By Jessica M. Nappi, AICP, Senior Transportation Analyst

The HRTPO FY 2014 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) describes the transportation planning work to be performed for the Hampton Roads metropolitan planning area (MPA) by the HRTPO, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the period from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.  This document also includes Rural Transportation Planning tasks, which account for the work done by the HRTPO staff for the City of Franklin, the Counties of Southampton and Surry, and the portion of Gloucester County that lies outside of the MPA.

The following information is included for each task in the UPWP:

•    Who will perform the work

•    The schedule for completing the work

•    Resulting end products

•    Proposed funding and source of funds

In addition to providing details on the work associated with HRTPO core planning activities – the Long-Range Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, Congestion Management Process, Public Participation, Regional Freight Planning, and Safety and Security Planning – the UPWP includes a discussion on the planning priorities facing the MPA.  It is in the determination of these planning priorities that the HRTPO Board ensures its vision and goals are carried forward in the UPWP. 

The HRTPO planning priorities for FY 2014 are:

• Transportation Programming
  • Project Selection Prioritization
  • Monitoring regional, state, and federal funds, plus HB 2313 revenues

• Evaluation of Funding Alternatives
  • Congestion Pricing
  • Effects of tolls on freight-related business

• Multimodal Planning
  • Support improvements to transit and passenger rail service
  • Incorporate MAP-21 freight component
  • Develop an Active Transportation Plan (Bicycle & Pedestrian)

The HRTPO FY 2014 UPWP was approved by the Board on April 18, 2013.  The document may be accessed on the HRTPO website at: http://www.hrtpo.org/page/unified-planning-work-program/.