FTA Offers Waivers for Complete Streets Project Planning

In this case, it pays to plan ahead. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently issued a Dear Colleague letter stating that it has approved a waiver of the nonfederal match for states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) receiving funding under the Metropolitan Planning Program (MPP) and the State Planning and Research Program (SPRP) to allow for Complete Streets planning activities.

The waiver will support the full consideration of public transportation in the development and implementation of Complete Street policies that require or encourage “a safe, comfortable, integrated transportation network for all users, regardless of age, ability, income, ethnicity or mode of transportation.”

The waiver for the two programs, which are jointly administered by FTA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), stems from provisions within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58).

Planning activities, if permissible under state and local laws, may include:

• adoption of Complete Streets standards or policies;
• development of a Complete Streets prioritization plan;
• development of transportation plans to: (1) create a network of active transportation facilities (e.g., sidewalks, bikeways) to connect neighborhoods with workplaces, schools residents and businesses; (2) integrate active transportation facilities with public transportation service or improve access to public transportation; (3) create multiuse active transportation infrastructure facilities that make connections between communities; (4) increase public transportation ridership; and (5) improve the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians;
• regional and megaregional planning that address travel demand and capacity constraints through alternatives to new highway capacity; and
• development of transportation plans and policies that support transit-oriented development.

The Complete Streets waiver for these programs is in effect for each fiscal year under the IIJA, subject to the following conditions: (1) the SPRP and MPP funds would be expended on Complete Streets planning activities; and (2) the waiver will end once a state or MPO receives FHWA approval of a request to opt out of the waiver. Once a state of MPO opts out, it must notify FTA.

We particularly look forward to seeing what developments ultimately emerge from the Complete Streets efforts.

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