MPO approves FFY2023 UPWP admin change, adds Canal Bridges coordination to UPWP tasking and examines TIP scenarios

The Cape Cod MPO took a short administrative action and held an extended discussion of planning priorities and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) scenarios.

Dave Nolan (Cape Cod Commission) presented an administrative modification to the FFY2023 Unified Planning Work Program to add language permitting a portion of funding for Task 3.2 (Transportation Safety) and Task 3.4 (Climate Action Plan implementation) to be used for consulting services. Harold Mitchell moved the modification and Kevin Galligan seconded; a roll‑call vote approved the administrative change.

Nolan and staff then outlined the draft approach to the FFY2024 UPWP: continuing core tasks (management, certification and data collection), adding a Canal Bridges coordination line in Task 1.6 to reflect Commission support of that program, adding an unpaved public road inventory to pavement/stormwater work, and proposing studies including an interchange safety analysis and a sidewalk‑connectivity study linking CCRTA routes and multifamily housing. Staff said the UPWP draft slate will be presented for a March vote and a final UPWP is expected in May with work beginning in October.

Colleen reviewed TIP finances and candidate projects for 2024–2028, reporting that regional target amounts increased and that the region will have approximately $16 million for programming in certain years. She presented project readiness updates and three allocation scenarios. Staff flagged Dennis/Harwich Route 28 as a high‑risk project for 2024 advertisement and noted that Mashpee Route 151 has a significant cost increase that may require multi‑year funding and reprogramming. Scenarios ranged from maintaining prior programming (higher risk) to shifting projects to reflect MassDOT readiness recommendations (lower near‑term risk), with ripple effects into 2027–2028. Colleen noted one scenario would leave about $7 million available in 2028 for a new project; another would preserve a larger 2028 programming bucket if supplemental statewide funds are identified.

Members urged coordination with municipal wastewater schedules (Mark Forrest and others) and geographic equity in project selection; staff agreed to review scoring and readiness details and to return with a draft slate in March. Staff also proposed deferring the RTP discussion to the next meeting to keep the agenda manageable.

What’s next: the MPO will be asked next month to select a draft project slate for FFY2024 UPWP and the 2024–2028 TIP; staff will refine readiness, cost and scheduling details and present them for MPO action.