Developing and Evaluating Solutions Overview
In preparing a TSP, a jurisdiction must develop and evaluate solutions that address the transportation system needs identified from the existing and future conditions analyses. As indicated in previous steps, a jurisdiction's needs may vary significantly based on the size of the community, the anticipated change in population and employment, and the characteristics of the transportation system as well as local, regional, and state regulatory requirements. Therefore, the solutions developed as part of a TSP should reflect the character and complexity of the jurisdiction's transportation system and should be tailored to meet the community's needs.
Large communities and metropolitan planning areas should carefully adhere to the level of detail called for below. In addition to the requirements in OAR 660-012-0100, jurisdictions within metropolitan areas must ensure that the local TSP is consistent with the applicable regional transportation plan. Smaller communities with less complex transportation issues may find an abbreviated analysis adequate.
Communities that are considering major improvements on the state highway system are advised to develop solutions that reflect ODOT's major improvements policy addressed in Policy 1G of the Oregon Highway Plan. Policy 1G emphasizes maintaining the current transportation system and improving system efficiency of existing state highways before adding capacity or new facilities to the system. The solutions should also reflect Goal 2 of the Oregon Transportation Plan, which is to improve the efficiency of the transportation system by optimizing the existing transportation infrastructure capacity with improved operations and management.
Communities are also advised to develop solutions that take into consideration environmental constraints. For major projects that are likely to involve federal funding or located on Federal Aid facilities, local governments should consider if and how National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements apply. Elements of a TSP likely to be funded that will result in a major construction project should consider NEPA requirements and be developed under the guidance of a Purpose and Need statement. Alternatively, the TSP should include a statement that describes the purpose and need for the planned project to ensure that future project development is consistent with the original intent.
Cities and counties in metropolitan areas should consider the need to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per capita within the planning horizon when developing and evaluating solutions, particularly solutions that may be subject to the enhanced review process per rule 0830. Cities and counties in metropolitan areas should also consider the need to incorporate solutions for transportation facilities and services that are owned, operated, and/or maintained by others (such as transit systems) and coordinate with the facility owners/operators as needed.