HomeMy WebLinkAbout20152088.tiff C
US.Department Colorado Division 12300 W. Dakota Ave., Ste. 180
of Transportation Lakewood, Colorado 80228
Federal Highway June 30, 2015 720-963-3000
Administration
RECEIVED
Jennifer Schaufele
Executive Director JUL 0 8 2015
Denver Regional Council of Governments
1290 Broadway, Suite 700 WELD COMMISSIONERS COUNTY
Denver, CO 80202
Subject: Conformity Determination for the DRCOG 2016-2021 TIP
Dear Ms. Schaufele:
In accordance with the Clean Air Act of 1990, as amended, 40 CFR 93 and 23 CFR 450, the U.S.
Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is required to make an air quality conformity
determination of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in non-attainment and
maintenance areas. The process to make a conformity determination in Colorado is that the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Colorado Division office signs the letter on behalf of
the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region VIII office per the current Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) for Transportation Planning Oversight.
On April 15, 2015, DRCOG, in its capacity as the MPO, adopted an air quality conformity
determination for the FY 2016-2021 TIP. The conformity determination specifically met the 40
CFR 93 Subpart A requirements that address the 2008 e National Ambiant Air Quality Standards
8-Hour Ozone NAAQS. The FY 2016-2021 TIP is the fiscally constrained transportation
improvement program for the DRCOG region.
Currently, the DRCOG region is designated as a non-attainment area and a maintenance area for
Carbon Monoxide and particulate matter less than 10 microns in size. Use of the sub-area Motor
Vehicle Emission Budgets (MVEBs) is consistent with the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) guidance and the DRCOG/North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization's
March 14, 2008 (MOA). DRCOG has correctly followed the procedures in the MOA to include
applicable portions of the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region it its sub-area
conformity determination.
Based on our evaluation of the FY 2016-2021 TIP conformity determination, in coordination
with the U.S. EPA, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC), the Regional Air
Quality Council (RAQC), the FTA and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), we
have determined that the NRMPO has met the requirements of 40 CFR 51 and 93, 23 CFR 450,
49 CFR 613 along with FHWA/FTA policies and guidance. Furthermore, the DRCOG FY 2016-
2021 TIP conforms to the State Implementation Plan (SIP).
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2015-2088
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A conformity determination for the DRCOG FY 2016-2021 TIP is hereby made. Effective July
1st, 2015, the Conformity Determination is in effect until such time a new finding is required,
either by new regulatory requirements, a revision of the Regional Transportation Plan or the TIP.
Our action is consistent with the FHWA and FTA 2014 Transportation Planning MOA.
Sincerely,
John M. Cater, P.E.
Division Administrator
cc: Ms. Ingrid Hewitson, APCD
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Mr. Jeff Sudmeier, CDOT
Mr. Larry Squires, FTA
Mr. Tim Russ, EPA
Ms. Terri Blackmore, NFRMPO
Ms. Barbara Kirkmeyer, UPR TPR
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