MPO releases TIP amendment for public comment to add pandemic stimulus transit funds, with large passthrough for Steamship Authority

The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization on Tuesday voted to release Amendment 1 to its federal fiscal year 2023–2027 Transportation Improvement Program for a public comment period, a measure designed to incorporate stimulus funding targeted at transit operations and capital needs.

Steve Tupper, Cape Cod Commission staff, told members the amendment packages rounds of pandemic stimulus into the TIP to allow the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority to expend additional federal funds. He said the change increases the region’s programmed transit amounts and that “the vast majority of what’s being added actually is going to be passed through to the Steamship Authority” — roughly $27 million of the increase — while just under $6 million is directed toward Cape Cod RTA projects and support capital, including fleet electrification planning.

The amendment updates project listings, adds new spending line items and adjusts funding amounts to reflect stimulus awards. Tupper said the body had previously programmed about $14–$16 million per year for transit in the TIP and that the amendment covers only FFY 2023 items; longer‑range spending for later years will be handled in the 2024–2028 TIP development.

Harold Mitchell moved to release the amendment for public comment and Judith McLeod Froman seconded. Chair David Moller called a roll call and members voted to release the amendment; Robert Lawton, who had been present but experiencing audio trouble earlier in the meeting, later confirmed he would record a “yes” vote for the item.

The amendment’s release starts the required public comment period; Tupper said the MPO could consider final approval at its November meeting following that public review. The MPO materials and the amendment document are posted on the Cape Cod Commission website for review.

What’s next: the amendment will be available for public comment and potentially returned for a final vote in November; the RTA and Steamship Authority will proceed with programmatic steps to obligate the additional federal funds once the TIP is updated.