO and the State of Kentucky Asian American/ Pacific Islander Indian/Alaskan Native Hispanic 9.1% 3,184 2.8% 315 0.3% 5,174 4.5% 21,495 18.8% 8,071 13.9% 2,510 4.3% 158 0.3% 3,749 6.5% 16,254 28.0% 337,520 7.8% 51,431 1.2% 10,120 0.2% 132,836 3.1% 454,622 10.5% Location Total Population Black Warren 113,792 10,311 Bowling Green 58,067 Kentucky 4,339,367 19 Total Minority Populations Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Figure 1 – 2010 Minority Population Distribution for the Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Age Warren County’s median age in 2010 was 32.7 years with 6.4% under the age of 5, 11.0% 65 years or older, and the majority of the population (77.2%) 18 years and older. Since 2000, the percent of the population in Warren County 18 years and older has increased from 76.9% in 2000, and the percent of the population in Warren County 65 years and older has increased from 10.5% that same year. Bowling Green’s population is somewhat younger with the majority of the city’s population 18 years and older (79.9%), and the median age at 27.6 years. This could be attributed to the presence of Western Kentucky University. Compared to the State of Kentucky, the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO has a younger population and less people in the 65 year and older age cohort with a median age of 38.1 years and 13.3% of the population 65 years and older. 20 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Income The median family income in Warren County in 2009 was $55,679. Bowling Green’s median family income was $8,255 less than the county’s at $47,424. In 2009, 17.9% of individuals in the MPO area were living under the poverty level—a total of approximately 20,369. This is slightly higher than the state average of individuals living in poverty (17.4% of Kentucky population). Transportation In 2009, the mean travel time to work for Warren County was 19.3 minutes. 0.2% of Warren County workers used public transportation to commute to work in 2009 leaving the majority of Bowling Green-Warren County MPO commuters (93.4%) using a car, truck, or van to get to work. Of this 93.4%, only 11.6% carpooled. Workers walking to work made up 2.6% of commuters and those who bike to work make up 0.3%. In general, the closer that people live to the city center, the less time they have to travel to work and the fewer number of vehicles they own. Outreach In the past, the Bowling Green/Warren County MPO has made efforts to reach out to all segments of the community. Some of the efforts include: Attending festivals, special events, and lectures to learn about the communities that make up the Bowling Green urbanized area and highlight the diversity of the area. Including the Human Rights Commission on invitation list so that it can reach other local civic groups. Posting public notices advising the public of the seven day notice requirement in the appropriate formats to accommodate the hearing and visually impaired, those with limited English proficiency, and informing those lacking transportation or requiring special assistance that assistance will be provided. Inviting representatives of organizations that represent minority, disabled and elderly members of our community to meetings and appropriate workshops. Making planning documents available on the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO website. Making planning documents available at convenient public locations in the Bowling Green-Warren County area such as public libraries and government offices. Bowling Green-Warren County MPO Participation Toolbox of Resources In order to expand participation opportunities, the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO has initiated a toolbox of resources for general and targeted outreach methods for the region. All of the items listed may not be used at the same time or may not be used at all, but could be used in the future by the MPO to include those persons who have been traditionally underserved by the existing transportation system and for general participation procedures. Some of the activities that may be included where appropriate are as follows: 21 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Radio Eight radio stations in the Warren County region (see Appendix for a full list of radio stations and other contacts) Public Service Announcements Local Talk Show Interviews Newspapers and Local Magazines (see Appendix for full lists of print media) Daily News Newspaper, serves Warren County College Heights Herald, Western Kentucky University students and faculty Regional Television Warren County-WKGB, WKTU, WBWG AND WBKO, WKNT, Time Warner Television Bowling Green Government Channel Public Meetings/Events, if necessary Local Government Meetings Warren County Festivals and Special Events Local Civic Groups, Community Centers, Senior Citizen Centers, Churches Western Kentucky University Transit Board Meetings and other Public Meetings Warren County Public and Private Schools Traveling Exhibit/Displays, only used if deemed appropriate by MPO Bowling Green International Festival in Warren County Duncan Hines Festival in Warren County Other Warren County Fairs Western Kentucky University Newsletters/Bulletin Board Displays/Websites/Piggyback Meetings Bowling Green-Warren County MPO Staff Warren County Government GO bg Transit & Topper Transit (WKU) Civic Groups Chambers of Commerce Senior Citizen Centers Assisted Living Facilities Community Centers Schools Churches Western Kentucky University Toolbox - Targeted Outreach Methods Available, if deemed necessary Cable Television Interviews Radio/Print Media Advertising on stations and newspapers that reach racial, ethnic and age targeted audiences Expos, Festivals and Events that are geared to various minority and special interest 22 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan groups (i.e. Bowling Green International Festival, etc.) Flyers posted in Senior Centers, Community Centers, Assisted Living Facilities, etc. Radio Interviews on Local Talk Shows Western Kentucky University Events and Programs MPO Website The MPO’s website is located at http://warrenpc.org/mpo , shown in Figure 2. The website provides an explanation of the MPO and its purpose, several documents and maps for review, a link to public transit information, and an upcoming meeting calendar. This information is vital for the public participation process as it allows citizens the opportunity to understand the MPO process and take advantage of upcoming meetings. Further commitments to providing information will continue in an effort to make documents and forms electronically accessible formats for easy viewing. Figure 2- Bowling Green-Warren County MPO website Outreach to Persons with Low English Proficiency Bowling Green and Warren County have an increasing population with low-proficiency in English and Spanish as a primary language. As identified in the Demographic portion of this document, Warren County’s minority population makes up 15.7% of the entire study area population, with the Hispanic population constituting the second largest minority group at 23 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan 2.7%, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. In addition, the Year 2000 population of non-English speaking persons in Warren County was 6.7% (5,778 persons). To communicate with nonEnglish speaking population groups, the Bowling Green Warren County MPO works through the Bowling Green International Center to assist whenever there is a potential involvement of a low English proficiency group. The International Center is operated by Western Kentucky Refugee Mutual Assistance Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in partnership with the agency of Immigration and Refugee Services of America (IRSA) to provide a wide array of services to the foreign born community. Its mission is to serve the area's foreign-born by facilitating economic self-sufficiency, empowering communities, and supporting cultural integrity and family solidarity while assisting them to assimilate and contribute to their new country. The Center offers a professional interpreter and translation services to refugees and immigrants free or at low cost as well as advocating in a variety of situations including immigration matters, landlord-tenant relations, law enforcement and education. The International Center is located at 806 Kenton Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101. Its website address is: http://internationalcenter.ky.net/ourorganization.html Notice of the availability of the Participation Plan, Metropolitan Transportation Plan, TIP and their updates and amendments will be posted at the International Center and arrangements will be made for interpretation for interested parties as necessary. When requested, translation services should be available at key public meetings. Interagency Coordination A list of agencies, organizations and stakeholders that the Bowling Green-Warren County MPO coordinates with for any transportation planning documents are identified in the Appendix. 24 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan APPENDIX A1 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Public and Agency Comments No comments were received. A2 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Membership and Organization Policy Committee Judge-Executive Warren County Mayor, City of Bowling Green Secretary, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration (ex-officio) Regional Administrator, Federal Transit Administration (ex-officio) Technical Advisory Committee The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meets monthly with the transportation staff to serve as an advisory panel on technical decisions. The type and extent of transportation improvements are discussed by the Technical Advisory Committee and recommendation are made to the Policy Committee. Representatives or their designee from local transportation agencies, city and county governments and business groups serve on this committee. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been created for the following purpose: To advise the Transportation Planning Staff on technical issues and the execution of the MPO Unified Planning Work Program. To recommend to the Transportation Planning Staff such things as the type of improvements, methods of analysis and design, etc. To make recommendations on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and all necessary documents to the Policy Committee. To review plans and programs for the urban area. To act as an advocacy body on transportation related matters as needed, or as called upon by the Policy Committee. To provide technical input and recommendations to the Policy Committee on all transportation related issues. A3 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Media and Consultation Lists Print Media Serving the Bowling Green/Warren County Area ALLEN The Citizen-Times 611 E Main Street P.O. Box 310 Scottsville, KY 42164 Phone: 237-3441 Fax: 237-4943 Email: [email protected] LOGAN Logan News Democrat & Leader PO Box 270 Russellville, KY 42276 Phone: 726-8394 Fax: 524-8398 Email: [email protected] SIMPSON Franklin Favorite P.O. Box 309 Franklin, KY 42135 Phone: 586-4481 Fax: 586-6031 Email: [email protected] BARREN Glasgow Daily Times P.O. Box 1179 Glasgow, KY 42142 Phone: 678-5171 Fax: 678-3372 Email: [email protected] WARREN College Heights Herald WKU 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11084 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY 42101 Barren County Progress P.O. Box 546 Cave City, KY 42127 Phone: 773-3401 Fax: 773-8950 Email: [email protected] Phone: 745-2653 Fax: 745-2697 Email: [email protected] BUTLER Butler County Banner/Green River P.O. Box 219 Morgantown, KY 42261 Phone: 526-4151 Fax: 526-3111 Email: [email protected] Daily News 813 College Street P.O. Box 90012 Bowling Green KY 42101-9012 Phone: 781-1700 Fax: 781-1020 Email: [email protected] Butler County Post P.O. Box 923 Morgantown, KY 42261 Phone: 526-9300 Fax: 526-9306 EDMONSON Edmonson County News P.O. Box 69 Brownsville, KY 42210 Phone: 597-3115 Fax: 597-3115 Email: [email protected] A4 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Television Serving the Bowling Green/Warren County Area ALLEN WPBM Proclaim Broadcasting TV 9406 New Glasgow Road Scottsville, KY 42164 Phone: 618-8848 WARREN WBKO-TV 2727 Russellville Road P.O. Box 13000 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 781-1313 Fax: 781-1814 WKGB-KET 15019 Morgantown Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 842-8216 WKYU-TV 24 Public Television 1906 College Heights Boulevard 11034 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 745-2153 Fax: 745-2084 EMAIL: [email protected] WNKY 325 Emmett Avenue Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 781-2140 Time Warner Television 515 Double Springs Road P.O. Box 659 Bowling Green, KY 42102 Phone: 782-0903 A5 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Radio Serving the Bowling Green/Warren County Area ALLEN WLCK 102 ½ E Public Square Scottsville, KY 42164 Phone: 237-3148 WARREN WGGC 95 1727 US 31-W Bypass Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 783-8730 Fax: 783-8665 WLCW-WVLE FM Radio Station 102 ½ E Public Square Scottsville, KY 42164 Phone: 237-3148 Fax: 237-3533 WCVK FM Christian Radio P.O. Box 539 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 781-7326 Fax: 781-8005 Email: [email protected] BARREN WCLU 229 W Main Street Glasgow, KY, 42141 Phone: 651-0029 WLYE 227 W Main Street Glasgow, KY, 42141 Phone: 651-5290 BUTLER WLBQ Radio Station 497 S Main Street Morgantown, KY 42261 Phone: 526-3321 Fax: 526-3321 LOGAN WRUS 1601 Nashville Street P.O. Box 298 Russellville, KY 42276 Phone: 726-2471 Fax: 432-7601 SIMPSON WFKN Radio Station P.O. Box 309 Franklin, KY 42135 Phone: 586-4481 Fax: 589-6031 WCBZ Radio Station 200 Scott Lane Bowling Green, KY 42101 WWHR-FM 1906 College Heights Boulevard #11070 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 745-5350 Fax: 745-2084 Email: [email protected] WKCT-WDNS Radio Station P.O. Box 930 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 781-2121 Fax: 842-0232 WKYU-FM—WDCK-FM 1906 College Heights Blvd. Academic Complex-WKU Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone:745-5489 Fax: 7445-2084 Email: [email protected] WKLX 661 US Highway 31-W Bypass Bowling Green, KY 42128 WUHU/WBGN Radio 1919 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone: 843-1886 Fax: 843-1963 Email: [email protected] A6 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Local Civic and Outreach Groups Associated Builders & Contractors 1333 Magnolia Street Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone: 843-1886 Lifeskills 380 Suwannee Trail Street Bowling Green, KY 42103 Phone: 901-5000 Barren River Adult Day Care 800 Park Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 796-5555 NAACP Bowling Green Chapter P.O. Box 1357 Bowling Green, KY 42102 Best Center for Independent Living 624 Eastwood Avenue Bowling Green, KY 42102 Phone: 796-5992 United Way of Southern Kentucky 1110 College Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 843-3205 Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce 710 College Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 781-3200 VFW Post 1298 1965 KY Highway 185 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 781-1872 Council for the Blind- South Central 1564 Normal Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 782-9325 Email: [email protected] Hispanic Resource Center P.O. Box 676 Bowling Green, KY 42102-0676 Phone: 846-2222 Vocational Rehab 955 Fairview Avenue Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 746-7489 Human Rights Commission 491 Double Springs Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 782-7900 Western Kentucky Active Day Center 1711 Destiny Lane, Suite 112 Bowling Green, KY 42104-1067 Phone: 782-6143 Email: [email protected] Warren County Senior Citizen Center 200 E 4th Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 783-4487 International Center – Bowling Green 806 Kenton Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 781-8336 Email: [email protected] International Center - WKU 1906 College Heights Boulevard #11066 Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 745-7002 Email: [email protected] A7 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Local Agency/Business Consultation Barren River District Health Department 1109 State Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 781-8039 Housing Authority of Bowling Green 247 Double Springs Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 842-6071 Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 352 Three Springs Road Bowling Green, KY 42104 Phone: 270-782-0800 Komfort Kabs 325 Emmett Avenue, Suite T Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 782-9410 Bowling Green Fire Department 701 East 7th Avenue Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 393-4831 Operation P.R.I.D.E. 1141 State Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 745-0090 Bowling Green Police Department 911 Kentucky Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 393-2473 City of Oakland P.O. Box 122 Oakland, KY 42122 Warren County Public Library 706 Claire Avenue Bowling Green, KY 42134 Phone: 586-9522 Kentucky Motor Transport Association (KMTA) 617 Shelby Street Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-227-0848 City of Plum Springs 288 Oak Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 796-8589 City of Smiths Grove P.O. Box 114 Smiths Grove, KY 42171 Phone: 563-4014 City of Woodburn 191 Main Street Woodburn, KY 42170 Phone: 529-0000 Community Action of Southern Kentucky 921 Beauty Avenue P.O. Box 90014 Bowling Green, KY 42102 Phone: 782-3162 CSX Transportation INC. 301 West Bay Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: 904-633-1000 A8 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Kentucky State Agency Consultation Department for Local Government 1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 340 Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-573-2382 Kentucky Division of Water 200 Fair Oaks Lane, 4th Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-0111 Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Old Capital Annex 300 West Broadway Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 800-626-2930 Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet 500 Mero Street 5TH Floor, Capital Plaza Tower Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-564-5525 Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection 300 Fair Oaks Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-564-0323 Kentucky Heritage Council 300 Washington Street Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-564-7005 Kentucky Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources 1 Sportsman’s Lane Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 800-858-1549 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Environmental Analysis 200 Mero Street, 5th Floor West Frankfort, KY 40622 Phone: 502-564-7250 Kentucky Department for Natural Resources 2 Hudson Hollow Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-564-6940 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Planning th 200 Mero Street, 5 Floor West Frankfort, KY 40622 Phone: 502-564-7183 Kentucky Division of Air Quality 200 Fair Oaks Lane, 1st Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-564-3999 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Local Programs 200 Mero Street, 6th Floor Frankfort, KY 40622 Phone: 502-564-2060 Kentucky Division of Forestry 627 Comanche Trail Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-564-4496 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Transportation Delivery 200 Mero Street, 3rd Floor Frankfort, KY 40622 Phone: 502-564-7433 A9 Bowling Green – Warren County MPO Participation Plan Federal Agency Consultation US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) US Army Engineer District, Louisville P.O. Box 59 Louisville, KY 40201-0059 Office Location: Mazzoli Federal Building 600 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Place Louisville, KY 40202 Phone: 502-315-6766 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Bowling Green Service Center 925 Lovers Lane Bowling Green, KY 42103-7129 Phone: 270-843-1111 Fax: 270-783-9009 US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regional Administrator US EPA, Region 4 Air, Pesticides, and Toxic Management Division 61 Forsyth Street, SW Atlanta Federal Center Atlanta, GA 30303-8909 Phone: 404-562-9040 Fax: 404-562-9019 US Federal Transit Administration Regional Administrator Atlanta Federal Center 230 Peachtree NW Suite 800 Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404-562-3507 Fax: 404-562-3505 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Lee Andrews, Field Supervisor 3761 Georgetown Road Frankfort, KY 40601 Phone: 502-695-0468 Fax: 502-564-5820 US Park Service Superintendent National Park Service Mammoth Cave National Park P.O. Box 7 Mammoth Cave, KY 42259 Phone: 270-758-2180 A10