Q    What does the acronym UPWP mean?

A    Unified Planning Work Program



Q    Say again?

A    A work program and budget that outlines how a metropolitan area will use federal transportation funds for planning to accomplish activities covered in the Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming Rules and Regulations.



Q    How often do you develop a work program?

A    Metropolitan areas develop a work program and budget annually, in the Baltimore region, activities begin on July 1 and end on June 30 of any given year.



Q    Where does the money come from?

A    Based on a formula, the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration provide funding which requires a 20% match.



Q   What is the proposed budget for FY 2010?

A    $6,886,698

Q   Is the money all for Baltimore Metropolitan Council staff?

A    Planning support from BMC staff is proposed at 4,195,000 with $600,000 proposed for consultant activities. The remaining $2,091,698 is for activities proposed by the local jurisdiction members and the State Highway Administration.

Q   What are the planning priorities facing the MPO?

A    Upgrading analytical tools and capabilities, addressing new revenue in the long-range planning process, preparing a Transportation Improvement Program, maintaining a congestion management process, clean air planning, safety and security issues, and public involvement.

Q   How does the pass through support member activities?

A    The jurisdictions engage in a cooperative forecasting process, provide input to the Transportation Improvement Program, ongoing committee participation, bike and pedestrian planning, and subarea planning. SHA receives a small amount to assist with collecting traffic count data. A description of local subarea activities is found on pages 119 to 142.

Q   Can you provide some examples of subarea planning for FY 2011?

A    Anne Arundel County is studying the transportation needs of the Odenton Town Center ($185,000); Baltimore City will be coordinating local efforts in support of planning for the proposed Red Line ($252,000); Baltimore County is developing a bike/pedestrian plan for the western part of the County ($45,000); and Howard County is evaluating transit performance data in consideration of refinement to routes and schedules ($10,700).

Q   Are there any other planning studies in the region?

A    Yes, a listing of studies with a regional impact that are carried out by other organizations are listed in the prospectus section of the UPWP. Several BRAC related studies are ongoing by SHA and Anne Arundel County. MTA is looking at the Red Line, Green Line and MARC Odenton parking. MdTA is conducting a traffic management study of the three harbor crossings. These studies are described on pages xxi to xxxi of the Prospectus.




For more information:
Regina Aris, raris@baltometro.org or 410-732-9572.