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JTC backs revised project‑scoring criteria, releases Title VI update and TIP amendments including PVTA awards
Summary
The JTC voted to recommend updated Transportation Evaluation Criteria to the MPO, approved release of the Title VI update for public review, and recommended a TIP amendment reflecting awarded PVTA 5339/Low‑No grants (multi‑million dollar increases) and a Springfield intersection cost increase.
At its meeting the Pioneer Valley Joint Transportation Committee recommended several actions to the MPO following staff briefings.
Transportation Evaluation Criteria: Staff presented amendments to the TEC to better align scoring with federal and state guidance and to address rural project recognition. Using three example projects (Chesterfield, South Hadley, Springfield), staff showed modest score shifts — some projects gained partial points while others showed short‑term decreases tied to changes in criterion weighting. After discussion the JTC moved to recommend the amended TEC to the MPO and approved the motion by roll‑call vote.
Title VI: PVPC staff presented a comprehensive annual update to the MPO’s Title VI program. Staff described updated low‑income block‑group classifications driven by new Census data, a new Title VI web page consolidating materials, and how Title VI work will inform the RTP. The committee voted to recommend releasing the Title VI update for public review.
TIP amendments and PVTA awards: Staff asked the JTC to recommend release of a proposed TIP amendment for the required 21‑day public comment period. Key changes included corrected project descriptions and updated award amounts for PVTA: one maintenance/garage project’s total award increased from roughly $3.6 million to $11.8 million (federal portion ~ $9.44M; state RTA cap ~ $2.36M), and a Low‑No bus/charger award increased the previously placeholder $32M item to an actual $55.7M award (about $44.56M federal, $11.14M state) covering electric buses, chargers and facility upgrades. The TIP amendment also reflected a cost increase for a statewide Springfield intersection project from approximately $6.77M to $9.09M. The JTC voted to recommend the amendment for public review.
Votes at a glance: the committee approved the November 9 minutes, recommended the TEC changes to the MPO, recommended the Title VI update for release, and recommended the TIP amendment for public review (motions carried by roll call as recorded in meeting minutes). The committee will bring final endorsements to the MPO as part of normal public‑review processes.
Next steps: Staff will present TEC scoring updates to project proponents in January/February, provide more detail on MEPA impacts at a February meeting, and circulate materials for public review as required by the MPO schedule.
