Cape Cod MPO endorses FY2025 UPWP, 2025–29 TIP and TIP Amendment 3; certifications approved

The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization voted on several key planning documents at its virtual meeting, approving self-certification of federal planning compliance, adopting the FY2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and endorsing the 2025–29 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The MPO also endorsed TIP Amendment 3, which adjusts funding to match updated construction cost estimates.

Stephen Topper of the Cape Cod Commission explained that the annual self-certification confirms the MPO follows federal planning processes for environmental justice, air-quality analysis and other regulatory requirements. Kevin Galligan moved to self-certify the compliance statements; Harold Mitchell seconded. Phil called the roll and the motion passed unanimously.

Dave Nolan, senior transportation planner at the Cape Cod Commission, presented the FY2025 UPWP, highlighting a recommendation to make the Route 6A visioning study a two-year effort because of its geographic span and data needs. Nolan said the UPWP draft was released in April, followed by a 21-day public comment period that produced 103 submissions. Harold Mitchell moved to adopt the UPWP as presented; the roll-call vote passed.

Colleen Medeiros, transportation program manager, summarized the draft 2025–29 TIP and explained that two projects submitted 75% design packages with higher cost estimates: the Dennis/Harwich Route 28 reconstruction increased from about $7.5 million to roughly $15 million, and the Provincetown Route 6 project rose from about $12.8 million to about $16.8 million. Medeiros said the TIP was adjusted to spread funding across additional years to accommodate the updates. Members asked for more detail on drivers of cost increases; Medeiros said staff will work with district staff and MassDOT to provide explanations.

Medeiros also presented TIP Amendment 3 for federal fiscal years 2024–28. Amendment 3 reflects a $40 million estimate for the Mashpee Route 151 shared-use-path (phase 2) with $9 million from MassDOT statewide funds and the remainder covered by regional target dollars, plus a $21 million final design number for the Yarmstaple/Cape Cod Rail Trail extension funded by MassDOT statewide trail dollars. The MPO voted to endorse Amendment 3. Colleen Medeiros said no public comments were received during the amendment's 21-day comment period.

Actions taken at the meeting include formal roll-call votes on minutes, self-certification, adoption of the FY2025 UPWP, endorsement of the 2025–29 TIP and endorsement of TIP Amendment 3. All motions presented to the MPO at this meeting passed by roll-call vote.