The Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will host a public hearing on its draft 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) next month, providing an important opportunity for area residents to offer input on future infrastructure. The MPO announced the hearing will take place at 10 a.m. on September 14. This event will coincide with the MPO's regularly scheduled Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting. The proceedings are set to be held in the Ed “Bosh” Froehlich Meeting Room within Mandan City Hall, located at 205 2nd Ave NW in Mandan, North Dakota.
The MPO stated that the primary purpose of this public hearing is to foster public involvement in the comprehensive development of the 2027-2030 TIP. This crucial document coordinates and systematically schedules a wide range of transportation projects across the metropolitan area for the upcoming four-year period. The program is vital because it makes these proposed highway, street, bikeway, pedestrian, transit, safety, enhancement, and various other transportation-related improvements eligible for crucial federal assistance, as outlined by the MPO.
The draft TIP specifically includes a detailed Program of Projects alongside an identified list of transit needs that are slated to receive funding over the next four years. These projects, which aim to enhance regional connectivity and safety, are proposed by a consortium of local and state jurisdictions. The MPO confirmed that these include the cities of Bismarck, Mandan, and Lincoln, as well as Morton County, Burleigh County, and the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).
Residents interested in providing direct comments during the hearing have several options. For those wishing to participate virtually and offer a 3-5 minute comment on the draft TIP, the MPO requires participants to provide their email address and contact information at least one business day prior to the meeting. This allows for proper coordination of virtual access.
Beyond live participation, the MPO is also accepting written feedback. Mailed comments must reach the MPO office by September 11. Additionally, comments can be submitted via fax or email directly to Stephen Larson, according to the MPO. The organization emphasizes the importance of these public comments in shaping the final version of the program.
To ensure broad accessibility, the MPO indicated that accommodations for disabilities or language assistance are available upon request. Individuals requiring such assistance should contact the Title VI Coordinator directly at (701) 355-1332, or send an email to [email protected].
Following the collection and consideration of all citizen comments received through the various channels, the MPO will then present the refined draft TIP to the MPO Policy Board for further review and action. This step marks the transition of the program towards finalization and implementation for the 2027-2030 period.
