Cape Cod MPO endorses compliance statements, revises MOU and releases UPWP and TIP drafts for public comment

The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization voted on a series of routine but required actions at its virtual meeting, approving annual certifications, a revision to its memorandum of understanding, and the release of two planning documents for public comment.

The board unanimously approved the MPO self‑certification statements that affirm the region’s transportation planning procedures follow applicable federal and state laws, including analyses related to the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act. Steven Tupper, Cape Cod Commission staff, summarized the items and said the chair would sign the statements to streamline the process. Harold Mitchell moved approval; Kevin Galligan seconded and the roll‑call vote passed.

The MPO also endorsed a minor revision to the Cape Cod MPO memorandum of understanding to explicitly cite applicable federal planning requirements and related agreements — edits staff said respond to a recent federal certification review and do not change current practice. Staff noted that because all parties must individually sign the revised MOU, staff will follow up after the meeting to coordinate signatures.

On program documents, the MPO voted to release the draft Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and the draft 2023–27 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 21‑day public comment periods. The UPWP — the MPO’s annual program of planning activities — was described by staff as “a little over $900,000” in funding to support planning tasks including a Station Avenue corridor study, roadway safety audits, a side‑path crossing inventory and Climate Action Plan implementation. Colleen presented the TIP draft and the board heard that the five‑year program totals roughly $287 million across statewide and regional funds, with about $75 million earmarked for transit projects over the five years.

Separately, the MPO endorsed TIP Amendment #2 (FFY 2022–2026) to address a project cost increase for the Orleans Route 28 at Route 39 (Kwanzaa Road) roundabout. Colleen said the amendment adds approximately "$754,849 to reflect the new project cost total" and that the additional funding will come from a combination of regional and statewide funds.

All votes were taken by roll call because members participated remotely. The MPO chair said staff will post meeting materials and the drafts at capecodcommission.org/mpo and run a targeted outreach campaign while the public comment windows are open. The body scheduled a follow‑up MPO meeting for May 23 to review public input and consider final endorsement.

The meeting adjourned after routine project updates and a brief discussion on public participation related to a separate Senator’s briefing on Cape Cod bridges.