County approves Billings MPO FY2025 Unified Planning Work Program
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Summary
The Yellowstone County Commission approved the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization’s FY2025 Unified Planning Work Program, which outlines 12 work elements funded by local fees, Yellowstone County mill levy and federal PL funds (about $1.1M), and prioritizes a 20 First Street underpass feasibility study and neighborhood transportation plans.
The Board of County Commissioners voted Aug. 6 to approve the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization’s FY2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), a document that sets how federal planning funds and local matches will be used for transportation planning across the urbanized area.
Unidentified Speaker (S3) moved to approve the Billings MPO FY25 UPWP and Unidentified Speaker (S5) seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote.
Laura (S6), the MPO presenter, told the board the UPWP includes 12 work elements tied to transportation planning and described funding sources as planning‑department fees, Yellowstone County mill levy revenues and federal PL funds “at just a little over 1,100,000.0.” She flagged priorities for 2024 and into FY25, including completion of Safe Routes to School phase 2, a ped/bike plan update, neighborhood transportation elements tied to the West End and Heights neighborhood plans, and a feasibility study for improvements around the 20 First Street underpass. "That is this is my, biggest priority," Laura said of the underpass work.
Rusty Logan (S9), speaking for transit, described operations funded in part by Federal Transit Administration formula funds and local matches and said the local transit program saw a decline in its FTA allocation ("down to 327,000 vs 386,000 last year") because additional urbanized areas (Helena and Bozeman) created new MPOs and changed the statewide funding split. He highlighted recent work including a fixed‑route system overhaul, automated vehicle location and passenger‑counting systems integrated with Google Maps, and a near‑complete third‑party CDL testing program certified by state authorities.
Laura said some elements of the county’s long‑range transportation plan need auditing to ensure project funding sources match the projects and to prepare for potential changes to the MPO boundary that could follow future census adjustments.
The board’s approval allows the MPO to proceed with quarterly reimbursements and the work plan described; PCC members will take final action on the document at their Aug. 20 meeting as described in the UPWP materials.
