Re: [CTPP] Thanks!

i'll speak to the considerations. in addition to what fhwa/fta is saying http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/census/faqa2cdt.htm and the federal regulations http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/23cfr450.htm#sec.450.308 let me offer my own two-cents (ie opinion). when changing (defining, creating, shaping, etc) your metropolitan planning area keep in mind that this will be the area where the MPO will do its planning and programming. from a planning perspective keep in mind that planning requires data and data tends to fit defined geographies. also, keep an eye on your local bylaws and other memos or working agreements. i suspect that in some areas planning boundaries could affect policy board composition. in some areas planning area boundaries may even be set by state or other local laws. finally, keep in mind that the metropolitan planning area is the space for which the MPO has certain programming responsibilities. since programming, in the way that ISTEA bought it to the MPOs doorstep is relatively new and evolving, there may be some considerations as they relate to programming that may play a role. Sweson Yang wrote: -- Ed Christopher Metropolitan Activities Midwest Resource Center Federal Highway Administration 19900 Governors Drive Olympia Fields, Illinois 60461 708-283-3534 (V) 708-283-3501 (F)