Notice of Public Comment Period and Public Hearing

Amendment #5 to the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program and FY 2021-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan

The Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission (SNHPC), as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the southern New Hampshire region, announces its intention to adopt Amendment #5 to the FY 2023-2026 SNHPC Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the SNHPC FY 2021-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

A ten (10) day public comment period for Amendment #5 to the TIP and MTP begins on Monday, April 8, 2024 and ends on Friday, April 19, 2024. During this period, Amendment #5 to the TIP and MTP will be available for public review on the SNHPC website (www.snhpc.org) and physical copies can be provided upon request to David Tilton, Senior Transportation Planner at dtilton@snhpc.org.

Following the public comment period, and pursuant to the SNHPC Public Participation Plan, the SNHPC MPO Policy Committee will hold a public hearing to review comments, solicit final public feedback, and consider adoption of Amendment #5 to the TIP and MTP. The public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11:30 AM.

Those wishing to participate in the April 23, 2024 public hearing in-person may do so at the SNHPC Office, 438 Dubuque St., Manchester, NH.
Those wishing to participate in the April 23, 2024 public hearing electronically or by telephone-only may do so as follows:
• Online Access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89378680014
• Telephone-only Access: Dial (646) 558-8656 with Meeting ID 893 7868 0014

Agencies receiving Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds are required to comply with certain public participation requirements, including those specified with respect to Urbanized Area Formula Grants made pursuant to FTA Section 5307. For transit providers operating in the SNHPC Region, the SNHPC process for public review, participation and comment on the TIP serves as the public participation process regarding the program of projects for such providers. These providers include, but may not be limited to, the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA).

On July 20, 2013, all of New Hampshire became unclassifiable/attainment for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). On April 6, 2015, the 1997 8-Hour Ozone NAAQS was revoked for all purposes, including transportation conformity, thus alleviating the Boston-Manchester-Portsmouth (SE) NH area from having to demonstrate the conformity of transportation plans. However, due to a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (South Coast Air Quality Management District v. EPA), as of February 16, 2019, transportation conformity for the 1997 ozone NAAQS again applies in the Boston-Manchester-Portsmouth (SE) NH “Orphan Area.” Therefore, the SNHPC is required to demonstrate conformity for the 1997 ozone NAAQS for any plans approved after February 16, 2019.

Comments on Amendment #5 to the TIP and MTP should be submitted in writing to the SNHPC during the comment period, or verbally at the public hearing. Comments on Amendment #5 to the TIP and MTP will be considered for incorporation into the final document, as directed by the SNHPC Policy Committee following the public hearing.

Comments on Amendment #5 to the TIP and MTP should be submitted to David Tilton, Senior Transportation Planner by regular mail at 438 Dubuque St., Manchester, NH 03102 or by e-mail at dtilton@snhpc.org.

At the April 23, 2024 public hearing, information about Amendment #5 to the TIP and MTP will be presented using the Microsoft Powerpoint software platform.

Individuals requiring assistance or special arrangements to attend the public hearing should contact Linda Moore-O’Brien, SNHPC Office Administrator, at (603) 669-4664.