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MPO approves release of functional classification updates for public comment
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Summary
The MPO voted to release staff recommendations to update roadway functional classifications (reflecting 2020 Census urbanized-area changes) for a public comment period and subsequent JTC review; staff said the designation affects eligibility for federal TIP funds.
MPO members voted to release for public comment a package of staff-recommended functional classification changes tied to the 2020‑census update of the region’s urbanized area.
Steve Topper, deputy director at the Cape Cod Commission, said the review corrects misclassifications and aligns roadway designations with adjacent network function. He cited examples such as State Road in Bourne — currently labeled local but functioning like an arterial due to a flyover — and several segments in Wellfleet and Truro that staff recommend reclassifying to match the network.
Topper explained the practical implication: local roadways are generally not eligible for certain federal-aid programs and TIP programming, while regional roadways are. “If it’s a local roadway, it’s not considered federal-aid eligible, so we couldn’t use funds on TIP and other things for improvements,” Topper said.
Kevin Galligan moved the motion to release the updates for public comment; Liz Zargo seconded. The board approved the release on a roll-call vote. Staff will bring public and JTC comments back to the MPO before any final submission to MassDOT and FHWA.
Next steps: public comment period, JTC review, MPO consideration of comments, and final submittal to state and federal agencies for approval.
