Regional MPO outlines $9M project pipeline and standardized trail signage for Marion

Liz Berg of the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization presented the MPO’s role in regional transportation planning to the Marion City Council and described how federal funds are programmed for road, trail and transit projects.

The MPO, Berg said, is required in areas with more than 50,000 people and exists to coordinate “regional cooperation on various transportation issues.” She explained that long-range planning produces a 25‑year project list that feeds the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and that member cities provide a 20% match for most administrative tasks while federal sources supply about 80% of the MPO’s administrative funding.

Berg identified Marion projects currently in the MPO plan and eligibility pool, saying the city has “about $6.5 million in federal funding for a total of $9 million in various projects,” including 7th Avenue, the Loop Core bridge, 15th Street improvements, a Safe Routes to School project and a bus stop project. She highlighted larger MPO-eligible projects that remain in the pipeline, such as the Tower Terrace Bridge, the Grand Avenue Trail and a Highway 13 separated pedestrian crossing.

Council members asked for specifics about the Highway 13 pedestrian crossing. Berg clarified the crossing is planned north of 29th Street and east of Highway 13, in an area fragmented by the interstate system where pedestrians are currently crossing in unsafe locations. On trail signage, Berg confirmed the MPO is producing a trail wayfinding package that member municipalities can replicate to maintain consistent signage across the regional trail network.

Berg also presented trail condition data gathered by the MPO’s “data bike,” reporting that Marion’s trails are mostly new and in good condition and that the study showed 98% of trail segments rated excellent, good or fair. She said the MPO provides additional services — travel demand modeling, trail counts and pavement-condition data — to help local staff prioritize projects and maintenance.

Why it matters: Marion’s inclusion in the MPO’s long-range plan makes specific projects eligible for federal funding cycles. Standardized signage and shared data can reduce duplication among member cities and help Marion target applications for limited federal funding.

What’s next: Berg said the MPO will continue engagement on the Tower Terrace project and on the trails plan update; council members signaled support for regional coordination and asked staff to track project timing and funding opportunities.