Legislature(2025 - 2026)BUTROVICH 205
02/27/2025 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation(s): Metropolitan Planning Organizations Overview | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 27, 2025
1:37 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair
Senator Löki Tobin, Vice Chair
Senator Mike Shower
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Bert Stedman
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS OVERVIEW
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
KIM SOLLIEN, Executive Director
Matanuska Valley Planning for Transportation (MVP)
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented Metropolitan Planning
Organizations Overview.
JACKSON C. FOX, Executive Director
Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) Planning
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented Metropolitan Planning
Organizations Overview.
AARON JONGENELEN, Executive Director
Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions (AMATS)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented Metropolitan Planning
Organizations Overview.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:37:33 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:37 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Tobin, Shower, and Chair Bjorkman.
^PRESENTATION(S): METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS OVERVIEW
PRESENTATION(S): METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS OVERVIEW
1:38:16 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the presentation Metropolitan Planning
Organizations (MPOs) Overview. He said each presenter would give
an overview of their individual MPO and provide information on
MPOs in general.
1:39:33 PM
KIM SOLLIEN, Executive Director, Matanuska Valley Planning for
Transportation (MVP), Palmer, Alaska, advanced to slide 2 and
gave an overview of the origins of metropolitan planning
organizations (MPO):
[Original punctuation provided.]
ORIGINS OF METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) were
birthed out of the 1950s Eisenhower Interstate System
development.
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, authorized the
largest public works program in U.S. history aimed at
the construction of 41,000 miles of interstate highway
system.
With little coordination with the cities, towns, or
counties with federal grants in hand, State DOTs
imposed the construction of the new highway segments
on local communities. In many cases, the poorest
neighborhoods were razed or segmented.
By the late 1950s and early 1960s, lawsuits seeking to
block construction of portions of the interstate
highway system began to appear. The Federal Government
concluded that a better, more cooperative process was
needed.
1:42:11 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to slide 3 and continued her overview of
the history of MPOs:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962, signed by President
Kennedy, required urban areas of more than 50,000
residents to carry out a continuous, cooperative, and
comprehensive (3-C) transportation planning process
between states and local communities as a condition of
federal assistance.
This legislation led to the MPO's of today. The
greatest decade 1956-1966 - Interstate system -
Highway History - Federal Highway Administration
Today there are 459 MPOs across the country.
1:43:43 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to slide 4 and discussed the various MVP
plans. She offered brief descriptions of each:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Title 23 US Code sec 132 established the national
policy that the MPO carry out the comprehensive,
cooperative, and continuous transportation planning
process
The work of an MPO is Planning
• Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) 20 + year
long-range plan (transit, bike and ped, cars,
freight)
• Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 4-year
short-range project funding plan
• Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) 2-year staff
work plan
• Public Participation Plan (PPP) Title VI Plan
1:45:44 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked how MPO work is integrated with state
transportation planning and public engagement - and who is
involved with these processes.
1:46:31 PM
MS. SOLLIEN shared her understanding that MPO is responsible for
planning within its boundary. The MVP board represents different
constituencies and ensures that their various priority projects
are considered during the planning process. These projects
become part of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and are then
integrated into TIP. She explained that the state and MPO are
equally involved in planning and determining priority projects.
She added that the Borough represents a larger area than MVP's
metropolitan transportation area boundary and any additional
planning will be coordinated across boundaries. She said that,
in theory, all regional projects will show up on MVP's plan
within its MPO boundary.
1:48:24 PM
SENATOR TOBIN commented that the MVP board has robust
representation and surmised that each member receives one vote.
She asked for additional information regarding the planning
process and how decisions are made.
1:48:58 PM
MS. SOLLIEN explained that the policy board is made up of 7
members and listed these. She noted that the Borough holds two
seats on the policy board because the majority of roads in the
metropolitan planning area are within the Borough. She explained
the process used to determine infrastructure needs. This
includes input from each body represented by the policy board
members along with community input. Decisions are made by member
consensus.
1:51:13 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to Slide 5:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Wasilla, Knik Fairview, North Lakes Urban Area
Designation
On December 29, 2022 the U.S. Census identified a
portion of the MatSu Borough Core Area as a Qualifying
Urban Area, with a population of over 50,000.
MS. SOLLIEN noted that MVP is the newest MPO in Alaska. She gave
a brief overview of MVP history.
1:52:16 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to Slide 6, which contains population data
for the Wasilla-Knik-Fairview-North Lakes Urban Area. In 2023,
the census data recorded a population of 57,102. She briefly
discussed the data and how the census calculates this
information to determine that an urban area designation is
appropriate.
1:52:55 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to Slide 7 and explained the federal
regulation requirements for urban areas:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Once the census designates an urban area, within one
year of the designation, an official metropolitan
planning organization (MPO) must be established to
continue to receive federal highway funding.
MVP for Transportation's Operating Agreement and
Official Formation Occurred on December 19, 2023
1:54:25 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to Slide 8, which lists the seven members
of the MVP policy board. She noted that each regional government
is represented and reiterated that the MatSu Borough has two
representatives. She said there is also a 16-member technical
committee with representatives from each regional government
(e.g. planning and/or public work directors and various non-
profit advocates). She stated that the work of MPO is planning
and the technical committee does a great deal of this work; the
policy board gives final approval to plans created by the
technical committee. She shared that MVP is autonomous and
provided the reasoning for this.
1:56:13 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to Slide 9 and discussed MPO funding:
[Original punctuation provided.]
MPO Funding
Metropolitan Planning Funds (PL funds) are provided
from the Federal Highway Trust Fund and distributed by
State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to conduct
the planning activities required by Title 23 of the
U.S. Code 134.
Each MPO is responsible for planning to meet the
transportation needs within its metropolitan planning
area.
1:57:00 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to Slide 10 and discussed the planning area
boundary. She explained that the planning area boundary is used
to establish long-term plans and described this process:
[Original punctuation provided.]
MVP Metropolitan Planning Area Boundary 2023
• MPA Boundary is just over 120 square miles
• About 73,000 people live within the MPA
• "At a minimum, the MPA boundary shall encompass
the entire existing urbanized plus the contagious
area expected to become urbanized within a 20-
year period." (23 CFR sec 450.312 (a)(1))
[Slide 10 includes a map of the planning area boundary
in 2023.]
MS. SOLLIEN said that every 10 years, MVP has the option to
reevaluate the planning area boundary to ensure accuracy with
the most recent census.
1:58:36 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked for additional information about the 10-year
review process. She wondered if this is a mandated review.
1:59:00 PM
MS. SOLLIEN explained that the metropolitan planning area
boundary must encompass the entire urban area boundary. This
boundary may change with the census and MVP adjusts planning
area boundary in response to this.
2:00:05 PM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed interest and said she would research it
further.
2:00:19 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to Slide 11:
[Original punctuation provided.]
MVP Nonprofit Filings and Organizational Development
• Filed Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit
Corporation and the Bylaws with the State of
Alaska
• Submitted form 1023 to IRS and applied for an EIN
(Employer Identification Number) 501c3 status
received 10.30.24
• Drafted and Adopted all the Personnel and
Organizational Policies
• Hired an Executive Director and Opened a bank
account
• Launch the MTP and Hire Additional Staff
(currently here)
2:01:34 PM
MS. SOLLIEN advanced to Slide 12 and discussed the challenges
MVP faces. She explained that MVP differs from other MPOs
because it does not have TIP or a metropolitan transportation
plan. She explained how MVP's engagement with the Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) differs as a result:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Challenges
Without an MTP or TIP, FHWA suggested MVP develop a
Program of Projects to program our funding for FY24
and FY25.
MVP's involvement with the STIP and STIP Amendments
development has been inconsistent, and it is not clear
if our allocation of funding is being programmed the
way the Policy Board authorized.
Some of MVP's sub allocations appear to be
inconsistent within the separate volumes of the STIP
Amendment 2. For example, PL Metro funds are listed in
FY25 but not the other years, and carryover is not
shown in 2024.
2:04:12 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked how MPO would address concerns related to
urban planning and property rights.
2:05:07 PM
MS. SOLLIEN replied that the municipalities and the MatSu
Borough are responsible for land use planning regulations. She
explained that one benefit of living within the MPO boundary is
increased local control of how federal funds are spent within
the community. She suggested that this would result in a greater
benefit to citizens.
2:06:24 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether MPOs are incentivized to advocate
against projects in other areas in order to increase the funds
available for local MPO projects.
2:06:50 PM
MS. SOLLIEN replied no. She explained that funding for each
region is based on a population-based formula and is therefore
not impacted by the level of funding utilized in other areas.
2:07:34 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if MPOs are eligible for additional funds
that are not available for those outside of MPO.
2:07:48 PM
MS. SOLLIEN expressed uncertainty. She explained that MVP (as
MPO and nonprofit) is eligible to apply for grants that
municipalities or the borough are not eligible for.
2:08:21 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN clarified his question. He asked if the state
might distribute capital funds for roadways differently due to
the federal funding MPOs receive - e.g. capital funds may be
distributed in larger amounts to those areas without MPOs.
2:08:47 PM
MS. SOLLIEN shared her understanding that MPOs do not receive
additional funds (the state receives a set amount of federal
funds) and briefly discussed how and why MPO funds are
distributed.
2:10:02 PM
JACKSON C. FOX, Executive Director, Fairbanks Area Surface
Transportation (FAST) Planning, Fairbanks, Alaska, introduced
himself and provided a brief history of his education and work
experience.
2:10:38 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 2 and gave an overview of his
presentation:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Overview
• Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
• Who we are and What we do
• Planning Area Boundary
• Policy Board and Committees
• Who we work with
• Required Transportation Plans
• Relationship between MTP, TIP, and STIP
• Recent STIP Amendments and Coordination with MPOs
2:11:46 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 3, which includes photos and names of
FAST employees. He explained that FAST is a small office.
2:12:24 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 4 and gave an overview of FAST:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Our Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
• Formed in 2003 following 2000 Census
• Urbanized Area ~70,000 population
• Operated as 501(c)3 Non-Profit Independent
Organization
• Our responsibilities:
• Carry out the Transportation Planning
Process under 23 CFR 450, Subpart C, to
develop the region's Long- and Short-Range
Transportation Plans
• Empower local governments in the
transportation decision-making process
• Continuously engage the public in planning
transportation projects and programs
2:13:25 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked how boundary areas have changed since the
2020 census.
2:13:53 PM
MR. FOX answered that since the 2020 census, FAST has expanded
its metropolitan planning area and briefly described these
changes. He noted that the new boundary area has not been
approved by the governor's office; therefore, FAST continues to
operate under the 2013 boundary, which resulted from the 2010
census.
2:14:48 PM
SENATOR TOBIN noted that it has been 5 years since the 2020
census and questioned whether it is typical for the boundary
area approval to take this long.
2:15:00 PM
MR. FOX replied no. He added that he has been through this
process (which is done every 10 years) twice. He reiterated that
he has not seen this delay previously (either in Alaska or in
the Lower 48).
2:15:15 PM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed interest in the reasons behind the delay
and indicated that she would look into this further.
2:15:29 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 5 and explained the Intergovernmental
Operating Agreement. This agreement is between the state and
local governments (i.e. the Fairbanks Northstar Borough; City of
North Pole, and City of Fairbanks) and establishes MPO. This was
last updated in 2019 when FAST became an independent agency.
2:16:16 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 6 and discussed the planning area
boundary. Slide 6 contains a map of the boundary. He explained
that the boundary is based on data provided by the US Census
Bureau and is extended out according to FAST's 20-year urban
growth projections. The planning area shown is from the 2013
boundary that resulted from the 2010 census. He briefly
described various locations within the boundary. He noted that
FAST does not do transportation planning on military lands, nor
can any federal funds be spent on the military base. He
explained that military transportation is funded through the
Department of Defense. He added that there is a military seat on
FAST's planning committees, allowing them to participate in
planning related to projects near the gates of the military
base. Both Fort Wainwright and Eielson Airforce Base have seats
on the committees.
2:17:53 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 7 and discussed board and committee
structure. The Policy Board is the primary decision-making body.
The Technical Committee is the primary advisory committee.
Supporting committees include the Bicycle-Pedestrian Committee
(primarily citizens), the Project Enhancement Committee, and the
Seasonal Mobility Task Force. He noted that all board and
committee meetings are open to the public. 48 open public
meetings occurred over the past year.
2:19:35 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 8 and discussed the Policy Board:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Policy Board
Also serves as Board of Directors for Non-profit
Corporation
• City of Fairbanks Mayor
• City of North Pole Mayor
• Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor
• City Council Member
• Borough Assembly Member
• DOTPF Northern Region Director
• ADEC Air Quality Director
7 Board Members: (2) Borough, (3) City, (2) State
MR. FOX noted concerns about air quality standards and federal
highway funding.
2:20:52 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 9 and discussed the make-up of the
Technical Committee:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Technical Committee
18 committee members
• DOTPF Planning
• DOTPF Preconstruction
• ADEC Air Quality
• City of Fairbanks Engineering (X2)
• City of North Pole
• University of Alaska
• Borough Community Planning
• Borough Transit
• Borough Rural Services
• Borough Planning Commission
• Alaska Railroad
• Fort Wainwright
• Eielson Air Force Base
• Fairbanks International Airport
• Public Safety Representative
• Tribal Representative
• Freight Representative
2:22:01 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 10 and discussed the Metropolitan
Transportation Plan (MTP) and the Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP). MTP is a 20-year transportation plan that feeds
into TIP. He explained that TIP is a short-range (4-year)
funding plan. He briefly explained MTP and noted that it is a
very specific plan. The short-range list from MTP is fed into
TIP.
2:23:05 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 11, which contains a project map of
short-, medium-, long-, and very long-range plans (extending
from 2023-2045). He briefly discussed the project map.
2:23:39 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 12, which includes a list of short-
term (2023-2027) fast planning and non-fast planning projects.
He briefly discussed this list of projects.
2:23:57 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 13 and discussed the Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP). He briefly discussed how the short-
range list relates to TIP. He noted that the chart on Slide 13
is limited to projects within FAST's boundary that receive
federal funding. He further clarified that the fast-planning
list excludes state-funded projects.
2:24:42 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 14 and continued discussing TIP. He
said TIP is a conglomeration of all project types. He listed the
various projects included. While typical years see $50 million
investment in transportation projects per construction season,
this has been reduced to roughly $25-$30 million due to STIP
challenges in recent years. He shared the following equation to
illustrate TIP:
TIP = Local MPO Projects + DOT Highway Projects + Rail
Projects + Transit Projects
2:25:44 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked if FAST anticipates the funding to return to
the previous $50 million or if it is expected to remain at $25-
$30 million.
2:26:04 PM
MR. FOX said the hope is for a rebound in 2026. 2025 is
projected to remain at $25-$30 million. He clarified that this
reduction is not solely due to STIP challenges and said that air
quality standards are impacting the funding plan. He expressed
hope that the EPA would lift the conformity freeze by December
2025.
2:27:15 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked for an estimate of the reduction of funds
due to air quality.
2:27:46 PM
MR. FOX estimated a 30 -50 percent reduction.
2:28:09 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 15 and discussed the relationship
between MTP, TIP and STIP. MTP is a long-range (20-year),
foundational transportation plan. Projects are first identified
in MTP. Short-range projects are fed into TIP and the TIP is
incorporated (by reference) into STIP.
2:29:02 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 16 and discussed TIP development and
STIP coordination:
[Original punctuation provided.]
TIP Development
Note: Not all projects on the MTP's Short Range
Projects list can be afforded to move forward during
the 4-year TIP cycle
FAST Planning issues a Call for Project Nominations
for local government sponsored projects, and works
closely with DOT Planning and Preconstruction staff on
selecting State sponsored projects from Short Range
list with funding commitments from Statewide
apportionments
DOT Planning and Preconstruction staff prepare scopes,
schedules, and estimates (SSEs) for all projects
2:30:30 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 17 and continued discussing TIP
development:
[Original punctuation provided.]
TIP development (cont'd)
Projects are then prioritized by Technical Committee
and Policy Board for inclusion in the fiscally
constrained TIP
The Draft TIP is prepared by FAST Planning staff and
shared with DOT Planning and Preconstruction, FHWA,
FTA, and EPA staff for interagency review
Once review is complete, the Draft TIP is presented to
Technical Committee and Policy Board for release for
30-day public comment period and subsequent adoption
Following adoption, the TIP is advanced DOT
Commissioner's Office for Governor's approval and to
FHWA and FTA for approval for air quality conformity
2:31:36 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked what happens if the governor does not
approve TIP.
2:31:46 PM
MR. FOX said federal funding in TIP for future years would be
frozen, including local and highway projects. He emphasized that
it is in the best interest of everyone to achieve consensus and
ensure gubernatorial approval.
2:32:14 PM
SENATOR TOBIN commented that one person could potentially derail
the hard work done by the community and technical policy board.
She asked if this has happened previously and how FAST would
handle this scenario.
2:32:33 PM
MR. FOX said that while he does not know how FAST would handle
this scenario, it has not happened before. He added that it
intended to be a cooperative process. He surmised that there is
the potential for it to be uncooperative and indicated that
there is a conflict resolution process.
2:33:01 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked how projects are ranked and what criteria
are used to create the prioritization list.
2:33:22 PM
MR. FOX said that the long-range plan contains evaluation
criteria. He briefly described the 2-page scoring form used to
rank projects. The list of criteria can be found on FAST
Planning's website.
2:34:05 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 18 and discussed STIP development and
STIP amendments:
[Original punctuation provided.]
STIP Development and Recent STIP Amendments
Federal regulations require the State to develop the
STIP in coordination with MPOs [23 CFR 450.218 and 23
USC 135(g)(2)], but this historically has not occurred
MPO staff and our Technical Committees and Policy
Boards only get to review the documents when they are
released for their 45/30-day public comment periods
All three MPOs submit comment letters during the open
public comment periods
MR. FOX said that FAST has submitted comment letters for STIP,
STIP Amendment 1, and is in the process of submitting a letter
for STIP Amendment 2. He said FAST is working with the State
regarding STIP Amendment 2 expectations. Quarterly meetings in
Fairbanks bring together DOTPF, MatSu Borough, Anchorage, and
federal partners to address concerns.
2:35:52 PM
MR. FOX advanced to Slide 19 and discussed federal uncertainties
that may impact the approval timeline for STIP Amendment 2:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Facing Uncertainties
• FHWA Alaska Division Office lost five (5) staff
members this month
• U.S. DOT Headquarters instituted added layer of
review in approval of STIP Amendments
• Division Offices required to forward all STIP
Amendments to Office of General Council (OGC) at
U.S. DOT for review before any approval actions
can take place
• No timeline has been provided for how long OGC
reviews will take
• Could lead to extended review period and
disruption to project schedules
2:37:42 PM
SENATOR SHOWER commented that federal funding and a variety of
other issues impact the state's ability to address concerns and
complete projects.
2:38:44 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether MPO is incentivized to advocate
against projects in other areas of the state in order to
increase the funds available within the metropolitan planning
area boundary.
2:39:04 PM
MR. FOX replied no. He noted that FAST did comment on the
Sterling Highway project (Cooper Landing Bypass) in 2023 in
response to the dramatic price escalation. He explained that the
state receives a set amount of federal funding and there was
concern that an increase in funding for that project would
result in a decrease in funding for other areas of the state. He
emphasized that the comment was not an attempt to receive more
funds for FAST's planning area, but to ensure an equitable
distribution across the state.
2:40:10 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if MPO has access to funds that are
unavailable to those outside of MPO.
2:40:22 PM
MR. FOX replied yes. He explained that some funds are dedicated
to urban areas while other funds are dedicated to rural areas.
He added that some funds are for statewide use. MPO has access
to the urban area funds. MPO does not have access to rural
funds. He explained that MPO has access to state funds if DOTPF
is interested in using those funds to invest in the MPO's
planning area.
2:41:05 PM
AARON JONGENELEN, Executive Director, Anchorage Metropolitan
Area Transportation Solutions (AMATS), Anchorage, Alaska,
advanced to Slide 2 and discussed the AMATS boundary area. AMATS
is MPO for the Anchorage/Chugiak/Eagle River/Native Village of
Eklutna. Slide 2 contains a map of the boundary area. He noted
that the boundary map has been updated; however, the boundary
update has not yet been approved. He said that one key change is
the removal of the Anchorage CO limited maintenance area. One
limited maintenance area remains within the MPO boundary.
2:42:19 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 3 and gave a brief overview of
AMATS:
[Original punctuation provided.]
AMATS
• Areas with populations of 200,000 or more are a
type of MPO called a Transportation Management
Area (TMA) which have additional planning
requirements.
• AMATS is the only TMA in Alaska.
• MPO staff is housed in the MOA as staff, but we
report to the Policy Committee.
2:43:09 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 4 and provided an overview of
TMA and the required review processes:
[Original punctuation provided.]
TMA
• What are the requirements for the Transportation
Management Area?
• Congestion Management Process
• Certification Reviews
• What are the benefits?
• Direct allocation of funding
MR. JONGENELEN said that Alaska receives funding based on
population allocation. AMATS is the only TMA in the greater-than
200,000 range and thus receives all funding for this group.
Funding cannot be redistributed.
2:46:28 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 5 and discussed the AMATS
policy committee:
[Original punctuation provided.]
AMATS PC
Policy
The decision-making body of AMATS is the Policy
Committee (PC) which meets monthly
5 Members
• Department Of Transportation and Public
Facilities
• Commissioner / Designee - Chair
• Municipality of Anchorage
• Mayor / Designee - Vice Chair
• Department of Environmental Conservation
• (1) Representative
• Anchorage Municipal Assembly
• (2) Representatives
2:47:13 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 6 and discussed the AMATS
technical advisory committee:
[Original punctuation provided.]
AMATS TAC
Technical
• Advisory to the Policy Committee is the Technical
Advisory Committee (TAC) which meets monthly
11 Members
• Municipality of Anchorage - Traffic Department,
Health Department, Environmental Health Program,
Public Transportation Department, Planning
Department, Parks and Recreation, Department
Project Management and Engineering
• Alaska Railroad Corporation
• Don Young Port of Alaska
• Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities - Anchorage Field Chief of Planning
and Vice Chair Regional Preconstruction Engineer
• Department of Environmental Conservation -
Manager of the Southcentral Region Air Quality
Program
2:47:59 PM
SENATOR TOBIN noted the lack of tribal and military
representation on both committees. She asked how committee
representation was determined and whether AMATS has discussed
tribal and military representation.
MR. JONGENELEN replied that AMATS was designated in 1976 and the
last redesignation of the operating agreement was in 2003. The
operating agreement determines the makeup of those committees.
He said there has been discussion about whether the policy
committee should be updated. He added that JBER is involved in
the Community Advisory Subcommittee. There is an agreement
between the Native Village of Eklutna and the Municipality of
Anchorage (on behalf of AMATS) regarding their interactions and
working together. He briefly described how this agreement works
to create a dialogue and enables AMATS to better help that
community.
2:49:38 PM
SENATOR TOBIN commented on the ways that voices from the
different communities are incorporated.
2:49:49 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 7 and discussed AMATS
subcommittees:
[Original punctuation provided.]
AMATS Sub-Committees
Advisory
• Additional advisory committees have met quarterly
or ad hoc over the year to send recommendations
up to the PC through the TAC.
3 Committees 11 Members Each
• Community Advisory Committee
• Freight Advisory Committee
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
MR. JONGENELEN noted that AMATS has been understaffed, which has
impacted these subcommittees.
2:50:52 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 8 and provided information on
AMATS staff. Slide 8 contains an infographic with images of each
staff member. There are 5 staff members; three positions are
filled and two are vacant. He noted that MPOs of similar size
typically have 11 staff members, including lawyers. He added
that AMATS is able to complete its work in spite of having a
smaller staff.
2:51:31 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 9:
MPO's and DOTPF Coordination
• Peer exchange
• 3C Process
• Coordination on the STIP Amendment 2
• What is Working Well
2:51:54 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 10 and discussed peer exchange:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Peer Exchange
Purpose
• Connecting with peer MPOs and DOTPFs
Lessons Learned
• 10-12 Action Items Developed
• Documentation on the Process
• Continuous Communication and Outreach
• Ensure all staff are part of the process
2:52:47 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 11 and discussed the 3C
process:
[Original punctuation provided.]
3C Process Documentation
Purpose
• Continuous, Comprehensive, Cooperative
Background
• DOTPF was instructed to develop a 3-C Process
• Document
• AMATS Policy Committee provided feedback on the
document
2:53:29 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 12 and discussed STIP Amendment
2:
[Original punctuation provided.]
STIP Amendment 2
Concern: Lack of Coordination with MPO prior to
release for the public.
Discussion: Positive discussion on finding a way to
get MPO or MPO staff to review it prior to release for
the public.
2:54:07 PM
MR. JONGENELEN advanced to Slide 13 and discussed the benefits
of healthy partnerships:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Healthy Partnerships
Regional Successes
• Coordination at the regional level
• Coordination at the project level
• HSIP coordination
• Vision Zero Task Force
2:55:13 PM
SENATOR SHOWER commented on a recent change that removed a
traffic lane to create a bike path in an area with few bikers
and excessive traffic. He opined that this type of decision
could cause people to question the usefulness - or the mission -
of MPOs. He turned his attention to the change in federal
administration and asked whether any of the MPOs have discussed
recent federal administration changes to the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), which he surmised will impact state
planning dynamics.
2:56:45 PM
MR. JONGENELEN said that AMATS has not been directed about EPA
changes. He said AMATS has been made aware of cost increases as
a result of the recent tariffs. Those cost increases will impact
project funding. He indicated that more time is needed to
understand the impact of federal changes.
2:57:29 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN thanked the presenters.
2:57:45 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 2:57 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| MPOs MVP Presentation 02272025.pdf |
STRA 2/27/2025 1:30:00 PM |
Metropolitan Planning Organizations |
| MPOs FAST Presentation 02272025.pdf |
STRA 2/27/2025 1:30:00 PM |
Metropolitan Planning Organizations |
| MPOs AMATS Presentation 02272025.pdf |
STRA 2/27/2025 1:30:00 PM |
Metropolitan Planning Organizations |
| 3C Policy Document DRAFT 09192024.pdf |
STRA 2/27/2025 1:30:00 PM |
Metropolitan Planning Organizations |