Public comment period open through Aug. 25
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has updated its Public Participation Plan, which lays out how MORPC – as the federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Columbus urbanized area – reaches out to members of the public for their input throughout the transportation planning process. A draft of the plan is now available for review and comment by the public.
“The Public Participation Plan is designed to provide the public opportunity to participate in, review, and comment on the formulation of transportation policies and plans, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program and other transportation programs.”
As an MPO, MORPC conducts a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process. The transportation planning area for the MORPC MPO includes: Delaware and Franklin counties; Bloom and Violet townships in Fairfield County; New Albany, Pataskala and Etna Township in Licking County; and Jerome Township in Union County.
MORPC’s plan includes a structured committee process, a project-specific process, and a public outreach and information dissemination effort tailored to meet specific needs.
“The updated Public Participation Plan includes changes to ensure that we are taking advantage of new technology options and reaching many segments of the population for their feedback."
This process provides a set of procedures to be consistently and comprehensively applied to incorporate the public’s involvement, including the planning and development of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and Delaware County Transit programs and projects. The public participation process satisfies Section 5307 public involvement requirements for the Program of Projects.
The draft 2021 Public Participation Plan can be viewed here. Comments on the draft plan are due by 5 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2021 to Bevan Schneck, MORPC Sr. Public Affairs Coordinator, via email to bschneck@morpc.org or in writing to 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus, OH, 43215.
The updated Public Participation Plan will be considered for adoption by MORPC’s transportation committees at their September meetings. The plan will then be reviewed by the Ohio Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration to ensure that full and open access is provided by MORPC, COTA and Delaware County Transit in the decision-making process.
