Transportation Capital Improvement Plan
Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Executive Summary
What is a TCIP?
The Transportation Capital Improvement Program (TCIP) summarizes all the capital improvements that local jurisdictions throughout the region are planning to make to the network of transportation infrastructure.
How is a TCIP built?
The TCIP represents a collection of all the transportation-related projects found in the Capital Improvement Programs of the MPO's Member Governments .
The MPO develops the TCIP as a valuable tool for member governments, stakeholders, and the general public that offers a consolidated view of all the forthcoming transportation projects planned for the region.
Difference Between CIP and TCIP?
A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a comprehensive, multi-year plan that outlines a municipality's or region's planned investments in infrastructure and public facilities. These plans typically cover a wide range of projects, including buildings, parks, utilities, and transportation systems. The objective of a CIP is to identify and prioritize major capital expenditures and to provide a framework for funding and implementing these projects over a specified period, usually three to five years. A TCIP is a subset of the broader CIP, focusing exclusively on transportation-related projects.
Before and After of Ingersoll Ave
Municipality Project vs IDOT
When constructing transportation infrastructure in, there are differences between municipality projects and those undertaken by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Municipality Project Focus
Municipality projects are locally initiated and managed by individual cities or counties. These projects typically focus on improving local roads, bridges, transit systems, pedestrian pathways, and bicycle infrastructure. Funding for these projects comes from a mix of local sources, such as municipal budgets, local taxes, and grants, including those provided by the MPO. Local projects are designed to address specific community needs, such as reducing congestion on local streets, improving safety at intersections, enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, and maintaining or upgrading smaller infrastructure components. The planning and execution of these projects are managed by local government agencies, which coordinate with the interest of their residents to ensure that projects align with community priorities and preferences.
Iowa Department of Transportation Project Focus
IDOT projects are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation and often involve larger-scale infrastructure improvements that have regional or statewide significance. IDOT is responsible for the maintenance and development of the state's primary road network, including the interstate system, state highways, and other major routes that facilitate long-distance travel and commerce. These projects are funded primarily through state and federal sources, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The funding often involves more significant financial investments and requires compliance with federal and state regulations.
Collaboration and Joint Projects
While local municipalities and IDOT operate independently, there is significant collaboration between the two entities, especially for projects that impact both local and state transportation networks. Joint projects involve shared planning, funding, and implementation efforts. These projects may include improvements to major intersections that connect local roads with state highways, enhancements to state routes passing through urban areas, or coordinated efforts to develop multimodal transportation hubs.
Funding Sources
Federal
Federal-Aid Highway Program
This program provides financial assistance for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the nation’s highways, bridges, and tunnels. Funding is typically allocated through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a recent significant source of federal funding, allocating billions of dollars for infrastructure projects across the country.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grants
- The FTA provides grants to support public transportation systems, including capital investments in bus and rail systems, planning, and operating assistance. Key programs include the Urbanized Area Formula Grants and the Capital Investment Grants.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program
- This program funds transportation projects that help reduce congestion and improve air quality, focusing on areas that do not meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
- TAP provides funding for non-motorized transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, as well as infrastructure projects that enhance access to public transportation.
State
State governments also play a crucial role in funding transportation projects. In Iowa, several programs and initiatives provide financial support for infrastructure improvements:
Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF)
- RUTF is a primary source of funding for road construction and maintenance in Iowa, generated from fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, and other transportation-related revenues.
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP)
- ICAAP provides funding for projects that improve air quality and reduce transportation-related emissions, supporting initiatives such as traffic flow improvements and public transit enhancements.
Local
Local governments contribute to transportation funding through various sources, ensuring that local infrastructure projects are planned and executed efficiently:
Local Option Sales Taxes (LOST)
- Some municipalities levy local option sales taxes dedicated to funding transportation and other infrastructure projects, providing a significant source of revenue for local improvements.
Property Taxes and Bonds
- Property taxes and municipal bonds are common methods for local governments to finance transportation projects. Bonds allow for large capital expenditures to be spread over time, funded by future tax revenues.
Grants and Partnerships
- Local governments often seek grants from regional agencies, private foundations, and public-private partnerships to supplement funding for transportation projects. Collaboration with local businesses and community organizations can also provide additional resources.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF):
- TIF is a public is used for subsidizing infrastructure and other community-improvement projects. The future increased property tax revenues generated by the improvement are used to finance the current improvements.
Funding in the Des Moines Metro
Transportation Capital Improvement Plan Projects
TCIP Projects