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Metropolitan Transportation Plan-Public Comment Period

Draft 2023-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Air Quality Conformity Determinations Public Comment Period and Public Participation Meeting Information

Download Draft MTP
Download Draft Air quality Report

As host to the Housatonic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (HVMPO) and South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (SWRMPO), the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) will accept comments from February 8, 2023 to March 9, 2023 on the draft 2023-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Air Quality Conformity Determinations for Ozone and Particulates.  The draft MTP is a 25-year vision for the development of the transportation system and identifies investments in the region. The draft MTP is being updated and will be considered for endorsement at the HVMPO and SWRMPO meeting on March 16, 2023.

The draft MTP and Air Quality Conformity will be available for inspection at westcog.org starting February 8, 2023.  Persons with limited internet access may contact WestCOG by telephone at 475-323-2060, via email: plan@westcog.org, or mail the WestCOG office: 1 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. Comments on the draft MTP or air quality conformity may be made by mail to the WestCOG office, email, or at one of the three public information meetings:  1) February 22, 2023, 6:30PM to 8:00PM at the Danbury Library, Lower Level Meeting Room, 170 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810; 2) February 23, 2023, 1:00PM to 2:30PM virtually by registering at westcog.org; or 3) February 23, 2023, 6:30PM to 8:00PM at the Ferguson Main Library, Auditorium, 1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford CT 06904

ENGLISH: For language assistance or other accommodations, contact Western Connecticut Council of Governments at least five business days prior to the meeting at help@westcog.org. ESPAÑOL: Para asistencia con el idioma y otras adaptaciones, por favor póngase en contacto con WestCOG por lo menos cinco días hábiles antes de la reunión al help@westcog.org. PORTUGUÊS: Para obter assistência língua ou outras acomodações, entre em contato com WestCOG pelo menos cinco dias úteis antes da reunião em help@westcog.org. FRANÇAIS: Pour obtenir de l’aide linguistique ou d’autres mesures d’adaptation, contactez WestCOG au moins cinq jours ouvrables avant la réunion à help@westcog.org. POLSKI: W przypadku pomocy językowej lub innej pomocy, skontaktuj się z WestCOG co najmniej pięć dni roboczych przed wydarzeniem w help@westcog.org.

Long-Range Transportation Plan

Long-Range Transportation Plan

The Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) consists of 18 member municipalities. It is dedicated to preserving and improving the quality of life and economic vitality in western Connecticut. WestCOG serves as the staff to the South Western Region MPO (SWRMPO) and the Housatonic Valley MPO (HVMPO).
Per federal requirements, each MPO must prepare a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) every four years which is a prerequisite for federal transportation funding. The LRTP covers a 25-year study period and serves as a guide for developing a transportation system that is accessible, safe, and reliable, thereby contributing to a higher quality of life for the region’s residents.

The previous 2015 LRTPs are available on our website here.

For the latest listening sessions, please see plan.westcog.org or click here. Please submit LRTP comments via email to plan@westcog.org.

Development of the LRTP

During the development of the LRTP, many topics are studied to better understand emerging demographic and transportation trends in the region. Understanding these demands allows the region to identify short and long term investments that will enhance the transportation system. Based on findings from the data analysis, as well as feedback from the public and municipalities, the LRTP will develop investment strategies to guide transportation improvements. These strategies will be fiscally-constrained and will be phased over a 25-year period.

LRTP Planning Factors

The metropolitan transportation planning process shall be continuous, cooperative, and comprehensive, and provide for consideration and implementation of projects, strategies, and services that will address the following factors:
(1) Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
(2) Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;
(3) Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;
(4) Increase accessibility and mobility of people and freight;
(5) Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
(6) Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;
(7) Promote efficient system management and operation;
(8) Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system;
(9) Improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate storm water impacts of surface transportation; and
(10) Enhance travel and tourism.

Investment Strategies

Based on findings from the data analysis, as well as feedback from the public and municipalities, the LRTP will develop investment strategies to guide transportation improvements. These strategies will be fiscally-constrained and will be phased over a 25-year period.

We Want to Hear From You!

WestCOG is kicking off the public engagement process by hosting a series of information sessions across the region to meet with residents who are interested in the transportation system. Members of the public are encouraged to attend these information sessions to discuss the LRTP and other transportation topics.

The schedule can be found here. You can also subscribe to the LRTP mailing list below!