Introduction

Homeland security has emerged as a major public policy concern and has forced many metropolitan areas in the country to realize the need for a regionally cooperative and collaborative approach in planning, preparation and response to emergencies, whether caused by natural or human elements. This increased emphasis on security is also reflected in SAFETEA-LU which specifies that MPOs shall conduct a metropolitan planning process that provides for consideration of projects and strategies that will increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users.

Transportation Equity Research Program Grant

MORPC was awarded one of the two “Transportation Equity Research Program” grants awarded by the Federal Transit Administration in FY2008 out of a total of 31 applications. The grant will facilitate the creation of a seven-county regional evacuation and emergency preparedness plan for the mobility needs population over the next three years. The counties included in the plan will be Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, and Union counties. The amount of funding over the three years is $357,000, in addition to in-kind matches from the partner agencies. This plan will integrate existing emergency preparedness plans in the region, and identify potential gaps for evacuation planning for the mobility needs population.