Public Comment Period Notice: FY 2023-2026 TIP Environmental Analyses

Public Invited to Provide Feedback on Air Quality, Environmental Justice, and Environmental Mitigation Reports for Upcoming Transportation Improvement Program

The public is invited to comment on the draft analyses for Air Conformity, Environmental Justice, and Environmental Mitigation for the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) during a March 1-15 public comment period. The analyses are anticipated to be approved by Tri-County’s Board of Commissioners at their March 23rd meeting.

Residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties are encouraged to review and provide input on the analyses completed to evaluate potential environmental and social impacts of transportation projects included in the next TIP, which will take effect on October 1, 2022. The TIP, which is the region’s short-range capital improvements program for roads, bicycle and pedestrian pathways, public transit, and other transportation enhancements, will plan for over $425 million of investment into the Greater Lansing region’s transportation infrastructure and services between fall of 2022 to fall of 2026.

The draft Air Conformity Determination Report is intended to ensure regional emissions resulting from new transportation projects will not negatively impact the tri-county region’s ability to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These standards establish the criteria and procedures for transportation agencies to demonstrate that air pollutant emissions from the proposed TIP projects conform to the state’s air quality goals and prevent projects from worsening air quality conditions beyond what is budgeted for the region. While Tri-County RPC is not currently required to model emissions due to the status of the region’s air quality, staff consult with state and federal transportation and environmental agencies to evaluate the TIP’s proposed projects for potential impacts to roadway capacity. This report includes the results of this determination and describes the legal requirements and attainment status of the region.

The draft Environmental Justice Analysis identifies populations and geographical areas where residents have not traditionally participated in the planning process or have been negatively impacted by transportation decisions. This analysis considers minority, low-income, elderly, disabled, carless, and Limited English Proficiency populations and determines if any proposed projects in the FY 2023-2026 TIP may have disproportionately adverse impacts on these populations’ health, accessibility, mobility, or delivery of services.

Lastly, the draft Environmental Mitigation Analysis identifies environmentally sensitive resources in the region and provides guidelines to mitigate negative impacts of proposed transportation projects in the next TIP on our natural environment. Resources examined in the analysis include water features (lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams), wetlands, flood zones, woodlands, parks and recreation areas, cemeteries, and historic sites.

To view the draft reports, visit the ‘FY 2023-2026 TIP’ quick link on mitcrpc.org/tip. Comments may be submitted at mitcrpc.org/public-comment or at a public meeting during the designated comment opportunity.

The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is a public planning agency established in 1956, serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Mid-Michigan. Tri-County makes our region a more prosperous community by planning for a strong economy, reliable transportation, and sustainable infrastructure and natural resources. We connect local organizations and governments to funding, technical assistance, data resources, and opportunities to discuss trends and challenges affecting the Greater Lansing area. Learn more at www.mitcrpc.org.