Public invited to "Community Conversation" on transportations
County and city officials, in partnership with the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, invite Sumner County residents to learn more about major regional transportation planning efforts and important changes to public policy at a “Community Conversation” on Wednesday, Dec. 8.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to hear an in-depth presentation and submit questions and comments on proposed infrastructure investments to support the overall livability, sustainability, prosperity and diversity of the region, as well as that of Sumner County.
WHO: Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt and Sumner County municipal mayors; city and county planners; transportation planning professionals with Nashville Area MPO; Sumner citizens, business and community leaders; representatives from the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee.
WHAT: Community Conversation led by planning experts on short, mid, long-term transportation improvements for both Sumner County and the Middle Tennessee region as a whole.
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010; 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
5:00-5:30 p.m. – “Open House” with refreshments served; 2035 Plan visuals on display for public consumption and conversation with MPO planning staff.
5:30-7:00 p.m. – Presentation of 2035 Regional Transportation Plan (major policy initiatives) to Sumner County residents, followed by Q&A.
WHERE: Sumner County Administration Building – 355 N. Belvedere Dr., Gallatin, Tenn.
WHY: Governed by mayors and county executives from five-plus Middle Tennessee counties, the Nashville Area MPO is currently finalizing a major update to its multi-billion dollar regional transportation plan that includes a vast scope of federally-funded transportation projects. The MPO sets aside money for projects that support significant policy initiatives such as mass transit –including modernized options for Middle Tennessee such as streetcar or Bus Rapid Transit– as well as walkable/bikeable communities, and roadway technologies to keep people & goods moving through the region.
The plan depicts an innovative vision for regional transportation, but must also establish a path to realistic financial feasibility. As fuel prices rise, and demand for energy independence scenarios continue, what happens in the transportation sector is critical to everything from regional quality-of-life, to business and job recruitment and retention. This region is also expected to grow by another one million people over the next two decades; the plan presented on Dec. 8 attempts to address how those people might commute or use our transportation system to carry out their daily activities.