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WAMPO outlines MTP 2050, urges Valley Center residents to comment by April 7
Summary
The Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization presented its Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP 2050) to the Valley Center City Council and encouraged public comment through April 7 on projects affecting the region, including bicycle and pedestrian projects that include Valley Center.
Markie Jonas of the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization told the Valley Center City Council that WAMPO is finalizing its long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan, MTP 2050, and is seeking public comment through April 7.
Jonas said, “WAMPO is the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. It is, the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Wichita Metropolitan Region,” and explained the plan covers a 25-year planning horizon and “lists projects to potentially utilize available funding.”
The presenters described MTP 2050 as a multi-modal plan that sets regional priorities for safety, reliable travel times, environmental and economic stewardship, equity, and connectivity among highways, city streets, transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Nick Landers of WAMPO described the plan’s structure: seven chapters and 14 appendices including a financial plan, project selection, and an active-transportation plan.
Council members asked about specific projects affecting Valley Center. Council member Colbert asked about a proposed bike/pedestrian route that would run through Valley Center and several neighboring jurisdictions; Landers said the route is on the project list and could be advanced earlier through administrative modification or by arranging dedicated bicycle-pedestrian funding. A city speaker noted Valley Center submitted five projects for MTP 2050 and thanked WAMPO for funds used on recent Meridian Avenue work.
WAMPO staff repeated the request that residents provide comments online or by email and invited the public to an open house on March 26 at the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jonas said the executive summary is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and that more detail and a comment field are at www.wampo.org/mtp2050.
Why this matters: the MTP is federally required for urbanized areas and guides which transportation projects are eligible for federal and regional funding. Inclusion on the fiscally constrained project list can affect when Valley Center projects advance to design and construction.
The presenters closed by encouraging community feedback before the April 7 deadline and offering an additional virtual meeting recording from March 12 for those who want more detail.
A recording of the presentation and WAMPO materials are on the WAMPO website; the formal public comment period closes April 7.
