RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Agency:

1. Authorize the Chairman to sign the Certifications and Assurances for Federal Transit Administration Assistance Programs;

2. Adopt Resolution No. 03-02, certifying compliance with Federal Joint Urban Transportation Planning regulations; and

3. Adopt the 2003/04 Overall Work Program.

SUMMARY

The 2003/2004 Overall Work Program (OWP) is required for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to receive State and Federal planning funds. The OWP has been developed in cooperation with the Cities, RABA, Caltrans and Shasta County and incorporates all comments received from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Caltrans District 2 and Caltrans Headquarters. Adoption of the OWP requires certifications that work is performed consistent with Federal requirements. (OWP page 48)

DISCUSSION

State and Federal regulations governing the metropolitan transportation planning process require the development of an annual budget by each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) called the Overall Work Program (OWP). The OWP defines the tasks to be accomplished, the type and amount of funding, and the participants in the transportation planning process. The 2003/04 Overall Work Program has been prepared after receiving and incorporating input from the Cities, County, RABA and Caltrans, and has been reviewed by the funding agencies, which include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Caltrans. Funding Agency comments and responses have been included in the final draft. Federal law requires that the OWP also contain certifications, including one stating that none of the funds received are used for lobbying purposes.

The 2003/04 OWP includes funding to prepare, monitor and implement all the planning documents and processes that are required. This includes the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP), bike and aviation plans, unmet transit needs, and the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). This OWP includes funds to comply with the Air Quality Conformity rules that go into effect if Shasta County is designated a Federal Non Attainment Area. Implementing the adopted Public Involvement Plan is incorporated into this budget.

These processes and plans are considered the “core”, or, basic functions of the RTPA. They are prepared by Agency staff under the direction of the Executive Officer. Other local agencies participate as stakeholders, by attending meetings, providing data and commenting on the work done by staff. This OWP funds these core RTPA functions 100% from Federal Planning funds and TDA resources.

Go To Page Two of Staff Report #6