Public Comments Due February 10, 2026
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is currently seeking public comment and review of the draft versions of two important regional transportation funding policies: the Policies for Managing MORPC MPO Funding and the MORPC Complete Streets Policy. MORPC will be accepting public comments on both policy drafts from January 12, 2026, through February 10, 2026.
Policies for Managing MORPC MPO Funding
Every two years the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) seeks projects to use MORPC MPO federal transportation funding. Approximately $96 million is awarded to projects every two years in the transportation planning area: Delaware and Franklin counties; Bloom and Violet townships in Fairfield County; Pataskala, New Albany, Johnstown, and Etna Township in Licking County; Plain City in Madison County, and Plain City and Jerome Township in Union County.
Prior to requesting funding applications, MORPC reviews, revises as necessary, and adopts the Policies for Managing MORPC MPO Funds (“Policies”). This document describes the process for local governments to apply for MORPC MPO Funds and for MORPC to select projects to receive a commitment of funding.
Over the last several months, MORPC convened the MPO Funds Committee to review and update the Policies. The document includes a schedule, eligibility requirements, application requirements, evaluation criteria, procedures for ranking and selecting projects for funding, requirements for sponsors receiving a funding commitment, and other policies for managing the funding program.
Clear, comprehensive funding policies put safety first and ensure that every transportation dollar is invested where it will save lives, reduce risk, and strengthen connectivity across the region.
MORPC Complete Streets Policy
“Complete Streets” are roadways, highways, bridges, and other transportation facilities that are designed, implemented, operated, and maintained in an equitable and context-sensitive manner so that people of all ages, incomes, and abilities can use them safely. These streets consider the needs of all people, including, but not limited to, people walking, bicycling, using shared mobility devices and assistive devices, using transit and riding school buses, driving, and operating commercial and emergency vehicles.
MORPC’s Complete Streets Policy (“Policy”) was last updated in 2023 and is reviewed on a biennial basis aligned with the review of the Policies for Managing MORPC MPO Funds. The Policy applies to all projects receiving MORPC MPO Funding.
A working group was convened in the Fall of 2025 to review the current Policy and determine where updates were needed. Key changes include the incorporation of the Safe System Approach into the core principles of the Policy as well as minor revisions to the review process to better align with the procedures outlined in the Policies for Managing MORPC MPO Funds.
The draft Policies are available for public review and comment on the MORPC website at https://www.morpc.org/programs-services/morpc-attributable-funding-for-transportation/
Comments may be submitted via email to tip@morpc.org or in writing to Maria Schaper, Transportation Study Director, 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus, OH, 43215, by 5 p.m. on February 10, 2026.
The updated Policies for Managing MORPC MPO Funding and MORPC Complete Streets Policy will be considered for adoption at MORPC’s Community Advisory Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, and Transportation Policy Committee meetings in March.
