TAC pauses VPSP2 round and reviews FY24 Unified Planning Work Program draft

At the March 8 TAC meeting, CCRPC staff briefed members on two planning items: a pause to the Vermont Project Scoring and Prioritization Process (VPSP2) and the draft FY24 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

Christine Forde (CCRPC) told the committee that VTrans postponed the 2023 VPSP2 round because projects funded in the first two rounds are still getting underway; as a result, TAC members will not be asked to score VPSP2 projects this year. The pause is intended to focus state resources on projects already advanced through scoring and design.

Eleni Churchill presented the draft FY24 UPWP project list and noted the UPWP Committee’s comments are included in the meeting packet. She highlighted a proposed regional Safety Action Plan that would create a pathway for municipalities to apply for federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) construction grants. Jonathon Weber and other members indicated support for moving forward; Eleni said the proposed Safety Action Plan would align with Vision Zero requirements. Churchill also noted several project updates in the packet: the Burlington Transportation Workforce Development Needs Assessment was deemed ineligible for federal planning funds, TOD planning under a RAISE grant is moving forward with alternate funding, and the Chittenden County SOV Commuter Reduction Program (phase 1 of 2) will include a survey of prior participants before additional funding is considered.

The update was informational; no final UPWP adoption occurred at this meeting. Staff said they will continue refining scopes and timing for projects and return with further details when available.