State Transportation Improvement Program Seeks Community Input

There will be a 30-day comment period on the draft project listing for the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Federal Fiscal years 2015 to 2018. Senator Brian A. Joyce urges Milton residents to take advantage of this opportunity in order to give relevant community input.

“Community members are better aware of the potential challenges facing a construction project than state agencies,” said Joyce in a statement “That is why these comment periods are so important. They can give state agencies unequaled insight to make the process smoother for everyone involved.”

This four-year program will create a transportation system that supports a strong economy, protects the environment, and improves the quality of life and health in Massachusetts for its residents and visitors, according to the STIP Introduction document.

For Milton, the Safe Routes to Schools, Transportation Alternatives and Enhancements Project will provide the town with $725,000 total programmed funds for the 2016 fiscal year.

This program will fund activities such as construction, planning and design of infrastructure-related projects and systems in order to provide safe routes for individuals who are non-drivers, such as children, older adults, and disabled individuals, so they are able to access their daily needs.

The 30-day public comment period ends on Sunday, Sept. 7. During this time, the Metropolitan Planning Organization citizen advisory committee will adjust the program based on the public’s comment.

The details regarding STIP can be found on Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s website, or at Old Colony Planning Council, 70 School St., in Brockton.

Anyone wishing to submit comments on the proposed projects may reach out to email, fax (857) 368-0639, or mail to:

STIP Coordinator, MassDOT

Office of Transportation Planning

10 Park Plaza, Room 4150

Boston, MA 02116