Project Selection
The MPO developed project-selection criteria to make the process of choosing projects for programming in the TIP both more logical and transparent. There are three tiers of criteria:
• Threshold criteria that a project must satisfy to be considered for TIP programming
• Comparative evaluation criteria for prioritizing projects
• Readiness criteria for determining whether a project is prepared for programming
Threshold Criteria
Each project must be in concert with the Regional Transportation Plan and other statewide and regional plans, as appropriate (for example, the Program for Mass Transportation or the Massachusetts Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan). Each project must also be eligible for federal-aid funds.
Evaluation Criteria
Each roadway project in the universe of projects for the TIP is evaluated using criteria that were developed based on the policies of the MPO stated in the Transportation Plan. A rating is given to each project in each of seven criteria categories. Then an overall priority rating of is assigned to each project based on the seven criteria-category ratings. The criteria categories are:
• Condition
• Safety
• Mobility
• Community
• Environment
• Land use
• Economic development
The evaluation for each category is based on the project information form and on information presented at the TIP input days. Ratings for each category are based on subcategory scores. The possible range of those scores in three to zero in most subcategories; however, a scale of three to negative three is used in the subcategories of community and environment to show negative effects of projects. Where no information is available, the category rating or subcategory score will remain zero.
Project Evaluation
The MPO is monitoring the effectiveness of using these criteria in selecting projects for the TIP and will make improvements as called for during the process. The MPO welcomes observations on the process from the public.
Readiness Criteria
The readiness of a given project is important in determining the staging of a project in the TIP program. The readiness is determined by many factors, including the status of project design, environmental permits, and right-of-way acquisition.
Evaluation Results for Projects in FY 2007 - 2010 TIP
The FY 2007 project evaluations are outlined in Appendix A of the FY2007 - 2010 TIP, which includes the category ratings and overall ratings for each project in the universe of projects— MPO roadway ratings, Masshighway bridge and MBTA transit ratings from the Program for Mass Transportation.
http://www.bostonmpo.org/bostonmpo/resources/tip/2007-2010TIP.pdf
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