Transportation Organization Issues Draft

Long Term Transportation Plan for Kingsport Region

Public Input Sought on Draft Plan

Kingsport, TN – Over the last year and a half the Kingsport Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) has been working with local governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, and the public to prepare a long term transportation plan for the Kingsport region. The 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan is a 20-plus year blueprint for transportation investments in the Kingsport region addressing travel by all modes on the transportation system - streets and highways, bikeways and walkways, public transportation, aviation, and rail.

“Over the last 18 months we have worked closely with member governments, the States of Tennessee and Virginia, and others to develop this Plan and we are excited to unveil the draft Plan” said Chris Campbell Transportation Coordinator for the Kingsport MTPO. “The Plan presents a list of projects that can be implemented over the next 20-plus years and can be done within existing anticipated funding levels over the same time period,” noted Campbell.

The Plan indicates that over the next 20-plus years the region is projected to see positive population and employment growth. The MTPO area is forecast to add approximately 27,000 people by 2035 and grow to nearly 153,000 people. Equally, employment growth in the region shows an additional 21,000 jobs over the same time period. According to Campbell, “this projected increase in population and employment will not only require the need for additional roadway capacity (both in terms of new roads and improvements to existing roads) but will also create greater demand for public transportation services and walking and bicycle facilities, which may not currently exist in certain areas of the region.”

“The Long Range Transportation Plan is an important document for the region as only projects identified in the Plan are eligible for federal and state transportation funding”, stated Campbell. The 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan includes 50 specific transportation project improvements, funding-programs for sidewalks, bikeways, safety, bridges, and intersections and funds for the Kingsport area’s transit needs. In addition to capital improvements the Plan also accounts for the long term needs of continued maintenance of the transportation system including transit operations.

The public is invited to comment of the draft 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan. On Thursday April 19, 2012 at 9:00 am a Public Hearing will be held in conjunction with the MTPO’s Executive Board Meeting. The location is 201 West Market Street - Kingsport, TN 37660. For those unable to attend the meeting, the draft Plan is available online at: www.mpo.kingsporttn.gov.

Individuals are encouraged to review the draft Plan and share their comments during this public review period. Copies of the draft Plan are also available for review at the following locations during normal business hours: Kingsport City Manager’s Office - 225 West Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660; the Kingsport MTPO’s Office - 201 West Market Street, Kingsport, TN 37660; and the Kingsport Public Library - 400 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.

All comments on the draft Plan must be provided to the MTPO no later than May 7, 2012. Formal adoption of the Plan is schedule for June 2012 after the conclusion of the public review process on the draft Plan.

The Kingsport Area MTPO is the regional organization federally established to carryout transportation planning within the greater Kingsport region. The MTPO’s policy board is comprised of local elected Mayors which guide federal and state funded transportation projects such as roads, bridges, sidewalks and bikeways, and transit within the greater Kingsport region.

About Us

The Kingsport Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (KMTPO) is a transportation policy and programming board comprised of representatives from local governments and transportation agencies. Transportation planning is regional in scope because the transportation system cuts across governmental boundaries and improvement programs require the cooperation and participation of all levels of government.

Nationwide, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are responsible for transportation planning in the area defined by the most current Census as being urbanized, plus the area anticipated to be urbanized in the next 20 years. Urbanized Areas are designated by the United States Census Bureau and are a reflection of urban growth, not political boundaries. Presently, KMTPO is the federally-designated transportation planning agency for Kingsport, Mt Carmel, Church Hill, Weber City, Gate City, and portions of Sullivan County, Hawkins County, Washington County, and Scott County.

MPOs develop transportation plans and programs that encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of surface transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of people and freight and foster economic growth and development within and through urbanized areas, while minimizing transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution. The key responsibilities of an MPO are the creation of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).