Tri‑County staff updates: Silver Ride Home vouchers, 2050 regional transportation plan, bike share and stormwater REP work

Tri‑County Regional Planning Commission staff updated the Dauphin County Planning Commission on several ongoing regional initiatives: a federal discretionary voucher program aiming to reduce impaired driving, an active transportation plan, the 2050 long‑range regional transportation plan (RTP), the region’s bike‑share program, and a regional effort to help MS4 permit holders coordinate stormwater projects (the REP program).

Silver Ride Home / impaired‑driving vouchers: Staff said the region received a federal discretionary grant to provide rideshare vouchers (a program branded in the meeting as “Silver Ride Home”) to reduce impaired driving, a factor in roughly 40% of traffic fatalities in the region, according to staff. Demand initially outpaced expectations over the holidays, so staff paused and then reopened the program to target high‑demand periods (St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day). An after‑action report evaluating the program’s impact is expected in May.

Regional active transportation and 2050 RTP: Staff said the regional active transportation plan (a bike and trails plan focused on larger federal‑funding‑appropriate projects) is slated for adoption at the MPO/HATS meeting; the 2050 long‑range transportation plan is entering its public‑comment stretch over summer months and is anticipated for adoption in September. Staff described a project pipeline and prioritization process that will inform TIP development.

Bike share: Staff reported operations for a regional shared bicycle system (60 bikes at 11 stations, mostly in downtown Harrisburg), and noted modest winter ridership when half the fleet was left deployed.

Funding and earmark note: Commissioners asked whether any formula or discretionary funds had been lost; staff said formula funds tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are secure and that the discretionary grants described remain available. Staff said Dauphin County had an earmark for bridge work and that they would follow up to confirm current status after changes in congressional appropriations.

REP (regional stormwater collaboration): Staff described a regional REP program that assists MS4 permit communities to map stormwater issues, bundle projects across jurisdictions, pursue grant funding, and target best‑management practices. Ten municipalities in the Swatara/Switzer Creek watershed are participating; the program has some county funding and grants support. Staff said municipalities that bundle projects regionally may improve chances for funding and receive credit under permit cycles.

Millersburg stormwater follow‑up: Staff said they received as‑built drawings from the school district and asked engineers for additional information to confirm stormwater was constructed and functioning as intended; the county is supporting local coordination and exploring funding options where remediation is required.

Ending: Staff said the items will return to the commission as specific projects or grant requests move forward; staff asked commissioners to note upcoming public meetings and grant deadlines.