TAC recommends CCRPC’s draft FY22 UPWP to Executive Committee and Board

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Transportation Advisory Committee on May 4 reviewed the draft FY22 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and unanimously voted to recommend it to the CCRPC Executive Committee and Board.

Marshall Distel, CCRPC transportation planner, presented the draft work plan and budget and outlined recent FHWA funding history and project categories. Amy Bell of VTrans said "the funds need to be spent within four years," and Matthew Langham added that the oldest carryover funds are spent first.

Members pressed for clarity about how carryover funds are handled and whether towns could proceed with projects if staff anticipated funding. Charlie Baker, CCRPC executive director, said yes, towns could move projects forward and noted CCRPC is monitoring available FHWA funds that may be added during a mid-year adjustment. Dennis Lutz moved that the TAC recommend approval of the FY22 UPWP to the CCRPC Executive Committee and Board; Justin Rabidoux seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The discussion included questions about whether American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were included (answer: no; the draft uses FHWA PL planning funds only) and how collected impact fees are held and returned if not used. Members were advised that unused fees are returned if not spent and that staff and VTrans remain resources for detailed escrow or fee-timeframe questions.

Next steps: the TAC recommendation will be forwarded to the CCRPC Executive Committee and Board for final action. The Board is expected to receive a staff re-screening of projects where needed before any final adoption of priorities.