MPO Policy Board approves TIP and UPWP amendments to fund Wabash Center vehicles, bridge right‑of‑way and formalize traffic counter purchase

At its Aug. 14 meeting, the MPO Policy Board voted unanimously to approve three amendments to local transportation plans that reallocate federal transit money, add a right‑of‑way phase for two county bridges and formalize budget language for recently purchased traffic counters.

The board approved Resolution T25‑09 to amend the 2024–28 and 2026–30 Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) so the Wabash Center can program a vehicle replacement project using Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 funds. MPO staff said the project covers replacement of several low‑floor minivans and a small transit bus; the total project cost is $450,000 and federal funds could cover up to 85% of the purchase. Tim (MPO staff) summarized the request: “So as far as this specific TIP amendment, this is for the Wabash Center.” He added that “those are Federal Transit Administration. They are for capital replacement.”

The board then approved Resolution T25‑10 to amend the 2026–30 TIP to add the right‑of‑way phase for two bridges (Bridges 80 and 83) over Flint Creek. MPO staff said the work is anticipated in 2027 and affects a bridge on County Road 700 West and another on County Road 510 South; the amendment is a cleanup step to make the two TIP documents consistent.

Members next approved Resolution T25‑11, an amendment to the 2025–26 Unified Planning Work Program to reflect an interlocal agreement and to formalize funding used to buy traffic counters and supplies. MPO staff reported the counters already have been purchased and distributed to local jurisdictions; the amendment moves existing UPWP line items to explicitly show the equipment purchase.

Board members also were briefed on two administrative modifications that did not require board action. Staff said $146,199 in previously flexed funds were reclassified from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to FTA and moved within a city transit program from a paratransit bus replacement line to a preventative maintenance line. Staff also reported a construction cost estimate increase on the Tippecanoe County Bridge 119 (North Ninth Street bridge) from $9,600,000 to $10,400,000; staff said the project remains scheduled for FY2026 and that additional local funds will cover the higher estimate, with no change to the federal funding year.

All three resolutions were adopted by roll‑call vote; members recorded as voting “aye” during the roll calls were Erin Easter, David Byers (listed in roll call), Steve Snyder, Kathy/Cathy Parker, Cindy Murray and Mike Gibson. No board member voted no or abstained on the recorded motions.

Why this matters: the amendments make federal capital funds available for local nonprofit transit service, align multi‑year TIP documents to allow right‑of‑way work on two county bridges, and put the MPO’s UPWP into alignment with equipment purchases already made by interlocal agreement. The administrative modification and cost increase highlight ongoing adjustments to planned projects as construction estimates and funding sources change.

Meeting sequence and next steps: MPO staff said the Wabash Center funding was previously approved by the applicant on May 20, 2025, and the TIP and UPWP language will be updated to reflect the board’s votes. Staff also said they will post finalized documents and links to the meeting packet after the meeting.

Ending: Board members had no further questions and the meeting moved on to the MPO’s crash report and letting list updates.