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News and Topics of Interest

Meeting Conformity Requirements

 
By Steve Ruble
City Engineer

Just when I felt comfortable going into an MPO meeting without NIRPC's Talking the Talk guide, I am introduced to the world of air quality conformity.  Now I'm learning new acronyms like SIP, TCM, and VOC.  Meeting the requirements for conformity will be an opportunity for all MPOs in the newly designated non-attainment areas who were not previously in such an area.  Adding to the coordination effort is the fact that three MPOs are within the newly designated 9 county non-attainment area surrounding Indianapolis.  Indianapolis, Anderson, and Columbus seem to be inseparably joined at the hip because conformity for the 9 county area is tied to each entity's TIP, and a change to one entity's TIP triggers conformity analysis for the entire non-attainment area.  If conformity cannot be demonstrated for the 9 county area, all MPO's TIPs lapse.  It appears that Columbus, Anderson, and Indianapolis MPOs will have amply opportunity to work together in the future.    

There is hope for this engineer among planners.  By the end of the week I will have made arrangements to advertise for the position of MPO director for the Columbus Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.  I look forward to advancing the development of the MPO.  I plan to be very involved in bringing our new director up to speed and look forward to my active participation in the MPO through the technical advisory committee.  I will keep the MPO Council advised as to our progress on this matter and I will give an update at our October 28th meeting.