The SEDA-COG MPO is pleased to release trail usage data from its new bicycle and pedestrian counts program. We collected use data during 2022-23 for the Milton State Park, Watsontown Towpath, and Dale’s Ridge Trail networks. The report for the data was developed as an interactive Esri StoryMap.

The count data in this report represent the number of uses or trips, not individual users or visitors. All infrared trail counters undercount when people travel side-by-side or in tight groups on a trail. Therefore, the counters yield estimates rather than absolutes. The data collected on regional trails can be analyzed to determine peak usage times, trail use pattern changes, and inform decision-making by SEDA-COG MPO, trail managers, state agencies, conservation groups, and other organizations related to transportation and recreation investments.

The SEDA-COG MPO is collaborating with Clinton County and the City of Lock Haven to continue the SEDA-COG MPO Bicycle & Pedestrian Counts Program trail use counts along the Bald Eagle Valley Trail and the Lock Haven Levee Trail for the 2023-2024 program cycle.

A new round of Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside Program funding opened on May 30, 2023. Seven applications from the SEDA-COG MPO region were submitted by the deadline on Sept. 15, 2023. The SEDA-COG MPO TA Set-Aside Project Review Committee met to receive applicant presentations and evaluate the applications on Oct. 27, 2023. The full MPO endorsed the Committee's ratings and comments on Nov. 17, 2023. These comments were submitted to PennDOT, and funding decisions from the Statewide Project Selection Committee are expected in early 2024.

The TA Set-Aside program provides funds to construct pedestrian and bicycle facilities; improve access to public transportation; create safe routes to school; incorporate community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; provide environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; create trail projects that serve a transportation purpose, while promoting safety and mobility; and provide for vulnerable road user safety assessments.

There is a minimum award of $50,000 for TA Set-Aside construction projects. Projects are funded at 100% of the construction cost (including construction inspection) up to the amount awarded. The maximum award is $1.5 million, although higher awards can be justified on a case-by-case basis for “exceptional” projects.

The SEDA-COG MPO offers technical assistance to TA Set-Aside project sponsors, and reviews, ranks, and comments on applications from the region that are submitted to PennDOT. Applications are reviewed based on criteria such as safety benefits, project delivery, reasonableness of cost, environmental justice, network connectivity, economic impact, and leveraging of other projects or funding.

More details on the TA Set-Aside program can be found here.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) reauthorized surface transportation programs through Fiscal Year 2026. In doing so, the BIL devotes $550 billion through 2026 for new federal investment in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit, water infrastructure, resilience, and broadband. The Federal Highway Administration has a comprehensive BIL resource website available here.

Some federal transportation discretionary grant programs currently open for applications include:

• Bridge Investment Program
• Thriving Communities Program

A variety of recent funding resources have been developed for local governments and other BIL program applicants:

• Key Notices of Funding Opportunity
• Fiscal Year 2023 Discretionary Grant Preparation Checklist
• The DOT Navigator
• BIL Launchpad
• The Local Infrastructure Hub
• PennDOT Grant Alerts for BIL Programs

We will continue to monitor guidance related to the BIL and report updates in this newsletter.

The Middle Susquehanna Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was adopted by the SEDA-COG MPO in May 2019. To help implement this Plan, the SEDA-COG MPO and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership formed a Middle Susquehanna Active Transportation Committee. The Committee's mission is to enhance quality of life in the Middle Susquehanna Valley through the development of a regional network of walkable and bikeable communities and the promotion of a bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly culture. The Committee and its work groups on Safety, Connections, and Community Engagement are diligently laboring on multiple fronts to implement the Plan's action items, goals, and overarching vision.

A few recent successes include:

• Helping communities pursue funding from DCNR and WalkWorks grant opportunities to further active transportation in our region;
• Updating bike/ped priority project lists and mapping;
• Analyzing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and potential funding for trails and other bike/ped facilities;
• Updating member lists and arranging Committee meetings;
• Updating bike/ped facilities webmaps;
• Developing an online Esri Hub site for the 2019 Plan.

Questions can be directed to SEDA-COG's Bryce Buck.