SLUS 1213 1 - dot.state.pa.us

January 1, 2005

Linking Land Use and Transportation

P e n n D O T ' sSound Land Use Implementation Plan

Edward G. Rendell, GovernorAllen D. Biehler, P.E., Secretary of Transportation

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Letter from the Secretary

IntroductionPennsylvania Trends 3Description of Report 5Completed Tasks 6Action Summary 7

Action Items1.0 Education and Training 102.0 Interagency Cooperation 123.0 Reinvestment in Communities 144.0 Tools 175.0 Aviation 226.0 Bicycle/Pedestrian 247.0 Highways 268.0 Rail/Public Transit 30

Conclusion 32

Table of Contents

December 2004

Dear Pennsylvania Resident:

I am pleased to present to you the 2005 update ofPennDOT’s Sound Land Use Implementation Plan.This plan was first developed in the year 2000 as aresponse to the Land Use Executive Order 1999-1and subsequent Interagency Land Use TeamSupplementary Report.

The Sound Land Use Implementation Plan containsthe various initiatives and actions which are thefocal point for PennDOT’s continued commitment tolinking land use and transportation. This year’supdate includes performance measures for certainaction items to better inform the reader ofexpectations and outcomes of these activities.

In addition to on-going initiatives outlined inprevious Sound Land Use Implementation

Plans, this plan introduces new programs such asHome Town Streets and Safe Routes to School andimplementation of the Action Plan that resultedfrom the 2003 Conference on Transportation andLand Use for Economic Development.

As PennDOT continues to forge a new direction indeveloping smart transportation policies, we willstrengthen the relationship between land use andtransportation that has already produced severalsuccesses as presented in the following pages. Iencourage you to take advantage of the programsand initiatives within this plan and I promise tosustain a continued fervor in this effort.

Sincerely,

Allen D. Biehler, P.E.Secretary of Transportation

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IntroductionWhen land use and transportation work together,quality of life improves for everyone.

Our Commonwealth can and must do more toreaffirm and strengthen the link between land useand transportation. The Pennsylvania Departmentof Transportation (PennDOT) has long recognizedthe relationship between land use andtransportation. PennDOT and other governmentagencies have been working to achieveinfrastructure solutions that serve the needs of ourrapidly changing environment. In concert withother state agencies and its planning partnersthroughout the Commonwealth, there is increasingrecognition of the need not only to respond to landuse trends, but to assume a position of policyleadership that guides our infrastructureinvestments.

With leadership from the Rendell Administration,PennDOT continues to work with the Departments ofCommunity and Economic Development (DCED),Environmental Protection (DEP), Conservation andNatural Resources (DCNR), and Agriculture (AG) toimplement the “Action Plan” resulting from the2003 Conference on Transportation and Land Use forEconomic Development. This Action Plan outlinesspecific policies, investments, and actions toimprove the integration of transportation, land use,and economic development in the Commonwealth.The Action Plan can be found atwww.landuseinpa.com.

This is the fourth year that the Sound Land UseImplementation Plan has been updated to guide andpromote the Department’s land use related actionsand progress. This year’s update includes actionitems with targets and performance measures tohelp gauge progress on on-going activities.

July 1997Executive Order(E.O.)1997-4established21st CenturyEnvironmentCommission

January 1999“Land UsePlanning” E.O.1999-1 issued

January 1999Interagency LandUse Teamcommenced

May 1999PennDOT SoundLand UseStrategies (SLUS)Team formed

January 2000Pennsylvania’sLong RangeTransportationPlan, “PennPlanMOVES”published

June 2000Acts 67 and 68Amendments toMunicipalitiesPlanningCode (MPC)

August 2000Governor’s Centerfor LocalGovernmentServices of theDepartment ofCommunity andEconomicDevelopment(DCED)released the“Interagency LandUse TeamSupplementaryReport” calling foragencyimplementationplans

Recent Sound Land Use Strategies Milestones

November 2000First PennDOTSound Land UseImplementationPlan published

May 2003“Conference onTransportation andLand Use forEconomicDevelopment”held, sponsored byDCED, DEP,DCNR, andPennDOT

February 2004“Action Planresulting from theMay 2003Conference”released by stateagencies

I n t r o d u c t i o n

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Pennsylvania TrendsPennDOT’s Relationship to Pennsylvania’s Growthand Land Use TrendsWith an abundance of natural, historic, andeconomic assets, Pennsylvania has been able towithstand demographic and economic changes thatcan influence transportation and mobility needs.PennDOT continues to have a strong role in thepartnerships that strengthen the link amongtransportation, land use, and economicdevelopment, despite the trends that oftenchallenge these efforts. A brief discussion onseveral of these trends follows.

During the 1990s, Pennsylvania’s population grew,but it lagged behind the US average in populationgrowth, with the third slowest growth ratenationwide. Pennsylvania grew by 3.4 percent, or400,000 new residents during this period.1 WhilePennsylvania is attempting to address this relativelyslow growth in population, the land consumptionrate per new resident has been noteworthy,averaging 3.9 acres per new person, versus anational average of only 0.6 acres per new person.2

This decentralized growth has left manyopportunities for redevelopment on brownfield lands- between 10,000 and 12,000 sites totaling 100,000to 120,000 acres of vacant real estate have beenidentified as available.3 PennDOT continues to beinvolved in educating planning partners anddevelopment agencies on the availability ofbrownfields that were formerly served by railroads.

While daily Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) continuesto increase in Pennsylvania, it is occurring at agreater pace in rural areas. Since 1993, total VMThas grown by about 16 percent, with urban VMTgrowing by 12 percent and rural VMT by 21 percent.4

This greater growth in rural VMT may, in part,reflect that residential and employment locationsare decentralizing into ex-urban areas. In turn, thispotentially increases trip length, decreases modaloptions, and places greater demand on peripheraltransportation infrastructure, most typicallyroadways.

1 “Back to Prosperity: A Competitive Agenda for RenewingPennsylvania,” Brooking Institution, December 2003.2 “Back to Prosperity: A Competitive Agenda for RenewingPennsylvania,” Brooking Institution, December 2003.3 Governor Rendell’s Growing Greener II Proposal:www.growinggreener2.com, September 30, 20044 Pennsylvania Highway Statistics, PennDOT 2002.

This dispersed land use and development potentiallyimplies the need for the creation and maintenanceof additional infrastructure. In addition, thedemand for accessing suburban locations maycontinue to drive demand for greater investment inhighways and local roads on the edges of urbanizedareas.

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Despite this increasing VMT, congestion inPennsylvania’s metropolitan regions is lower thanother peer regions. In 2004, Pennsylvania reportedthe lowest level of days over the ozone standard inthe past ten years.5 While localized conditions mayvary significantly, on the whole, congestion inPennsylvania’s major metropolitan areas is mild incomparison to peer cities. For example, of theeleven “very large” metropolitan areas (as definedby the Texas Transportation Institute), Philadelphiaranked 11th with 40 annual hours of delay pertraveler, significantly less than other areas whichranged from 93 to 50 annual hours of delay. 6

While transit ridership declined by 15.72 percent inthe period from 1990 to 2000, Pennsylvanianscontinue to use transit at a higher rate than thenational average.7 5.21 percent of people who workin Pennsylvania used public transit for the dailyjourney to work in 2000.8 Thus, Pennsylvania is stilla relatively high transit-use state, and it isreasonable to expect this trend to continue into thefuture.

It is apparent, however, that the continuing urbandecentralization in Pennsylvania’s metropolitanareas is reducing demand and feasibility for transitservices. As a result, conventional fixed-routepublic transportation is challenged to convenientlyand efficiently serve these contemporarydevelopment patterns.

In terms of freight transportation, demand isexpected to grow substantially over the next 15years, with the potential for increasing congestionspreading outside of metropolitan areas. Nationally,commercial trucking is expected to increase 33percent by 2020,9 and intercity truck and rail freighttonnage will grow by 75 percent during this sametime period.10 This is important to consider in thattruck operations can significantly decrease thecapacity of roadways and can negatively impact thelocal quality of life when occurring in high volumeson the local road network.

These are some of the circumstances within whichPennDOT’s Sound Land Use Strategies Team isworking to improve the integration oftransportation and land use into the Department’sactions and progress. Together with othergovernmental agencies in Pennsylvania, PennDOT isworking to bridge the divide between old and newcommunities and implement a comprehensive,multi-agency plan. Targeted infrastructureinvestment policies and better coordinated planningare at the top of the agenda with many of thestatewide initiatives for revitalizing Pennsylvania.The action items described in this document areintended to contribute to a redirection of statepolicy and investment in support of sound andsustainable land use and population patterns.

5 “Ozone Levels in 2004 Average Record Low,” PennsylvaniaDepartment of Environmental Protection Press Release,September 27, 2004.6 “Annual Congestion Study,” Texas Transportation Institute, 2004.7 PennDOT Bureau of Public Transportation8 “The Complete Economic and Demographic Data Source 2002,” Woods& Poole, 2002.9 “Traffic Congestion and Reliability”, FHWA, July 19, 2004.10 “Freight Analysis Framework Project,” FHWA.

Pennsylvania Trends (cont.)

I n t r o d u c t i o n

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Implementation of this PlanSince 1999, PennDOT’s Sound Land Use StrategyTeam has made considerable progress towardsincorporating land use considerations into theDepartment’s programs, policies and activities.

PennDOT continues to evaluate programs, policiesand procedures for how well they guide theDepartment’s integration of sound land useprinciples. This year’s Implementation Planpresents the ongoing and future action items in amanner that explicitly highlights linkages betweenvarious activities and the progress made since theenactment of the Land Use Planning Executive Order(E.O.) 1999-1.

Though the format and method of reporting onactivities has evolved over the years with the Plan’sannual updates, the three components required byE.O. 1999-1 have been integrated into this year’splan:

1. Education of Agency Staff2. Incorporation of Local Land Use Planning

Into Agency Decisions3. Identification of Actions Likely to Have

Significant Impact on Land Use

Goals and results of the original Plan are revisitedeach year with the intent of increasing awareness ofsound land use principles and the progress byPennDOT and its planning partners (Metropolitanand Rural Planning Organizations).

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Target met

Target on schedule

Target not met

New to this year’s report is the ability to clearly seeprogress in many of the ongoing land use relatedactivities within PennDOT. While all of the actionitems report on progress during 2004 and relatedfuture activities, there are certain cases wheretangible progress allows for measurement of theactivity against a quantifiable target. Whereappropriate, performance measures andimplementation targets have been identified foraction items in order to report on the progress inparticular areas.

In reading the report, action item boxes have beenintroduced in this year’s report to call out specificPennDOT activities. An at-a-glance rating helps thereader quickly determine if the activity iscompleted, on schedule, or has fallen behind itstarget. This enhancement provides increased valueas a monitoring tool to allow the reader to quicklygauge whether PennDOT has accomplished what itset out to do. The rating of the various activities isrepresented in the key below:

A summary list of completed action items to date,and a table illustrating timeframes for completion ofongoing action items are provided in the followingpages.

How to Use this Report

Key for Rating Action Items

Description of Report

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Completed Tasks—A Highlight

2001Supported the statewide “Growing SmarterConference” with both staff and financial resources.

New full-time Land Use Coordinator Positionestablished in the Department’s Center for ProgramDevelopment and Management.

Railroad Properties Directory was created on theinternet to document brownfield sites and helpfacilitate redevelopment.

“Greenway Action Plan” published withrecommendations for municipalities and stateagencies to address land use planning.

Applications for items such as the HOP,Transportation Enhancements, and the PennsylvaniaInfrastructure Bank modified to consider local landuse planning.

Reviewed and strengthened the Rail FreightAssistance Grant Review Process to helpensure that new rail freight facilities preserve theintegrity of local land uses.

PennDOT’s 11 districts surveyed to establish adatabase of potential projects and/or issuesthat may lead to significant impacts on land use.

Traffic Calming Handbook was completed and madeavailable to municipalities and others who wish todevelop a well-organized traffic calming program.

2002Introduction to land use planning issues presentedto District Permitting Staff at the annual HOP LegalSeminar.

“The Final Report on Statewide Highway AccessManagement and Growth Accommodation” released,identifying strategies and recommendations toimprove mobility and access to the state’s roadwaynetwork, while improving safety and congestion.

17 congested corridors throughout the Stateselected as part of a “Congested CorridorImprovement Program” in an effort to improve theoverall function of the roadways.

Changes proposed to “Pennsylvania Laws Relating toAviation” and “Regulations Relating to PennsylvaniaAviation” to address the relationship between landuse and aviation.

“Partnering for Better Communities” Programcompleted as part of the Department’s aviationpublic involvement program to encouragepartnerships between airports and surroundingcommunities.

As part of a Statewide Passenger Rail NeedsAssessment, several intercity rail corridors wereevaluated and prioritized with respect to theirrelative need and potential for development of newor improved intercity passenger rail services.

Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) process re-engineered to improve coordination betweenPennDOT District permitting staff and localjurisdictions to further educate local decision-makers about the transportation/land use linkage.

Implementation strategy with the Chesapeake BayProgram Transportation Work Group developed toaddress transportation and land usecommitments.

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2003Walkability checklist for assessing a neighborhood’swalking safety and comfort completed and madeavailable on PennDOT’s website and in hard copy.

Business planning guidance for central and districtoffices was distributed and included a new strategicobjective to encourage training in general land useissues and context sensitive solutions.

Conference on Transportation and Land Use forEconomic Development was held. The conferencereport and “Action Plan” resulting from theconference can be found at www.landuseinpa.com.

Data sets, trends, and tools were rolled out forstatewide use as part of corridor level intermodaltransportation planning efforts.

2004PennPlan Corridor Assessment Study was completedto identify future trends and issues that may impactthe PennPlan Corridors or the entire state.

Designers and planners throughout the Stateparticipated in training sessions on the Bicycle/Pedestrian Checklist to enhance the opportunities inthese modes in upcoming projects.

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A c t i o n I t e m s

Action Summary

1.0 Education and Training1.1 Consistency with NEPA1.2 Developing Transportation Solutions That Support

Sound Land Use1.3 Early Project Definition and Prioritization (Right

Sizing)1.4 Innovative Land Use Studies1.5 Land Use/Transportation/Economic Development

Regional Conferences1.6 MPO/RPO Long Range Plan/Program Development1.7 Technical Reference Video Library

2.0 Interagency Cooperation2.1 Action Plan from the 2003 Conference on

Transportation and Land Use for Economic Development * 2.2 Agency Coordination Meetings (ACMs)

2.3 Greenway Partnership Program2.4 Interagency Support of Comprehensive Planning2.5 Support Chesapeake Bay Initiatives

3.0 Reinvestment in Communities3.1 Transportation Enhancement Projects3.2 Transportation Project/Land Use Planning

Coordination Initiative *3.3 Home Town Streets/Safe Routes to School Programs *3.4 Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank

4.0 Tools4.1 Agility Initiatives4.2 Collaborative Planning Initiatives4.3 Community Impact Assessment4.4 Context Sensitive Solutions *4.5 Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance *4.6 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Architecture *4.7 Mobility Plan for Pennsylvania4.8 Multimodal/Intermodal Web Site4.9 Municipal Service Technical Assistance *4.10 Traffic Calming4.11 Transportation/Land Use Toolkit

Expected Completion

0-1 year 2-5 years On-going

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5.0 Aviation5.1 Airport Hazard Zoning and Land Use Compatibility Plan5.2 Airport Master Plans *5.3 Aviation Public Involvement5.4 State Aviation System Plan

6.0 Bicycle/Pedestrian6.1 Bicycle/Pedestrian Development6.2 Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan *6.3 Transit, Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections

7.0 Highways7.1 Amendments to Driveway Regulations7.2 Congested Corridor Improvement Program *7.3 Highway Occupancy Permits and Access Covenants7.4 Highway Transfer Program *7.5 Liquid Fuels Funding7.6 Model Access Management Ordinance *7.7 Pennsylvania Byways *7.8 Sound Land Use Interchange Planning

8.0 Rail/Public Transit8.1 Comprehensive Rail Freight Study *8.2 Public Transportation Strategic Plan *8.3 Rail Freight Properties Directory

Expected Completion0-1 year 2-5 years On-going

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Action items marked with an asterisk (*) have anassociated performance measure andimplementation target.

Action Summary

10


PennDOT continues to educate staff, planningpartners, local government and others on sound landuse and transportation issues through the followingactivities:

1.1 Consistency with NEPABureau of Design – Environmental Quality AssuranceThe National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)requires all projects receiving federal funds toutilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach todecision-making, which ensures the integratedapplication of the natural sciences, social sciences,and the environmental design arts. It also requiresagencies to identify and develop methods andprocedures which will ensure that agency decision-making takes into consideration qualitative andunquantifiable environmental amenities and valuesas well as technical and economic factors. Land useplans, studies, and decisions that are sensitive tothe human and natural environment, and areconsistent with local and regional plans, supportboth the Department’s environmental stewardshipcommitment and the mandate of NEPA.

1.2 Developing Transportation Solutions ThatSupport Sound Land UseCenter for Program Development and Managementand Bureau of DesignExisting transportation planning, programming andproject development processes require a carefulexamination of the transportation and land userelationship. To strengthen these processes, theDepartment will develop transportation/land use(“smart transportation”) themes and policies to becommunicated to Department staff, Metropolitan/Rural Planning Organizations, elected officials, thebusiness community, consulting firms and thegeneral public.

1.3 Early Project Definition and Prioritization(Right Sizing)Center for Program Development and ManagementThe Department and key stakeholders are presentlyworking to streamline the transportation projectdelivery process, primarily for highway and bridgeprojects.

The goal is to develop and implement new processesand procedures that will satisfy all federal and staterequirements (planning, programming,environmental, design, right-of-way/utilities andconstruction) and to do so in time-sensitive andcost-effective ways. Right-sizing has recently beenunderway with the reevaluation of a number ofmajor capital projects on the current transportationprogram. If the planning process does not generateproposed improvements that are fiscally constrainedand are in concert with the needs and values of thecommunity, the chances of highway/bridge projectsbeing implemented in a reasonable time frame aregreatly reduced. By late 2005, the Department willhave right-sized a half dozen or more projects andwill develop a “template” for future right-sizingefforts.

Linking land use planning and transportationplanning is another way to better definetransportation needs at a very early stage. If localcomprehensive plans and other infrastructureplanning (i.e., water and sewer, schools, etc.) arewell coordinated with county/regional long rangetransportation plans, the results will produceprojects that are sustainable and will improve anarea’s quality of life.

Linking transportation planning and state/federalenvironmental requirements will also ensure thathighway and bridge projects fit into the natural andman-made environment and that they are the rightscale and scope for the affected communities.

These and other “smart transportation” initiativesare currently underway in the Department and arebeing advanced by Secretary Biehler’s leadershipand direction. As they become more “concrete,”they will be reported on in future PennDOT Land UseImplementation Plans.

1.4 Innovative Land Use StudiesCenter for Program Development and ManagementAs PennDOT continues to work with MPOs and RPOson efforts to integrate land use with transportation,the Department will conduct various projectplanning studies to serve as “pilot” projects toadvance “right sizing” concepts and project deliveryinitiatives involving transportation planning andprogramming.

1.0 Education and Training

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1.5 Land Use/Transportation/EconomicDevelopment Regional ConferencesCenter for Program Development and ManagementIn Spring 2005, regional conferences will beconducted across the state to continue the dialogueon integrating transportation and land use planning.These regional conferences will include communityand business leaders, planners and special interestgroups to focus on implementation activitiesoutlined in the Action Plan resulting from the 2003conference.

1.6 MPO/RPO Long Range Plan/ProgramDevelopmentCenter for Program Development and ManagementPennDOT is in the process of developing a long-range transportation training program focused onthe requirements of metropolitan and rural planningorganizations to strengthen the regional long-rangetransportation planning process and overall qualityof planning in the Commonwealth. The integrationof local and county land use plans with regional long-range transportation plans is a key component ofthis process that will be finalized by early 2005.

1.7 Technical Reference Video LibraryBureau of Design – Environmental Quality AssuranceThe Department has developed a TechnicalReference Video Library program to meet theenvironmental needs of its engineers, planners, andenvironmental and maintenance staff. A statewidevideo conference is conducted on a monthly basisconcerning topics related to the transportationproject development process and the Department’senvironmental programs including sound land useand community initiatives. Each video issubsequently provided to the Districts and CentralOffice to be included in the technical referencevideo library. This approach helps keep staff currenton environmental programs, policies andprocedures, and helps expedite project delivery.This program is also an excellent opportunity tofamiliarize new employees with the Department’senvironmental programs.

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2.1 Action Plan from the 2003 Conference onTransportation and Land Use for EconomicDevelopmentCenter for Program Development and ManagementThe 2003 Conference on Transportation and LandUse for Economic Development provided anextraordinary opportunity for collaboration amonglocal government, public and private sectorinterests, and non-profit organizations, as well asPennDOT, the Department of Community andEconomic Development, the Department ofEnvironmental Protection, and the Department ofConservation and Natural Resources. As a result ofthis pivotal event, an Action Plan was developed bythe Commonwealth using the recommendationsoffered by the conference attendees. The ActionPlan Report can be found at www.landuseinpa.com.PennDOT is leading several strategic objectivesrelated to expenditure of transportation funds foreconomic development projects, strengtheningcities and urban centers, and fostering public/private partnerships.

2.2 Agency Coordination Meetings (ACMs)Bureau of Design – Environmental Quality AssuranceAs part of PennDOT’s project development process,ACMs are conducted with state and federal resourceand regulatory agencies to voice and address issuesand concerns. It is through these meetings thatconsensus is achieved, alternatives are developed,and mitigation requirements can be established fortransportation projects. Implementation ofrecommendations from the report, “ImprovingHighway and Bridge Project Delivery inPennsylvania” commenced in December 2004. As theDepartment continues to develop implementationstrategies to improve project delivery, the purposeand function of agency coordination meetings willalso evolve.

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Action Item Lead Sections/Owner

Implementation TargetPerformance Measure

Complete the eightaction items forwhich PennDOT isthe lead agency.

Center for ProgramDevelopment andManagement

Projects completedand policies ap-proved.

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Action PlanResulting from the 2003 Conference

on Transportation and Land Use

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Action Plan

2.0 Interagency Cooperation


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2.3 Greenway Partnership ProgramCenter for Program Development and ManagementPennDOT was a partner with the Department ofConservation and Natural Resources in thedevelopment of a state Greenways Plan, and iscurrently partnering in funding implementationactivities called for by state agencies in the plan.In addition, PennDOT has developed strategic plansfor the Planning and Highway Administrationdeputates.

2.4 Interagency Support of Comprehensive PlanningCenter for Program Development and ManagementThrough the Department’s Transportation Project/Land Use Planning Coordination Initiative, federaltransportation planning funds may be used tofinance the development of transportation elementsto local, multi-municipal and county comprehensiveplans. These requests are made through theMetropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations.Typically these projects seek financial assistancefrom other state agencies, which provides anopportunity for interagency leveraging and matchingof funds.

2.5 Support Chesapeake Bay InitiativesCenter for Program Development and ManagementAs a signatory of the Chesapeake 2000 agreement,Pennsylvania is committed to restoring, enhancingand protecting the Bay’s living resources andhabitats. As a member of the TransportationWorkgroup of the Chesapeake Bay Program Land,Growth and Stewardship Subcommittee (LGSS),PennDOT has agreed to support the Chesapeake2000 transportation commitments. Thesecommitments include promoting the coordination oftransportation and land use planning. PennDOTreports to LGSS on a quarterly basis with the statusof its transportation and land use coordinationactivities.

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3.1 Transportation Enhancement ProjectsCenter for Program Development and ManagementAdministered by PennDOT, the TransportationEnhancements Program fosters and promotesimproved quality of life in hundreds of communitiesacross the Commonwealth, as well as doubling as aneconomic development stimulator. With fundingfrom the Federal Highway Administration, close to$175 million has been programmed over the pastdecade. Applications from local governments andnon-profit corporations have lead to constructedprojects in areas such as historic preservation,scenic beautification, pedestrian and bicycle paths,and transportation museums. This program is asignificant avenue of funding that provides themechanism for recipients to leverage additionalfunding from other agencies, foundations, etc.,allowing local visions to be turned into reality.

PennDOT has placed an Agency-wide priority onproject delivery for Transportation Enhancementsprojects. Emphasis has been placed on selectingprojects that are well scoped, adequately funded,ready to go to construction and can be completedwith the funds awarded. In addition, an on-lineapplication has been developed and implemented toimprove customer satisfaction and statisticalanalyses.

3.2 Transportation Project/Land Use PlanningCoordination InitiativeCenter for Program Development and ManagementPennDOT provides federal transportation planningfunds on an annual basis to Planning Partners forstudies that help to coordinate transportation withsound land use planning. Over $2.5 M of federaltransportation planning funds have been providedfor this initiative over the last five years. $600,000will be available for FY 2005-06.

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3.0 Reinvestment in Communities


REV: July 2004

Transportation/Land Use Coordination Initiative Studies

FY 2000 - 2004

ERIE

CRAWFORD

WARREN

FOREST

McKEAN POTTER

CAMERON

ELKVENANGOMERCER

BEDFORDSOMERSET

INDIANA

BUTLER

BEAVER

ALLEGHENY

WASHINGTON

GREENE FAYETTE

CLINTON

SULLIVAN

TIOGA BRADFORD

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WYOMING

PIKE

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BERKS

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FULT

ON

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CLARION

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DAUPHIN

LAWRENCE

JEFFERSO

N

ARMSTRONGCENTRE

LYCOMING

SCHUYLKILL

MONTOUR

BLAIR

LACKAWANNA

SUSQUEHANNA

CAMBRIA

WESTMORELAND

COLUMBIA

FY 2000-01 FY 2002-03 FY 2004-05

FY 2001-02 FY 2003-04

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Transportation/Land Use Coordination Initiative Studies

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Action Item Implementation TargetPerformance Measure

A minimum of oneproject is funded foreach priority focusarea.

3.2 ·Studies supportingreinvestment indeveloped areas

·Land usetransportationstudies for majorprojectsprogrammed on theTwelve YearProgram

·Studies supportingmulti-municipaland/or regionalgoals

·Studies financiallysupported by otherstate agencies

Provide funding forall priority focusareas during FY2005-06.


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2004-05 Transportation/Land UseCoordination Initiative studies

· Access Management Model Ordinance Implementation, Lehigh Valley· Allegheny Comprehensive Plan (2nd year), Allegheny County· Back Mountain Area COG Comprehensive Plan, Luzerne County· Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project - Southern Section, SEDA-COG· Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenways & Open Space Network Plan· Mansfield, Covington, Richmond Townships Revitalization Study, Tioga County· Norristown and Plymouth Revitalization study (PH 2), Montgomery County· Route 51 Corridor, Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Fayette Counties· Interagency Pilot Project – Lebanon County Comprehensive Plan (2nd year)· West Chester Pike Land Use and Access Management Strategies (PH 1), Delaware County· Western Cumberland County Future Land Use & Transportation Study

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16

3.3 Home Town Streets and Safe Routes to SchoolProgramsCenter for Program Development and ManagementThese programs are intended to improve the qualityof life in Pennsylvania’s communities. The streetsthat run through the centers of cities and townsprovide vital connections. Sprucing up these streetscan bring people back to town centers and promotehealthy living. PennDOT can also contribute to thesafety of Pennsylvania’s children by makingimprovements to the routes children take to school.There are two primary objectives to theseprograms:

· To encourage the reinvestment in andredevelopment of our downtowns; and

· To establish, where feasible, safe walkingroutes for children to commute to schooland promote healthy living.

The Home Town Streets program will include avariety of streetscape improvements that are vitalto reestablishing our downtown and commercialcenters. These projects will include activitiesundertaken within a defined “downtown” area thatcollectively enhance that environment and promotepositive interactions with people in the area.Projects may include sidewalk improvements,planters, benches, street lighting, pedestriancrossings, transit bus shelters, traffic calming,bicycle amenities, kiosks, signage and other visualelements. PennDOT also produces referencematerials, such as the Traffic Calming Handbook, toassist municipalities and others in implementingthese types of projects in their own communities.

3.4 Pennsylvania Infrastructure BankCenter for Program Development and ManagementThe Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank (PIB) provideslow-interest loans to assist in funding transportationprojects. The goal of the PIB is to leverage stateand federal funds to accelerate priority projects andspur economic development. The PIB can be a usefulcommunity reinvestment tool for municipalities.

PIB loans can be used to leverage HometownStreets/Safe Routes to School and other communityprojects such as bicycle/pedestrian improvements,traffic flow improvements and transit projects.

Lead Sections/Owner




Applicationsapproved andprogrammed

3.3 Home Town StreetsProgram/SafeRoutes to SchoolProgram

$200M over fouryears for combinedprogram

Rating

3.0 Reinvestment in Communities (cont.)


17

4.1 Agility IntiativesBureau of Municipal ServicesThe Roadside Agile Collaboratory Project, initiatedby Engineering District 10-0’s Maintenance Unit, willresult in several statewide products and services tohelp beautify Pennsylvania’s roadways by preventinglittering and providing appealing gardens for thetraveling public. Two of these services and productsinclude: Publication 461-A which is a layperson’sbrief guide book on how to work with PennDOT tobeautify their local communities; and Publication461 which outlines the types of plants that should beplanted in various areas of Pennsylvania and plansthat were developed to implement the first RoadsideBeautification Program in Pennsylvania in the nearfuture.

PennDOT is also working in partnership withPennsylvania’s highway beautification program,Keep PA Beautiful, on several different fronts.PennDOT has submitted a research project toincrease public involvement of persons from diversebackgrounds and economic levels throughbeautification projects in neighborhoods and onsurrounding roadways. PennDOT’s Agility Center isalso sharing an intern who is performing research onbeautification, economic development and theselection of three cities to model actualbeautification efforts effective May 2005.

4.2 Collaborative Planning InitiativesBureau of Rail Freight, Ports & Waterway andCenter for Program Development and ManagementEfforts are ongoing and expanding to move aheadwith collaborative planning initiatives to build multi-jurisdictional, corridor-level, private-publicpartnerships. Many of the efforts consist of follow-on activities from previous projects that weredetermined to have quantifiable benefits. Thesewill be established as the baseline to build multi-jurisdictional, corridor-level, private-publicpartnerships. Activities are underway throughoutthe state, including partnerships with theAppalachian Regional Commission, the DelawareValley Regional Planning Commission, theSusquehanna Economic Development Association(SEDA) Council of Governments, the Harrisburg AreaTransportation Study, and the SouthwesternPennsylvania Commission.

Rural Planning Organization Bi-StateCoordinationAn example of a strong partnership is the railcorridor initiative underway with theAppalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Thispartnership involves the Rural PlanningOrganizations (RPOs) across southern New YorkState and northern Pennsylvania, as well asrepresentatives from New York StateDepartment of Transportation and PennDOT.They are engaged in this study to determinestrategic regional rail corridors and how theycan affect economic development and land use.

4.3 Community Impact Assessment (CIA)Bureau of Design-Environmental Quality AssurancePennDOT has formulated a Community ImpactAssessment process that spans all phases of theproject development process from planning throughconstruction. Central to this process is therecognition of the necessity to recognize andunderstand the importance of community resources,needs, values, goals, and objectives in achievingbalanced and equitable transportation decisions.This process is used to evaluate the impacts ofproposed transportation actions on a communityand its quality of life. The CIA process examinesfactors such as community cohesion, land use, andother aspects of the natural, human, and culturalenvironment in evaluating the effects oftransportation on the quality of life. Assessmentstrategies have been developed, and guidelines anda handbook on conducting community impactassessments are anticipated for completion by Fall2005.

4.0 Tools

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4.4 Context Sensitive SolutionsBureau of DesignPennDOT has embraced FHWA’s Context SensitiveDesign initiative to change the way highwayprojects are developed, constructed andmaintained. Context sensitivity emphasizes thebroad nature of solutions to transportation needs byfocusing on enhancing the quality of life across theCommonwealth for transportation users,communities and the surrounding environment.

Target ImplementationDate

Lead Sections/Owner


Implementation Target

Performance Measure

Bureau of Design Number of designstaff trained in CSS;CSS guide comple-tion.

4.4 Train 50 design-related professionalsin 2005. Most DesignProject Managers andAll Project Develop-ment Engineers havebeen trained. Train-ing for Maintenanceand Constructionstaff pending.

Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) is a proactiveapproach to transportation planning, design andimplementation that looks at the broad contextstreets and roads play in enhancing communitiesand natural environments, be they urban, suburbanor rural, scenic or historic. PennDOT continues toprovide CSS training to staff and others. Inaddition, PennDOT is currently developing a guidedetailing how to implement the CSS process. Formore information on the Department’s CSSprogram, visit PennDOT’s website atwww.dot.state.pa.us.

Provide CSS trainingto staff and others.

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District 2-0 Centre County High Street BridgeReplacement ProjectThis project consists of a full replacement of the HighStreet Bridge which is located in a historic district inBellefonte, Centre County. The concerns of thePennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and theBellefonte Historic and Architectural Review Board wereaddressed to include materials and methods that wouldcomplement the existing natural and manmadeenvironments.

District 6-0 Philadelphia County South StreetPedestrian Bridge ProjectThe South Street/Queen Village neighborhood andcommercial districts needed to be linked with waterfrontactivities at Penn’s Landing, yet I-95 presented asignificant psychological barrier and very real physicalbarrier to residents and tourists. The aesthetic designof the bridge provided an appealing and valuable link tothe South Street/Queen Village neighborhood andcommercial districts within the waterfront activities andfacilities along Columbus Boulevard.

Implementation Target


4.0 Tools (cont.)

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4.5 Environmentally Sensitive MaintenanceBureau of Municipal ServicesPennDOT seeks to work with communities toimplement the best solutions in areas such as stormwater management, dirt and gravel roadmaintenance, erosion and sedimentation control,vegetation management, embankment stabilization,and other projects.

Target ImplementationDateLead Sections/

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Provide cost-effectiveopportunities toreplace timberbridges.

Bureau of MunicipalServices

Increased usageover standard bridgedecks (state &municipal).

At least one timberbridge constructedper year.

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Timber Bridge ReplacementsA specific example of environmentally sensitivemaintenance is the partnership of PennDOT with thePennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council to developpilot programs with local governments to cost-effectivelyreplace old bridges with timber bridges. Beyond thestraightforward design and construction, the benefits ofusing a hybrid, glulaminate timber bridge deck includedurability, ease of replacement, and a potential increase inthe bridge’s live load carrying capacity. The Bureau ofMunicipal Services works with local government decisionmakers, construction crews, bridge engineers, and othersinvolved in bridge selection, design, and installation, toinform them of this innovative program.

Rating

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20

4.6 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)ArchitectureCenter for Program Development and Managementand Bureau of Highway Safety and TrafficEngineeringIntelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are sets ofinterrelated systems and devices working togetherto deliver an array of state-of-the-art transportationservices. An ITS architecture is the framework toidentify those systems and defines theinterconnections and information flows among theindividual systems and stakeholders. PennDOT iscurrently developing regional ITS architecturesacross the state to establish a framework for futureplanning and programming activities for ITS. A totalof nine ITS regional architectures are expected tobe established by April 2005.

4.7 Mobility Plan for PennsylvaniaCenter for Program Development and ManagementIn January 2000, PennDOT published PennPlanMOVES!, Pennsylvania’s long-range transportationplan. The plan has served since then as thefoundation for transportation decisions along 28corridors of statewide significance. TheDepartment began the process of updating this planin mid-2004. Entitled Mobility Plan forPennsylvania, the plan will address the priorities ofthe Governor, the mobility needs of Pennsylvanians,modal alternatives and intermodal connections, therole of transportation in economic development,land use, freight strategies, state and local systempreservation, and the expectations of PennDOT’scustomers. This major project should be completedin 2006.




Lead Sections/Owner


4.6

Lead Sections/Owner

Center for ProgramDevelopment andManagement andBureau of HighwaySafety and TrafficEngineering

Developing RegionalITS Architecturesacross the state toestablish a frame-work for futureplanning and pro-gramming activitiesfor ITS.

Support sound landuse practicesthrough the imple-mentation of ITSapplications. Provideguidance to Districtsand Planning Part-ners on ITS benefitsand the opportuni-ties for systemefficiencies.

Two architecturesare completed forDistricts 6-0 and2-0. Three more arescheduled to becompleted by theend of 2004 and theother four byFebruary 2005.

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4.8 Multimodal/Intermodal Web SiteBureau of Planning and ResearchPennDOT is developing an intermodal website thatcan be used as a tool for making land use decisions.Rail, air, and transit data will be included in thiswebsite that will provide assistance to the generalpublic in understanding the spatial characteristicsand demographic trends within a particular region.The multimodal Geographic Information System(GIS) application was prepared for testing inDecember 2004.

4.0 Tools (cont.)


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4.9 Municipal Service Technical AssistanceBureau of Municipal ServicesPennDOT’s municipal service representatives acrossthe state provide one-on-one assistance tomunicipalities in areas such as road contracts,potential development and growth plans, land use inlocal transportation and storm water managementplans, and paving management. With both Bureauand District Field Staff, PennDOT partners withmunicipalities to help better plan and managetransportation systems within communities.

4.10 Traffic CalmingBureau of Highway Safety and Traffic EngineeringPennDOT’s Traffic Calming Handbook, Publication383, was published in 2001 and continues to serveas a tool for municipalities interested in usingtraffic calming measures in their communities. Thedocument contains related information in areas suchas legal authority, liability, funding, impacts onemergency vehicles, study and approval process,and specific traffic calming measures. Thehandbook is available for purchase from PennDOT’sSales Store, 717-787-6746, or on line atwww.dot.state.pa.us.


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Action Item Lead Sections/Owner Implementation TargetPerformance Measure


Contacts made perquarter.

4.9 Maintain regularcontact with munici-palities to reviewtheir needs.

25% of municipali-ties contacted eachquarter.

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4.11 Transportation/Land Use ToolkitBureau of AviationPennDOT is actively moving forward toward fullintegration of sound land use practices andprinciples through education, outreach and greaterawareness among its staff, local governmentpartners and Pennsylvania’s entire transportationcommunity. To this end PennDOT will pursuedevelopment of a comprehensive resource guide andtoolkit for municipal officials that emphasizes theimportance of land use planning for all modes oftransportation and how they integrate and supporteach other. Topics that will be covered in theresource guide and toolkit will include key subjectmatters from all modes of transportation, includingaviation, rail, ports and highway.

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5.1 Airport Hazard Zoning and Land UseCompatibility PlanBureau of AviationThe recently completed Pennsylvania StatewideAirport System Plan (SASP) identified the need andimportance of airport hazard zoning to protect theairspace around airports. Another component closelyassociated with airport hazard zoning is land usecompatibility. Over the next four years the Bureauof Aviation (BOA) will conduct a statewide AirportHazard Zoning and Land Use CompatibilityEnhancement Study. The study will encompassoverall land use on and in the vicinity of systemairports including identifying existing and potentialfuture incompatible land use. The project will alsoupdate the Department’s Airport Land UseCompatibility Guidelines.

As part of this study the project will identifymunicipalities that have not adopted airport hazardzoning and determine why they have not adopted anordinance. The project is intended to develop ahazard zoning ordinance for each public airport inPennsylvania and produce a map of incompatibleland use encroachment. Since there are over 774municipalities that will be impacted by airporthazard zoning, presentations will be conductedthroughout Pennsylvania to heighten the awarenessof public leaders regarding the impacts ofencroachment. The target audience for thesepresentations will include but not be limited tocounty commissioners, zoning/planning committeemembers, township supervisors, airport authoritiesand land use planners. The project will provideguidelines and support documentation for airporthazard zoning that can be used to suggestlegislation or promulgation of revised/additionalregulations in Pennsylvania.

5.2 Airport Master PlansBureau of AviationAs part of the Airport Master Plan process, the goalof the Bureau of Aviation (BOA) is for all publicairports in Pennsylvania to have a current approvedAirport Layout Plan (ALP) on file. An ALP showscurrent development and identifies purpose andneed for future development. The objective is toupdate all ALPs more than five years old includingsupporting documentation.


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Update all ALPsmore than five yearsold including sup-porting documenta-tion.

5.2 Have currentapproved AirportLayout Plan (ALP) onfile for all publicairports in Pennsyl-vania.

16 ALPs scheduled tobe completed in the2004-2005 fiscalyear.

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5.0 Aviation


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5.3 Aviation Public InvolvementBureau of AviationAs part of the Airport Hazard Zoning and Land UseCompatibility Enhancement Study, an electronicportable tool kit will be developed for aviationaudiences, and State, county and local officials withthe goal of furthering the understanding andimplementation of airport hazard zoning and landuse compatibility in and around the vicinity of anairport.

As part of the yearly planning sessions with theairport sponsors, the MPOs, RPOs, PennDOT DistrictOffices, local municipalities, county commissioners,and county planning offices are invited to attend thesessions to provide their input. The yearly planningsessions are held at the end of each year to helpairport sponsors develop their Twelve Year Programand have the governmental agencies provide inputregarding the development of the airport.

5.4 State Aviation System PlanBureau of AviationThe Bureau of Aviation is currently in the process ofupdating the State Aviation System Plan (SASP)under the Continuous Aviation System Plan (CASP)process. Airport inventory is a key element to beannually updated as part of this effort. Thedocument provides pertinent information thatidentifies the air transportation needs and presentsrecommendations for developing a plan to assistPennsylvania airports in meeting those needs. TheSASP incorporates a component to identify prioritiesfor developing and implementing land usecompatibility strategies around airports.

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6.1 Bicycle/Pedestrian DevelopmentBureau of Highway Safety and Traffic EngineeringAdvancing the goals of bicyclists and pedestrians isa continuous and varied effort of PennDOT. A rangeof projects has been initiated through collaborationwith regional and community partners in bicycle/pedestrian development. Several highlights:

· The Sustainable Streets Pilot Program iscontinuing in six communities and has seenits streetscape improvement objectivesadopted by similar programs such asHometown Streets.

· A new initiative over the next year will belaunched in which PennDOT will meet witheach of Pennsylvania’s MPOs and RPOs todiscuss and analyze their bicycle/pedestrianneeds.

· A continuous assessment is beingundertaken by FHWA on how PennDOT iscompleting the bicycle/pedestrian goals ofTEA-21; this will ultimately lead to newmilestones for PennDOT to reach in thisfield.

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Complete MasterPlan.

6.2 Complete Bicycle/Pedestrian MasterPlan.

Process has re-mained on schedule.Five Public Inputsessions werecompleted in June2004. Plan to becompleted by July2005

6.2 Bicycle/Pedestrian Master PlanBureau of Highway Safety and Traffic EngineeringA Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan is being developedto analyze the existing system and outline futuremaintenance and enhancements necessary to bringcomprehensiveness to the bicycle/pedestrian modein Pennsylvania. Public input sessions are beingconducted to obtain insights on the improvementsneeded to increase the attractiveness of thesemodes and support sound land use strategies.

6.3 Transit, Bicycle and Pedestrian ConnectionsBureau of Public TransportationFunding is being utilized from various sources tofacilitate better intermodal coordination andconnections. Making transit facilities moreaccessible and attractive for cyclists andpedestrians is viewed as another means ofencouraging increased utilization of modes oftransportation that are supportive of sound land usestrategies. PennDOT has worked with many agenciesand transportation providers and has guidedprojects including Port Authority’s Bike Station atthe First Avenue light-rail station, SoutheasternPennsylvania Transportation Authority’s installationof bike racks on new buses, bike parking at eachAmtrak station along the Keystone Line, andHarrisburg’s intermodal facility on City Island.

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7.1 Amendments to Driveway RegulationsBureau of Maintenance & OperationsProposed revisions to the Driveway Regulations (67PA Code Chapter 441) to preserve highway safetyand mobility were published in the October 2, 2004Pennsylvania Bulletin for comment.

7.2 Congested Corridor Improvement ProgramBureau of Highway Safety and Traffic Engineering &Center for Program Development and ManagementPennDOT is working with the MPOs and RPOs toidentify congested corridors throughout the stateand attempt to alleviate their congested conditions.PennDOT funds the improvement studies while theMPOs and RPOs allocate funding in their TIPs forfinal design. Working together, progress has beenmade on completing initial studies and advancingmany of the projects to final design andimplementation.


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Bureau of HighwaySafety and TrafficEngineering andCenter for ProgramDevelopment andManagement

Select corridors andcomplete improve-ment studies. Movethe projects throughto final design andthe implementation/construction stage.

7.2 Identify congestedcorridors throughoutthe state andattempt to alleviatecongested condi-tions identified byMPOs and RPOs.

FY 03-04 saw 17initial studiescompleted. Eight ofthose studies areset for final designin FY 04-05 and fivein FY 05-06. Eightmore studies are setto be completed bythe end of FY 04-05.

7.3 Highway Occupancy Permits and AccessCovenantsBureau of Maintenance & OperationsPennDOT has been successful in requiring applicantsof Highway Occupancy Permits to execute an accesscovenant in PennDOT’s favor. This action is onestep in controlling driveway densities along statehighways, as future requests for access alongproperty frontage can be prohibited. The accesscovenant requirement, implemented in January2004, is outlined in Chapter 7 of PennDOTPublication 170. The Department also continues topursue early and ongoing communication withmunicipalities to effectively coordinate land useissues. The land use questionnaire (M950 MPC) wasintroduced in 2000 as both a requirement of theMunicipalities Planning Code for local land useconsideration and as a tool for reaching out tocommunities.

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7.4 Highway Transfer ProgramBureau of Municipal ServicesThe Highway Transfer Program involves workingwith municipalities and others to find the bestownership of the close to 40,000 miles of state-owned roads. This voluntary joint state andmunicipal government activity seeks to transferownership of locally functional state highways whichare more suited to be under the jurisdiction ofmunicipal governments in Pennsylvania. Withannual maintenance support from PennDOT, addingthese roads to a local road system can provide socialand economic benefits to the local government andthe control to incorporate these roadways into theiroverall streetscape and improvement programs.

7.5 Liquid Fuels FundingBureau of Municipal ServicesThrough their Municipal Services network, PennDOTworks with counties and municipalities to helpidentify the best ways to manage and employ fundsallocated to local governments from Liquid FuelsTaxes. These funds can be used for construction,maintenance, and repair of local roads and bridges.Land use-related applications include:

· Traffic calming activities, congestionmanagement

· Line painting and crosswalk markings· Environmentally sensitive maintenance· Engineering, and promoting local land use

planning• Reinvestment in older urban areas• Upgrading rural roads

In addition, PennDOT’s Financial Consultants workwith counties and municipalities to identifyadditional revenue sources that will help leveragefunds for specific projects.


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Total turned-backmiles.

7.4 100 road milesturned back annu-ally.

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Reduce the numberof state-maintainedroad miles throughthe Highway Trans-fer Program.

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7.6 Model Access Management OrdinanceCenter for Program Development and ManagementIn Spring 2005, PennDOT anticipates the publicationof model ordinances for communities wishing tomanage the access points along the road network.Through the adoption of an access managementordinance and an access management program fortheir community, municipalities can promote publicsafety and reduce traffic congestion. Eight half-dayworkshops will be provided throughout theCommonwealth in Spring 2005. Information on themodel ordinances and workshops can be found atwww.dot.state.pa.us > Special Interest Areas >Land Use and Transportation Planning.

7.7 Pennsylvania BywaysBureau of Planning and ResearchThere are currently ten State Highway routesdesignated as Scenic Byways. In support of localplanning efforts, the Department will continue todesignate Pennsylvania Byways to enhance andimprove the visual quality of specific routes and tomaintain the intrinsic qualities that are most valuedby the community. Outreach and education ofmunicipal officials and local groups has been takingplace to encourage inclusion of scenic byways incounty comprehensive plans.


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Completion ofworkshops.

7.6 Provide educationalworkshops through-out the state on theuse of the modelaccess managementordinances devel-oped by PennDOT.

Provide eightworkshopsthroughout the statein Spring 2005.

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Contacts made perquarter.

7.7 Education of munici-pal officials andlocal groups on thePennsylvania Bywaysprogram.

Two contacts madeeach quarter.

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Pennsylvania’s Byways Complement Regionaland Community Development Strategies

Pennsylvania’s Ten Byways:

· Blue Route (I-476)· Exton Bypass (US Route 30)· National Road (US Route 40)· Laurel Highlands (SR 711 and SR 381)· Bucktail Trail (PA 120)· Kinzua Bridge (SR 3011 in McKean County)· Seaway Trail (PA 5, Alternate 5, SR 4018, Presque

Isle Loop and the Bayfront in Erie County)· High Plateau (PA 144)· Grand View (road leading to Mt. Washington near

Pittsburgh)· Governor Casey Byway (US6 in the Lackawanna

River Valley)

7.8 Sound Land Use Interchange PlanningCenter for Program Development and ManagementThe Department will develop model landdevelopment regulations to assist communities withdevelopment pressures along major limited accesscorridors. This will help support managed growthand development at existing or new interchangelocations, helping to ensure interchange integrityand functionality.


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8.0 Rail/Public Transit

8.1 Comprehensive Rail Freight StudyBureau of Rail Freight, Ports & WaterwaysThe Comprehensive Rail Freight Study and StateRail Plan were completed in 2003 to provide theDepartment with data that can also support land useplanning with external customers. Therecommendations from the study are currently beingimplemented and include the following areas:

1.Implementation of Amtrak Keystone passenger/freight improvements

2. Development of a four-year program of projects and long-range rail infrastructure improvement planning efforts, including a comprehensive plan that addresses 286,000-pound railcar needs.

3. Identify strategic rail corridors in Pennsylvania

Approval and implementation of theserecommendations is expected in 2005. Theseefforts include seeking increased Federalparticipation in the funding of rail freight andhelping railroads project cash flow for fundingmatches in establishing public-private partnershipsto address funding shortfalls. The results shouldsupport increasing passenger rail capacity andgoods/freight movements and provide additionalopportunities for rail to divert truck traffic from theCommonwealth’s highways, particularly in the areasidentified as chokepoints in previous studies.


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Development offour-year programof projects and longrange comprehen-sive plan for railinfrastructureimprovements.

8.1 Implement recom-mendations fromthe ComprehensiveRail Freight Studyand State Rail Plan.

Four-year programof projects and along-range railinfrastructureimprovement plandeveloped in 2005.

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Develop a StatewidePublicTransportationStrategic Plan.

8.2 PennDOT will partnerwith the Pennsylva-nia Public Transpor-tation Association(PPTA) to develop aStatewide PublicTransportationStrategic Plan to putforward a compre-hensive and deliber-ate plan for thefuture of publictransportation inPennsylvania.

Completion ofStatewide PublicTransportationStrategic Plan in 2005.

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8.2 Public Transportation Strategic PlanBureau of Public TransportationIn partnership with the Pennsylvania PublicTransportation Association (PPTA), the Bureau ofPublic Transportation is developing a StatewidePublic Transportation Strategic Plan to put forward acomprehensive and deliberate plan for the future ofpublic transportation in Pennsylvania. GivenPennsylvania’s aging population and decentralizedgrowth trends, there are many opportunities for thiseffort to influence quality-of-life elements incommunities and promote sound land use. Expectedto be completed in 2005, the resulting plan willidentify a realistic, implementable, and financiallyfeasible strategy for improving public transportationthroughout the Commonwealth.

8.3 Rail Freight Properties DirectoryBureau of Rail Freight, Ports & WaterwaysPennDOT continues to educate planning partners(and economic/industrial development agencies)about the availability of industrial developmentproperties (including KOZs and “brownfields”) thatformerly were served by railroads. An up-to-datewebsite is maintained by the Bureau of Rail Freight,Ports & Waterways to facilitate public access. Thedirectory can be found at www.dot.state.pa.us>Special Interest Areas > Rail Freight > PropertiesDirectory.

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Looking Forward

C o n c l u s i o n

PennDOT is committed to strengthening the linkagebetween transportation investment and land use.Through the Department’s various policies,programs and actions identified in this plan, a clearvision for fully realizing this relationship willemerge.

With an ambitious list of activities underway, theDepartment has demonstrated its commitment toworking with Planning Partners and others to putthese actions into practice in 2005 and beyond. On-going activities such as Context Sensitive Solutions,Community Impact Assessment, Mobility Plan, andTransportation/Land Use Coordination funds willcontinue to be driving forces in the years beyond2005. Communities that have already grown ininefficient ways are now realizing that congestion isoften a consequence of additional development.While the challenges are most evident in our olderareas where people are moving out, it is clear thatthere is still time in some areas to considermodifying land use ordinances and regulations tofavor growth-friendly practices such as mixed-use ortransit-oriented development. Past experience hasshown that partnering between and among variedlevels of government agencies must take place inorder to make sound infrastructure investments.

As the year 2005 rolls out, Smart Transportationthemes and policies will be developed by PennDOT tohelp guide future investments. SmartTransportation encompasses the principles oftenassociated with quality of life issues. Theseprinciples typically include corridor and accessmanagement, street design, network connectivityand capacity issues, preservation of open space andfarmland, and developing the best transportationsolutions for communities and regions. Asexpressed in this year’s implementation plan,PennDOT is committed to serving as a leader inpromoting sound land use practices.

Acknowledgements:

Federal Highway AdministrationGovernor’s Center for Local Government Services

PennDOTBureau of AviationBureau of DesignBureau of Highway Safety and Traffic EngineeringBureau of Maintenance and OperationsBureau of Municipal ServicesBureau of Planning and ResearchBureau of Public TransportationBureau of Rail Freight, Ports and WaterwaysCenter for Program Development and ManagementOffice of Chief CounselPolicy Office

For more information regarding PennDOT’s SoundLand Use Program, contact: Angela Watson, LandUse Coordinator 717-787-5798 or visitwww.dot.state.pa.us > Special Interest Areas >Land Use and Transportation Planning.

Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff

List of Terms and Acronyms:

HOP - Highway Occupancy Permit – PennDOT isauthorized under Sections 411 and 420 of the StateHighway Law to issue Highway Occupancy Permitsfor occupancy of State highway right-of-way,including opening the surface, placing a facility orstructure, or opening an access.

KOZ – Keystone Opportunity Zone – KOZs are definedparcel-specific areas with greatly reduced or no taxburden for property owners, residents andbusinesses. KOZs are designated by localcommunities and approved by the State.

MPO – Metropolitan Planning Organization –identified in federal transportation authorizationlegislation as a forum for cooperative transportationdecision-making; designated by the governor formetropolitan areas with population of at least50,000. MPOs are PennDOT planning partners, andin cooperation with PennDOT and othertransportation providers, are responsible for thepreparation of a metropolitan transportation planand a transportation improvement program.

Planning Partners – The PennDOT Office ofPlanning works in partnership with regional planningentities from around the Commonwealth on planningactivities; partners include the MPOs, RPOs andindependent counties.

RPO – Rural Planning Organization – a rural arearegional planning body that can consist of a single ormultiple rural counties and other jurisdictions, butthat does not include any metropolitan areas. RPOsare PennDOT planning partners with a modified listof planning requirements.

TIP – Transportation Improvement Program - A TIP isa program of transportation projects for highway/bridge and transit projects. In Pennsylvania, TIPscover a four-year timeframe and are developed byMPOs and RPOs in cooperation with PennDOT andother transportation providers. They are fiscallyconstrained by year, updated at least every twoyears, and conform to the State ImplementationPlan for air quality and the air quality standardsestablished by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), where applicable.

Documents

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