Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
JANUARY 20, 2016
Subject/Action
SUBJECT: COMMENTS ON SCAG DRAFT 2016 RTP/SCS
ACTION: APPROVE COMMENTS
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE technical comments on the Southern California Association of Governments' (SCAG) Draft 2016 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS).
Issue
ISSUE
In December 2015, SCAG released the Draft 2015 RTP/SCS for public comment. The RTP/SCS identifies regional transportation priorities for the six-county region through 2040, and ensures that air quality and greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements are met. All 2009 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) projects and priorities must be included in SCAG's RTP/SCS to be eligible for federal funds. We have reviewed the Draft 2016 RTP/SCS and Board authorization is being requested to transmit our comments to SCAG in time for their February 1, 2016 deadline.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
As part of SCAG's role as a regional planning agency, they are responsible for addressing regional issues in the six-county area of Southern California. The 2016 RTP/SCS is the vehicle to provide solutions to regional mobility, land-use, air quality and sustainability issues. Per the requirements of SB 375, the Draft 2016 RTP/SCS includes Southern California's second SCS. The SCS is required to analyze how the collective impact of transportation policies, transportation investments and land-use policies affect the GHGe based on population projections in 2020 and 2035.
Starting in 2008, SB 375 compels SCAG to continue a more extensive outreach process than has been historically required for RTP development. This outreach process yielded unprecedented levels of public participation and engagement, particularly among environmental and public health advocates championing increased funding for active transportation to reduce GHGe and provide great opportunities for physical activity. ...
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