Regional MPO outlines 25‑year transportation plan; interactive map seeks public input

PUEBLO — The Pueblo Area Council of Governments’ metropolitan planning organization told the Pueblo West Board of Directors on Aug. 13 that it is updating a 25‑year long range transportation plan and is soliciting public input through an interactive online map and survey.

Dylan Goodman, transportation planner for PACOG’s MPO, said the long range plan looks 25 years ahead, identifies multimodal needs, and is required under federal regulations. He said public input matters for grant competitiveness because federal and state funders expect projects to be already identified in regional plans.

Why it matters: Local projects often rely on state and federal grants. Inclusion on the MPO’s long range plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) can be decisive in securing funding.

What PACOG is asking from the public: The MPO created an interactive map that lets residents drop pins to report problems — for example, a pothole, a missing sidewalk, or a safety concern — and to categorize the issue (safety, connectivity, active transportation, etc.). Goodman said the survey deadline was extended into late August and the MPO plans additional pop‑up outreach including a booth at the Pueblo Bridal event that weekend.

Goodman described how public input will be used: the MPO will compile project lists from local agencies and public comments, set criteria tied to regional goals, score and rank projects via the Transportation Advisory Committee, then work with local jurisdictions to pursue funding. He also said the MPO manages smaller local funding pools, including the state multimodal options and mitigation fund, which PACOG has used for trails and transit projects.

Board questions focused on reach and follow‑through: Directors asked who sits on the MPO advisory bodies, how drainage and stormwater complaints are handled, and whether a pin for pedestrian gaps on Purcell Boulevard would be routed to the proper agency. Goodman said technical and citizens advisory committees include representatives from the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County public works, Pueblo West, the airport and others; citizen advisory groups are used to surface concerns from pedestrians, youth and active‑transportation users. He said the MPO shares its findings with local partners who can pursue grants or maintenance actions.

Discussion vs. decision: This was an informational presentation; the board took no formal action. Goodman provided a website, paycogmovestheregion.com, and offered to work with Pueblo West staff on any specific project requests.