This document outlines policy positions from the MPOAC on federal surface transportation reauthorization. It discusses consolidating funding streams while maintaining programs for maintenance, operations, and freight. It supports a strong national and metropolitan transportation role for MPOs. On transportation finance, it endorses an independent commission to adjust fuel taxes, allows tolling with MPO involvement, and supports innovative financing. It also outlines positions on MPO administration topics like designation thresholds and protecting planning funds.

1. MPOAC Policy Positions Federal Surface Transportation (Re)Authorization Alex BondJanuary 22nd, 2008

2. Background SAFETEA-LU Expires September 30th, 2009 Extensions expected through mid-2010 Work session with Policy and Technical Subcommittee on December 9th, 2008 Draft principles assembled in handout document Does not include issues related to economic stimulus package

3. Resources Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) American Public Transportation Association (APTA) International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) Reauthorization proposal from the previous administration Current administration’s preliminary platform

4. Organization Three Broad Topics Discussed: 1) Federal Roles and Programs 2) Transportation Finance 3) MPO Administration Introductory comments will not appear in final document

5. Federal Roles and Programs Strong National and Metro Role Consolidation of Funding Streams Maintenance Operations National Freight Policy

6. Strong National and Metropolitan Role The MPOAC supports a continued strong Federal role in transportation policy and funding. MPOs should continue their traditional role of being the primary planning and programming agency for each qualifying metropolitan area. Additional responsibilities, authority, and resources should be allocated to MPOs.

7. Consolidation of Funding Streams- Part 1 The MPOAC endorses consolidation of funding streams across FHWA/FTA from the current 108 programs to no more than ten. The resulting programs should increase funding flexibility within a multi-modal metropolitan transportation planning system, but should include programs dedicated to: 1) maintenance of the existing system, 2) operations and management, and 3) freight.

8. Consolidation of Funding Streams- Part 2 Federal planning and transit planning funds should be continued at levels that are no less than the pool derived under the current 1.25% takedown of core programs. NEW Principle not reviewed by Policy Committee

9. Maintenance The MPOAC endorses consolidating maintenance funding streams.

10. Operations The MPOAC endorses the consolidation of operations and management programs as part of a more flexible national surface transportation policy perspective.

11. National Freight Policy The MPOAC endorses a multimodal National Freight Network, along with associated funding streams.

12. Transportation Finance Taxation Tolling Private Financing

13. Taxation The MPOAC endorses the creation of an Independent Transportation Revenue Adjustment Commission. Further, the MPOAC urges the Commission and Congress to, at a minimum, index fuel taxes to the rate of inflation, and transition toward broader-based revenue sources.

14. Tolling The MPOAC supports efforts to simplify the tolling of existing facilities built using Federal funds. However, the MPO should be made an equal partner in decision-making regarding tolls on existing roadways. Funds raised through tolls on existing roadways should be directed toward metropolitan congestion relief—including highway, transit, and operations improvements.

15. Private Financing The MPOAC supports innovative financing of transportation infrastructure through public-private partnerships, TIFIA, and Private Activity Bonds. Additionally, the MPOAC supports making approval of public private partnerships subject to the endorsement of the local MPO.

16. MPO Administration MPO Designation Metropolitan Mobility Authorities Rescission of Planning Funds Energy and Climate Change

17. MPO Designation Principle 1- The MPOAC supports raising the MPO designation threshold to 100,000 people. Appropriate language should be inserted to allow grandfathering of established MPOs that do not meet the threshold. Principle 2- The MPOAC encourages new urbanized areas to consolidate with existing MPOs.

18. Metropolitan Mobility Authorities The MPOAC supports the sub-allocation of all congestion relief, freight, and capacity funds to Metropolitan Mobility Authorities in areas with more than 1 million people. The administrative structure of MMAs should be determined by the existing MPO or group of MPOs that comprise the MMA area.

19. Rescission of Planning Funds The MPOAC supports language that excludes PL funds from rescission. NOTE- Should FTA 5303 Planning Funds be added to this principle?

20. Energy and Climate Change The MPOAC proposes that energy efficiency and climate change be added as a planning factor, thus placing the issue at the forefront of the 3-C Planning Process.

21. Questions? Comments? Alex Bond ALBond@cutr.usf.edu (813) 974-9779