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Cape Cod MPO begins FY2026–2030 TIP development; staff outline constrained budgets, rising costs and possible design-funding uses
Summary
Commission staff presented draft regional targets and a ranked project list for the FY2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program, warned of limited new discretionary dollars, reported significant cost increases on select projects and described options such as using TIP funds for design and small bike programs.
Commission staff and MPO members discussed the Cape Cod region's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development for federal fiscal years 2026–2030 during the Feb. 24 MPO meeting.
Colleen Medeiros, transportation program manager at the Cape Cod Commission, told members the region's five-year TIP is the schedule of federally funded construction projects and that the new regional targets provide roughly $13 million in the first of the five years and grow to approximately $17 million by federal fiscal year 2030. She said staff is starting project selections now and will present a draft slate for MPO consideration in March, with a 14-day public comment period planned after an April vote.
Medeiros reviewed the staff project-evaluation criteria, noting heavier weighting for system modernization and improving safety for all users. She said high-scoring projects include multiple Route 28 corridors; several high-scoring projects are not yet programmed because earlier projects are still drawing funds. Medeiros said project readiness is a key consideration: to be placed in a TIP year, projects should be advanced in design or otherwise construction-ready.
Staff reported two significant cost developments. A West Dennis project submitted a 25% design showing a roughly twofold cost increase compared with earlier estimates. The Yarmouth Route 28 corridor project also showed a cost increase; Medeiros said the project is large (she cited that last year the MPO programmed about $8 million toward it and that the overall project exceeds $20 million) and staff and the town have submitted a federal discretionary BUILD grant seeking roughly $25 million to complete the remainder of funding; the BUILD award decision is expected in June. By contrast, Medeiros said the Mashpee Route 151 project came in under bid earlier this season, which may free some TIP dollars for reallocation in earlier years; staff said an amendment to reflect the current bid is likely in March.
Medeiros outlined alternative ways other MPOs use TIP funds, including small bicycle-rack or micro-mobility programs, short-term transit or shuttle supports, and direct design funding. She said Boston and Central Mass MPOs have programmed TIP dollars to pay for local project design to help projects become construction-ready; such an approach would require the full design to be paid and an expectation that the project would return to the TIP for construction funding.
Medeiros asked the MPO for any guidance on priorities and said staff will present a draft slate in March.
