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Federal team outlines TMA certification review; public and members raise questions on mega projects and public participation
Summary
FHWA and FTA officials presented a Transportation Management Area (TMA) certification review process to the Cape Cod MPO policy board, explaining desk and site reviews and potential findings. Residents praised public engagement and urged clearer MPO roles on mega projects and TIP timing; officials said comments are accepted through Dec. 22.
A federal review team from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration described the TMA certification review and invited public input at the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization policy board meeting Dec. 15.
"It is a certification that is required, to ensure that you can continue to receive federal funds," said Anthony Jones, FHWA program development team lead, describing the desk review, site visit and final reporting steps used to assess whether an MPO meets federal planning requirements. He said the review examines documents including the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the public participation plan.
Jones said the review produces findings that may be categorized as commendations, recommendations, corrective actions or, in repeated cases, decertification. He urged public engagement as part of the process and said the federal team will circulate a draft report and findings for the MPO and public to review before finalization.
Members of the public and MPO raised questions about clarity and timing. Steve Buckley asked whether official guidance and the certification handbook would be available before the public comment deadline; Jones confirmed a 30‑day comment period and that comments will be accepted through December 22, and offered to provide links and the handbook.
Several speakers praised the MPO’s public‑engagement practices while urging stronger regional policy input on large projects. "Public comment is handled well here," John York said, but he added that when regional plans explicitly avoid commenting on mega projects the planning process can miss important regional considerations. Other members, including Kevin Galligan and Mark Forrest, said the MPO routinely engages stakeholders and that staff and elected representatives must balance non‑duplicative review with making sure regional priorities are heard.
The federal team said it will include public comments in its findings and circulate a draft certification letter and final report to the MPO and state. Jones and FTA staff provided contact emails and said they will post the meeting recording and transcript on the MPO website.
