PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN

FOR THE

MARATHON COUNTY

METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION

AND THE

WAUSAU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO)

August 2007

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN Prepared for:

MARATHON COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION

Vilas Machmueller, Chairman President, Village of Weston Milton Olson, Vice Chair Chairman, Town of Weston Mike Gebert Chairman, Town of Bergen Betty Hoenisch Chairman, Town of Maine Ernest Walters Chairman, Town of Mosinee Allen Opall Chairman, Town of Rib Mountain Marv Anderson Chairman, Town of Stettin Matthew P.L. Bootz Chairman, Town of Texas James Riehle Chairman, Town of Wausau Rick Smith President, Village of Kronenwetter Neal Torney President, Village of Rothschild Alan Erickson Mayor, City of Mosinee Allen Bremer Mayor, City of Schofield James Tipple Mayor, City of Wausau Robert Wiesman Chairman, Marathon Co. Highway Committee Daniel Grasser Director, WisDOT - North Central Region MPO TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Ed Hammer, Director Commission Secretary Marathon County Conservation, Planning & Zoning Dept. David Mack, Transportation Planner Wausau MPO/Marathon County CPZ James Griesbach, Commissioner Marathon County Highway Department Tony Yaron, Manager Central Wisconsin Airport Darryl Landeau North Central Wisconsin RPC Roger Luce, Director Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce Gaylene Rhoden, Administrator Town of Rib Mountain Lisa Myles, Public Works Director Village of Kronenwetter George Peterson, Public Works Admin. Village of Rothschild Dean Zuleger, Administrator Village of Weston Keith Donner, Public Works Admin. Village of Weston Joe Gehin, Admin., PW & Utilities Director City of Wausau Joe Pribanich, City Planner City of Wausau Greg Seubert, Transit Director Wausau Area Transit System Jeff Gates, City Administrator City of Mosinee Kevin King, Public Works Admin. City of Schofield Paul Weigandt, Planning Supervisor WisDOT - North Central Region Charles Rasmussen, District Chief WisDOT - North Central Region Micahel W. O’Meara WisDOT - North Central Region Dave Muerett WisDOT - North Central Region John Nordbo WisDOT - Madison David Vickman WisDOT - Bureau of Transit Dwight McComb FHWA - Ex Officio Member Stephanie Hickman FHWA - Ex Officio member Stewart McKenzie FTA - Ex Officio member

Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department

210 River Drive, Wausau, WI 54403-5449 Phone: (715) 261-6040, Fax: (715) 261-6016

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1

OBJECTIVES FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................... 2

RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................ 2

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES................................................................................... 3

General .......................................................................................................................... 3

Provisions for Open Discussion ..................................................................................... 4

Opportunity for Written Comments................................................................................. 4

Consideration of and Response to Public Comments.................................................... 5

Environmental Justice .................................................................................................... 5

MPO PLANNING WORK PRODUCTS ...................................................................................... 6

Public Participation Plan (PPP)...................................................................................... 6

Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)....................................................................... 6

Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)....................................................................... 6

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) .................................................................. 7

Studies and Corridor Plans ............................................................................................ 8

Amendment Procedures ................................................................................................ 8

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETINGS AND HEARINGS ......................................................... 9

Public Meetings and Workshops.................................................................................... 9

Meeting/Workshop Notices ................................................................................ 9

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT TOOLS AND ACTIVITIES ............................................................... 10

Marathon County/MPO Internet Web Page.................................................................. 10

Mailing Lists ................................................................................................................. 10

Periodic Articles ........................................................................................................... 10

Newsletters .................................................................................................................. 10

Stakeholder Outreach .................................................................................................. 12

Planning Document Dissemination .............................................................................. 12

PLAN ADOPTION PROCESS ................................................................................................. 12

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

APPENDIX C

APPENDIX D

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INTRODUCTION The planning process is a public decision making process involving and reflecting the public=s needs and concerns. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are part of an overall planning process that involves local, regional, and state-wide decision making for transportation within the metropolitan planning areas. Basic public involvement requirements have been established by federal law and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. The purpose of such regulations and policies is to establish the minimum requirements for making information available, providing notice to and consulting the public, holding public meetings, and inviting comments from the public. The Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission, a.k.a., Wausau Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) must perform its work related to the transportation planning requirements as found in the newest Federal Highway bill, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) of August 2005. This made some changes to the federal legislation 23 USC 134 and existing regulations in 23 CFR 450, specifically, section 23 CFR 450.316. Within these documents are the requirements for conducting public involvement activities on transportation planning and programming documents such as the long-range transportation plan (LRTP) and the transportation improvement program (TIP). This public participation plan (PPP) outlines the processes to provide timely and complete information to the public and to obtain early and continuous public input. The purpose of this document is to provide the MPO with the guidance, resources, and support in the development of the public involvement processes. Because of the increased significance of long range planning in transportation decision making, the level of public interest has risen which means there will be an overall need to build a public involvement process that really works. SAFETEA-LU indicates that the MPO shall consider 8 specific factors in the delivery of services in the area. They are:

Support the economic vitality of the area; Increase the safety of the transportation system; Increase the security of the transportation system; Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight; Protect the environment, improve the quality of life, promote consistency with local planning; Enhance integration and connectivity of the transportation system; Promote efficient system management and operations; Emphasize the preservation of the existing system.

In considering these planning factors, the MPO will address some of the purposes of public participation which are:

! to build public knowledge about the process and issues; ! to identify public concerns and values; ! to gather information, develop consensus, resolve conflict, and produce better decisions; ! to gain the perspective of citizens which can lead to creative approaches;

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! to enhance the accountability of government decisions through increased opportunity for citizen participation;

! to reduce delays and costs from not having involved the public; and ! to build trust.

OBJECTIVES FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT The following is a list of objectives for public participation that the MPO would like to achieve throughout the adoption of the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission Public Participation Plan:

! That all residents of the Wausau MPO become aware of the importance of participating in the development of the plan.

! That the public participation process is designed to engage people of all races, ethnic backgrounds and income levels.

! That the public has opportunities to provide their input (both formally and informally) to the MPO, and their local governing bodies.

! That the public has access to all technical information and any analyses performed throughout the planning process.

! That members of the MPO and participating municipalities have input from the broadest range of perspectives and interests in the community possible.

! That such input is elicited through a variety of means (electronic, printed, and oral) in such a way that it may be carefully considered and responded to in a timely fashion.

! That this process of public involvement strengthens the sense of community present in the municipalities of the Wausau MPO and furthers the vision of active and positive participation by all aspects of the community in transportation decision making and of the metropolitan area over the long term.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION The MPO, being an organization made up of many participating municipalities and agencies, has certain responsibilities for implementation of the public participation process and achieving the above objectives. Transportation planning is most effective in communities where active citizen participation is part of the planning process. Active citizen participation exists where officials, citizens and agency staff work together, with each group playing its specific role in the planning process. The roles of the elected official include:

! assuring that citizens will receive adequate opportunity to participate; ! assuring that information presented to citizens is clear, complete and timely; ! listening attentively to citizens= views; ! giving full consideration and response to citizens= concerns, comments, and

recommendations; ! working toward consensus; ! providing full public access to decisions; and

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! making final decisions. The role of citizens includes:

! devoting time and effort to participate; ! learning about the planning process and the needs of all sectors in the community; ! contributing from their special knowledge of the community; ! identifying problems and concerns; ! reviewing plans and proposing alternatives; and ! working toward consensus.

The role of the agencies= staffs include:

! accessibility; ! visibility; ! keeping informed; ! responsibility to alert officials to issues; ! responding to public requests for information in a timely and courteous manner; and ! carrying out policy directives.

Each body shares the responsibility for implementing this plan and employing other methods that enhance public participation for the Wausau Metropolitan Area. Ultimately, it is the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission and the municipality=s local governing body who will decide on the direction and content of policy documents and regulations that they deem to be in the best interest of the municipality and the MPO as a whole.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES General The main goals of the PPP are to make citizens of Marathon County aware of the transportation planning occurring in the area and to offer the public opportunities to make suggestions or comments during the planning process. To reach these goals, the MPO has adopted the following plan to encourage public participation through the planning process. Taken individually, the activities described in this plan are not expected to reach and inform each and every resident of metropolitan area. Collectively, however, the plan activities are designed to effectively and efficiently provide a broad-based dissemination of information and maximize the opportunity for citizen involvement and comment. The majority of the public participation activities will center around public information, education, and input, and will occur mainly at the municipality level through public meetings. Public meetings, workshops, and open houses provide opportunities for the public to openly discuss transportation issues with local decision-makers, agency staff and any hired planning consultants. During the plan process, every effort will be made to ensure that public meetings are held at one or more public locations central and convenient to all citizens of the metropolitan area. Other public participation activities will be explored to inform and receive input from residents that may not be able to attend these public meetings.

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Provisions for Open Discussion The MPO and participating municipalities will ensure that public meetings allow for an open discussion of the relevant issues at hand and that public meetings allow for appropriate comment. When public meetings are conducted, the MPO and participating municipalities will make every effort to ensure those who choose to participate in the planning process have the opportunity to actually have their opinions heard. To accomplish this, the following actions will be implemented:

! An agenda will be established that clearly defines the purpose of the public meeting, the items to be discussed, and any actions that may be taken.

! The scheduled date, time, and place will be convenient to encourage maximum participation by area residents.

! A clearly identifiable facilitator or chairperson will conduct the meeting in an orderly fashion to ensure that all attendees have an opportunity to offer comments, discuss issues or provide comment.

! The facilitator or chairperson will provide opening remarks that clearly outline the purpose of the meeting describe procedures attendees should use during the meeting when offering input and describe how the public input will be used.

! As appropriate, an overview of documents or proposals to be considered will be discussed. ! All persons attending the meeting that desire to participate should be allowed to do so.

However, specific factors, such as the meeting purpose, number in attendance, time considerations, or future opportunities to participate, may require that appropriate constraints be applied. These constraints will be clearly outlined by the facilitator or chairperson if the need arises.

! All attendees will be encouraged to sign in using a provided sign in sheet. ! Meetings may be tape recorded and/or videotaped by the MPO. ! Summaries or minutes of meetings will be transcribed from the afore mentioned recordings

and made available as soon as possible following the meeting through mailings or via Marathon County=s website, www.co.marathon.wi.us.

! Special arrangements will be made under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with sufficient advance notice.

Opportunity for Written Comments Detailed comments can most often be better expressed through written format. To encourage the citizens of the metropolitan area to express written comment throughout the planning process, the following steps will be taken:

! All meeting notices will include the name, address and e-mail address (if applicable) of a person(s) to whom written comments should be sent, along with any deadlines for submitting comments.

! At public meetings, the facilitator or chairperson will clearly announce any deadline for submitting written comments, if such comments are allowed subsequent to the meeting.

! Persons speaking or testifying will be encouraged to concisely express their comments and provide specific details in written format. An example of a comment sheet is shown in Appendix A.

! The Marathon County Internet website, www.co.marathon.wi.us, will also provide residents with the opportunity to e-mail comments.

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Consideration of and Response to Public Comments The various methods for involving the public and soliciting public opinions and comments during the plan process are defined herein. These methods represent the initial steps for bringing public comment into the decision making process. The following steps will be taken to ensure that public recommendations and comments are taken into consideration by the decision makers when developing the transportation plans and documents:

! Time will be reserved subsequent to the close of a meeting or comment deadline and prior to the actual decision or recommendation being made to ensure that decision makers can adequately review all relevant materials or comments.

! The record (written comments, tape recordings, or transcripts) of meetings will be compiled by MPO or municipality staff and made available to decision makers for their review and consideration prior to a recommendation or decision being made.

! Substantive comments pertaining to studies, analyses, or reports, along with appropriate responses, will be included in the published documents itself.

! Relevant comments will be addressed through the findings-of-fact portion of the decision maker=s written decision or recommendation.

Environmental Justice The needs of those traditionally under served by the existing system will be sought and considered by the Wausau MPO. The following actions are meant to reduce the barriers for participation in the decision-making process by low income, minority or disabled individuals.

! When possible, public meetings will be held in locations that are convenient to low and moderate income neighborhoods and accessible to disabled persons. Such locations include county, city and town buildings, schools, the Wausau Center Mall, and other accessible facilities. All facilities will be accessible via transit system routes. And all MPO work products and documents will be made available in alternatives formats, upon request, where feasible.

! The following statement will be included in all MPO documents:

The Wausau MPO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in the provision of services.

To certify compliance with Title VI and address environmental justice, MPOs need to:

! Enhance their analytical capabilities to ensure that the long-range transportation plan and the transportation improvement program (TIP) comply with Title VI.

! Identify residential, employment, and transportation patterns of low-income and minority populations so that their needs can be identified and addressed, and the benefits and burdens of transportation investments can be fairly distributed.

! Evaluate and, where necessary, improve their public involvement processes to eliminate participation barriers and engage minority and low-income populations in transportation decision making.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a civil rights statute which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of life. The ADA therefore calls for

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transportation facilities to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to get involved in the development and improvement of transportation and paratransit plans and services. All public meetings conducted by the MPO will take place at locations which are accessible facilities so as to accommodate persons with mobility limitations. The following statement will be included in all meeting announcements:

Any person planning to review documents or attend meetings who needs some type of special accommodation to participate should call the Marathon County Clerk=s Office at 261-1500.

The needs of those with Limited English Proficiency will be served by ensuring that access to public meetings and appropriate materials are provided by implementing measures that will engage those communities. Communication with the leaders of the Limited English Proficiency communities will be conducted to ensure the best way to inform and to obtain input from them. Direct access to meetings will be made by developing public notifications and meeting materials in non-English languages.

MPO PLANNING WORK PRODUCTS Public Participation Plan (PPP) The PPP is the basis for the Continuing, Cooperative, and Comprehensive transportation planning process in the Wausau MPO area. According to federal law, a minimum public comment period of 45 days is required before the PPP is initially adopted or revised. A draft PPP will first be presented to the MPO for review. The MPO will hold at least one public meeting to involve interested parties in the plan process. The MPO is responsible for reviewing the comments and then adopting the plan. Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) The UPWP is a document for MPO planning activities to be performed with planning funds provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). MPO staff, in cooperation with WisDOT and the transit operator, prepares an annual UPWP under Federal guidelines. The UPWP is approved by the MPO, FHWA and FTA, with WisDOT’s endorsement. The UPWP contains the following elements:

! The projects and studies that will be conducted over a one-year period; ! All federally funded projects and studies as well as all relevant state and local planning

activities conducted without federal funds, with those funding sources identified for each task;

! A schedule of activities; ! The agency responsible for each task or study; and ! The product of each work item.

Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) The LRTP is the official multi modal transportation plan that is developed and adopted through the metropolitan planning process for the MPO. The LRTP addresses at least a twenty year planning

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time frame and includes both the long-range and short-range transportation strategies and actions including the financial plan to demonstrate the consistency of proposed investments with already available and projected sources of revenue. The LRTP is updated at least every five years to confirm its validity and consistency with current and forecasted transportation and land use conditions and trends. The LRTP shall:

! Identify the projected transportation demand of persons and goods in the metropolitan planning area over the period of the plan;

! Identify congestion management strategies; ! Identify pedestrian walkway and bicycle transportation facilities; ! Assess capital investment and other measures necessary to preserve the existing

transportation system; ! Evaluate the transportation, socioeconomic, environmental, and financial impacts of the

overall plan, including all major transportation investments; ! Provide adequate opportunity for public officials and citizen involvement in the development

of the transportation plan before it is approved by the MPO. The LRTP adheres to the PPP that has been developed for the MPO. The plan establishes how and when the public will be involved in the project. The public review period for the LRTP will be a minimum of 30 days. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) The TIP is a staged, multi year, multi modal program of transportation projects which is consistent with the LRTP. The TIP is developed for the MPO by MPO staff with WisDOT, FHWA and the transit operator. After the TIP is approved by the MPO and the Governor, the TIP is included without modification, directly into the Statewide TIP. The basic federal requirements for the TIP are:

! The TIP must be updated every 4 years, with a state level rules requiring annual updates; ! The TIP covers a period of not less than 4 years and must include a list of projects to be

carried out in the first 4 years; ! Federal law requires that there is a reasonable opportunity for public comment. ! The TIP is financially constrained by year and includes a financial plan that is developed by

the MPO in cooperation with WisDOT and the transit operator. ! The TIP must reflect the dollar amount in the year of expenditure.

TIP Public Involvement Procedures

! The MPO staff will prepare project information including project name and location, project description, lead agency, estimated cost and funding sources.

! MPO staff will prepare a draft TIP for public review. ! The public comment period on the draft TIP will last for a minimum of 30 days. ! MPO staff will host at least one formal public meeting to solicit comments and to evaluate

the projects proposed for inclusion in the final document. The public meeting will occur toward the end of the public comment period.

! The MPO will adopt the final TIP and make the document available for public use at the MPO offices and the public libraries.

TIP Amendment Procedures

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No Amendment is required if:

! Changes to the implementation schedule for projects are within the first 4 years of the

approved TIP. ! Changes in the scope or character of work or project limits remain reasonably consistent

with the approved project. ! Changes to the funding sources, categories or amount for a project without changing the

scope of work or schedule within the first 4 years of the TIP.

A Minor Amendment is needed if:

! A preservation project is added to the first 4 years of the TIP, including advancing a project for implementation from the out-years of the TIP.

! Moving a preservation project out of the first 4 years of the TIP. ! Changing the scope of a preservation project within the first 4 years of the TIP such that the

current description is no longer reasonably accurate. ! Changes in a project funding that impacts the funding for other projects within the first 4

years of the TIP forcing any preservation project out of the 4 year window.

The Amendment process goes through the MPO committee structure and the WisDOT and FHWA and FTA.

A Major Amendment is need if:

! An addition of an expansion project into the first 4 years of the TIP, including advancing a

project for implementation from the out-years of the TIP. ! Moving an expansion project out of the 4 years of the TIP. ! Significantly changing the scope of an expansion project within the first 4 years of the TIP

such that current description is no longer reasonably accurate. ! The addition or deletion of any project that exceeds the lesser of:

10% of the Federal funding programmed for the calendar year, or $1,000,000.

The major amendment process goes through a public involvement opportunity then through the MPO committee structure and is reviewed by the WisDOT, FHWA and FTA.

Studies and Corridor Plans From time to time, the MPO will undertake area studies and corridor plans where there is a specific need for intensive study to determine potential transportation needs. Involving people who might be affected directly by the study results will be accomplished through the use of some or all of the public participation tools and activities listed later. Amendment Procedures Amendments to documents such as the LRTP are occasionally necessary after they have been adopted. Most amendments will use the following process:

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! MPO will announce the proposed amendment through a newspaper advertisement in the Wausau Daily Herald newspaper stating the availability of the amendment.

! The public comment period will last a minimum of thirty (30) days. ! Amendments will be reviewed by the MPO before adoption. ! A formal public meeting to accept public comment will be held before the MPO takes final

action on the proposed amendment. All MPO planning work products, and major amendments to adopted plans and programs, must follow the notice and procedural requirements outlined in this plan.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETINGS Public Meetings and Workshops The majority of opportunities for citizen participation will be provided at the municipal level. Through municipality public meetings, residents will be able to become an instrumental part of the MPO=s planning process. By participating in meetings and workshops, citizens can aid their elected officials in making decisions regarding the MPO=s projects and providing essential data. Meeting/Workshop Notices Official meeting notices will be prepared for any public meeting conducted pertaining to the MPO PPP process. All public meetings held by the MPO must comply with applicable notice requirements of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law, Federal regulations governing procedures for transportation planning and MPOs, and any other notice requirements imposed by local ordinance or bylaws. At a minimum, the requirements of Wis. Stat. '19.31, pertaining to public meetings and notification will be met. The MPO staff will place meeting notices in appropriate newspapers, based on the location of the public meeting. In all cases, notices will be placed in the MPO=s official paper, currently the Wausau Daily Herald, for each organized meeting. Notices of area-wide importance will be placed in the Wausau Daily Herald, and City Pages. It is recommended that any meeting notices be published at least ten days prior to the meeting. All meeting notices conducted by the MPO will also be posted on the Marathon County Internet Site, www.co.marathon.wi.us. The following information should be included in any notice:

! Name of the governmental body that will meet; ! Date, time and location of the meeting; ! Name of the applicant, appellant or petitioner; ! Location of land involved; ! General description of the proposal, application or petition; ! Subject matter, statutory authority (recommended) and notice of any anticipated closed

session and any intent to reconvene in open session within 12 hours after completion of a closed session ('19.85(2), Wisconsin Statutes);

! Notice that interested persons may present testimony regarding matters on the agenda at the meeting or in writing to the board prior to a deadline; and

! Contact information for further information about the proposal or application.

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All governmental units must place a Class 1 notice at least 30 days prior to a meeting for plan adoption or amendments ('985.07 and 985.01(1), Wisconsin Statutes). A Class 1 notice is one newspaper publication at least one week before the act or event ('985.07 and 985.01(1), Wisconsin Statutes). Newspaper publications must be in the municipality=s official newspaper or, if no official newspaper is designated, in a newspaper likely to give notice in the affected area ('985.03 and 985.05, Wisconsin Statutes).

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT TOOLS AND ACTIVITIES Marathon County/MPO Internet Web Page Marathon County=s current homepage (www.co.marathon.wi.us) has been supplemented with a link under the Government button, then to the Conservation, Planning and Zoning link to a page regarding transportation planning efforts in the MPO area. The transportation planning page will include topics related to the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), a list of participating municipalities, drafts of plans, meeting agendas and minutes, a list of contacts, and will also include an e-mail address so that viewers can submit comments or place their name on a mailing list to receive further information. The MPO has developed this web page and will perform periodic updates to keep the web page current. The MPO transportation plans are placed on the web and as maps are developed for the plans, they are also placed on the Web Page. Every attempt to employ different visualization techniques to describe elements of the LRTP and the TIP will be made, as well as, during the process of developing the plans. Mailing Lists As public participation proceeds, interested citizens will have opportunities to place their name on a mailing list to receive additional information regarding the planning process via direct mail or e-mail where applicable. The MPO will compile and maintain this mailing list. Names to be included on the mailing list will originate from meeting sign-in sheets, written correspondence, recognized community organizations, as well as through individual requests. This list will be used for newsletter circulation, special mailings, and notices as appropriate. Periodic Articles As the public participation process proceeds, interested citizens and community leaders may request more detailed information on transportation related topics than that desired by much of the general public. To provide more detail to those citizens and key officials showing an interest in specific transportation planning topics, periodic articles will be prepared from time to time by MPO staff. These articles may be included in a possible newsletter, sent directly to members of the mailing list or sent to local newspapers. Newsletters Newsletters will be a forum to distribute information to all parties on the mailing list. Each issue will contain staff information, meeting schedules, project highlights, results of technical activities,

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information on policy issues and decision making activities, and current planning project status reports. The use of other agencies newsletters will also be pursued.

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Stakeholder Outreach A stakeholder is defined as any person or group that is affected by a transportation plan, program, or project, including those who may not be aware they are affected. Stakeholders include the general public; environmental, health, freight, transit, neighborhood, citizen, and civic organizations; private providers of transportation; users of public transportation; users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities; traditionally under served populations such as people with disabilities, low-income, and racial and ethnic minorities; and affected public agencies. Stake holders are identified and are included in public outreach activities. Specific to SAFETEA-LU provisions, in addition to the above mentioned stakeholders, representatives from federal, state and local agencies responsible for land use, natural resources, environmental and historic preservation, and conservation will be included in comment solicitation. The comments obtained from the stakeholders will be used to address the need for potential mitigation activities (strategies, policies, programs, activities) that will serve to avoid, minimize, reduce, or compensate for any impacts to the human or natural environment associated with the LRTP. The stakeholders involved in the comment solicitation are listed in Appendix C. Appendix D lists the consultation process undertaken to develop the draft PPP. Copies of the correspondence are also included in appendix D. Planning Document Dissemination Documents such as reports, plans, technical memoranda or environmental reviews that contain or describe proposed plans, policies, maps, or regulations will be made available for public review. Such documents will be made available at least 10 (ten) calendar days prior to any public meeting scheduled for their discussion or a decision.

Documents may be disseminated as follows: ! Digital versions may be posted on the Marathon County website, www.co.marathon.wi.us. ! Hard copies will be delivered to the Marathon County Library-Wausau Headquarters and will

be available through inter-library loan through the branch libraries located throughout the County listed below.

! Hard copies will be delivered to each municipality=s chief elected official and/or key staff. An additional copy may also be delivered for placement at each municipality=s town/village/city hall for citizen review.

! Hard copies will be made available to the public through the Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department, 210 River Drive, Wausau, WI 54403, (715) 261-6040 during normal business hours. The County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department may request reimbursement for reproduction costs.

PLAN ADOPTION PROCESS Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Organization (Wausau MPO) will follow the procedures for adopting the Public Participation Plan as listed in this document. The first step in the adoption process is being met by the adoption of this document which details written procedures that are designed to foster public participation throughout the Wausau metropolitan area. A copy of the adoption resolution from the Wausau MPO is shown in Appendix B.

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EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATION The Wausau MPO will monitor the effectiveness of its public participation process by evaluating information and data obtained from the public and other affected entities. Every two years the MPO will utilize the following criteria to evaluate its effectiveness.

Number of public notices submitted Number of opportunities for public comment Number of public comments and suggestions Quality of the public comments Number of citizens at public meetings Number of local newspaper stories Number of local TV appearances/stories

With this information, the MPO will determine the overall effectiveness of the current program. This effectiveness will then be used to determine how to better reach portions of the population that may be underserved or may not be participating.

H:\PLDATA\MPO\PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN\FINALDRAFTPUBLICPLAN.DOC

APPENDIX A

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APPENDIX A

MARATHON COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION/ WAUSAU MPO

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN

COMMENT SHEET Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Organization is interested in your thoughts on any aspects of the Public Participation Plan for the Wausau MPO. Please submit your comments to:

David Mack, Transportation Planner Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department 210 River Drive Wausau, WI 54403 Phone: (715) 261-6043 Fax: (715) 261-6016 dave.mack@mail.co.marathon.wi.us

Your input is appreciated and will allow the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Organization to better serve the people it represents. Feel free to attach additional sheets if needed. NAME: AGENCY: ADDRESS:

PHONE NUMBER: E-MAIL ADDRESS: COMMENTS:

APPENDIX B

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APPENDIX B

MARATHON COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 64

ESTABLISHING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCEDURES FOR THE

MARATHON COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION

WHEREAS, the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission believes that regular, meaningful public participation in the planning process is important to ensure that the resulting plans meet the wishes and expectations of the public.

WHEREAS, the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission is required to prepare a

Public Participation Plan meeting 23 USC 134 and existing regulations 23 CFR 450; and

WHEREAS, the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission desires to adopt written

procedures designed to foster public participation at all stages of plan development and that such written procedures shall provide for wide distribution of proposed, alternative or amended elements of the plans, an opportunity for written comments on the plans to be submitted by the public, and a process for the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission to respond to such comments; and

WHEREAS, the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission Transportation Technical

Advisory Committee has received, reviewed and recommended approval of the Public Participation Plan;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that plans of the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission will include written procedures to foster public participation, ensure wide distribution of draft materials, provide opportunities for comments on draft plan materials, and provide mechanisms to respond to such comments; and THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission does hereby ordain and resolve as follows: to approve the written procedures included in the Public Participation Procedures for the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission as its public participation procedures meeting the requirements of the federal legislation 23 USC 134. Dated this _ 14th_ day of August _, 2008.

APPENDIX C

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APPENDIX C

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION CONTACT LIST 2007

Abbyvans Inc W5621 Todd Road Neillsville WI54456 ABF Freight Systems, Inc. 3905 Wood Duck Lane Wausau WI 54401 All American Taxi 5506 Ferge Schofield WI 54476 B&D Travel R12178 Ringle Ave Ringle WI 54471 Badger Care A Vans Inc PO Box 1171 Wausau WI 54403 Badger State Bus Lines LLC 1405 Summit Drive Wausau WI 54401 Badger Taxis PO Box 27 Wausau WI 54402-0027 Richard Berg Archaeologist Bureau of Indian Affairs 1 Federal Building, Room 500 Fort Snelling MN 55111-4007 Burnett Transit B3866 State Highway 13 Spencer WI 54449 C & C Transport T1086 Wildrose Lane Wausau WI 54403 Eugene Bigboy Sr Chairman Bad River Bank of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin PO Box 39 Odanah WI 54861 Edith Leoso THPO Bad River Bank of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin PO Box 39 Odanah WI 54861

Louis Taylor Chairman Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Route 2, Box 2700 Hayward WI 54843 Jerry Smith, THPO Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin 13394 W Trepania Road Hayward WI 54843 Victoria Doud President Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin PO Box 67 Lac du Flambeau WI 54538 Kelly S. Jackson-Golly, THPO Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin PO Box 67 Lac du Flambeau WI 54538 Patricia DePerry Chairwoman Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Red Cliff Tribal Council 88385 Pike Rd, Hwy 13 Bayfield WI 54814 Lisa Bressett, THPO Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Red Cliff Tribal Council 88385 Pike Rd, Hwy 13 Bayfield WI 54814 David Merrill Chairperson St. Croix Chippewa Community 24663 Angeline Ave Webster WI 54893-9246 Wanda McFaggen St. Croix Band Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Tribal Historic Preservation Office 24663 Angeline Ave Webster WI 54893-9246 City To City Charter 5600 Pepperbush Lane Wausau WI 54401

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DC Everest School District 6300 Alderson St Weston WI 54476 Dahl's Bus Service 904 Allen St Athens WI 54411 Chris Knotts Department of the Army Corps of Engineers 1314 Contractors Blvd Plover WI 54467 Tamara Cameron Department of the Army Corps of Engineers 190 Fifth Street East Suite 401 St Paul MN 55101-1638 Div of Vocational Rehab Marathon County Job Center 364 Grand Avenue Wausau WI 54403 Tony Fischer WisDNR/WisDOT Liaison DNR 473 Griffith Ave Wis Rapids WI 54494 US Dept. Of Transportation Federal Highway Administration 525 Junction Rd Suite 8000 Madison WI 53717 Fischer Truck & Bus Service Inc 3765 Redwood St Fenwood WI 54426 Friends of the Mountain-Bay Trail 838 S 10th Avenue Wausau WI 54401 Goodwill Industries 2711 Schofield Avenue Schofield WI 54476 Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Inc PO Box 9 Lac du Flambeau WI 54538 Harold’s Charter 618 Broken Arrow Dr Wausau WI 54403

HEAL Coalition 333 Pine Ridge Blvd. Wausau WI 54403 Hmong Mutual Association 1109 6th St Wausau WI 54403 Executive Offices Ho-Chunk Nation PO Box 667 Black River Falls WI 54615 George Lewis President Ho-Chunk Nation PO Box 667 Black River Falls WI 54615 Bernadette Huber Iowa Tribe in Oklahoma RR 1, 502 721 Perkins OK 74059 Krug Bus Service 549 Billings Avenue Medford WI 54451 Laidlaw-Jelco Regional Office 6206 Alderson Schofield WI 54476 Lamers Bus Lines Inc 2415 Trailwood Ln Mosinee WI 54455 Marathon County Aging and Disability Resource Center 1000 Lakeview Drive Wausau WI 54403 Marathon Co. Dept. of Social Services 400 Thomas Street Wausau WI 54403 Marathon Co. Emergency Management Courthouse 500 Forest Street Wausau WI 54403 Marathon Co. CPZ Ed Hammer Director/Co. Conservationist 210 River Drive Wausau WI 54403 Marathon Co. CPZ Andrew Johnson Environmental Coordinator 210 River Drive Wausau WI 54403

Marathon Co. CPZ Diane Wessel Comprehensive Planner 210 River Drive Wausau WI 54403 Mary Forer Executive Director Marathon Co Historical Society 410 McIndoe Street Wausau WI 54403 Roger Luce Executive Director McDEVCO 200 Washington St, Ste 120 PO Box 6190 Wausau WI 54402-6190 Karen Washinawatok Chairwoman Menominee Nation PO Box 910 Keshena WI 54135 David Grignon, THPO Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin PO Box 910 Keshena WI 54135 Metro Medical Mobility LLC 626 Co Rd B Mosinee WI 54455 Midwest Cab & Coach Co 1110 Hwy 153 Mosinee WI 54455 Scott Doig Prairie Island Indian Community Minnesota Mdewakanton Sioux 5636 Sturgeon Lake Road Welch MN 55089 US Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service 6515 Watts Road Suite 200 Madison WI 53719 NCTI Vision & Hearing Program 1000 Campus Drive Wausau WI 54401 Dennis Lawrence Executive Director NCWRPC 210 McClellan St Suite 210 Wausau WI 54403

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Ken Westlake ATTN: Sherry Kamke NEPA Implementation Section-US EPA Region 5 77 W Jackson Blvd Mailcode: B-19J Chicago WI 60604-3590 New Richmond Transportation PO Box 209 New Richmond WI 54017 Newman Catholic Schools 619 Stark Street Wausau WI 54403 NTC 1000 Campus Drive Wausau WI 54401 Gerald Danforth Chairman Oneida Nation of Wisconsin PO Box 365 Oneida WI 54155-0365 Penske Truck 306 Industrial Park Avenue Rothschild WI 54474 Zach Pahmahmie Historic Preservation Officer Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation 16281 Q Road Mayetta KS 66509 Progressive Travel Inc B3872 Hwy 13 Spencer WI 54449 Roadready Transfer Service Inc. 1205 West Street Wausau WI 54401 Jonathon Buffalo Historic Preservation Officer Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Iowa 349 Meskawaki Road Tama IA 52339-9629 Deanne Bahr Museum Director Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska 305 N Main Reserve KS 66434 Sandra Massey, NAGPRA Rep Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma RR 2, Box 246 Stroud OK 74079 Cultural Preservation Dir Sokaogon Chippewa Community Mole Lake Band 3051 Sand Lake Road Crandon WI 54520

Sandra Rachal Chairwoman Sokaogon Chippewa Community 3051 Sand Lake Road Crandon WI 54520 Robert Chicks President Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians N8476 MohHeConNuck Road Bowler WI 54416 The Salvation Army 202 Callon Street Wausau WI 54401 Gus Frank Chairman Forest County Potawatomi Community Tribal Office PO Box 340 Crandon WI 54520 Mike Alloway Forest County Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin Tribal Office PO Box 340 Crandon WI 54520 Corina Williams, THPO Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Tribal Office PO Box 365 Oneida WI 54155-0365 Sherry White, THPO Stockbridge Munsee Community of Wisconsin Tribal Office W13447 Camp 14 Road Bowler WI 54416 Ulrich Bus Service Inc 357 N 3rd Ave Stratford WI 54484 Louise Clemency ATTN: Leakhene Au US Fish and Wildlife Service 2261 Scott Tower Drive New Franken WI 54229 United Way of Marathon Co. 137 River Drive Wausau WI 54403 Tom Cadwallader Ag Development Agent UW-Extension 212 River Drive Wausau WI 54403

UW-Marathon Co. 518 S 7th Ave Wausau WI 54401 Wausau Public Library 300 N 1st St Wausau WI 54401 Wausau School District 415 Seymour St Wausau WI 54403 Wausau Taxicabs Inc 2108 E Wausau Avenue Wausau WI 54403 Wausau Wheelers Bike Club 206 Frances Street Rothschild WI 54474 Wausau/Marathon Co. Chamber of Commerce PO Box 6190 Wausau WI 54402-6190 WH Transportation Co. 10805 Bus Hwy 51 Rothschild WI 54474 Wirsbinski Bus Service Inc 558 Fox Road Mosinee WI 54455 Michael Stevens State Hist Preservation Officer Wis State Historical Society Room 208 816 State St Madison WI 53706-1482 Peter Nauth WI-DATCP Agricultural Impact Program 2811 Agriculture Drive Madison WI 53708-8911 Cameron Bump WisDNR Bureau of Integrated Science Services-SS/6 PO Box 7921 Madison WI 53707 Dave Rozeboom WisDNR Hazmat 473 Griffith Ave Wis Rapids WI 54494 Tom Lovejoy WisDNR West Central Region Hdqrs 1300 W Clairemont PO Box 4001 Eau Claire WI 54702-4001

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Janet Smith Reg. Environmental Coordinator WisDOT 1681 2nd Ave S Wis Rapids WI 54495 Dave Stertz Reg. Erosion Control/Stormwater Engineer WisDOT 1681 2nd Ave S Wis Rapids WI 54495 Matt Bronson Proj Dev Supervisor WisDOT 1681 2nd Ave S Wis Rapids WI 54495 Jim Wendel

Maintenance Engineer WisDOT 1681 2nd Ave S Wis Rapids WI 54495 Director Div of Community Service Box 697 Rhinelander WI 54501 Greg Gatesman North Central Health Care 1100 Lake View Drive Wausau WI 54403 Jon Potter Opportunity Inc. 740 N Third Street Wausau WI 54403 Greg Seubert

Wausau Area Transit System Inc 420 Plumer Wausau WI 54403 Joe Pribanich City Planner City of Wausau 407 Grant Street Wausau WI 54403 Christine Duranceau WI Council Physical Disabilities 105 Becher St Rothschild WI 54474 Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commissioner MPO TAC Members

APPENDIX D

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APPENDIX D

CONSULTATION PROCESS

As mandated by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), this Public Participation Plan was developed in consultation with interested parties. The list of interested parties was expanded to include additional special-interest groups like freight shippers, bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups and the area school districts. The process for updating this Public Participation Plan was as follows: 1) Updated the list of stakeholders. 2) Invited the expanded list of stakeholders to respond to a letter (attached) describing the

Public Participation Plan development process and asking for their input on ways to engage the people that may wish to comment on the process.

3) Updating outreach methods based on stakeholder comments (attached). 4) Incorporated comments into the draft Public Participation Plan. 5) On June 12, 2007, the MPO accepted the draft Public Participation Plan and authorized

beginning the 45-day review period. 5) On June 15, 2007, the MPO solicited input on the draft Public Participation Plan with a

published Notice of Availability ad in the local newspaper of record. 6) The Public Participation Plan was sent to the interested parties’ mailing list for their review

and comment. 7) The Public Participation Plan was also placed on the Marathon County website for

additional accessibility and visibility. 8) Incorporated public comments as received during comment period. 9) Held a Public Informational Meeting on August 7, 2007. 10) All appropriate information obtained during the comment period was incorporated into the

draft Public Participation Plan. 11) On August 14, 2007, the MPO discussed and adopted the Public Participation Plan for the

Wausau MPO. The consultation process also incorporated contacting the interested parties associated with the Environmental Mitigation Consultation Process of the LRTP’s SAFETEA-LU Compliance Supplement. The interested parties mainly represent the environmental agencies and their potential concerns in the area. The mailing list in Appendix C has these additional interested parties and will be used when contacting all of the interested parties for input on projects, plans, and processes undertaken by the Wausau MPO.

COUNTY of MARATHON CONSERVATION, PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT

210 River Drive Phone: (715) 261-6000 Wausau, Wisconsin 54403 5449 Marathon County: (800) 236-0153 www.co.marathon.wi.us Fax: (715) 261-6016

Conservation Services: (715) 261-6000 Regulatory Services: (715) 261-6020 Surveyor: (715) 261-6025

Planning: (715) 261-6040 (Land Division, Nonmetallic Mining, On-Site Waste, Zoning) Technical Services: (715) 261-6000

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May 9, 2007 All interested agencies and individuals

INPUT ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN

The importance of our community’s transportation systems makes all of us stakeholders in its future programs and systems.

The Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission, a.k.a. the Wausau Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is in the process of developing a public involvement plan with the goal to provide the community the best possible opportunities for input regarding the various types of transportation planning activities within the Wausau urbanized area. While we have used an active public outreach process in the past, we feel that some populations may not have had sufficient opportunity to provide their input. We also want to ensure that the community’s transportation plans consider and coordinate with the plans and intentions of other agencies and organizations that have specific knowledge of, and a stake in, the future of the area’s transportation systems.

For this reason, we are asking for your input on how to involve your agency’s or clientele’s interests in transportation planning projects. Our planning projects range from the very broad 25-year plans for all modes of transportation in the urbanized area, to more specific projects like highway corridor studies that could consider bicycle lanes or pedestrian movement. We are interested in knowing what type of outreach best offers an opportunity for your particular populations or interests. Newspaper ads and public forums do not reach everyone. It may be that your agency is the best avenue for input, either direct or as a conduit for information.

The process that we must use has been derived from federal regulations and begins with consultation with you. After receiving your comments on how we can better our efforts, a Draft Public Participation Plan will be made available for a 45-day review period. Upon completion of the review period, the MPO Policy Board will consider any comments that prompt changes and incorporate them into the final Public Participation Plan. We anticipate this process will take until August 2007.

You can direct your comments and input on appropriate public involvement strategies to meet the needs of your agency or clientele to me, David Mack, by any of the following means:

Telephone – 261-6043 Fax – 261-6016 E-mail – dave.mack@mail.co.marathon.wi.us

As we would like to distribute a draft public involvement plan for public review later in May, I would appreciate your input as soon as possible. Your input is important. Thank you. /s/ David Mack Transportation Planner DM:ljs

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From: "Joe Pribanich" <jmpribanich@mail.ci.wausau.wi.us> To: <dtmack@mail.co.marathon.wi.us> Date: 5/16/2007 11:40:46 AM Subject: Two comments on your May 11 public participation plan letter Dave: Two comments on your May 11 public participation plan letter: First, there may be space available in the City of Wausau newsletter that could be available on occasion for you to seek input on various planning projects that are in the works. The articles would have to be cleared by the Mayor and/or his staff. Second, it is hard to get people to show much interest in some of these plans because of the long-term nature of the planning effort. That's it...................JOE Joe Pribanich City Planner City of Wausau City Hall 407 Grant Street Wausau, WI 54403 Direct Phone: 715-261-6753 Office Phone: 715-261-6760 Cell Phone: 715-574-8936 Fax: 715-261-6759 Email: jmpribanich@mail.ci.wausau.wi.us Web Site: www.ci.wausau.wi.us CC: <jlgehin@mail.ci.wausau.wi.us>

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From: "Roger Luce" <rluce@wausauchamber.com> To: <dave.mack@mail.co.marathon.wi.us> Date: 5/15/2007 9:02:08 AM Subject: Public Participation Plan Dear Mr. Mack, Thank you for contacting the Wausau Region Chamber and the Marathon County Development Corporation (McDEVCO) regarding an active outreach plan for transportation planning within the Wausau urbanized area. The Chamber is a not-for-profit membership organization comprised currently of over 1200 businesses/associations within the urban area. McDEVCO is a public-private partnership for economic development and assists with the retention and attraction of business to the urbanized area. The area's future transportation system is vital to our members and clients. Please be advised that both organizations welcome the opportunity to contribute to publicizing the opportunity for our clientele to provide input regarding the MPO's transportation planning projects. Through our weekly email blitz, monthly newsletter, and direct mail campaigns we will directly contact over 3500 individuals in over 1200 urban businesses. Indirectly we have the opportunity share your news with the approximate 25,000 employees of our member companies. Additionally, through our Business Advocacy Committee and monthly public forums we will promote involvement of our clients. Through continued representation and participation on the Technical Advisory Committee of the MPO, the Chamber staff will be knowledgeable of the input needed by MPO staff and will be able to promptly survey its clientele. Submission of those comments to MPO staff by Chamber staff will ensure the incorporation of the business community needs in future transportation development, Again, thank you for allowing these two organizations the opportunity to be an active part of your outreach process. Roger A. Luce Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce Membership -centered Leadership -focused Our Mission: "The purpose of the Wausau Region Chamber is to strengthen our member businesses and enhance our community by building business success." Direct phone #: 715.848.5946

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