The Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has begun work on the first long-range transportation plan for Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Whispering Pines, Pinebluff, Taylortown, Foxfire, and the unincorporated areas of Moore County. The 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) will look at ways to make it safer and easier for people and goods to move within and through.
The MTP looks at the different ways people move within and through the region today, including motor vehicles, bicycles, walking, and public transportation, and rail. The planning process considers how the region continues to grow and how anticipated changes affect future transportation needs.
The SMPO 2055 MTP guides transportation investments by directing funding from local, state, and federal sources toward priority projects that address local needs. It is crucial to note that projects must be included in the MTP to be eligible for federal funding.
The MTP is scheduled for adoption in October.
The planning process includes collaboration between stakeholders, municipalities, and MPO staff to create a plan that reflects the values and needs of the region. The process also seeks to build awareness of the MTP and other MPO processes while listening to participants as they express issues and priorities.
The public can join the conversation about the future of transportation by visiting the project website and attending the first public workshop.
By visiting the project website (www.sandhills2055mtp.com), the public can learn more about the MPO, the transportation plan process, and participate in several digital engagement activities.
• Visitors can drop markers on an interactive online map to identify transportation issues and ideas.
• Visitors can complete a brief online survey.
• Visitors can post digital sticky notes to an ideas wall and react to ideas posted by others.
The public is invited to attend an interactive open house on Monday, Jan. 26, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Assembly Hall (395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst). Participants can drop in any time to learn more about the plan and provide input.
“We’re excited to get started on such an important plan for our region,” says Scott Walston, MPO administrator. “This process will result in an important tool for making transportation decisions in our area for years to come. Visiting the project website and joining us at the workshop on January 26 is great way to let your voice be heard.”
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a federally mandated regional agency charged with carrying out a region’s transportation planning processes. MPOs are required in all urbanized areas with populations over 50,000. The Sandhills MPO area includes the Urbanized Area as established in the most recent U.S. Decennial Census.
Contributed article/graphic.
