Area Transportation Partnerships (ATP)
MnDOT created Area Transportation Partnerships over two decades ago in response to changes in federal law that increased state flexibility and the need for public involvement in transportation planning and program decision-making. ATPs were established by each district specifically to facilitate broader input to the federal project selection process for the development of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which is a four-year program of state and local projects with federal highway and transit funding, as well as 100% state project funding. There are eight ATPs statewide.
The Eight County Metro Area Transportation Partnership was organized to prioritize federal and state-funded transportation investments within the eight-county Metro District. The ATP emphasizes planning as a basis for transportation investment decisions and values the meaningful involvement of transportation stakeholders. The Eight County Metro ATP uses a combination of three processes to set priorities: the long-standing Twin Cities seven-county Metropolitan Planning Organization process, the MnDOT Metro Program Committee process and the Metro / Region 7E Integrating Committee process (which includes Chisago County).
The Metro District compiles all project data resulting from these three processes and submits tables including all projects in the seven- county area to the Metropolitan Council / Transportation Advisory Board for review and adoption as the MPO Transportation Improvement Program. Metro submits project lists for all eight counties to the MnDOT Office of Capital Programs and Performance Measures for inclusion in the state TIP.
Schedule of activities
- January – March: Compile project lists from ATP process
- April: Draft TIP submitted to Metropolitan Council
- April: Draft ATIP submitted to MnDOT
- April – June: Public Comment Period
- June: Public Hearing
- August: Final TIP adopted
- August: MnDOT approves TIP
- October: FHWA / FTA makes finding and accepts funding
Planning Studies
Gateway Corridor Transit Alternative Analysis
MnDOT is playing a stakeholder role in the Transit Alternative Analysis for the I-94 corridor, between Downtown Minneapolis and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This initiative, led by the Ramsey County and Washington County Rail Authorities, hopes to provide the basis for transit improvements along this 90 mile stretch of interstate.
I-35W North Managed Lane Study
MnDOT is the lead agency in the study of managed lane and transit options and alternatives between Downtown Minneapolis and Forest Lake/Columbus. This study, made possible by a 2009 HPP appropriation secured through the efforts of the I-35W North Coalition, will analyze this 22 mile stretch of interstate for managed lane opportunities, transit enhancements, and general capacity improvements where vital and necessary.
Snelling Avenue Multi-Modal Transportation Study
MnDOT is the lead agency in the study of the Snelling Avenue Corridor (TH 51), between Selby Avenue and Midway Parkway, in the City of St. Paul. The goal of the study is to develop strategies and initiatives to improve how all modes of transportation to operate safely and efficiently with each other in this two mile stretch of urban highway. This study is made possible through the coordinated efforts of the City of St. Paul and Congressman Betty McColllum.