2015.07.27 Council Agenda Item 07

PACTS, the region’s transportation agency, is currently requesting municipal transportation planning study proposals for 2016-17. Applications are encouraged to be multi-town proposals that address multi-modal Priority Corridors and Centers that implement the recommendations in the regional “Destination 2040” Plan.

PACTS is doing a multi-modal corridor needs and priorities assessment as a high priority of the plan. This assessment is designed to lead to more transportation funding directed toward Priority Corridors in order to encourage high profile, multi-modal corridor projects with the potential to have a strong regional impact. The PACTS process is based on the “Complete Streets concept” with no single mode dominating the recommendations.

A total of $300,000 is available for planning studies. Applications require a local 20% cash match. Route 1 is the only Top Priority Corridor in Falmouth and our region.

The attached draft application focuses on better understanding the opportunities and obstacles to making Route 1 in Falmouth, Cumberland, Yarmouth, and Freeport, a so-called “Complete Street.”

According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, complete streets are “designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.”

The proposed study will build on all previous planning efforts and infrastructure investments in each of the four communities and is estimated to cost $120,000. This requires a $24,000 cash match. The proposal is that Falmouth’s share will be $5,000 to be paid with Route 1 North Tax Increment Financing District funds.

Attachments:

1. Draft PACTS grant application, dated July 22, 2015
2. Council Order