HomeMy WebLinkAbout20151528.tiff Federal Highway Administration
USDepotrment Colorado Division
of Tronspor baron May 6, 2015 12300 West Dakota Ave., Ste 180
Lakewood, Colorado 80228
Ms. Jennifer Schaufele
Executive Director, DRCOG
1290 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
Subject: Conformity Determination for the DRCOG 2040 RTP
Dear Ms. Schaufele:
In accordance with the Clean Air Act of 1990, as amended, and 23 CFR 450, the U.S. Department of
Transportation (U.S. DOT) is required to make air quality conformity determinations of Regional
Transportation Plans (RTP) and Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP) in non-attainment and
maintenance areas. The process to make a conformity determination in Colorado is the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA). The Colorado Division office signs the letter on behalf of the
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region VIII office per the current Memorandum of Agreement
for Transportation Planning Oversight (MOA).
On February18, 2015, the DRCOG adopted an air quality conformity determination for the Denver,
Boulder, and Longmont urbanized areas for the 2040 RTP in its capacity as the Metropolitan
Planning Organization The conformity determination also included the DRCOG Amended 2012-
2017 TIP, as well as the southern section of the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region
(Upper Front Range TPR) 2040 RTP and the portion of the 2012-2017 State Transportation
Improvement Program within the Upper Front Range region.
Based on our evaluation of the DRCOG 2040 RTP conformity determination, in coordination with
the EPA, the DRCOG, the NFRMPO, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC), the
Regional Air Quality Council (RACQ), and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT); we
have determined that Denver, Boulder, and Longmont urbanized areas have met the requirements of
40 CFR 51 and 93, 23 CFR 450, and 49 CFR 613 along with FHWA/FTA policies and guidance.
Furthermore, the DRCOG 2040 RTP is consistent with the 2008 DRCOG/North Front Range
Metropolitan Planning Organization 8-Hour Ozone MOA.
2015-1528
tmmurt.tt%ow+o
5-027-020/5
A conformity determination for the DRCOG 2040 RTP is hereby made. We are also making a
conformity determination for the southern section of the Upper Front Range TPR 2040 RTP. This
conformity determination is in effect until such time as a new finding is required,either by new
regulatory requirements,a revision of the RIP,or a revision to the State Implementation Plan. Our
action is consistent with the FHWA/FTA Transportation Planning MOA.
Sincerely yours,
ohn M.Cate
Division Administrator,FHWA
cc: Ms.Terri Blackmore,NFRMPO
Ms.Barbara Kirkmeyer,Upper Front Range TPR
Ms.Ingrid Hewitson,APCD
Ms.Marissa Gaughan,CDOT
Mr.Jeff Sudmeier,CDOT
Mr.Larry Squires,FTA
Mr.Tim Russ,EPA
Hello