Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Grant Fund
FY 2023 Annual Budget
Department Description
The Victoria Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a transportation planning agency that prioritizes how federal transportation funding will be spent in the region.
Department Mission
The Victoria MPO strives to provide Victoria County with a comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous transportation planning process that considers all modes of transportation and supports the region's overall economic, social, and environmental goals. The plans and programs of the Victoria MPO lead to the development of an integrated, intermodal transportation system that facilitates the safe and efficient economic movement of people and goods.
Goals and Objectives
The Victoria MPO's yearly goals and objectives are:
- To coordinate with local, regional, state, and federal transportation planning partners;
- To promote the safe and efficient movement of peoples and goods; and
- To support transportation planning and policy efforts through a continuous, collaborative, and comprehensive planning process.
The MPO's goals and objectives align with the goals and objectives outlined within the City of Victoria's 2035 Comprehensive Plan Mobility Goals:
- A roadway network that accommodates the safe and efficient flow of traffic in, through, and around Victoria.
- Expanded regional accessibility via improved highway, rail, air, and barge canal modes of transportation.
- Alternative transportation options for Victoria residents including public transportation, hike/bike networks, and improved pedestrian circulation.
- Transportation strategies that will continue to ensure the city’s clean air quality.
FY 2022 Highlights
The Victoria MPO completed the following in FY 2022:
Departmental Efficiencies
MPO staff utilized TransCAD, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft SharePoint for the continued development of the MPO's TDM; and iCompass for the creation, posting, and dissemination of the Victoria MPO's Policy Advisory Committee meetings. Furthermore, MPO staff continue to utilize various software and online platforms provided by TxDOT and FHWA in order for the MPO to carry out a continuous, comprehensive, and collaborative planning process. Finally, MPO and TxDOT staff have implemented a strict timeline for the development of the MPO's TDM in order to deliver the TDM in a timely manner for the development of the 2050 MTP.
FY 2023 New Program/Initiatives
• Continue to develop the regional travel demand model that will be used to develop the MPO's next long-range transportation plan;
• Maintain the FY 2021- 2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the two roadway projects to begin construction during FY 2023;
• Develop the Active Transportation Master Plan;
• Develop the FY 2024 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP); and,
• Continue to enhance the safe and efficient movement of goods and people throughout Victoria.
FY 2023 Budget Highlights
The landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) of 2022 provided an increase in planning funds for the Victoria MPO. This increase in funds will be used to conduct transportation planning studies and remain in compliance with the new Federal transportation authorization bill.
In FY 2023 the MPO will complete a sociodemographic study, which began in FY 2022, which will be utilized in the development of the MPO's TDM. The study will analyze and forecast the demographic and economic composition of Victoria County. This demographic study will be input into the MPO's TDM and utilized to forecast the transportation network of Victoria County out to the year 2050. The completed TDM will assist the MPO staff and other transportation stakeholders in the prioritization of federal funds for regionally significant transportation projects.